Prospect Park Zoo
A charming 12-acre zoo in Brooklyn's Prospect Park, home to nearly 400 animals and offering a peaceful wildlife encounter.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Prospect Park Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming 12-acre zoo in Brooklyn's Prospect Park, home to nearly 400 animals and offering a peaceful wildlife encounter.
"It’s small and easy to explore, and I like that it doesn’t feel overwhelming like some of the bigger zoos do. "
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot by purchasing tickets in advance, especially for busy periods.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the zoo and park, so comfy footwear is a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Playful Sea Lions
Sea Lion Pool
Watch these energetic marine mammals during feeding times for a lively and engaging spectacle.
Adorable Red Pandas
Red Panda Exhibit
These charming arboreal mammals are a visitor favorite, known for their cute antics.
Interactive Petting Zoo
Farm Area
Get up close with farm animals like alpacas and sheep; a hit with younger visitors.
Wandering Peacocks
Throughout the Zoo
Keep an eye out for these majestic birds strutting freely around the zoo grounds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Book Ahead
Embrace the Park Setting
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot by purchasing tickets in advance, especially for busy periods.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the zoo and park, so comfy footwear is a must.
🦚 Spot the Peacocks
These birds roam freely; keep your eyes peeled for them throughout the zoo.
🍼 Toddler-Friendly Fun
Great for little ones with a petting zoo and engaging exhibits.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot by purchasing tickets in advance, especially for busy periods.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the zoo and park, so comfy footwear is a must.
🦚 Spot the Peacocks
These birds roam freely; keep your eyes peeled for them throughout the zoo.
🍼 Toddler-Friendly Fun
Great for little ones with a petting zoo and engaging exhibits.
🅿️ Free Parking Available
Look for free parking spots near the zoo entrance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Prospect Park Zoo for its intimate size, calm atmosphere, and engaging animal exhibits, making it a delightful escape within Brooklyn. While it lacks large, iconic animals, its budget-friendly nature, interactive petting zoo, and free-roaming peacocks offer a unique and enjoyable experience, especially for families.
"Prospect Park Zoo feels like a quiet little getaway right in Brooklyn. It’s small and easy to explore, and I like that it doesn’t feel overwhelming like some of the bigger zoos do you can actually enjoy the animals without rushing or dealing with big crowds. A couple of hours here is more than enough, which makes it perfect for a chill afternoon walk, a date, or a family visit.
The animals are really the highlight. The sea lions are always fun to watch, especially during feeding when they get loud and playful. The red pandas are adorable, the monkeys keep things lively, and the turtles all stacked up on logs by the pond are such a peaceful sight. I even spotted a peacock casually walking around like it owned the place. They also have alpacas and sheep in the feeding farm area, which is a cute, interactive part of the zoo ,kids love it, but honestly, I did too.
What makes this zoo special is how calm it feels. It’s clean, well-kept, and has a slower pace that’s hard to find in New York. You can actually stop and watch the animals without feeling rushed. There are indoor sections, outdoor trails, and the feeding farm all spaced out in a way that makes it feel cozy rather than cramped.
They’ve also been adding new animals, like baby baboons and tiny pudu deer, which makes me want to come back again. It’s not a huge zoo, but that’s really the charm it’s simple, relaxing, and feels like a little pocket of nature tucked right inside the city."
Kimberly Lim Legaspi
"Not just for locals! If you enjoy the open air and a very friendly dog atmosphere this place is for you. We stopped at a public bathroom near the dog beach and it was very clean and well kept. Also, in the same building there was a small coffee shop with some decent drinks to enjoy while walking around.
Very fun place to enjoy the weather and watch all the dog shenanigans happening around you."
Callin Mullaney
"We had a pleasant day at the Prospect Park Zoo with the kids (ages 6, 9, 12, and 14). The petting zoo was definitely a hit with the younger ones. The older ones found other cool animals that they loved seeing. It was easy to get to.
There was free parking right in front of the zoo."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Prospect Park Zoo is accessible via public transportation. The B, Q, and S trains to Prospect Park station are nearby, as are several bus lines. Driving is also an option, with free parking often available near the zoo entrance.
Yes, there is free parking available near the zoo entrance, though it can fill up quickly during peak times.
The NYC Ferry does not directly serve Prospect Park Zoo. The closest ferry stops are in Brooklyn, requiring further travel via subway or bus.
The zoo is located within Prospect Park. Follow signs for the zoo once inside the park. Using a park map or a navigation app can be helpful.
