a wet cold sunday is the best day to go to the bronx zoo
This last Sunday the forecast was bleak – overcast, cold, chance of showers – yup, a perfect opportunity to go to the Bronx Zoo.
In general, attempting a weekend visit to the world-renowned Bronx Zoo in the spring/summer is a tough proposition. Battling both tourists and locals, it’s tough to even get into the zoo parking lot much less into any popular exhibits. So a dismal, gray day was our chance — and it worked out impeccably.
We arrived around 10:30am and the Southern Boulevard lot (the closest to the Children’s Zoo) was only about a tenth full. We didn’t even have to wait in line for lunch or for the Bug Carousel, which never happens. Our Sunday highlights – tons of random peacock spottings, Madagascar (the gorillas are so human it’s shocking), the giraffes (I just love them), and the Wild Asia Monorail (half tour, half amusement park ride).
Everyone knows about the Bronx Zoo, so here are just a few tips:
1. The Zoo Shuttle, unlike at most zoos, is not a tour, it’s just a useful way to get little legs to the other end of the zoo.
2. Plan to spend the day – it is HUGE, so start at the zoo, end at the zoo, don’t make other plans.
3. Bring snacks, for adults as well as kiddies- there are acres and acres to explore, and it gets you hungry.
4. Lastly, even if you have to drag your stroller out of storage, bring transport. Those kids that are too old for the stroller are unfortunately not too old to be carried. Come prepared.