Bronx Zoo

We’re thinking of going to the Bronx Zoo with our 9 and 11 year olds soon. Any idea how long we should plan to be there? I think it opens at 10... I’m assuming it’s an all-day thing? TIA!

Re: Bronx Zoo

It is all up to you...

I think it’s really a 1/2 day to 3/4 day park to avoid being miserable... but I have a membership so I go often. It’s not that it’s so huge (my 3 year old walks the whole thing)... but it will just get tiring to see exhibit after exhibit.

Boo at the Zoo is going on now and the parade is a lot of fun... along with the rest of the activities. I am sure to go every year (and dress up).

If it’s your first time... I think Congo is really breathtaking. Bug carousel is a must. The Children’s zoo is nice as well and had a lot of interactive parts. The monorail is relaxing and is close to a new climbing structure they have that is part of the zoo, which is a kiddie favorite. Then it depends on the fav animal of your choice. It’s spread out and I wouldn’t try to hit up everything.

The food court is pretty decent (more so if you go for chili/beer instead of pizza). You can easily bring your own food and there are plenty of tables if you want to go that route.

At your kids ages... I would watch the TV show about the zoo. May make things more interesting.

Bronx Zoo

We usually spend around 3 hours there

Bronx Zoo

We went recently, and were there from open to close (10-5) and still feel like we rushed some things and didn't see everything that's there. It's a huge place, so a lot of time is spent walking from exhibit to exhibit. My kids are younger than yours though, so they were probably walking a lot slower than yours would.

ETA, depending on which day of the week you go and which "extras" you want to do, like the dinosaur safari, monorail, etc., you might have to factor in wait time if it's a busy day and the lines are long. We went on a weekday so we had virtually no wait times, but I've heard weekends and wednesdays get crowded.

Message edited 10/20/2019 12:04:39 PM.

Re: Bronx Zoo

We can't do a full day there... there's just so much walking. Though of course my kids are little (3 y/o and 7 mos old) We usually get there right when it opens and leave at like 2:00. We stop for lunch around 11:30/12.

Message edited 10/21/2019 8:31:53 AM.

Bronx Zoo

We go every couple of years in the fall or spring. Yes, a full day. There is a lot of walking but you could jump on one of those trolley buses that will cut you across to certain sights if you get tired or want to save time. 9 and 11 are perfect.

Bronx Zoo

Definitely a full day thing if you want it to be. There is plenty to see and do. We have a membership and generally go for 5-6 hours at a clip due to the exhaustion factor. We have an 8 and 3 year old and a 6 month old who hasn't been.

We also don't see everything each time.

Bronx Zoo

We too have membership and go a few hours and cover parts of the zoo.
If you are paying one day ticket then optimise and try to see what you can I think. The trolley only runs on weekends in winter month and does not run on Wednesday
At 9 and 11 kid should be fine and be able to do it
Can take food with you and they also have shops there

There is a tree top adventure -/ zip line

Maybe the children’s zoo are more for the toddlers and elementary level and I would keep that last /