There is no better way to foster your toddler’s love of animals than by visiting a petting zoo. Here, toddlers can get up close to many kinds of animals, usually domestic species such as sheep, goats, rabbits and more. We’ve put together a guide to petting zoos in New York City and Long Island that includes information about each one’s location, hours, and admission costs. Please check your chosen zoo’s website or call ahead to confirm the zoo is open or to get its latest information on pandemic safety precautions put in place.
Petting Zoos in Manhattan
The Tisch Children's Zoo at the Wildlife Conservation Society's Central Park Zoo
64th Street and Fifth Avenue, Central Park
212-439-6500
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Hours: Through March 26: daily, 10am-4:30pm; March 27-Nov. 6: Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday holidays, 10am-5:30pm
Admission: $13.95; $10.95 seniors; $8.95 ages 3-12
Open year-round, the children's zoo is home to a variety of animals including sheep, goats, zebu (a breed of domestic cattle), and more. Animal feeding time is limited to 10am-2pm.
The Art Farm
431 E. 91st St. 2nd Floor, Upper East Side
917-757-7366
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Hours: Reservations only: Monday-Friday, 11:30am and 12:30pm
Rates vary and are available on the website
During Meet & Greets with animals, children ages 18 months and older can meet animals, make crafts, and enjoy play and story times.
Petting Zoos in Brooklyn
The Wildlife Conservation Society's Prospect Park Zoo
450 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn
718-399-7339
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Hours: Through March 26: daily 10am-4:30pm; March 27-Nov. 6: Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday and holidays, 10am-5:30pm
Admission: $9.95; $7.95 seniors; $6.95 children ages 3-12
The barn and garden area at the Prospect Park Zoo is home to an array of domestic animals including alpaca, sheep, pigs, and turkeys. For a special treat, kids can feed grain to some of the animals in this area.
Petting Zoos in Queens
The Wildlife Conservation Society's Queens Zoo
53-51 111th St., Corona
718-271-1500
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Hours: 10 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. daily through March 26, 2021; Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5p.m., weekends and holidays till 5:30 p.m., March 27 – November 6, 2021
Admission: $9.95 ages 13 and over; $6.95 children ages 3-12; $7.95 seniors
Dedicated to North and South American wildlife, the zoo features a farm area that is home to an array of domestic animals including Flemish giant rabbits that can grow up to 20 pounds, Texas longhorns known for their horn span of six feet and beautiful belted galloway cattle.
Alley Pond Environmental Center
224-65 76th Ave., Oakland Gardens
718-229-4000
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Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm; call ahead for weekend hours.
Admission: Free with a $5 suggested donation per person.
Located in Alley Pond Park, the facility offers many nature programs for all ages, during which visitors can get up close to several of the center’s animal ambassadors including rabbits, chinchillas, and reptiles. Walk the many wetland and forest trails to observe local wildlife and plants.
Petting Zoos in The Bronx
Children’s Zoo at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo
2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx
718-220-5100
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Hours: Farmyard is only only in April. Full exhibit is open, but weather-dependent May-October, and is closed November-March. The zoo’s general hours are: Through March 26: daily, 10am-4:30pm; March 27-Nov. 6: Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday and holidays, 10am-5:30pm
General Zoo Admission: $30.95 adults; $22.95 children 3-12, $28.95 seniors; After March 26: $39.95 adults; $29.95 children 3-12; $34.95 seniors.
The 265-acre Bronx Zoo’s seasonal outdoor Children’s Zoo is home to a variety of animals including prairie dogs, alpaca, goats, sheep, and donkeys. Admission to the Children’s Zoo is an additional $6 with a limited admission ticket.
Petting Zoos on Long Island
Long Island Game Farm
489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville
631-878-6644
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Hours: Beginning April 17: Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm
Admission: Check the Facebook page for updates.
Founded in 1970, the facility is a combined wildlife park and petting zoo. Animals to see include donkeys, rabbits, pigs, parrots, sheep, camels, and more.
White Post Farms
250 Old Country Road, Melville
631-351-9373
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Hours: Through March 21: Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm; beginning March 27: daily, 9:30am-6pm
Admission: $20.95 plus tax; visit website to purchase tickets in advance
Visitors to the farm’s petting zoo can hand feed domestic animals. Another feature is Ronnie’s Bird Landing, a free-flight aviary that brings visitors up close to a variety of exotic birds, including budgies and cockatiels.
The Animal Farm Petting Zoo
296 Wading River Road, Manorville
631-878-1785
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Hours: daily, 11am-5pm
Admission: $15.50; $13.50 seniors and children ages 2-16
Since 1981, the zoo has been a haven for homeless and unwanted animals. Goats, sheep, mini cows, chickens, and ducks are just a few animals to see here. Other on-site attractions include a puppet theater, picnic area, and playgrounds.