Your guide to the Central Park Zoo opening hours & best time to visit
Today
Open 10:00–17:30
Central Park Zoo
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Central Park Zoo operates daily from 10am to 5pm.
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 (Today) | 10:00–17:30 |
Nov 3 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Nov 3 TO Dec 31) | TIMINGS |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00–16:30 |
| Tuesday | 10:00–16:30 |
| Wednesday | 10:00–16:30 |
| Thursday | 10:00–16:30 |
| Friday | 10:00–16:30 |
| Saturday | 10:00–16:30 |
| Sunday | 10:00–16:30 |
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Open hours shift slightly by season.
Best time to visit the Central Park Zoo
Weekday vs Weekend
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- 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.
Peak season vs low season
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- 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.
