Queens Zoo
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Queens Zoo

4.5
·6k reviews·, United States

A charming, family-friendly zoo in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, showcasing animals from the Americas in a manageable, engaging setting.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal activity

CrowdLow
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Queens Zoo

Queens Zoo

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal activity

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming, family-friendly zoo in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, showcasing animals from the Americas in a manageable, engaging setting.

4.5
(6k reviews)

"This zoo is a small zoo but perfect for an afternoon with kids. The animals are beautiful and well cared for."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Early for Parking

Free parking is available, but spots fill up fast! Get there early, especially on weekends.

🍎 Pack Snacks & Drinks

On-site food options are limited and pricey. Bring your own to save money and keep kids happy.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Andean Bears

Andean Bears

Forest Aviary

Observe these gentle giants in their lush, naturalistic habitat. A true highlight for many visitors.

Pumas

Pumas

Mountain Lion Exhibit

Spot these powerful big cats, often seen lounging or pacing their enclosure. A thrilling sight!

Children's Farm

Children's Farm

Farm Area

Kids love getting up close with friendly farm animals like goats and alpacas. Interactive and fun!

Sea Lion Feeding

Sea Lion Feeding

Sea Lion Pool

Witness the playful sea lions during their feeding time – a lively and engaging spectacle.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Save

Visit on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds, especially if you have young children. Arrive early for free parking, as spots fill up quickly. Consider packing your own snacks and drinks to save money, as on-site food can be pricey.

Perfect for Little Ones

The Queens Zoo is ideal for toddlers and young children due to its manageable size. It's not overwhelming, making it easy to navigate and enjoy without exhaustion. The petting zoo is a major hit with the youngest visitors.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon, before closing
Why
Sea lion feeding time
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Family fun, but busier
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Visiting the Queens Zoo #queenszoo #animal #newyorkzoo #moutainlion
@aiyannace
1.5M likes • 8.7M views

🎯 Arrive Early for Parking

Free parking is available, but spots fill up fast! Get there early, especially on weekends. Instagram

🍎 Pack Snacks & Drinks

On-site food options are limited and pricey. Bring your own to save money and keep kids happy. Reddit

The 1964 Worlds Fair in Flushing Meadows Park, Queens
@meanwhilebackinqueens_
51.7K likes • 458.1K views
🐻 Queens Zoo 🐫 @thequeenszoo 🎢 Fantasy Forest 🎠 @fantasyforestnyc 📍Corona We ventured to the Queens Zoo & Fantasy Forest the other weekend for our 2nd visit (but my daughters first time here). The kids had the time of their life! This is the perfect size zoo for younger kids. Not too large or overwhelming, easy to navigate, reasonably priced, 100% stroller friendly & not too crowded. The zoo h...
kidsdayoutli
352 likes • 17.6K views

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a good amount of walking, so wear comfortable shoes for exploring the zoo. Instagram

📸 Great for Photos

The zoo offers many opportunities for great animal photos, especially with fewer crowds. TikTok

🦁 Third Grade Visits the Queens Zoo! Our third graders had a wild time at the Queens Zoo this week! They loved seeing the animals up close and learning all about their habitats. From sea lions to farm animals, it was a day full of discovery, laughter, and fun with friends. 🦓🐻🐦
ps2q_district30
42 likes • 800 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early for Parking

Free parking is available, but spots fill up fast! Get there early, especially on weekends. Instagram

🍎 Pack Snacks & Drinks

On-site food options are limited and pricey. Bring your own to save money and keep kids happy. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a good amount of walking, so wear comfortable shoes for exploring the zoo. Instagram

📸 Great for Photos

The zoo offers many opportunities for great animal photos, especially with fewer crowds. TikTok

👶 Toddler-Friendly Size

Perfectly sized for toddlers and young children, not overwhelming. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Queens Zoo for its family-friendly atmosphere and manageable size, making it ideal for young children. The clean grounds, friendly staff, and engaging animal exhibits, especially the petting zoo and sea lion feedings, are frequently highlighted as positives. While food options are limited and can be pricey, most reviewers find the overall experience to be a wonderful and affordable outing.

"I recently took my daughter 2.5 yrs old daughter to the Queens Zoo, and we had such a great time! She especially loved the children’s farm area—she was so excited to see the animals up close. This zoo is perfect for kids and toddlers; it’s not too big, which makes it easy to walk around, and there are plenty of fun things for little ones to enjoy.

