Any Bronx Zoo Tips??

[Dr. J.]

Any tips from you all from the Tri State area? We are going tomorrow and have never been. Comfortable with navigating AK, but this is new territory LOL. Help a Sox fan out if anyone has any tips. TIA.

 

[maryisme]

I would say to get there a bit before they open. First thing I do is head over to the children's zoo (if you've got little ones) as that tends to get really crowded.

The gorilla exhibit also tends to get busy and is really cool so I would also try to check that out early.

If I can think of anything else I'll post

Have a great time!

Mary

 

[Dr. J.]

Thanks!

 

[mjkacmom]

I just renewed our annual membership (although we usually only end up going once a year, for our family, it's cheaper to do the membership than pay for a day). I don't know how you get there, but the cross bronx expressway is hell. It's a very large zoo, but beautiful!

 

[java]

Sox fan in the Bronx!!!
Here's a tip don't wear any Red Sox stuff!

Are you going to any of the games this weekend?

It's been years since we've been to the Bronx Zoo so I won't be much help on that one. But have a great time. I do remember get there early as parking is tough.

We were thinking of going on Saturday(which will be a mob scene)

YANKEES RULE!

 

[maryisme]

Thanks!

Your welcome! Remembered something else.

Within the children's zoo there is a petting zoo where you can feed the animals. Last time we were there the change machine was broken and we didn't have quarters to purchase food to feed the animals. We eventually got change but it was a pain in the butt so bring quarters. By the way, they do have hand washing available but I like to bring hand sanitizer anyway.

Also, the treehouse slide (also within children's zoo) is really fast. I saw quite a few littles ones come down too fast and hit the floor. They didn't get seriously hurt but lets just say they weren't happy campers - just something to watch out for!

Enjoy!

 

[debyc]

I had some tips until you said you were a Sox fan

Get there Early
It Closes at 5pm tomorrow, they start to pull in the animals right around closing so don't wait until close to 5 if you want to see the bears, tigers, you get the idea.
Make sure you go to the Butterfly exhibit
Head to Congo in the morning, its gets crowded, same for the tiger exhibit
I would purchase the ticket that includes everything
I think they feed the seals at 3pm
Don't miss the house of Darkness
Bring your own drinks/lunch, plenty of places to sit and enjoy.
Its a great Zoo, have fun!

and leave the Sox hat at home!

 

[Dr. J.]

Thank you all for your info! I love these boards. The children will not wear their Sox hats and we will leave the sox backpack at home! I am so used to having a game plan, that these tips are invaluable. Thanks for forgiving my Massachusettness We actually live less than an hour from Albany, so I think boundary speaking we are NYers. Tons of Yanks and a few Mets fans in this neck of the woods.

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

It's huge. Plan for a lot of walking.

I agree with the PP who said buy the ticket for everything; they tend to nickel and dime you with $1, $2, or $3 add-ons throughout the zoo. The bug carousel is $1 and the Butterfly Garden is $2 and the Congo is $3 and the Children's Zoo is $3...etc...(on top of base admission)

Make sure you go see the lions. Yesterday the cub was out and playing with the mom, and the dad was roaring.

Make a plan in case you get separated from your kids, similar to what you would do in WDW. It was free day yesterday, but insanely crowded and a LOT of kids will be there on field trips at this time of year.

I think it's supposed to be sunny tomorrow...wear sun block because there is not a lot of shade on the walking paths around the park. I think it's also supposed to be 70 or 80 degrees so dress for that also; you don't want to be uncomfortable.

You can PM me if you want for specific directions or anything. The traffic around the zoo can be a nightmare, particularly at 5pm on a Friday.

 

[luvmy3]

Get there early, its a big place. If you find you need to skip anything don't skip the Gorilla's. They are a must see, although you will need to pay a bit extra to see them, its definitely worth it.

 

[Pigeon]

We were there with a class trip last year.

