Zoos & Gardens for NYC Kids in 2021 | MommyPoppins - Things to do in New York City with Kids

Zoos & Gardens for NYC Kids

If you're into totally adorable animals visit the red pandas to get your dose of wild cuteness at the Prospect Park Zoo. Photo Julie Larsen Maher for WCS

The Best Zoos and Aquariums in NYC

Get up close and personal with animals from around the world, right here in NYC.

The Met offers pay-what-you-wish admission to New Yorkers at all times. Photo by Jody Mercier

Free Times to Visit NYC Museums, Gardens, and Zoos

Even in a pandemic, these culture spots are taking care of New Yorkers.

The Bronx Zoo will leave families with many heart-warming memories.

See Bronx Zoo Like a Local: Top Tips for a Great Visit with Kids

Get the most out of your Bronx Zoo visit with insider tips from a true Bronx local.

Sharks swim at Hudson Canyon's edge at the New York Aquarium. Photo by Julie Larsen Maher for WCS

Sharks Take Over Coney Island in the New Exhibit at NY Aquarium

Breathtaking and immersive, the new shark exhibit at the NY Aquarium is a must-see.

The Central Park Zoo sea lions never disappoint. Photo by Joy Kaufman via Flickr

Visiting the Central Park Zoo with Kids: Best Things to See and Do at the Zoo

Perfectly sized for a day of exploration, Manhattan's Central Park Zoo is a must-visit for toddlers.

The sea lion enclosure is one of the first exhibits you'll see! Photo by Julie Larsen Maher for WCS

Prospect Park Zoo: Best Things to Do at the Brooklyn Zoo

Located on the beautiful grounds of Prospect Park, this zoo is the perfect destination for budding...

Bottle-feed the goats at White Post Farms. Photo by Jaime Sumersille

Petting Zoos Near NYC Where Kids Can See Farm Animals

Feed a cow, pet a bunny, or meet friendly goats at one of these nearby petting zoos.

NYC's High Line: The Best Sights and Events for Families

Here's where to go and what to see along NYC's High Line, plus, where to find the best snacks (and...

Kids 8 and under can enter The Sugar HiIl Museum for free. Photo by Janet Bloom

What Ages Get in Free to NYC Museums, Zoos, Amusement Parks

Find out at what age your kid gains FREE entry to top NYC attractions.

National Geographic's Interactive Ocean Odyssey Makes Waves in Times Square

Take a jaw-dropping, virtual underwater journey across the sea.

Sleep among the aircraft! Photo courtesy of the Intrepid Museum

Night at the Museum: 5 NYC Museum and Zoo Sleepovers for Kids

A sleepover with the sharks—or with the airplanes, or the sea lions—is the ultimate only-in-NYC...

Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden Is Worth The Trip

Make a day trip out of this piece of paradise on Staten Island.

Things to Do in Bronx Park with Kids: Playgrounds, Zoo, Gardens, Skate Park

From peaceful bike paths to the celebrated Bronx Zoo, you'll find plenty to do in this park.

Part garden, part outdoor art museum, Socrates Sculpture Park in Long Island City, Queens is free and open to the public every day, year-round.

Socrates Sculpture Park: A Hidden (and Free) Gem in Queens

Free and open year-round for views, public art, and family events, Socrates is a must-visit.

The Staten Island Zoo has fun animal sculptures to climb and explore. Photo by the author

Visiting the Staten Island Zoo with Kids

Easy to reach, easy to explore, and packed with animal fun, the Staten Island Zoo is worth the trip.

Free admission for cardholders at Brooklyn Children's Museum is just one IDNYC benefit. Photo courtesy the museum

The New IDNYC Card Perks for Families You Don't Want to Miss

Get ready for discounted admission to some of the city's best children's museums and zoos, plus...

Explore the plants, trees, flowers, and shops at the Winter Garden atrium at Brookfield Place. Photo by Janet Bloom

Winter Gardens: Get Out of the Cold at NYC's Indoor Plazas

When winter weather is at its worst, you'll find peace at these sunny, green NYC destinations.

The medieval museum gardens at The Met Cloisters are lovely.

Visiting the Met Cloisters with Kids: Best of NYC's Medieval Museum

Medieval magic and mystery await at this enchanting museum in Washington Heights.

Test your comfort zone at the Bronx Zoo's Treetop Adventure.

Adventure Parks, Zip Lines, and Ropes Courses Near NYC

Release your inner daredevil at these treetop-skimming parks.

NYC Cat Cafes: Kids Can Visit, Adopt, and Pet Furry Felines

Visit (or adopt) kittens and cat at these NYC cat cafes, which also host yoga and movie nights.

NYC Kids Can Frolic with Dogs at This New Upper East Side Spot

Learn how to care for and connect with canines via classes, birthday parties, and camps.

Go Venetian in Central Park with a Gondola ride at the Loeb Boathouse. Photo by Shinya Suzuki via Flickr.

Hidden NYC: 23 Fun Things To Do in Central Park

Discover something new at Central Park.

There's plenty for New Yorkers to love on Governors Island. Photo by Julienne Schaer

Governors Island in 2021: Best Things To Do With Kids

Governors Island, the seasonal treat that gets better every year, opens May 1 with tons of fun.

Cool off at the monumental splash pad at LeFrak Center in Prospect Park. Photo by Michael Moran for the Prospect Park Alliance

Prospect Park in Brooklyn: 25 Best Things to Do with Kids

Prospect Park in Brooklyn goes far beyond fantastic playgrounds; visitors can bike, skate, picnic...

