Bronx Zoo Discounts and Free Wednesdays
This post is about the Bronx Zoo, including what you can see there, how to get there and the cost of admission. We also list many ways you can save on ticket prices or even go for free!
- About the Zoo
- Tickets and Hour
- Discounts and Ways to Save
- Getting There
- Things to Do in NYC with Kids
- Things to Do in NYC
Bronx Zoo Free Day
Visit on Wednesdays when admission is “Suggested Donation Day” or pay what you wish. We have many other suggestions for free or pay-what-you-wish days at other popular NYC museums and attractions (click here).
ABOUT THE BRONX ZOO
Year-Round exhibits
With more than 7,000 resident animals showcased over 265 acres, The Bronx Zoo is the largest city zoo in the country! And with so many discounts available for the Bronx Zoo, there’s no reason to pay full price.
You’ll see a vast array of animals when you visit the Monkey House, Jungle World with an amazing array of animals, the World of Darkness with bats and other nocturnal animals, and the Congo Gorilla Forest. Be sure to catch a Sea Lion and Penguin Feeding!
Seasonal and Special Events
The Zoo often has additional activities aligned with the season of the year so always check their events page to see if anything special is going on when you plan to visit.
For example, some Septembers, they put on a Harvest Festival that gives the kiddies a chance to dance to bluegrass music, participate in apple-tasting, learn about composting and pressing flowers, and other activities relating to the Fall harvest. For other ideas of things to do in September, see our post What to Do in September in New York City.
TIP: The Bronx Zoo is within walking distance of what some New Yorkers believe is the “true” Little Italy: Arthur Avenue. Check out our Self-guided Food Tour of nearby Arthur Avenue for some of the best Italian food in all of New York City!
HOURS AND TICKETS
Hours
Hours change seasonally. They are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, New Years Day and Martin Luther King Jr Day.
March 30, 2018 ,to November 3, 2018
- Monday-Friday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Weekends & Holidays 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
November 4, 2018, to April 5, 2019
- Daily 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Note: Animal exhibits close 30 min prior to park closing and 4-D Theater, Bug Carousel, and Zoo Shuttle are open until park closing.
Tickets
There are two types of tickets: General Admission and Total Experience.
The Bronx Zoo’s General Admission Ticket is included free for holders of the Sightseeing Pass, a tourist discount pass.
General Admission Ticket
- Adult $22.95 / Child (3-12) $14.95 / Senior (65+) $20.95 / Children 2 years and under free.
- Can only purchase at the Gate – unless you order the Sightseeing Pass.
A general admission ticket includes the following areas:
- Tiger Mountain
- Madagascar
- World of Birds
- African Plains
- Himalayan Highlands
- Sea Lion Pool
Total Experience Ticket
- Adult $36.95 / Child (3-12) $26.95 / Senior (65+) $31.95 / Children 2 years and under free.
- Can be purchased online or at the gate.
- Sightseeing Pass holders will have to pay the difference in price between the two ticket types.
The Total Experience ticket includes everything that the general tickets include plus several premium areas that cost an additional $6 each if you only have the general admission ticket.
- JungleWorld
- 4-D Theater
- Bug Carousel
- Congo Gorilla Forest
- Butterfly Garden
- Wild Asia Monorail
- the Zoo Shuttle
DISCOUNTS AND SAVINGS ON TICKETS
- The Bronx Zoo’s General Admission Ticket is included free for holders of the Sightseeing Pass, a tourist discount pass.
- Visit on Wednesdays when admission is “Suggested Donation Day” or pay what you wish. We have many other suggestions for free or pay-what-you-wish days at other popular NYC museums and attractions (click here).
- The Zoo’s own website often has promo codes listed at the top of the page so keep your eyes open for those.
- AAA members save up to 20% on admission. Use code AAANY when purchasing tickets on the Wildlife Conservation Service, which also gives discounts to AAA members at other zoos in New York City.
- Military Discount: The Bronx Zoo offers year-round discounts to any active duty or reserve members of the U.S. Military when they present a valid military ID at the admissions gate. Discount includes: free Total Experience Ticket or General Admission ticket and 50% off discount for up to three family members included on the same admissions transaction. Discounted tickets are available at the admissions booths only, not through our online ticket store. Military discounts are not applicable on Wednesdays (pay-what-you-wish day) at the Bronx Zoo.
- Try this Bronx Zoo Coupons Facebook page. They are not affiliated with the Zoo. Occasionally they have coupons or codes that do work.
- Free General Admission to New York City undergraduate college students. Eligible students must be:
- attending an NYC college (must show a valid college ID from an institution within the 5 boroughs of New York City;
- NYC resident, attending non-NYC college (must show valid college ID and proof of NYC residency).
- The Bronx Zoo is easy to get to with the New York City Subway. From Times Square, it is approximately a 1-hour ride on the 2 train.
- Use our interactive Google Map for directions to the zoo by public transportation or car.
- Read our posts on helpful hints on navigating the subway and choosing which MetroCard to buy.
