1 / 2Zoo New York
📍 Watertown, NY
A charming small zoo in Thompson Park featuring New York native animals like bears, bobcats, and wolverines. Great for families wanting a relaxed, educational experience without crowds.
This little zoo and science center in Watertown, NY, is an absolute gem! People can be unfair expecting a big-city zoo, but this place has a calm, pleasant atmosphere that’s perfect for families. The kids love visiting the science center, and the butterfly garden was a delightful addition. The wolverine was an adorable little show-off, and the otters were playful and engaging. We also never miss a game at the giant chess set—it’s always a hit with the kids. It’s not huge and doesn’t have many exotic animals, but it’s educational, welcoming, and easy to explore at a comfortable pace. Many of the animals are rescues—injured or unable to survive in the wild—so every visit has a meaningful side. There’s also a playground, and we stumbled upon a black currant bush—such a fun little find, and the currants were delicious! Just across the parking lot is a pool and splash pad, with another playground and a city overlook up the hill. It’s the perfect spot for a full day of family adventures. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Watertown!
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families seeking a relaxed, educational experience with local wildlife rather than exotic animals. Perfect for younger children who won't be overwhelmed, and great value at $12 admission. Set expectations for a small zoo focused on regional animals like bears, bobcats, and wolverines rather than typical big zoo animals.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →1,110 Google reviews
Marina Smith
6 months ago
“This little zoo and science center in Watertown, NY, is an absolute gem! People can be unfair expecting a big-city zoo, but this place has a calm, pleasant atmosphere that’s perfect for families. The kids love visiting the science center, and the butterfly garden was a delightful addition. The wolverine was an adorable little show-off, and the otters were playful and engaging. We also never miss a game at the giant chess set—it’s always a hit with the kids. It’s not huge and doesn’t have many exotic animals, but it’s educational, welcoming, and easy to explore at a comfortable pace. Many of the animals are rescues—injured or unable to survive in the wild—so every visit has a meaningful side. There’s also a playground, and we stumbled upon a black currant bush—such a fun little find, and the currants were delicious! Just across the parking lot is a pool and splash pad, with another playground and a city overlook up the hill. It’s the perfect spot for a full day of family adventures. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Watertown!”
Gospel Elvis Timothy
4 months ago
“The Central Park Zoo is a charming, well-organized zoo right in the heart of Manhattan. Even though it’s smaller than most major zoos, it’s beautifully maintained and offers a great mix of animals—from sea lions and penguins to snow leopards and red pandas. The feeding demonstrations and indoor tropical zone make the visit even more engaging. It’s easy to explore, kid-friendly, and a perfect break from the busy city. Being located inside Central Park makes it convenient to pair with a relaxing walk or nearby attractions. A clean, enjoyable, and surprisingly peaceful zoo experience in the middle of New York City.”
Brenda Barber
5 months ago
“Small but we knew that. A gorgeous day. Very well kept up. Wish all the animals had companions. Took our time. 2 hrs seeing all the local animals. Sci tech bldg was cool. My hand magnet was off the chart! What does that mean..lol! Always see and learn something different. Always buy a gift for the kids and donated. Thank you. Great, friendly staff. Prayers for the sweet animals that we saw. Not the best pics but I tried.”
Mike
5 months ago
“Cute zoo, but more then half the exhibits were empty. I still think it is worth going and supporting. The grounds were also kept very nice.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Zoo New York is a family-friendly zoo in Thompson Park featuring regional wildlife including bears, bobcats, and wolverines. The zoo offers educational programs, field trips, birthday parties, and outreach programs, plus an on-site cafe and science center building with interactive exhibits.