Bronx Zoo556

One of the biggest zoos in the world, The Bronx Zoo has something for everyone, from butterflies to crocodiles, and it's a great way to spend the day with children.

Must-sees include the Congo Gorilla Forest exhibit ($3 additional), which brings you face to face with gorillas and other African wildlife (you're inside, they're out - an additional fee is required on a seasonal basis) and Jungle World, which takes you through an Asian tropical rain forest (yes, it is hot and humid, and there are real waterfalls).

World of Reptiles is always a crowd pleaser, showcasing some of the world's most poisonous snakes, toads, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles.

And don't miss The Children's Zoo, where kids can slide down the inside of a huge tree, pretend to be prairie dogs, climb a spider web, and feed farm animals, The Butterfly Garden ($3 per person), where families can walk through a greenhouse a-flutter with free-flying butterflies and moths, and World of Darkness, where you'll encounter nocturnal animals like bats and naked mole rats. The Children's Zoo and The Butterfly Garden are open seasonally, so be sure to check the website or call before you go.

And then there are all the outside environments to walk by and marvel at. Naturalistic, outdoor exhibits include environments housing bison, birds, snow leopards, and bears.

Tours: Join one of the walking tours offered by Friends of the Zoo, by reservation only. Call 718.220.5141.

Children's Zoo: $3 per person. (open April 1 - October 31, weather permitting).

Rides: Monorail is $4/person, round trip, open May 1 - Oct 31 weather permitting; Skyfari (the aerial tramway), is now closed; camel rides, available (weather permitting) weekends only April 1 to Memorial Day weekend, then daily until October 31, are $5 per person; and the Zoo Shuttle is $3 per person, open April 1-Oct 31, weather permitting.

The Bug Carousel features various insects - including a grasshopper, ladybug, and a firefly. The ride fee is $2 per person.

The Bronx Zoo's Education Department also offers programs for children, families, and adults - including summer camps. Call 718.220.6854 or check our Calendar for upcoming events. Pre-registration is usually required; sign up early.

Birthday parties at the zoo are expensive, but unforgettable. Prices start at $1200 for 15 children. Call 718.741.1676, or visit the zoo's party page on the web for more information.

Food: Eat at the the Dancing Crane Cafe, Asia Plaza (seasonal), Terrace Cafe (Seasonal), African Market (seasonal) and Flamingo Pub (Seasonal). Snack stands are located throughout the park. Tables are available near The Dancing Crane Cafe, Flamingo Pub, Terrace Cafe, African Market, and at the Fisher-Price Grizzly Goodies Corner Picnic Area (near the grizzly bear exhibit). But park food is park food, and we recommend bringing your own picnic. Remember: no straws, to protect the animals.

Baby Stroller Rentals: Choose between single ($6) or double ($10). Call 718.229.5188 to reserve (the supply is limited). Fire laws prohibit the use of strollers in buildings.

The park is handicapped-accessible. To reserve an adult wheelchair, call 718.220.5188. All buildings, except the Astor Court restroom, are accessible by wheelchair. Zoo Shuttle and Skyfari are accessible with folding wheelchairs only. The rate for rental is $5 per day, with a $10 deposit. Limited supply available.

Visitor Rules: The Bronx Zoo is a smoke free environment. No pets, radios, bikes, or skateboards. Blind, visually impaired, and hearing-impaired visitors may be accompanied by properly harnessed guide animals. ADA maps are available at all gates.

Children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult.

Check out the POP Pass, which combines regular gate admission with a reduced rate for the most popular attractions. You can use the Wild Asia Monorail, Skyfari tram, and zoo shuttle, and visit the Children's Zoo, Butterfly Garden, and Congo Gorilla Rainforest, saving money and time (no more waiting in line when you're already IN the zoo)! Camel rides are not included. Adults $25; Seniors $21; Children (2-12) $19.

If you don't pick it up at the entrance, you can upgrade your general admission ticket at several locations throughout the park. On Wednesdays, when general admission is free, the POP Pass upgrade can be purchased for $9 (on Wednesdays, the upgrade is $12.

POP Passes are available May 1-October 30.

Advance discounted group rates are available for ten or more people. Call 1.800.YES.2868.

Membership: Annual family membership starts at $120.