Prospect Park has extensive bike paths. You can cycle to the zoo and utilize bike racks if available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices vary, but it's generally considered budget-friendly. Check the official Prospect Park Zoo website for current ticket prices and any potential discounts.
It's highly recommended to buy tickets in advance, especially for weekends or holidays, as time slots can sell out.
While not always advertised, some programs or partnerships might offer free entry. For example, @id.nyc cardholders can get a free membership.
The zoo typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. Hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to check their official website before your visit.
Yes, IDNYC cardholders can often get a free membership to the Prospect Park Zoo, which includes admission.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of animals including sea lions, red pandas, primates, farm animals like alpacas and sheep, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. Peacocks also roam freely.
Yes, the sea lion feeding is a popular event. Check the zoo's schedule upon arrival for any other scheduled demonstrations or talks.
Absolutely! It's very toddler-friendly with a petting zoo and engaging exhibits that keep young children entertained.
Prospect Park itself is dog-friendly, but the zoo area typically does not allow pets inside to ensure the safety of the resident animals.
Information on stroller rentals is not widely available. It's advisable to bring your own stroller or carrier for young children.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a small coffee shop near the dog beach area that offers decent drinks and snacks.
Yes, bringing your own food is a great option. There are nice picnic spots available within the zoo and the surrounding park.
Food options are generally limited to snacks and beverages. For a full meal, consider dining in the surrounding Brooklyn area or picnicking.
Specific dietary options are not detailed, but snacks and drinks are usually available. Picnicking allows for full control over your meal choices.
There isn't a full-service restaurant inside the zoo, but a small coffee shop is available for quick bites and drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
The red panda exhibit, sea lion pool, and the petting zoo offer great photo opportunities. Don't forget to capture the peacocks roaming freely!
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. However, always be mindful of posted signs and avoid using flash photography that might disturb the animals.
Morning light is often ideal for photography, providing softer light and fewer crowds. Late afternoon can also offer beautiful golden hour shots.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in zoo environments and many city parks to ensure safety and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Video recording for personal use is usually permitted. Be respectful of other visitors and the animals' space.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Tips for families include bringing a stroller or carrier, packing snacks and drinks for easy refueling, and arriving early to avoid the biggest crowds. The zoo's calm atmosphere and clear pathways make it easy to navigate with toddlers and preschoolers.
💰 Budget-Conscious Visitors
Packing your own picnic lunch and snacks is a great way to save money on food. The zoo's location within Prospect Park also means you can enjoy the surrounding park's free amenities before or after your visit.
❤️ Couples and Day-Trippers
Combine your visit with a walk through Prospect Park, enjoy a coffee from a nearby cafe, or find a scenic spot for a picnic. It's a low-key way to spend a few hours enjoying nature and wildlife without a major time commitment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of a Smaller Zoo
This smaller scale is particularly appealing for families with young children or those seeking a relaxed outing. The layout is designed to be cozy rather than cramped, with distinct areas like the Discovery Trail, indoor exhibits, and the outdoor farm. The zoo's integration within the larger Prospect Park also adds to its serene atmosphere, providing a peaceful escape within the bustling city.
Recent additions, such as baby baboons and pudu deer, highlight the zoo's commitment to conservation and breeding programs, giving visitors a reason to return. The zoo's charm lies in its simplicity, its focus on accessible wildlife, and its ability to provide a tranquil encounter with nature.
Animal Encounters and Conservation
The zoo also plays a role in conservation efforts. For instance, a red panda named Willow was transferred from Prospect Park Zoo to the Houston Zoo to join a potential mate, showcasing the zoo's involvement in species survival plans.
This commitment extends to educating visitors about the importance of wildlife conservation, even with its smaller inhabitants. The presence of free-roaming peacocks adds a unique, almost wild, element to the zoo experience. Beyond the main exhibits, the Discovery Trail offers interactive elements for children, making learning about animals fun and engaging. The zoo's focus on a variety of species, from reptiles and amphibians to birds and mammals, ensures there's something to capture everyone's interest.
Prospect Park: A Natural Extension
Many visitors appreciate the zoo's location within the park, noting that it feels like a quiet getaway. The park's amenities, such as clean public restrooms and nearby coffee shops, complement the zoo visit.
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the park itself is a destination. The zoo provides a focused wildlife experience within this broader natural landscape, making it a well-rounded option for a day trip in Brooklyn.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit