The Tropic Zone: Central Park Zoo

City-Kid Review:

Let’s go again. Can we? I want to go again. I want to see the birds.

I think Spring is my favorite season. I love to see new life pushing through seemingly dormant bark on trees, or through soil. There is a buzz in the air as birds build nests and city kids come back outside to play.

Spring can be a strange fish, weather-wise. It cold, then it’s hot, then a blast of rain, sometimes snow – sometimes deep snow –  and then it’s fine again. A place constant in its extreme temperature, is the Tropic Zone at Central Park Zoo. I used to come here as a kid, and I am pretty sure the Tropic Zone did not exist back then.

We love the Tropic Zone. It is one of my favorite exhibits in the entire zoo and it’s perfect for winter or spring.
Why?
Well, for a start, it’s warm.

Second, and most importantly, is the exhibit itself.

I believe they have tried to create the feeling of walking into a rainforest, as best as you can within a concrete structure within a concrete jungle. It is a floor to ceiling exhibit and, once inside, it is very easy to forget you are in the center of one of the busiest cities in America.

You walk in, and birds and animals are walking with you. Here is a brightly colored bird so close you can touch it – although haptic touching only, please- there’s a black and white lemur. No glass or wire between you. It is magical, for adults and children alike.

The is Tropic Zone is a wonderland of tropical animals.

Need to Knows:

Location: 64^th Street & 5^th Avenue, right in Central Park on its East side. Nearest subway is the N/R 5th Ave/59th Street stop. The 6 train goes to 68th street, so you can walk three blocks west and four blocks south to the entrance on 5th Avenue. You can also walk through the park and enter from the south that way. It is hard to miss.
The M1, M2, M3, M4, M5

Cost:
General Admission: Adults $12, Children 3-12 $7, Senior $9
Total Experience Tickets (incl main zoo, children’s zoo and 1 entry to 4D movie theatre)Adults $18, Children $9, Seniors $15. These can be purchased on line. I do not believe the general admission tickets can be purchased in advance.
Entry is included in general membership, which start at $199.95. Can be purchased online.

There is a cafe and a gift shop. The cafe sells standard American fare. It’s a bit sad, actually and could be a ton better.

All information correct at time of writing. 

Top-Tip

Personally, I don’t recommend the cafe. It’s very nice and a great location, but the food is generally all fried or in packets. I know they are working to change and modernize it.

I recommend going to the food mall below the Plaza hotel. It’s in the basement of the Plaza; the entrance is on the corner of 5th Avenue and 60th street. They have tons of food options. It can get crowded at peak times, such is its popularity.

If you have time, visit the Old Dairy or the Heckscher play ground in Central Park, near to the zoo. Also, depending on the season, the Woman Rink (in winter) and the Victorian Gardens in the summer.

Do you have a favorite exhibit at Central Park Zoo? Do you have any thoughts about this article and the Tropic Zone? I would LOVE  to hear from you! Please post in the comments section.

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