Spring is a great time to visit the Bronx Zoo, and this year, there’s plenty happening to make it worth your trip. If you’re into animals, family outings, or just looking for something fun to do, the Bronx Zoo this spring has a lineup of seasonal events and limited-time exhibits that’ll keep you entertained. From baby animal debuts to interactive activities, it’s packed with things you won’t see any other time of year. You’ll get to see new life popping up, try out hands-on experiences, and enjoy the zoo in a fresh way—all while it’s not too hot or crowded yet.
The Bronx Zoo sits in the heart of the Bronx, one of New York City’s boroughs, and it’s been around since 1899. It’s huge—265 acres—and home to over 10,000 animals from all over the world. Spring brings out a special vibe here, with animals getting more active and the place buzzing with new additions and events. Whether you’re bringing kids, going with friends, or heading there solo, you’ll find something that grabs your attention. To kick things off, here’s what you can expect this season.
A small train running in Bronx Zoo
Baby Animals Making Their Debut
One of the biggest draws at the Bronx Zoo this spring is the baby animals showing up. Every year, the zoo welcomes new arrivals, and 2025 is no exception. You’ll get to see these little ones taking their first steps—or waddles, or hops—right in front of you. The staff works hard to make sure these newborns are healthy and ready to meet visitors, and spring is when they start appearing in exhibits.
Take the giraffes, for example. If you’re lucky, you might spot a calf born earlier this year, standing wobbly next to its mom at the African Plains exhibit. These babies are usually about six feet tall at birth—already taller than most people—and watching them figure out how to move those long legs is a sight. The zoo often shares updates on social media about births, so you might hear about a specific giraffe calf before you go. Seeing them up close, you’ll notice how their spots are just like their parents’, but they’re still small enough to look extra cute.
Then there are the penguins. The zoo’s got a big group of Magellanic penguins, and spring is when their chicks start hatching. You’ll find them in the Aquatic Bird House, fluffy and gray at first, before they grow into their sleek black-and-white feathers. The keepers let you watch feeding times, where the parents regurgitate fish for the chicks—it’s messy but fascinating. If you time your visit right, you could see a chick that hatched in March or April, just starting to get the hang of swimming.
Don’t miss the red panda cubs either. These fuzzy little guys are born in late winter or early spring, and by now, they’re big enough to climb around their habitat in the Himalayan Highlands area. You’ll see them tumbling over branches or napping in a tree, with their reddish fur standing out against the green. The zoo limits how many people can get close to keep them safe, so you might need to wait a bit, but it’s worth it.
A signboard for event activties at Bronx Zoo
Spring Fling Event for Families
If you’re bringing the family, the Spring Fling event is a must. It runs weekends in April and May, and it’s all about giving you and your kids a good time. The Bronx Zoo this spring turns into a big playground with activities set up across the grounds. You’ll find stations where you can touch animal artifacts, play games, and learn stuff without it feeling like a lecture.
One part you’ll enjoy is the craft area. They’ve got tables where kids—and you, if you’re up for it—can make things like bird feeders or animal masks. You’ll use simple stuff like paper, glue, and string, and the staff walks you through it. Last year, they had a station for painting wooden eggs to look like the ones in the bird exhibits, and it’s likely they’ll bring that back. You get to take whatever you make home, so it’s a nice little keepsake from your day.
There’s also a scavenger hunt that sends you all over the zoo. You’ll get a map with clues—like finding the animal with the longest neck or the one that loves bamboo—and you check off boxes as you go. It’s a smart way to see more of the place without just wandering aimlessly. If you finish, you can turn in your map at the main gate for a small prize, like a sticker or a keychain. It keeps the kids busy and gives you a reason to check out exhibits you might’ve skipped.
The event includes live shows too. You’ll catch performances by musicians or storytellers near the Dancing Crane Pavilion, usually around noon and 3 p.m. They’re short—about 20 minutes—so you won’t be stuck sitting too long, but they’re fun enough to break up the day. The zoo ties these shows to animals, so you might hear a song about monkeys or a tale about a lion, which ties back to what you’re seeing.
Bronz Zoo sign at the top of a staircase
Limited-Time Butterfly Garden Exhibit
The Butterfly Garden is back at the Bronx Zoo this spring, and it’s only around from April through June. You’ll walk into a big tent near the Bug Carousel, filled with hundreds of butterflies flying around. It’s a separate ticket—part of the Total Experience package—so you’ll need to plan for it, but it’s a standout if you like getting close to nature.
Inside, you’re surrounded by plants and flowers that attract the butterflies. You’ll see species like monarchs with their orange wings, or blue morphos that shimmer when they flap. The air’s warm and humid, which keeps them happy, and you can feel it as soon as you step in. There’s a path you follow, and the butterflies might land on you if you’re still—bring a camera for that. The keepers tell you not to touch them since their wings are fragile, but you’ll be close enough to see every detail.
You’ll also learn about their life cycle. They’ve got displays with eggs, caterpillars, and chrysalises along the walls, and staff point out what’s what. You might catch a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis if you’re there at the right moment—it takes a few hours, but they’ll let you know if one’s close. There’s a little bench area where you can sit and watch, which is nice if you want a break from walking.
It’s not huge—takes about 30 minutes to go through—but it’s a quiet spot compared to the busier parts of the zoo. You’ll leave knowing more about butterflies and with some cool photos. They sell butterfly-themed stuff at the exit, like pins or books, if you want a memento.
A clock tower at Bronx Zoo
Earth Day Celebration with Hands-On Activities
The Bronx Zoo this spring hosts an Earth Day event in late April, and it’s a big deal if you’re into helping the planet. You’ll find it spread across the zoo, with activities that let you do something useful while having fun. It’s usually the weekend closest to April 22, so check the zoo’s website for exact dates before you head out.