The Cherry Blossoms are a beautiful sight on Roosevelt Island. Photo courtesy of the RIOC

Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms as a Family in NYC

NYC's flowering cherry trees are an annual delight of spring: Here's where to see them.

NYBG Orchid Show. Photo by Jody Mercier

Macy's Flower Show and 6 More NYC Spots to See Spring's Blooms

Enjoy spring's early flowers at these six bucolic spots, or duck into Macy's for its annual show.

More Favorites

The sea lion enclosure is one of the first exhibits you'll see! Photo by Julie Larsen Maher for WCS

Prospect Park Zoo: Best Things to Do at the Brooklyn Zoo

Located on the beautiful grounds of Prospect Park, this zoo is the perfect destination for budding...READ MORE

National Geographic's Interactive Ocean Odyssey Makes Waves in Times Square

Take a jaw-dropping, virtual underwater journey across the sea.READ MORE

An Andean bear cub gets his bearings on a branch. Photo by Julie Larsen Maher/courtesy of WCS

Queens Zoo: Full of Surprises for Little and Big Kids

Families will find that this small zoo packs a punch. READ MORE

Wave Hill with Kids: Nature-Inspired Family Fun in Riverdale

Make a day of this gorgeous, all-encompassing garden-arts-nature preserve.READ MORE

Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden Is Worth The Trip

Make a day trip out of this piece of paradise on Staten Island.READ MORE

The medieval museum gardens at The Met Cloisters are lovely.

Visiting the Met Cloisters with Kids: Best of NYC's Medieval Museum

Medieval magic and mystery await at this enchanting museum in Washington Heights.READ MORE

Extra Fun

Kids 8 and under can enter The Sugar HiIl Museum for free. Photo by Janet Bloom

What Ages Get in Free to NYC Museums, Zoos, Amusement Parks

Find out at what age your kid gains FREE entry to top NYC attractions.READ MORE

Sleep among the aircraft! Photo courtesy of the Intrepid Museum

Night at the Museum: 5 NYC Museum and Zoo Sleepovers for Kids

A sleepover with the sharks—or with the airplanes, or the sea lions—is the ultimate only-in-NYC...READ MORE

NYC's High Line: The Best Sights and Events for Families

Here's where to go and what to see along NYC's High Line, plus, where to find the best snacks (and...READ MORE

Test your comfort zone at the Bronx Zoo's Treetop Adventure.

Adventure Parks, Zip Lines, and Ropes Courses Near NYC

Release your inner daredevil at these treetop-skimming parks. READ MORE

NYC Kids Can Frolic with Dogs at This New Upper East Side Spot

Learn how to care for and connect with canines via classes, birthday parties, and camps.READ MORE

NYC Cat Cafes: Kids Can Visit, Adopt, and Pet Furry Felines

Visit (or adopt) kittens and cat at these NYC cat cafes, which also host yoga and movie nights.READ MORE

Regional Destinations

Bottle-feed the goats at White Post Farms. Photo by Jaime Sumersille

Petting Zoos Near NYC Where Kids Can See Farm Animals

Feed a cow, pet a bunny, or meet friendly goats at one of these nearby petting zoos. READ MORE

Long Island Aquarium Offers Over 100 Exhibits and Interactive Adventures

Myth and science combine to create an engaging environment for all ages.READ MORE

Grounds for Sculpture: A Hidden Gem in New Jersey

The 42-acre outdoor sculpture garden is loaded with interesting art and whimsical surprises.READ MORE

Costumed interpreters share stories of colonial life along the historic Mystic seaport. Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum

Mystic, Connecticut with Kids: Top Things to Do on a Weekend Getaway

With its charming seaport and renowned aquarium, Mystic, CT offers year-round family fun.READ MORE

Storm King's towering pieces beg visitors to draw closer, but please don't touch! Photo courtesy of @jenterratravels

Storm King Art Center Reopens for Summer 2020 Visits

Visit the sprawling outdoor art gallery for plenty of culture.READ MORE

Guests experience the safari at Six Flags Great Adventure from the privacy and safety of their own vehicles. Photo courtesy of Six Flags

The Best NJ Zoos and Aquariums for Animal Encounters with Kids

Treat the kids to an animal adventure at NJ's amazing zoos, aquariums, and preserves. READ MORE

Archives

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights Take Visitors on an After-Dark Safari This Season

The Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights take visitors on a wonder-filled safari full of seasonal treats. READ MORE

Brooklyn Botanic Garden Shines Brightly With Lightscape

Walk an enchanting one-mile path as the garden comes to life in a whole new light. READ MORE

Best Holiday Train Shows in NYC for Kids: NYBG Train Show and Beyond

The NYBG Holiday Train Show returns, and there's a few other tiny trains to see, too. READ MORE

13 Picture-Perfect Holiday Day Trips Near NYC

Christmas and holiday sights and lights for families that are worth the trip. READ MORE

Bronx Zoo's Wild Encounters Offer Behind-the-Scenes Fun for Animal Lovers

These intimate programs are a perfect outing or gift for little animal lovers. READ MORE

NYC's Only Corn Maze and More Fall Fun Await at the Queens Farm Museum

Trek through the Amazing Maize Maze and enjoy more fun at the Queens County Farm Museum. READ MORE