Did you know the Prospect Park Zoo, also known as the Brooklyn Zoo, has roots going back to 1890? It started as a menagerie in Prospect Park before the current zoo was built in 1935 as part of a larger city parks revitalization. This zoo has been a fixture in Brooklyn ever since, with a brief closure for updates in the late 80s.
Visiting Prospect Park Zoo
I’ve been looking into family-friendly spots in New York City, and the Prospect Park Zoo seems like a fantastic option. It’s managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society, which also oversees the other NYC zoos and the New York Aquarium. Their focus on conservation, education, and saving endangered species is something I really appreciate when choosing places for my own family to visit.
The zoo itself is about 12 acres and is home to over 860 animals from more than 176 species. It’s a good size – not overwhelming for little legs like Emma’s, but big enough to see lots of interesting creatures.
Getting to the Brooklyn Zoo
Finding the zoo is easy. It’s located at 450 Flatbush Avenue, right on the eastern side of Prospect Park. It’s conveniently close to other popular Brooklyn attractions like the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and the Brooklyn Museum, making it simple to combine a few things into one day.
There are two main entrances: the Prospect Park Entrance and the Flatbush Avenue Entrance. If you’re using public transport, several subway lines can get you close. The Prospect Park Station (B, Q, S lines) is about a 10-minute walk away. Other nearby options include Franklin Avenue/Botanic Garden (C, S), Eastern Parkway-Brooklyn Museum (2, 3), and Grand Army Plaza (2, 3), all around a 16-minute walk. Planning your route ahead of time helps make the journey smoother, especially with kids.
I also noticed that Citibike bicycle rentals are available nearby. There are stations close to Grand Army Plaza and along Washington Avenue, which could be a fun way to get around if the weather is nice and your children are old enough. It’s always good to have different options for getting there.
Good to Know: The Prospect Park Zoo is managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society, which also runs the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and the New York Aquarium.
Prospect Park Zoo Admission Fees
I always like to know the cost upfront, so I don’t have any surprises. For general admission, it’s currently $9.95 for adults (13 and over), $7.95 for seniors (65 and over), and $6.95 for children aged 3 to 12. Little ones under 2 get in for free, which is great for families with very young children.
I noticed they offer special discounts for active military members and veterans. They can get a free general admission ticket for themselves and a 50% discount for up to three guests. You just need to use a specific promotional code when booking online and show a valid ID. This is a thoughtful way to honor their service.
Becoming a member of the Wildlife Conservation Society is another option, and I’m considering this for my family. Membership gives you free admission to all four NYC zoos and the New York Aquarium. There are different membership levels with various perks, like discounts on events, food, and retail, and even free parking at the Bronx Zoo. It seems like a good investment if you plan to visit these attractions often.
When to Visit the Zoo
The zoo is open 365 days a year, which is wonderful for flexibility. Their hours do change with the seasons, though. From April through October, it’s open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays and stays open a bit later, until 5:30 pm, on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. This extended weekend time can be helpful for families who need a later start.
Between November and April, the hours are shorter, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm daily. It’s important to remember that the last entry is always 30 minutes before closing, so plan accordingly to get the most out of your visit.
💡 Quick Tips
- Check the zoo’s website for the most current hours before your visit, as they can change.
- If you’re visiting on a weekend during the warmer months, aim to arrive earlier to avoid the biggest crowds.
- Consider packing snacks and drinks, although there are food options available inside.
Parking at Prospect Park Zoo
Parking can sometimes be a challenge in the city, so I’ve gathered the details on this. There isn’t an official parking lot directly at the zoo. You might find free street parking along Flatbush Avenue, but as you can imagine, this can be difficult to secure, especially during peak times or on weekends. It might take a little patience to find a spot.
For a more convenient experience, there are paid parking garages nearby. Jenuwen Parking Garage at 580-590 Flatbush Avenue is about a 12-minute walk and offers valet parking. Just be aware of their drop-off and pick-up times: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm on weekdays and 8:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekends. Another option is at 906 Union Street, near Grand Army Plaza, which is about a 15-minute walk and also offers quick valet service. Their daily hours are 7:00 am to 11:00 pm. It’s worth noting that this garage has restrictions on parking exotic vehicles.
I’ve also seen suggestions to check online booking services like Park Whiz in advance. This can help guarantee a parking spot and save you time searching when you arrive.
For families, I always try to factor in a little extra time for parking and getting to the entrance, especially when the kids are excited.
Animals and Exhibits to See
Now for the fun part! The zoo has several distinct areas that I think will keep both Emma and Sofia engaged. The Discovery Trail takes you through a wooded area with waterfowl and birds. You can see animals like Tufted Deer, Dingos, North American River Otters, and the very popular Red Panda here. I think Sofia, my older daughter, will enjoy the Black-Tailed Prairie Dog enclosure, especially because it has those “plastic bubbles” offering a unique view of them.