The whole place is very clean and well-organized, which I really appreciated as a parent. It felt safe, calm, and family-friendly the entire time we were there. The staff were also super friendly and helpful, and you can tell they care about both the animals and the guests.

One thing to keep in mind is that the food options inside are limited and a bit pricey, so it might be a good idea to eat before you go or bring snacks for the kids.

Overall, the Queens Zoo is such a wonderful place for a family outing. It’s small enough not to feel overwhelming but still has plenty to see and do. We had a memorable day, and I’d definitely recommend it to other families, especially those with young kids!"

Fouad Althaibani

"I had asked around if anyone knew about this zoo, and most people said no. Honestly, I didn’t know about it either, but I’m glad we went. it’s a really laid-back zoo. If you’re looking for something simple and not too overwhelming, this is the place. They don’t have a huge variety of animals, but it’s still enjoyable and gets the job done.

The best part is that the kids can go on little rides and even feed the animals;all included in one price. They also offer a military discount, for anyone wondering. Outside, there are some vendors selling food and snacks. Inside, though, I was a little shocked; they charged me $5 for a can of water 😒😒😒.

Other than that, we had a great time! There’s even a slide, which was a nice surprise. Overall, I was really impressed and left happy. Picture attached."

Shemika Daughtry

"This zoo is a small zoo byt perfect for an afternoon with kids. The animals are beautiful and well cared for. We always enjoy the sea lion feeding time. The actual zoo can be seen in under 2 hours but we always enjoy visiting and feeding the farm animals on our way out. This is always a highlight for the little ones. My favorites are the alpacas."

Donna Broberg

What People Like

Perfect size for kids
Clean and safe environment
Friendly staff

What People Dislike

Limited food options
Pricey concessions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Queens Zoo is located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. You can drive and utilize the free parking lot,Instagram or take public transportation. Several bus lines stop nearby, and the nearest subway stations are the 7 train at Mets-Willets Point or 111th Street, followed by a walk or bus connection. TikTok

Yes, there is free parking available at the Queens Zoo. However, it's highly recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, as the lot fills up quickly. Instagram

For families, driving and parking early is often the most convenient. Alternatively, using public transport like the 7 train and then a short bus ride or walk can work well. Consider the stroller accessibility when planning your route. Instagram

Yes, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient option. You can set your destination to the Queens Zoo address, and drivers are familiar with the location. TikTok

Absolutely! The Queens Zoo is accessible via several bus routes, and it's a manageable walk or short bus transfer from the 7 train subway line. Check MTA schedules for the most up-to-date routes and times. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices for the Queens Zoo are very affordable. Adult admission is typically around $10, and children's tickets are around $7. Check the official website for the most current pricing and any potential discounts. Instagram

You can purchase Queens Zoo tickets directly at the entrance gate on the day of your visit. For added convenience, especially during peak times, consider checking if online ticket purchasing is available through their official website. Reddit

While general admission is already affordable, keep an eye out for potential discounts. Sometimes, special events or membership programs might offer reduced prices. It's always a good idea to check their website or inquire at the ticket booth. Reddit

Queens Zoo hours typically vary by season. Generally, it's open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, with shorter hours in the winter. It's best to check the official Queens Zoo website for the most accurate and up-to-date operating hours before your visit. TikTok

While specific coupons aren't always readily available, the Queens Zoo offers very reasonable admission prices. Look out for potential deals during special promotions or consider a membership if you plan to visit frequently. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Queens Zoo features over 75 species from the Americas, including Andean bears, pumas, sea lions, bison, parrots, and various farm animals. The petting zoo is a highlight for younger visitors. TikTokInstagram

Yes, the Queens Zoo is highly recommended for toddlers and young children. Its manageable size means less walking and more engagement with the animals, making it a perfect outing. InstagramReddit

Information on stroller rentals at the Queens Zoo is not widely advertised. It's advisable to bring your own stroller for convenience, especially if you have young children. Instagram

The Queens Zoo map is designed to be user-friendly and helps visitors navigate the exhibits efficiently. You can usually pick one up at the entrance or find a digital version on their website. Reddit

Yes, the Queens Zoo has a popular petting zoo area where children can interact with friendly farm animals. It's a favorite spot for many young visitors. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Food options inside the Queens Zoo are limited and can be a bit pricey. They typically offer standard snack bar fare like hot dogs, pretzels, and drinks. Reddit

Yes, bringing your own food and snacks is highly recommended for the Queens Zoo. This is a great way to save money and ensure you have options that suit your family's preferences. Reddit

