Photo of Seneca Park Zoo in New York
Zoos

Seneca Park Zoo

πŸ“ West Irondequoit, NY

β˜…4.5(6,372 Google reviews)πŸ‘ΆAll ages

Compact zoo in Rochester featuring elephants, giraffes, lions, polar bears, and otters with close-up enclosures. Behind-the-scenes animal hospital tours and conservation programs are available year-round.

βœ“ Educational programsβœ“ Close animal viewingβœ“ Behind-the-scenes toursβœ“ Clean enclosuresβœ“ Interactive staff
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β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Featured review by N G

We visited the Seneca Zoo on a very hot day, and most of the animals were staying cool in the shade, which made it a bit hard to see or spot them. The zoo itself is clean and family-friendly, and we especially loved seeing young teens at tables sharing interactive information about the animalsβ€”it was a nice, educational touch. That said, costs can add up quickly. A family with one child might manage fine, but with three kids, it gets expensive fast. Most souvenirs and food were pretty pricey. It’s a fun outing overall, but I’d recommend going on a cooler day and budgeting ahead if you’re bringing the whole crew.

πŸ† Family Action Verdict

Best for families with young children who want educational animal encounters in a compact, easy-to-navigate setting. The looped trail keeps navigation simple for strollers and small legs. Cooler days improve animal visibility, as many retreat to shade in summer heat.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

πŸ’‘Visit on cooler days β€” animals are more visible and active when temperatures drop
⏰Reserve behind-the-scenes hospital tours and giraffe feeding in advance
🎟️The simple looped trail is stroller-friendly and easy to complete without backtracking
πŸš—Pack snacks β€” food and souvenir costs add up quickly with multiple children

πŸ’¬ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews β†’
4.5
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6,372 Google reviews

Educational and interactive experiences40%
Clean and well-maintained30%
Close-up animal viewing20%
Small manageable size10%
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N G

8 months ago

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β€œWe visited the Seneca Zoo on a very hot day, and most of the animals were staying cool in the shade, which made it a bit hard to see or spot them. The zoo itself is clean and family-friendly, and we especially loved seeing young teens at tables sharing interactive information about the animalsβ€”it was a nice, educational touch. That said, costs can add up quickly. A family with one child might manage fine, but with three kids, it gets expensive fast. Most souvenirs and food were pretty pricey. It’s a fun outing overall, but I’d recommend going on a cooler day and budgeting ahead if you’re bringing the whole crew.”

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Hannah Bettis

7 months ago

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β€œIt's always a fun, edu time at the Zoo. Animal enclosures seem clean, and the animals always seem comfortable and at ease. I always appreciate staff giving facts and making the trips personal. The food is good, bathrooms are clean, the kids are always having fun with the climbers or water area as well. We fed the Giraffes, it was a wonderful experience led by the staff.”

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Carrie

a month ago

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β€œReally enjoyed my experience here. They have a great many species and services introducing the animals. Time passed by before I realized it!”

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Marie Major

7 months ago

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β€œThe Zoo let you get very close to a variety of animals. Even allowing you to go behind the scenes into the animal hospital in the back, and see the both the indoor and outdoor enclosures for some animals to view them during colder days. I loved the very simple trail that lead you through all the exhibits, made it easy to stay on track and not get lost. The only downside is there was a very foul smell unlike anything I’ve ever smelt at zoo. It was present upon entering the property, parking lot, and all throughout the zoo itself.”

Reviews from Google

Overview

Seneca Park Zoo's simple looped trail takes visitors past elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, otters, and indoor/outdoor enclosures for cold-weather viewing. Staff present interactive facts at multiple stops, and teens lead educational tables in peak season. Behind-the-scenes animal hospital tours offer a rare look at zoo veterinary care. ZooCamp programs and giraffe feeding experiences are bookable separately.

πŸ• Opening Hours

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