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Zoos

Prospect Park Zoo

📍 Brooklyn, NY

4.5(4,287 Google reviews)💰$7.95-$10.95👶All ages

Prospect Park Zoo houses nearly 600 animals including red pandas, California sea lions, Hamadryas baboons, and river otters across 9 acres.

Interactive barn animalsRed pandasSea lion trainingCompact and manageable
★★★★★Featured review by Rita Barbara

I was already taking a walk in the park and thought to check out the zoo. The tickets are only $10 and you can use Apple Pay to get in. The zoo was so amazing! I’ve lived in Brooklyn all my life and haven’t been there before but wow. It was so cool and much mire than I expected. Looking forward to coming again!

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Best for families with children under 10 who want an intimate zoo experience without the scale of larger attractions. The interactive barn consistently ranks as the top activity for younger kids. Weekday and cold-weather visits yield a noticeably quieter experience. Families with teens may find the scale too small for a full outing.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

💡Accessible via subway — multiple lines serve Prospect Park station
Plan for two to three hours — the compact size means you can see everything comfortably
🎟️Interactive barn lets kids feed sheep, goats, and alpacas directly
🚗Visit on weekdays or in colder months for a quieter experience

💬 What Families Are Saying

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4.5

4,287 Google reviews

Interactive barn and petting zoo35%
Small and manageable size30%
Standout animal exhibits20%
Less crowded experience15%
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Rita Barbara

5 months ago

I was already taking a walk in the park and thought to check out the zoo. The tickets are only $10 and you can use Apple Pay to get in. The zoo was so amazing! I’ve lived in Brooklyn all my life and haven’t been there before but wow. It was so cool and much mire than I expected. Looking forward to coming again!

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Kimberly Lim Legaspi

7 months ago

Prospect Park Zoo feels like a quiet little getaway right in Brooklyn. It’s small and easy to explore, and I like that it doesn’t feel overwhelming like some of the bigger zoos do you can actually enjoy the animals without rushing or dealing with big crowds. A couple of hours here is more than enough, which makes it perfect for a chill afternoon walk, a date, or a family visit. The animals are really the highlight. The sea lions are always fun to watch, especially during feeding when they get loud and playful. The red pandas are adorable, the monkeys keep things lively, and the turtles all stacked up on logs by the pond are such a peaceful sight. I even spotted a peacock casually walking around like it owned the place. They also have alpacas and sheep in the feeding farm area, which is a cute, interactive part of the zoo ,kids love it, but honestly, I did too. What makes this zoo special is how calm it feels. It’s clean, well-kept, and has a slower pace that’s hard to find in New York. You can actually stop and watch the animals without feeling rushed. There are indoor sections, outdoor trails, and the feeding farm all spaced out in a way that makes it feel cozy rather than cramped. They’ve also been adding new animals, like baby baboons and tiny pudu deer, which makes me want to come back again. It’s not a huge zoo, but that’s really the charm it’s simple, relaxing, and feels like a little pocket of nature tucked right inside the city.

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Rene Vanek

3 months ago

Wow! What a hidden gem! My husband and I went on a cold Saturday and had an amazing time. I loved all the exhibits-especially the ones inside the buildings! They have lots of amazing types of reptiles and monkeys and it was so cool to learn more about them. For me seeing the red pandas out and about was great! The staff there was super nice and helpful, and you can’t beat $9 to visit. I will say it is smaller and I would not enjoy going on a very busy day, but I will for sure be back. It was great to feed the barn animals as well, the we’re very friendly!

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xyztech

7 months ago

We had a pleasant day at the Prospect Park Zoo with the kids (ages 6, 9, 12, and 14). The petting zoo was definitely a hit with the younger ones. The older ones found other cool animals that they loved seeing. It was easy to get to. There was free parking right in front of the zoo.

Reviews from Google

Overview

This 9-acre zoo in Brooklyn features red pandas, California sea lions, Hamadryas baboons, river otters, and indoor reptile exhibits. Daily sea lion training sessions and the hands-on barn — where kids can feed sheep, goats, and alpacas — are the top draws. Compact size suits visits of two to three hours. Accessible via subway and multiple bus routes.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday10:00 – 16:30
Tuesday10:00 – 16:30
Wednesday10:00 – 16:30
Thursday10:00 – 16:30
Friday10:00 – 16:30
Saturday10:00 – 16:30
Sunday10:00 – 16:30

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