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New York City Zoos and Wildlife
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Bronx Zoo
The largest urban zoo in the United States, with more than 4,000 animals in natural habitats. Come face-to-face with the critters of the rain forest -- with no bars or glass to separate you -- and get a peek at real nightlife in a pitch-dark building exclusively populated by nocturnal animals. A Congo Gorilla Forest re-creates an African rain forest with more than 300 animals, including 30 gorillas, in a context of bamboo forests, meadows and wading pools. Conveniently located near the New York Botanical Garden. Children under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. November-March open daily 10 am-4:30 pm; April-October open Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am-5:30 pm. US$11 adults, US$6 seniors and children, free for children under age 2. (Pay what you wish on Wednesday.) In winter, rates are half off the full price. Some activities require an additional fee. Parking is US$7. Fordham Road and Bronx River Parkway (take the 2 or 5 train to Pelham Parkway and walk two blocks west to Boston Road, follow Boston Road to the zoo entrance; from the nearby Botanical Gardens, take Bus 9 to Boston Road and E. 181st Street), Bronx, New York City. Phone 718-367-1010. http://www.wcs.org.

Central Park Wildlife Center
Better known as the Central Park Zoo, this is a delightful, lovely little place -- the perfect size for a leisurely visit: There's plenty to see, but you don't have to wear yourself out to get through it all. Children younger than age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The Tisch Children's Zoo is designed especially for children age 6 and younger. Admission to the Wildlife Center includes admission to the children's zoo. No picnicking allowed, but the cafeteria is open during all zoo hours. Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm, Saturday and Sunday till 5:30 pm. Last tickets sold 30 minutes before closing. US$3.50 adults, US$0.50 children ages 3-12. 830 5th Avenue (in the park at 64th Street; 5th Avenue subway station at 59th Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-861-6030.

Prospect Park Wildlife Center
This recently renovated zoo is just the right size for families with younger kids. It includes a sea-lion show and a barn with cows and goats to feed. Among the interactive displays is Prairie Dog Hill, with human-sized tunnels to scamper through. Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm, Saturday and Sunday till 5:30 pm. Last ticket is sold 30 minutes before closing. US$2.50 adults, US$1.25 seniors, US$0.50 children ages 3-12. Free for children younger than age 3. Flatbush Avenue at Empire Boulevard (take the 1 or 2 train to Grand Army Plaza or the Q or S line to Prospect Park), Brooklyn, New York City. Phone 718-399-7339. http://www.wcs.org.

The New York Aquarium
If you head out to Coney Island, don't bypass this world-class institution. Home to more than 350 species of undersea creature, the aquarium includes beluga whales, bottlenose dolphins and a fantastic seahorse exhibit. Monday-Friday 10 am-6 pm, Saturday and Sunday till 7 pm. US$11 adults, US$7 children ages 2-12. Surf Avenue at 8th Street, Brooklyn, New York City. Phone 718-265-3400. http://wcs.org/home/zoos/nyaquarium.