About Queens Zoo
A budget-friendly, highly manageable zoo that offers close-up animal interactions, including a walk-in dome aviary and a charming petting farm, making it perfect for a quick 1.5 to 2-hour family outing.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families looking for a low-stress, 1.5 to 2-hour outdoor activityParents with toddlers who want close-up animal interactionsLGA airport travelers looking to kill time during a long layoverToddlers and preschoolers (perfect for the petting zoo and stroller-friendly paths)School-age children (enjoyable for the sea lion show and walk-in aviary)
Why families love it
- Walk-in dome aviary that lets you stand inside with the birds
- Interactive farm area where kids can feed goats, ducks, and get close to llamas
- Engaging sea lion feeding and training shows
- Spacious, naturalistic exhibits with minimal cage bars or glass walls
- Compact and easy-to-navigate layout perfect for a short visit
- Walk-in aviary dome
Insider tips
- Bring plenty of quarters to buy food for the petting zoo animals
- Pack a stroller for younger children to keep the walk comfortable
- Bring your own water bottles to stay hydrated
- Consider visiting on a weekday afternoon for an almost empty, peaceful experience
Good to know before you go
- Trying to access the zoo directly via subway without planning a bus transfer or car ride
- No direct subway access, requiring a car or bus transfer
- Petting zoo feed machines only accept quarters
- Crowds
- Very low crowds on weekday afternoons (e.g., Tuesdays)
- Value
- Incredible value at just $10 for adult admission, with very cheap quarter-operated animal feed as the only major extra cost.
- Food
- Bring your own water bottles
- Accessibility
- Stroller-friendly pathways throughout the park
- Safety
- Thoughtfully designed, well-maintained enclosures that keep animals visible yet safely separated
What parents say
"I loved it! Very open and spacious and only $10 for adults. I loved the bird area, and the fact that it wasn't just a caged space you see from the outside. You get to be in the dome with them. The sea lions and trainers put on an amazing show, and the animals all roamed around in their own spaces with barely any glass walls and cages. I have never been so up close to a llama and feeding the goats and ducks was a real treat. Would definitely go again, this time with a stroller for my little one, though 😏"
3 months ago
"BRING QUARTERS FOR PETTING ZOO FOOD. We enjoyed a sunny day spending a couple hours at the zoo. The petting zoo area is impressive, and still uses quarters, what a steal! A manageable size zoo and fun for the kids! We saw almost all the animals, and sea lions were active even though we didn't go to the feeding. No close subways here, so you'll need a car or figure out the different buses. Bring your water bottles, enjoy!"
3 months ago
"Spent an hour and half here on a Saturday afternoon in December with my daughter. It was wonderful. Easy to navigate. We loved the Elk, ducks and mountain lions. The bears and bison were great too. It was a very enjoyable outing."
2 months ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
More petting zoos in New York
Petting Zoos Bronx Zoo
4.6(36,262)4.6 out of 5 stars, 36262 reviews2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx
Petting Zoos SeaQuest Woodbridge
4.5(7,870)4.5 out of 5 stars, 7870 reviews101 Woodbridge Center Dr, Woodbridge
Petting Zoos Bergen County Zoo
4.6(3,319)4.6 out of 5 stars, 3319 reviewsVan Saun County Park, 216 Forest Ave, Paramus
Petting Zoos Prospect Park Zoo
4.5(3,974)4.5 out of 5 stars, 3974 reviews450 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn