Zoos & Gardens for NYC Kids in 2023 | MommyPoppins - Things to do in New York City with Kids

Zoos & Gardens for NYC Kids

It's always exciting to see the sea lion feeding at Central Park Zoo! Photo by Julie Larsen Maher/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 at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier

Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids

Enjoy a day of nature or culture without spending a dime.

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.

Wave hello to Bruiser, the talented sea lion and star of the Aquatheater show at the New York Aquarium.

Visiting the New York Aquarium With Kids: Top Things To Do and See

Sharks, sea lions, and more sea creatures await at this Coney Island institution.

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...

Meet Minnie, the lovable chinchilla who shares whisker kisses at The Art Farm on the Upper East Side. Photo by Jody Mercier

Find an Amazing Petting Zoo near NYC Where Kids Can Meet the Animals

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

The High Line, with its wide pathways and beautiful plantings, is a great place to get away from the buzz of the city streets. Photo by Liz Ligon

Visit the High Line With Kids: Top Things To Do

Here's where to go, what to see, and where to find the best snacks (and bathrooms!)

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, shops, and public art 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 on the zip line at the Bronx Zoo's Treetop Adventure.

Adventure Parks, Ropes Courses, and Zip Lines 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.

Spread a picnic, throw a party, and just enjoy the view from Sheep Meadow during a visit to Central Park with kids. Photo via Flickr by ep jhu

Central Park with Kids: 33 Fun Things To Do and Secrets to Uncover in Manhattan's Backyard

Discover something new in Central Park, NYC's sprawling backyard.

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

Visiting Governors Island: 20 Secrets for Things To Do and See

Now a year-round destination, there's always something new to explore.

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

Find Cherry Blossoms in NYC: Cherry Blossom Festivals and Where to See the Blooms

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

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

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.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

The High Line, with its wide pathways and beautiful plantings, is a great place to get away from the buzz of the city streets. Photo by Liz Ligon

Visit the High Line With Kids: Top Things To Do

Here's where to go, what to see, and where to find the best snacks (and bathrooms!) READ MORE

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

Adventure Parks, Ropes Courses, and Zip Lines 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

Meet Minnie, the lovable chinchilla who shares whisker kisses at The Art Farm on the Upper East Side. Photo by Jody Mercier

Find an Amazing Petting Zoo near NYC Where Kids Can Meet the Animals

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

Sand tiger sharks and nurse sharks patrol Poseidon’s waters.

Visiting the Long Island Aquarium With Kids: What to Know Before You Go

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. Photo courtesy of @jenterratravels

Visiting Storm King Art Center in the Hudson Valley with Kids: What You Need to Know

Explore the 500-acre outdoor art gallery. 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

Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids

Enjoy a day of nature or culture without spending a dime. READ MORE

NYBG Holiday Train Show 2022: What To Know Before You Go with Kids

The NYBG is luminous during the holidays thanks to these beautiful displays. READ MORE

Visiting Flushing Meadows Corona Park with Kids: 25 Things To Do in Queens' Largest Green Space

This green space is kid heaven, with a zoo, rides, museums, playgrounds, and the famous fountains. READ MORE

Summer Memberships for Families: Pools, Beach Clubs, Museums, and Zoo Memberships Worth Buying

Cure summer boredom with a membership to one of these kid-centric spots. READ MORE

35+ Summer Day Trips from NYC to Take as a Family

Get out of town to take advantage of the fun beyond the five boroughs. READ MORE

Top 10 Things to Do on a Day Trip to Bear Mountain State Park With Kids

What you need to know about visiting this year-round Rockland County destination. READ MORE