Central Park Zoo Hours & Best Time to Visit

Central Park Zoo

Central Park Zoo operates daily from 10am to 5pm.

Nov 3 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Nov 3 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS
Monday	10:00–16:30
Tuesday	10:00–16:30
Wednesday (Today)	10:00–16:30
Thursday	10:00–16:30
Friday	10:00–16:30
Saturday	10:00–16:30
Sunday	10:00–16:30

Mar 29 TO Nov 2 Timings Days (Mar 29 TO Nov 2)	TIMINGS
Monday	10:00–17:00
Tuesday	10:00–17:00
Wednesday	10:00–17:00
Thursday	10:00–17:00
Friday	10:00–17:00
Saturday	10:00–17:30
Sunday	10:00–17:30

Open hours shift slightly by season.

Best time to visit the Central Park Zoo

Weekday vs Weekend

Weekdays at Central Park Zoo tend to be more relaxed; shorter lines at popular exhibits like the Polar Circle and Tropic Zone mean you can linger as long as you like. Keep in mind, however, that weekday school trips sometimes bring lively crowds of students mid-morning.
On weekends and federal holidays, the zoo extends its closing time by an extra half-hour and features additional programming.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant

Crowded

Very Crowded

Closed

Peak season vs low season

Peak Season (April–October): Longer days and warmer weather bring all exhibits—and special experiences like the 4-D Theater and behind-the-scenes tours into full swing. Expect bigger crowds, especially on sunny weekends and during school breaks, but also the fullest slate of animal encounters, feedings, and outdoor activities.
Low Season (November–March): Cooler temperatures mean shorter hours and a cozier pace. While outdoor exhibits close earlier, indoor highlights like Tropic Zone and Tisch Children’s Zoo remain open, offering a warm respite. Smaller crowds make it the perfect time for a relaxed stroll through the Polar Circle or a quiet moment in the Central Garden.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season

Moderate Season

Peak Season

Frequently asked questions about the Central Park Zoo hours

When are the least crowded times to visit the Zoo?

The best time to avoid crowds while planning to visit the zoo is either early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays. Weekends are usually more crowded in the daytime.

When are the penguin feedings scheduled?

The penguin feedings occur daily at 10:30am & 2:30pm.

Is the Central Park Zoo shut on any days?

The Central Park Zoo is open 365 days a year, and the animals are on exhibit all year-round. Spring and summer are naturally popular seasons, but we encourage guests to visit during fall and winter as well.

Is the Zoo open on the 4th of July?

Yes, the Central Park Zoo is typically open on the 4th of July. While it's considered a weekend/holiday and therefore has extended hours, it's still open for the day. It's always a good idea to double-check the Central Park Zoo's official website or social media for the most up-to-date information.

Can I leave and re-enter the Zoo on the same day?

No, the Central Park Zoo does not permit re-entry on the same day. All tickets, including those for members, are valid for a single visit only.