One thing you’ll do is plant seeds. They set up tables with dirt, pots, and seeds for native plants—like milkweed, which butterflies love. You’ll get your hands dirty filling the pots and sticking the seeds in, and the staff shows you how deep to plant them. You can take the pots home to grow, or leave them for the zoo to use in their gardens. It’s a small thing, but it feels good knowing you’re adding something green to the world.
There’s also a cleanup station. You’ll get gloves and a bag, then head to a spot—like around the bison range—to pick up trash. It’s not hard work, maybe 15 minutes, and you’ll see how much cleaner it looks after. The zoo uses this to teach you about keeping habitats safe for animals, and you’ll feel like you’re part of that effort. They track how much trash gets collected, so you might hear later that your group picked up 50 pounds or more.
You’ll find info booths too. People from the zoo and local groups talk about recycling, saving water, and protecting wildlife. You can grab pamphlets or ask questions—they’re friendly and don’t push you to stay long. It’s a mix of doing and learning, and it fits the spring theme of new beginnings.
People walking around a zoo enclosure
New Animal Feedings and Talks
Spring means more animal feedings and talks at the Bronx Zoo this spring, and they’ve added some new ones for 2025. You’ll get to watch keepers feed animals and hear them explain what’s going on, which makes it more interesting than just looking through glass. These happen daily, with schedules posted at the entrance and online.
One you’ll like is the sea lion feeding at the Sea Lion Pool. It’s around 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and you’ll see them toss fish to the sea lions while telling you about their diet—about 15 pounds a day for an adult. You’ll watch the sea lions flip and bark for their food, and the keeper might point out a new pup if one’s been born this year. It’s loud and lively, and you’ll get a good spot if you show up 10 minutes early.
The tiger feeding at Tiger Mountain is another one. They do it in the afternoon, usually 1 p.m., and you’ll see the tigers pace around before getting meat—like beef or rabbit. The keeper talks about how they hunt in the wild and why the zoo mimics that with puzzle feeders. You’ll be close enough to hear the crunching, which is pretty intense. If a cub’s around, they might join in, though they’re still learning.
There’s a new parrot talk at the World of Birds too. You’ll hear about their bright feathers and how they chatter, with a keeper showing off a macaw or cockatoo up close—maybe on their arm if it’s calm. It’s at 3 p.m., and you’ll learn which ones are endangered and why. These talks last 15-20 minutes, so they’re quick but packed with info.
A tiger at Bronx Zoo
Seasonal Snack Stops and Picnic Spots
The Bronx Zoo this spring rolls out some seasonal food options you’ll want to try. They’ve got carts and cafes open now that the weather’s warmer, and you’ll find them scattered around so you’re never far from a bite. The menus switch up for spring, with lighter stuff that fits the season.
At the Dancing Crane Café, you’ll see new items like a strawberry chicken salad—fresh greens, grilled chicken, and berries for $12. They’ve also got a lemon iced tea for $4 that’s perfect when you’re walking around. You’ll grab a table outside if it’s nice, or sit indoors if it rains. It’s near the flamingos, so you might watch them while you eat. The lines can get long around noon, so aim for 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. to beat the rush.
There’s a snack cart by the Children’s Zoo too. You’ll find soft pretzels for $5 and fruit cups—think pineapple and melon—for $6. It’s quick if you just need something small, and you can eat while watching the goats or sheep nearby. They’ve added a spring special: a mango smoothie for $7, which is a hit with kids. You’ll toss your trash in bins right there, so it’s easy to keep moving.
If you’d rather bring your own food, the picnic areas are open. The one near the Bison Range has tables and shade, and you’ll hear the bison grunting while you unpack. You can spread out a blanket if the tables are full—it’s big enough for that. There’s another spot by the Zoo Center with benches and a view of the peacocks wandering around. You’ll need to pack out your garbage, but it’s a cheap way to enjoy lunch.
Spring Safari Train Ride
The Spring Safari Train is a new twist on the zoo’s Wild Asia Monorail, running just for April and May. You’ll hop on near the Asia Plaza and ride through the Asian animal areas, getting a look at things from a different angle. It’s included in the Total Experience ticket, so you won’t pay extra if you’ve got that.
You’ll see animals like the Indian rhinos and red pandas from above, and the train moves slow—about 15 minutes total—so you can take it all in. The guide on board points out what’s below, like a rhino calf if one’s been born, or the elephants splashing in their pool. You’ll hear about how these animals live in the wild too, which adds some context. The seats are basic, but you’ll get a clear view out the windows—sit on the right for the best angle.
It runs every half hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting. You might wait 10-15 minutes if it’s busy, but the line moves fast. It’s a good break if your feet are tired, and kids love it since it feels like a mini adventure. You’ll snap some photos from up high that you can’t get on foot.
A seal at Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo this spring is full of new things to see and do, from baby animals taking their first steps to seasonal events that keep you busy. You’ll walk away with memories of giraffe calves, butterfly wings, and a train ride through the wild—all in a day that’s easy to fit into your plans. It’s a solid pick for families or anyone who likes animals, and the limited-time stuff makes it feel special.
After your zoo day, you could check out a New York in one day guided sightseeing tour to see the city’s big sights, or grab last minute Broadway tickets for a show like “Hamilton” to cap things off. There’s plenty more to do in NYC, like finding hidden gems in Manhattan or visiting Queens tourist attractions if you’ve got extra time.
Head to Visit NYCfor more ideas and to plan your next move.
