The Best Petting Zoos for Kids in NYC and Long Island
Here are the petting zoos in NYC where your kids can meet and feed some furry friends.
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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.
