Just to the North of the Central Park main Zoo, sits the Tisch Children’s Zoo. Of many wonderful experiences for kids to have in Central Park, this is one of them. And what better way to kick off the Year of the Tiger, than to spend the day in the outdoors at the zoo. Any paid admission to the main zoo, includes a trip to the children’s soo, a place that offers not only a variety of species, many available for the petting, but fun and educational activities as well. This section was made possible by the generous donation of Laurence A Tisch, well known throughout the city for his philanthropic gestures and support.
The Children’s Zoo opened just over ten years ago in 1997, and it offers of course–child friendly designs and exhibits, meant to intrigue and delight the minds of the young ones. It is a magical experience that families can share together, including a theatre, The Acorn Theatre..a company who produces children’s plays that are a combination of entertainment, and the messages delivered about the need for the care and the protection of the environment and of the wildlife on the planet. In the zoo, one will find magpies and mandarins, doves, storks and peacocks as well as pigs, sheep, cows and goats.
In the the middle of the zoo, is the Enchanted Forest, a section that is a covered aviary filled with many different species of beautiful and colorful birds. One of the best places to catch glimpses and perhaps even a photograph or two, is by any of the feeding dishes located throughout. With many of the other animals, the petting zoo is a great way to get up close views of the tiny creatures. And although it may seem that New York is a grown-up kind of city there are many options for kid friendly hotels throughout the city, many located close to Central Park…and therefore close to the lovely little section, just for kids, at the Tisch Zoo.