In the Animal Lifestyles exhibit, there are large glass windows looking into rocky habitats and small caves where animals can shelter. It’s a great indoor option if the weather isn’t cooperating. I’ve read that you can watch the Hamadryas Baboons interact, which sounds fascinating. I’m particularly interested in seeing the Pallas’s Cat and the Golden Lion Tamarin in this section.
The Hall of Animals is home to many of the smaller creatures. I’m guessing this area will be a hit with its colorful poison dart frogs and geckos, as well as the adorable Fennec Fox and Black-Footed Cat. It’s a good spot to get close to a variety of smaller, fascinating animals.
For the farm animal lovers, the Barn & Garden area is perfect. You can see and even pet animals like alpacas, sheep, pigs, and miniature horses. They even sell feed for a few coins, so you can let the sheep eat right out of your hand. This hands-on experience is something I know Emma would absolutely love.
The Sea Lion Court is described as the main attraction. Watching the California sea lions play in their pool sounds like a highlight. There are also training sessions held throughout the day, which are scheduled at specific times. I think seeing them fed is especially interesting in the fall, as they prepare for winter.
Finally, the Discovery Center offers interactive, hands-on educational experiences, often with chances to get close to animals and learn about zookeeping. This is usually only available on weekends, and it’s a good idea to call ahead to check for private events that might make the space unavailable.
Prospect Park Zoo Animal Highlights
| Exhibit Area | Notable Animals |
|---|---|
| Discovery Trail | Red Panda, Tufted Deer, Dingo, Otters, Prairie Dogs |
| Animal Lifestyles | Hamadryas Baboons, Pallas’s Cat, Golden Lion Tamarin |
| Hall of Animals | Fennec Fox, Poison Dart Frogs, Black-Footed Cat |
| Barn & Garden | Alpaca, Sheep, Pigs, Miniature Horses |
| Sea Lion Court | California Sea Lions |
Tips for Your Zoo Visit
I generally plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours for a zoo visit, depending on how long we linger at each exhibit and any breaks we take. This seems like a reasonable amount of time to see the Prospect Park Zoo thoroughly without exhausting the kids.
For dining, there are a couple of options inside. The Sea Lion Store and Cafe offers sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Around the Sea Lion Court, you can also find carts selling treats like candy, coffee, and Dippin’ Dots ice cream. It’s always good to know there are choices for a quick bite or a treat.
Strollers are allowed, which is essential for younger children like Emma. However, scooters are not permitted. The entire zoo is wheelchair accessible, and they do have a limited number of wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-served basis if needed.
Something to keep in mind is that there are no lockers available, so packing a backpack or daypack to keep your hands free is a good idea. I usually pack a small bag with essentials anyway when we’re out and about.
Service dogs that are trained for specific tasks are allowed in accordance with ADA guidelines, but therapy dogs are not permitted.
I also found a neat tip: you can watch live cams of the sea lions, penguins, and sea otters from the NYC zoos online if you want to get a preview or see them from home. They also have a series on Animal Planet.
The zoo is a nice size, and exploring it with the children feels manageable. It’s a wonderful way to introduce them to different animals and conservation efforts.
💡 Quick Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring sunscreen and hats for sunny days, as many exhibits are outdoors.
- Keep an eye on the schedule for the sea lion training sessions to catch a live demonstration.
- Consider purchasing animal feed coins for a fun, interactive experience in the Barn & Garden.
Things to Do Near Prospect Park Zoo
Since the zoo doesn’t take a full day, I like to look for other activities nearby to make a complete outing. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is right next door and covers 52 acres with diverse gardens and plant collections, including different climate pavilions and a bonsai museum. It sounds like a beautiful place to explore, especially in the spring with the cherry blossoms.
The Brooklyn Museum is also just a short walk away. It’s the third-largest museum in NYC and has an impressive collection, including Egyptian art, American art, and arts from various global regions. It’s a great option for families who enjoy art and history.
Of course, there’s also Prospect Park itself, a large green space designed by the same creators of Central Park. It offers lots of opportunities for outdoor recreation like biking, picnicking, or just relaxing. Renting a Citi Bike to explore the park could be a fun addition to the day.
For a different neighborhood feel, Park Slope is nearby and offers great shopping, dining, and cafes along 7th and 5th Avenues. If you’re looking for more food options or perhaps some entertainment like a show at Barclays Center, Downtown Brooklyn is also accessible, and DeKalb Market Hall is mentioned as a fun spot with many eateries.
Another interesting area to explore is Flatbush, particularly the Victorian Flatbush and Ditmas Park area, known for its diverse architectural styles and historic settlements. It offers a glimpse into Brooklyn’s past and a chance to see some grand old homes.
Planning your day around these attractions can create a rich experience in Brooklyn. Knowing these options helps me organize a trip that appeals to different interests within the family.
When I plan a family trip, finding activities that are engaging but not overly complicated is key. The Prospect Park Zoo seems to fit that perfectly, offering animal encounters and educational opportunities in a manageable setting. Plus, its location makes it easy to combine with other wonderful Brooklyn experiences.
