We walked out of the sea lion show at the Central Park Zoo and saw a guy holding a sign that said "Pop-up Tour." The sign said 15 people max. We were the only two who showed up, so we got a private tour.
We did the Central Park Zoo with a toddler on a Monday morning in late October, the last day of our 3.5 days in New York City with a toddler. Johnny was 2.5. Here is what worked, what it costs, and the walk-up tour worth watching for.
Is the Central Park Zoo With a Toddler Worth It?
Yes. We got to see almost all of the animals, and the sea lion show made Johnny's day.
Late October was a perfect time of year to visit.
What Is the Tisch Children's Zoo?
The Tisch Children's Zoo is the petting zoo section, and it is where we started. It has its own entrance north of the main zoo gates and is included with regular zoo admission, so we somehow ended up there before we ever went into the main zoo.
Johnny fed the goats and sheep. The feed comes from dispensers that take quarters, so bring some change. According to Mommy Poppins, the feed machines only work from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
How Did Our Toddler Like the Penguins?
Johnny liked the penguins. They live in the Polar Circle, which has chinstrap, gentoo, and macaroni penguins. When I picked him up, they were super easy for him to see, and several swam right up to the glass, which he loved.
When Is the Sea Lion Feeding at the Central Park Zoo?
The sea lion feedings are at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and run about 15 minutes at the sea lion pool. Check the daily schedule the day you go, since times can change.
Johnny really enjoyed it, so plan your visit around one of the feedings.
What Is the Pop-Up Tour at the Central Park Zoo?
It is a guided tour that starts with a guy holding a "Pop-up Tour" sign. We did not book anything. We just walked up.
We happened to be outside the sea lion exhibit when we saw the sign, right after the feeding, so we grabbed the 11:45 a.m. tour. If you see the sign, take it.
How Much Are Central Park Zoo Tickets?
Zoo admission is $22.95 for adults (13 and older), $18.95 for seniors (65 and older), and $16.95 for kids ages 3 to 12. Kids 2 and under are free, so Johnny got in free.
Admission covers the main zoo, the Tisch Children's Zoo, and one visit to the 4-D Theater. Every visitor needs a date-specific ticket, and tickets are final sale, so buy them on the official ticket page once your plans are set.
Where Is the Central Park Zoo?
The Central Park Zoo is at 64th Street and Fifth Avenue, on the east side of the park. From late March through early November, the zoo lists hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays. From November through March, it is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Last entry is an hour before closing, so check the plan your visit page for your dates.
After the zoo, we headed to the west side of the park for lunch at Tavern on the Green.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Central Park Zoo good for toddlers?
Yes. We visited with our 2.5-year-old, saw almost all of the animals, and the sea lion show made his day.
Is the Central Park Zoo free for toddlers?
Yes. Kids 2 and under get into the Central Park Zoo free. Kids ages 3 to 12 are $16.95.
How much are Central Park Zoo tickets?
Admission is $22.95 for adults, $18.95 for seniors, and $16.95 for kids ages 3 to 12, and it includes the Tisch Children's Zoo and the 4-D Theater.
What time is the sea lion feeding at the Central Park Zoo?
The sea lion feedings are at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the sea lion pool and last about 15 minutes.
What is the pop-up tour at the Central Park Zoo?
It is a walk-up guided tour that starts from a guy holding a "Pop-up Tour" sign. Ours was capped at 15 people, and we were the only ones there.
When is the best time to visit the Central Park Zoo?
Late October was a perfect time of year for us, and we saw almost all of the animals.
Can you feed the animals at the Central Park Zoo?
Yes. At the Tisch Children's Zoo, our 2.5-year-old fed the goats and sheep with feed from dispensers that take quarters.
Final Thoughts
The sea lion show made Johnny's day, and a sign outside the sea lion pool turned into a private tour. If you are at the Central Park Zoo with a toddler, catch the sea lion feeding and keep an eye out for that sign.
