Tiger... studying to be a NY Banker
1 / 10

Prospect Park Zoo

4.5
·4k reviews·, United States

A charming 12-acre zoo in Brooklyn's Prospect Park, home to nearly 400 animals and offering a peaceful wildlife encounter.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Tiger... studying to be a NY Banker

Prospect Park Zoo

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming 12-acre zoo in Brooklyn's Prospect Park, home to nearly 400 animals and offering a peaceful wildlife encounter.

4.5
(4k reviews)

"It’s small and easy to explore, and I like that it doesn’t feel overwhelming like some of the bigger zoos do. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Secure your spot by purchasing tickets in advance, especially for busy periods.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking around the zoo and park, so comfy footwear is a must.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 4,310 reviews

Type

Zoo

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Playful Sea Lions

Playful Sea Lions

Sea Lion Pool

Watch these energetic marine mammals during feeding times for a lively and engaging spectacle.

Reddit
Adorable Red Pandas

Adorable Red Pandas

Red Panda Exhibit

These charming arboreal mammals are a visitor favorite, known for their cute antics.

Reddit
Interactive Petting Zoo

Interactive Petting Zoo

Farm Area

Get up close with farm animals like alpacas and sheep; a hit with younger visitors.

Reddit
Wandering Peacocks

Wandering Peacocks

Throughout the Zoo

Keep an eye out for these majestic birds strutting freely around the zoo grounds.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Book Ahead

While Prospect Park Zoo is smaller and less crowded than larger city zoos, popular times like weekends and holidays can still get busy. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended, especially for special events or peak hours, to guarantee entry and avoid potential sell-outs. Reddit

Embrace the Park Setting

The zoo is nestled within the expansive Prospect Park, offering a natural and serene environment. Consider arriving early to enjoy the park's amenities before or after your zoo visit. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a good amount of walking. TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend Afternoons (post-lunch)
Why
Sea lion feeding times
Crowd
Medium
When
Off-Season (Spring/Fall)
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer visitors
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Circle of life #nyc #brooklyn #prospectpark #fyp #inchworm
@lauren_wernerr
873.2K likes • 5.2M views

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Secure your spot by purchasing tickets in advance, especially for busy periods. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking around the zoo and park, so comfy footwear is a must. TikTok

This really irked me I was looking for the zoo keepers after seeing him bc whyyyy do yall have him out for people to see and he’s visibly ill 😢
@egyptishername
261.4K likes • 2.1M views
Prospect Park Zoo Re-Opening (+ How to Visit for FREE!) 🦚 The @prospectparkzoo has officially reopened after closing due to storm damage in Fall 2023! This is a smaller zoo located inside @Prospect_Park with red pandas, sea lions, farm animals, roaming peacocks & more Visit for free with @id.nyc: Cardholders can get a free 1 year @thewcs membership with free admission to all NYC wildlife parks....
nyc_forfree
3.4K likes • 133.6K views

🦚 Spot the Peacocks

These birds roam freely; keep your eyes peeled for them throughout the zoo. Reddit

🍼 Toddler-Friendly Fun

Great for little ones with a petting zoo and engaging exhibits. Instagram

Prospect Park Zoo in New York City. Located in the heart of Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, this zoo is home to wildlife from around the world. A family-friendly destination that combines nature, education, and the unique atmosphere of NYC’s parks. #newyorkcity #nyc #prospectpark #brooklyn #zoo
eumerov
6 likes • 238 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Secure your spot by purchasing tickets in advance, especially for busy periods. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking around the zoo and park, so comfy footwear is a must. TikTok

🦚 Spot the Peacocks

These birds roam freely; keep your eyes peeled for them throughout the zoo. Reddit

🍼 Toddler-Friendly Fun

Great for little ones with a petting zoo and engaging exhibits. Instagram

🅿️ Free Parking Available

Look for free parking spots near the zoo entrance. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Prospect Park Zoo for its intimate size, calm atmosphere, and engaging animal exhibits, making it a delightful escape within Brooklyn. While it lacks large, iconic animals, its budget-friendly nature, interactive petting zoo, and free-roaming peacocks offer a unique and enjoyable experience, especially for families. Reddit

"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!"

Rene Vanek

"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."

Kimberly Lim Legaspi

"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!"

Rita Barbara

What People Like

Intimate and calm atmosphere
Engaging animal exhibits
Budget-friendly pricing

What People Dislike

Lacks large animals (lions, tigers)
Can get crowded during peak times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Prospect Park Zoo is accessible via public transportation. The B, Q, and S trains to Prospect Park station are nearby, as are several bus lines. Driving is also an option, with free parking often available near the zoo entrance. Reddit

Yes, there is free parking available near the zoo entrance, though it can fill up quickly during peak times. Reddit

The NYC Ferry does not directly serve Prospect Park Zoo. The closest ferry stops are in Brooklyn, requiring further travel via subway or bus. TikTok

The zoo is located within Prospect Park. Follow signs for the zoo once inside the park. Using a park map or a navigation app can be helpful. TikTok

Prospect Park has extensive bike paths. You can cycle to the zoo and utilize bike racks if available. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission prices vary, but it's generally considered budget-friendly. Check the official Prospect Park Zoo website for current ticket prices and any potential discounts. Reddit

It's highly recommended to buy tickets in advance, especially for weekends or holidays, as time slots can sell out. Reddit

While not always advertised, some programs or partnerships might offer free entry. For example, @id.nyc cardholders can get a free membership. Instagram

The zoo typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. Hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to check their official website before your visit. Instagram

Yes, IDNYC cardholders can often get a free membership to the Prospect Park Zoo, which includes admission. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see a variety of animals including sea lions, red pandas, primates, farm animals like alpacas and sheep, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. Peacocks also roam freely. InstagramReddit

Yes, the sea lion feeding is a popular event. Check the zoo's schedule upon arrival for any other scheduled demonstrations or talks. Reddit

Absolutely! It's very toddler-friendly with a petting zoo and engaging exhibits that keep young children entertained. InstagramReddit

Prospect Park itself is dog-friendly, but the zoo area typically does not allow pets inside to ensure the safety of the resident animals. Instagram

Information on stroller rentals is not widely available. It's advisable to bring your own stroller or carrier for young children. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a small coffee shop near the dog beach area that offers decent drinks and snacks. Reddit

Yes, bringing your own food is a great option. There are nice picnic spots available within the zoo and the surrounding park. Reddit

Food options are generally limited to snacks and beverages. For a full meal, consider dining in the surrounding Brooklyn area or picnicking. Reddit

Specific dietary options are not detailed, but snacks and drinks are usually available. Picnicking allows for full control over your meal choices. Reddit

There isn't a full-service restaurant inside the zoo, but a small coffee shop is available for quick bites and drinks. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The red panda exhibit, sea lion pool, and the petting zoo offer great photo opportunities. Don't forget to capture the peacocks roaming freely! Reddit

Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. However, always be mindful of posted signs and avoid using flash photography that might disturb the animals. TikTok

Morning light is often ideal for photography, providing softer light and fewer crowds. Late afternoon can also offer beautiful golden hour shots. TikTok

Drone usage is typically prohibited in zoo environments and many city parks to ensure safety and avoid disturbing wildlife. TikTok

Video recording for personal use is usually permitted. Be respectful of other visitors and the animals' space. TikTok

Prospect Park Zoo (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide