These are the Top Zoos in Rockland, Orange, and Bergen Counties

See your favorite local animals at these zoos in and near Rockland County

By Jacqueline Neber May 24, 2021

Spend a day with your kids at a zoo in Rockland County, Bergen County, or Orange County where the whole family can visit a variety of exotic and local animals. Some locations even have animal feedings, areas just for children, and touch tanks where kids can participate. This comprehensive list of zoos in Rockland County and the surrounding area includes updated COVID-19 hours, safety info, and regulations.

Zoos in Rockland County

Bear Mountain Trailside Museums and Zoo

Bear Mountain State Park, Palisades Interstate Parkway and Route 9W (You must enter through entrance near the pool)
845-786-2701 x265
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Hours: daily, 10:30am-4pm; last admission 30 minutes before closing
Admission: FREE, but $1 donations are appreciated. Parking: $10.
Recommended ages: All ages
Best time to go: 11am-2pm, or when weather is nice
Stroller/wheelchair friendly? Stroller-friendly, but not wheelchair-friendly. Handicap parking is located near Bear Mountain Bridge, but only part of the paved hiking trail is feasible for wheelchairs.
Stroller parking/check? No
Family bathroom? No
Changing tables in men’s bathroom? No
Changing tables in women’s bathroom? No
COVID-19 guidelines: Park is limiting the capacity of the zoo to maintain social distancing. Masks and social distancing required; visit the website for full COVID-19 protocols. Trails are open. Museums and indoor spaces are closed to the public.

Bear Mountain’s self-guided nature trails are perfect for family hikes, with views of the Hudson and opportunities to spot wildlife. The zoo features animals that are all native to New York state, and many of the zoos residents are rescues who are unable to live in the wild due to injuries, disabilities, or orphaned as babies. Fun family events include an Earth Day Celebration, where the kids can make treats for the black bears, a bird festival in the summer, Boo at the Zoo, and a Beary Merry holiday celebration.

Zoos in Orange County

Hudson Highlands Nature Museum

Wildlife Education Center: 25 Boulevard, Cornwall-on-Hudson
845-534-7781
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Hours: Trails: Saturday-Sunday, dawn to dusk. Wildlife Education Center: Currently closed.
Admission: Wildlife Education Center: $3; free for children 2 and younger.
Recommended ages: All ages
Best time to go: Anytime
Stroller/wheelchair friendly? Some trails are stroller-friendly, some are not. Call before going.
Family bathroom? Restrooms are closed right now.
COVID-19 guidelines: Guests are asked to practice proper social distancing, and pack out everything (tissues, bags, wrappers, etc.) you bring in. Wear a mask when social distancing is not possible. Dogs are not allowed.

The Hudson Highlands Nature Museum’s mission is to help kids become responsible caretakers of the natural world through educational programming, several places to play, and miles of hiking trails. While the Wildlife Education Center is currently closed, you can see the center’s animals—including opossums, rabbits, owls, turtles, snakes, skinks, toads, salamanders, and frogs—on its YouTube channel.

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Zoos in Bergen County, NJ

Bergen County Zoo

216 Forest Ave., Paramus
201-634-3100
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Hours: daily, 10am-4:30pm, weather permitting
Admission: FREE
COVID-19 guidelines: Masks must be worn by visitors ages 2 and older at all times, zoo traffic will only go one way, capacity will be limited, and social distancing is required.

Some of the animals you can visit at the Bergen County Zoo include spider monkeys, mountain lions, and alligators—and a red wolf exhibit is being built right now! The zoo, located within Van Saun Park, is open 364 days a year and offers train and carousel attractions for kids in the spring, summer, and fall, as well as pony rides.

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Zoo Livestreams

Whether you’re not able to make it to the zoo, you’re not comfortable going, or you just want something to entertain the kids for a few hours while you’re trying to get work done around the house, you can stream feeds at these zoos. (We won’t tell the kids this is educational entertainment!)