At two hundred and sixty-five acres, the Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in North America. Over two million visitors from across the world flock to the Bronx Zoo each year to see some of the six thousand different animal species the zoo offers.In addition to animals, restaurants, and gift shops, the Bronx Zoo also has various exciting activities and events to check out, all throughout the year!

Boo At The Zoo

At this time, the next event offered at the Bronx Zoo is “Boo at the Zoo” a fun-filled event for visitors of all ages!

When: Saturdays and Sundays, October 2 - 31 (Including Monday, October 11th)

Pricing: included with admission, but they suggest visitors reserve their tickets several days (or weeks) in advance, as they do tend to fill up.

Boo At The Zoo Activities

Pumpkin Carving Demos: Artists carve pumpkins into animals.

  • Where: Giraffe Corner
  • When: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Speed Carving: 11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.

Candy Trail: Guests can get candy and sweets while also learning about the various diets of some of the animals.

  • Where: Mouse House Lawn,
  • When: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Magic & Mind Reading: A magician will show card tricks and more!

  • Where: Grizzly Corner
  • When: 30 min. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Costume Parade: Visitors are encouraged to wear costumes to this exciting Halloween-themed parade featuring puppets, costumed staff, and stilt walkers!

Where: Astor Court,

When: 12 p.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Halloween Crafts: Guests can channel their inner artists and make spooky masterpieces to take home!

Where: Giraffe Corner

When: all-day

RELATED: Badwater Basin: A Guide to Visiting The Lowest Point In North America

Wild Encounters

Throughout the year, visitors can enhance their typical visit to the zoo with Wild Encounters. In these programs, guests gain the chance to meet some of the animals and their keepers up close!

(These prices listed below are for the programs only. They do not include the price of a ticket to get into the zoo, which must also be purchased.)

Cheetah Connection

Guests can see a cheetah and learn about all the conservation efforts the zoo is making to protect these beautiful creatures!

  • Pricing: $69.95 per person
  • Duration: 45 min
  • Ages: 12+ (Children age 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult, and for children under 14, the zoo allows no more than four children per one adult)
  • Note: Handheld cameras are allowed, but they must be silent

Private Giraffe Connection

The Private Giraffe Connection gives guests the opportunity to meet the giraffes up close. One of the pricier options, it is an unforgettable experience both kids and adults will talk about for years.

  • Pricing: $350.00 per group (up to 6 guests per group)
  • Duration: 30 min
  • Ages: All Ages (Children age 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult, and for children under 14, the zoo allows no more than four children per one adult); Learn about our animals and how we care for them from the experts
  • To add more people to a group, it is $25 per extra person (8 people per group is the maximum for this program)

RELATED: Cliff Palace: The Largest Cliff Dwelling In North America Of The Ancestral Puebloans

My First Connection

This program is excellent for the youngest guests to get a chance to meet some feathered and furry friends. While the kinds of animals guests can see in this experience are up to the keepers’ discretion on that particular day, past programs have shown animals like turtles, alligators, rabbits, armadillos, and birds.

  • Pricing: $59.95 per pair (one adult and one child)\
  • Duration: 30 min
  • Ages: All ages, but this program is designed for one child aged 2 through 4 and one adult

Private Cart Tour

While this program doesn’t include any one-on-one time with the animals, it’s an excellent way to quickly travel around the park. Guests also ride with a Wild Encounter Host, who will act as a tour guide for all the zoo’s different attractions.

  • Pricing: $160.00 per group (up to 6 guests per group)
  • Duration: 60 min (including travel time to and from each exhibit
  • Ages: All Ages (Children age 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult, and for children under 14, the zoo allows no more than four children per one adult); To add more people to a group, it is $25 per extra person (12 people per group is the maximum for this program)

General Information

Ticket Prices: (Includes unlimited rides & attractions)

  • Adult (13 & over): $39.95
  • Senior (65 & over): $34.95
  • Child (3 - 12): $29.95
  • Child (2 & under): Free
  • Note: Wednesday tickets are free, but they must be reserved several days in advance, due to overcrowding.
  • Interested in becoming a member? Check out all of their membership plans!
  • All guests must be able to show their ticket with the specific date of arrival

Places To Stay Nearby

Rodeway Inn Bronx Zoo

  • Amenities: Free breakfast, Wi-Fi, fitness center (extra charge)
  • Pricing: averaged at $200 a night
  • Check-in and check-out times: 3:00 PM, 11:00 AM
  • Address: 3070-72 Webster Ave, Bronx, NY 10467, United States

Hotel Ninety Five Fordham / St. Barnabas Hospital

Amenities: Free Wi-Fi

Pricing: averaged at $170 a night

Check-in and check-out times: 3:00 PM, 11:00 AM

Address: 4387 3rd Ave., Bronx, NY 10457, United States

Opera House Hotel

  • Amenities: Free breakfast, Wi-Fi
  • Pricing: averaged at $200 a night
  • Check-in and check-out times: 4:00 PM, 12:00 PM
  • Address: 436 E 149th St, Bronx, NY 10455, United States

Animal lovers visiting New York City must stop by the Bronx Zoo. The best times to go are right when they open at 10:00 AM, so onlookers can be first in line to see many of the zoo’s most fascinating creatures. Featuring so many fun things to do like special programs allowing guests to come face-to-face with the animals, holiday-themed events, and more, the Bronx Zoo is a fantastic place for adults, children, and families!

NEXT: The Most Popular Pastries In North America (You've Probably Never Even Heard Of Half Of Them)