Queens Zoo

The basics

Unlike some zoos where you can tour the whole world through the wildlife, a special quality of Queens Zoo is that it only features animals from the Americas. This is the place to come to see bison, bald eagles, California sea lions, and other North and South American species. The petting zoo with domestic animals is especially popular with kids. Travelers typically visit independently and it’s a convenient place to stop off while exploring the diverse neighborhoods of Queens.

Things to know before you go

• Entry to the zoo is via timed-entry ticket, with free entry for kids aged 2 and under. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
• The sea lions are fed at scheduled times throughout the day, so check the timings in advance.
• All of the zoo’s buildings are wheelchair accessible, but most of the outdoor areas have rough terrain.

How to get there

To get to the Queens Zoo via public transport, take the 7 subway train to 111th Street, or the Q58 bus to the Corona Avenue stop. There’s no parking at the zoo itself, but visitors can use the limited public parking nearby on the street and in parking lots.

When to get there

The zoo operates seasonal hours, with earlier closing from November to April. It’s typically open daily from mid-morning until late afternoon. Last entry is permitted 30 minutes before closing, although most visitors will want to allow more time to visit. It’s best to visit on a fine day as most of the zoo is outdoors.

Explore Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Before or after your trip to Queens Zoo, take some time to explore the surrounding Flushing Meadows Corona Park. There are many facilities here, including sports courts, an indoor pool, a seasonal ice rink, walking and biking trails, lakes where you can kayak, Queens Museum, and more. It was the site of two World’s Fairs, so there are historic pavilions and monuments to check out, too.