Yes, the Queens Zoo is located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, which is close to various dining options in Flushing. You can find diverse cuisines, including Chinese and other Asian specialties, just a short drive or bus ride away. TikTok+1

The Queens Zoo typically has a small snack bar or cafe offering basic refreshments and snacks. For a more substantial meal, it's best to plan for dining outside the zoo. Reddit

The food sold at the Queens Zoo usually includes items like hot dogs, burgers, fries, popcorn, ice cream, and beverages. It's more geared towards quick snacks than full meals. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Queens Zoo offers many picturesque spots, especially around the aviaries, the Andean bear exhibit, and the children's farm. Early morning light can be ideal for capturing animals. TikTok

Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is allowed. For professional shoots, it's always best to contact the Queens Zoo administration in advance to inquire about their policies and any necessary permits. TikTok

While most personal photography is permitted, avoid using flash photography directly at animals, as it can disturb them. Always be mindful of other visitors and respect the animals' space. TikTok

A camera with a good zoom lens is beneficial for capturing clear shots of the animals from a distance. However, even a smartphone can capture great memories, especially in the more accessible areas like the petting zoo. TikTok

You can find many Queens Zoo photos on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok by searching relevant hashtags. The official Queens Zoo social media accounts also share great imagery. TikTokInstagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Young Children

The Queens Zoo is a dream for families with toddlers and preschoolers. Its compact size means little legs won't get too tired, and there's plenty to see without feeling overwhelmed. The petting zoo is a guaranteed hit, offering hands-on fun with gentle farm animals. InstagramReddit Pack snacks and drinks to keep energy levels up, and plan for a relaxed pace to truly enjoy the experience. The zoo's clean and safe environment makes it a stress-free outing for parents. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious visitors, the Queens Zoo offers excellent value. Admission prices are very affordable, and the free parking is a significant perk. Instagram To maximize savings, it's highly recommended to bring your own food and drinks, as on-site concessions can be pricey. Reddit This allows you to enjoy a full day of exploration without breaking the bank, making it a great option for a cost-effective family outing or a solo adventure. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find plenty of opportunities at the Queens Zoo, especially if they visit during off-peak hours like weekday mornings. TikTok The diverse animal collection, from majestic pumas to playful sea lions, offers varied subjects. Focus on capturing natural behaviors and interactions. Remember to avoid using flash directly at the animals to respect their well-being. TikTok The zoo's naturalistic exhibits provide a good backdrop for creating compelling wildlife shots.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Family-Friendly Oasis

The Queens Zoo is consistently praised as a fantastic destination for families, particularly those with young children. Its manageable size is a recurring theme in reviews, preventing the overwhelm often associated with larger zoos. This makes it an ideal spot for toddlers and preschoolers who can explore without getting too tired. The children's farm area is a major draw, allowing kids to get up close and personal with friendly animals like goats and alpacas, creating memorable interactions. InstagramReddit+1

Beyond the animal encounters, visitors appreciate the zoo's cleanliness and well-maintained grounds. The presence of shaded paths and beautiful trees adds to a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere, even on warmer days. The staff are often noted for being friendly and attentive, contributing to a safe and welcoming environment. This focus on a positive visitor experience makes the Queens Zoo a beloved local treasure. Reddit

Exploring Flushing Meadows Corona Park

The Queens Zoo is nestled within the expansive Flushing Meadows Corona Park, a vibrant hub of activity and history. This park, famously the site of the 1964 World's Fair, offers more than just the zoo. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks like the Unisphere, the Queens Museum, and the New York Hall of Science. TikTok

Proximity to other attractions means you can easily combine a zoo visit with other park activities. For instance, the Fantasy Forest amusement park is located right next door to the Queens Zoo, offering rides and entertainment for families. Instagram The park also hosts various events throughout the year, including the popular Queens Night Market, which showcases a diverse array of food vendors. TikTok This makes Flushing Meadows Corona Park a destination with something for everyone, extending the enjoyment beyond just the zoo visit.

Conservation Efforts at the Zoo

The Queens Zoo is actively involved in conservation initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to protecting endangered species. A notable example is their participation in transferring young New England cottontail rabbits to forests in Maine and Massachusetts. This project aims to bolster wild populations and prevent the extinction of the species. Instagram

These conservation efforts highlight the zoo's role beyond just exhibition. By collaborating with other institutions and wildlife refuges, the Queens Zoo contributes to vital ecological research and species preservation. Visitors can feel good knowing their admission supports these important programs, making a visit both enjoyable and impactful.