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Eager guests greet the California sea lions who put on a show during their twice-daily training sessions.

Exploring the Prospect Park Zoo

Every family we encountered was thrilled to be back inside Brooklyn’s only zoo, which is located off Flatbush Avenue on the east side of Prospect Park. After spending the last eight months schlepping to the Central Park Zoo—which, by the way, is worth the trip—it was a joy to be back at our own local spot, which has a laid-back, cozy vibe and is particularly well-suited for little ones.

The sea lion pool is at the center of the zoo. We made sure to catch one of the twice-daily feedings to watch the three California sea lions splash, play, and wave to us from the water.

From the circular sea lion pool, pathways extend like bike spokes, leading to two indoor exhibit areas, a barn, and a nature trail.

The nature trail features eight outdoor exhibits where you can gawk at prickly porcupines, cuddly red pandas, and playful river otters. There are a handful of small play areas dotted throughout the trail, including some kid-sized lily pads, a rope spider web, and giant eggs for climbing and hatching.

Just before the zoo reopened, two pudus—tiny deer with sleek, brown coats—arrived for the first time. You can find them at the start of the nature trail in the habitat formerly occupied by prairie dogs. My daughter loved climbing inside the back of the exhibit and poking her head into the clear domes to get a closer look at the pudus.

Another favorite stop was the baboon habitat, which also boasted some new additions—two babies were born while the zoo was closed. The youngest came into the world on May 21, and we got to watch the mama baboon carry her tiny baby around. My daughter squealed with delight when another little baboon interacted with her from behind the glass.

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The Sebastopol geese are always eager for a snack from visitors.

Other highlights included the always-entertaining, free-range peacocks and the gorgeous Sebastopol geese, whose silky feathers make it look like they just stepped out of the salon.

Insider Tips for Visiting the Prospect Park Zoo

There are two entrances to the zoo, but only one is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. To roll right in, use the children’s entrance at the south end of the zoo, near the Prospect Park Carousel. The main entrance on Flatbush Avenue has a long set of stairs.

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Save time to feed sheep in the barnyard. It's always a thrill for little ones.

After so many months away, I was out of practice and forgot to bring a stash of quarters for feeding the animals. A fellow mom was kind enough to share her duck food with my daughter. We were also able to feed the sheep and goats at the barn, and that's always a favorite activity. It costs 50 cents for a handful of food (quarters only). There are change machines on-site that accept $1 and $5 bills. Keep in mind that the food dispensers are shut off by 2pm, so buy your animal snacks early.

There are limited concessions available for purchase and several picnic tables. We also spotted some families picnicking in the shade on the grassy area near the sea lion pool.

Be prepared to park strollers outside of the buildings with indoor exhibits.

Prospect Park Zoo Admission

Single tickets cost $9.95 for adults (13 and up), $7.95 for seniors (65 and over), and $6.95 for children ages 3-12. Ages 2 and under enter for FREE.

Family memberships start at $225 a year and include admission to all four WCS zoos in the city (Bronx, Central Park, Queens, and Prospect Park Zoos).

More Fun near the Prospect Park Zoo

The zoo is right next to the Prospect Park Carousel and directly across the street from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Make a day of it and visit one of Prospect Park’s multiple playgrounds (Lincoln Road Playground is the closest) or check out the roller skating rink or the splash pad at the Lefrak Center at Lakeside (both of which are converted into ice skating rinks in the winter).

Photos by the author