Queens Zoo Visitors Guide

By Heather Cross

Updated 07/19/17

Queens Zoo
••• " queens zoo" ( CC BY 2.0) by moises terrero

Located in Queens' Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the Queens Zoo is focused on American animals, including "Otis" the coyote rescued from Central Park in 1999. There are two sections to the zoo -- one is a traditional zoo with a variety of national park-inspired exhibits, and the other is a petting zoo filled with domesticated animals that visitors can interact with directly.

Visitors to the Queens Zoo will be impressed with the quality of the displays and the cleanliness of the zoo, as well as the collection of American animals on display.

In 1968 the Flushing Meadows Zoo opened on the grounds of the 1964 World's Fair. Visitors will find the Queens Zoo appealing because of its digestible size -- you can see the entire zoo in about 2 hours and parking is both free and convenient.

The Queens Zoo is home to a variety of American animals, including lynx, alligators, bison, bald eagles, and sea lions. They also feature endangered speckled bears, which are from the Andes mountains in South America. There are a number of interactive exhibits for children, as well as an aviary, also left over from the World's Fair.

The petting zoo area is full of domesticated animals, including goats, sheep, cows, and rabbits. Vending machines sell food to feed the animals, and the animals are more than willing to be pet in exchange for some food.

Queens Zoo Essentials:

  • Location: 53-51 111th St. in Flushing Meadows Corona Park
  • Closest Subway: 7 train to 111th Street
  • Phone: 718-271-1500
  • Photos: Pictures from the Queens Zoo
  • Official Website: http://queenszoo.com/

Queens Zoo Admission:

  • $8 for Adults
  • $5 for Children 3-12
  • $6 for Seniors (65+)
  • Free for Children under 3
  • Free for Members

Queens Zoo Hours:

  • Summer Hours: (late March to early November) 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays
  • Winter Hours: (mid-November - mid-March) 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • The zoo is open every day, year round
  • Last admission sold 30 minutes before closing

Good to Know About the Queens Zoo:

  • Admission covers access to both zoos, though the entrances are across from one another. Keep your receipt to enter the second area.
  • Plan about 1 1/2-2 hours to visit the zoo. There are many interactive exhibits for younger children to enjoy.
  • Animal feedings are scheduled periodically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Check the events schedule online to see what special activities will be going on when you're at the zoo
  • Smoking is prohibited at the zoo.
  • There is an area with picnic tables and vending machines, so you can bring your lunch if you like or have a snack or drink

Nearby Attractions: