Bronx Zoo Nature Trek | Location, Timings & Activities

About the Nature Trek

Nature Trek is an immersive, family-friendly adventure that provides a unique 'bird's-eye view of the zoo. You navigate through a series of netted bridges, balance beams, and tunnels suspended among the trees.
Designed to resemble a treetop village, Nature Trek provides a safe and exciting environment for children and adults alike to explore and connect with nature from a new vantage point.
Built with safety and creativity in mind, Nature Trek blends fun with nature-based learning, offering a hands-on space to create, play, and discover.

Timings

Nature Trek operates year-round, aligning with the Bronx Zoo's general hours:

Monday to Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10am to 5:30pm

Please note that the last entry to the zoo is 45 min before closing, and animal exhibits close 30 min before the zoo's closing time.

Entrance

Nature Trek’s starting point is in the southeastern section of the Bronx Zoo, near the Wild Asia area.

What to expect

The trek features a series of elevated bridges, tunnels, and platforms that allow you to traverse through the treetops. Nature Trek Play Partners are available at all times to help navigate you and your children. Highlights include:

Wavy bridges: Swaying pathways that test balance and coordination.

Elevated tunnels: Enclosed passages offering a thrilling crawl-through experience.

Human-sized bird nest: A spacious perch providing panoramic views of the surrounding area.

All structures are fully netted for safety and are designed to accommodate various age groups.

Book Bronx Zoo tickets

Combo (Save 10%): New York Botanical Garden + Bronx Zoo Tickets

Mobile ticket

‌

Check availability

Bronx Zoo Tickets

Mobile ticket

Flexible duration

‌

Check availability

Activities that await you

After navigating the treetop structures, you can engage in ground-level activities in the nature play zone. Here, Nature Trek Play Partners facilitate interactive experiences such as:

Building forts and nests

Encouraging creativity with natural materials, this activity occurs in a natural or semi-natural play area. Children build forts using branches and logs to create shelters like teepee-style structures or lean-tos, and also craft nests by arranging twigs, grass, and soft materials into cozy, bird-like formations on the ground.

Animal movement games

Mimicking the movements of various animals to promote physical activity. These are typically led by facilitators or signs suggesting movements that kids can copy. It’s active and fun, often done in open spaces. Examples include Hop like a frog, Slither like a snake, etc.

Nature exploration

This hands-on activity involves identifying local plants and animals to foster a deeper connection with the environment. It encourages participants to notice and recognize their natural surroundings. Often, children are provided with tools like magnifying glasses, ID cards, or scavenger hunt sheets.

Know before you go

Nature Trek is included with the Bronx Zoo Admission ticket, which grants unlimited access to all Star Attractions throughout the zoo. For visitors with a Limited Admission ticket, access to Nature Trek requires an additional fee of $7 per person.

Nature Trek is designed to be inclusive and accessible for all. For wheelchair access, there are accessible routes through the towers, bridges, and nature play zone suitable for manual and electric wheelchairs.

Footwear guidelines: To ensure safety, you should wear closed-toe, secured sneakers. Flip-flops and high heels are prohibited on the climbing structures.
Age recommendations: The climbing structures are intended for children ages 3 and up, with adult supervision required.
Strollers: You are advised to park strollers before entering the exhibit, as stroller access is not permitted within Nature Trek.

Frequently asked questions about the Bronx Zoo Nature Trek

What kind of footwear is required?

Closed-toe, secure footwear (like sneakers) is required. Flip-flops, high heels, or loose shoes are not allowed for safety reasons.

How long does it take to complete Nature Trek?

Most families spend 20 to 40 min in Nature Trek, depending on how long they explore the different zones and engage with the activities.

Is Nature Trek open all year round?

Yes, but hours and availability may vary by season or weather. It is typically open during regular zoo hours unless closed for maintenance or safety reasons.

Are there staff members to guide or assist inside Nature Trek?

Yes. Play Partners and staff are present to supervise activities, offer guidance, and ensure safety throughout the experience.

Is Nature Trek stroller-friendly?

No. Strollers are not permitted on the climbing structures. Stroller parking is available outside the entrance to this area.