1. The Central Park Zoo and the Tisch Children's Zoo

John B. Moore Gus in The Central Park Zoo.

The Wildlife Conservation Society's Central Park Zoo and the Tisch Children's Zoo. Here, just a few yards from 5th Ave. you'll find over 130 different species ranging from giant Polar Bears to the Brazilian black tarantula. A walk around the Zoo's five plus acres will take you through a variety of habitats, all carefully designed to recreate the natural environment of the animals they house. The Zoo is divided into three different sections which provide the animals with homes as close to their natural habitat as possible. These include tropic, temperate and polar zones that house everything from geckos to the hugely popular polar bears. The Zoo is also actively involved the preservation of endangered species, providing a home for rare tamarin monkeys, Wyoming toads, thick-billed parrots, and red pandas.

With its seasonal programs, including the recent Boo at the Zoo Halloween celebration, along with the various educational programs offered, the Central Park Zoo has something for everyone.  This would probably account for the nearly one million park-goers that visit annually, making the Central Park Zoo the Greatest Place in Central Park.


We hope you've enjoyed our selections, and have, perhaps, found another reason to visit the park this holiday season.  Please let us know what you think and tell us your favorite place Central Park.