I agree, buy the tickets that include everything. The school just told the kids to bring enough for basic admission ticket, which was a big mistake. I was a chaperon, and ended up forking out money for a couple of kids in our group to do all the additional little things and take the transportation options, which ended up costing way more than just buying the upgraded ticket.

 

[mjkacmom]

It's huge. Plan for a lot of walking.

I agree with the PP who said buy the ticket for everything; they tend to nickel and dime you with $1, $2, or $3 add-ons throughout the zoo. The bug carousel is $1 and the Butterfly Garden is $2 and the Congo is $3 and the Children's Zoo is $3...etc...(on top of base admission)

Make sure you go see the lions. Yesterday the cub was out and playing with the mom, and the dad was roaring.

Make a plan in case you get separated from your kids, similar to what you would do in WDW. It was free day yesterday, but insanely crowded and a LOT of kids will be there on field trips at this time of year.

I think it's supposed to be sunny tomorrow...wear sun block because there is not a lot of shade on the walking paths around the park. I think it's also supposed to be 70 or 80 degrees so dress for that also; you don't want to be uncomfortable.

You can PM me if you want for specific directions or anything. The traffic around the zoo can be a nightmare, particularly at 5pm on a Friday.

I can't seem to PM you, but I was wondering if you knew any tricks to avoid some of the traffic. I think we take the Major Deegan to exit 3, and that's where we get held up (we're 20 miles away, and it usually takes over an hour).

 

[Dr. J.]

Thank you all so much. I am copying everything into a notebook. I think we will there off of Hutchinson Pkwy. Does that make sense?

 

[Avonlady1001]

We're going tomorrow as well! We bought the annual pass for the first time ever, so this will be our 2nd visit this year. We got there late last time & had no problem parking, but now that the weather's gonna be really nice, we may not be so lucky.

It is a huge zoo w/ a couple of pretty big hills, & I agree w/ what PP said...buy the complete ticket so you can do it all. Have fun!!

 

[crazyme5kids]

Make sure you are heading back around toward the area you are parked in so you are near there when it is closing time.

Once when we went, we were on the opposite end of the zoo from where we parked at closing time. By the time we got to the car the parking lot had been locked up. We had to find someone to let us out of the zoo. It took about an hour of wandering around before we found someone.

 

[rottiemom]

Rest easy. My husband is a native NYer & Sox Fan (his mom grew up outside of Boston).

I suggest that you check out their website for a schedule of feedings. Also take some tips from the DIS & pack sandwiches & drinks. Food prices at the Zoo are crazy!

Don't miss the Polar Bears...they tend to be really big hams. Also keep an eye out for ducklings. We went at the end of April last year & spotted a momma duck leading her charges through the paths, underneath the popcorn vendor for a snack, then into the water.

Also, the House of Birds is a do not miss. I think it's incredible.

And have lots of fun!

 

[java]

You can always eat on Arthur Avenue- it's no north end but it's an experience.
Roberto's or Dominics are good ones. But the waits can be rediculous. Another Bronx treat is City Island lots of seafood restaurants (hit or miss though) you can tell by the crowds which are good.

Yes I love the house of Birds too!

 

[Cogswel_Cogs]

We like the mouse house and Junge Land both are free.

One thing I'd say is the tram ride is not worth the wait if it is long.

I am not sure when Congo is least crowded but the Gorrial area can be really packed.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

I would say to get there a bit before they open. First thing I do is head over to the children's zoo (if you've got little ones) as that tends to get really crowded.

The gorilla exhibit also tends to get busy and is really cool so I would also try to check that out early.

If I can think of anything else I'll post

Have a great time!

Mary

We do the opposite...we go later in the day when the "early people" have left or are getting left to leave for the day.
It is also cooler....

 

[Dr. J.]

Thanks again all! Quarters and sunblock packed. Will purchase all inclusive tickets and see the gorillas and tigers early. Hubby will be toting the water and sandwiches. Thanks so much. I'll let you know how it went...