Tucked into historic Thompson Park in Watertown, Zoo New York is the only zoo dedicated entirely to wildlife native to New York State — black bears, wolverines, river otters, mountain lions, bald eagles, and more, all within about 30 acres of shaded paths. It’s a small, intimate zoo (plan on 45 minutes to a couple of hours), which is exactly what makes it work for young families: no marathon trekking, no exotic-animal expectations, just a calm walk among animals that actually live in the North Country.
Hours
| Season | Hours |
|---|---|
| Summer (May–October) | Daily, 10am–5pm (last ticket 4:30pm) |
| Winter (November–February) | Saturday–Sunday, 11am–3pm |
| Spring (March–April) | Daily, 11am–3pm |
The zoo notes it may open on nice-weather weekdays and school breaks in winter — check zoonewyork.org before heading out in the off-season.
Admission
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults (13–65) | $12 |
| Children (3–12) | $9 |
| Children 2 & under | Free |
| Seniors | 10% off |
| Active-duty military & veterans | 20% off |
Discounted tickets must be purchased at the front desk — valid ID may be required.
Animals & exhibits
The lineup changes over time, but the focus stays on New York natives: black bears, wolverines, river otters, mountain lions, Canada lynx, elk, bald eagles, and snowy owls, plus indoor tanks of native reptiles, amphibians, and fish. There’s a seasonal butterfly house, a playground for kids, and a fire tower open for climbing on select days. Many of the animals are rescues — worth reading the signage, since the backstories are half the experience.
Events
Boo at the Zoo returns October 17, 18, 24 & 25 — the zoo’s Halloween event, with trick-or-treating through the grounds, festive decorations, interactive tables, and special animal activities. Check zoonewyork.org for this year’s details.
Good to know before you go
It’s a small zoo — and that’s the point. If you’re expecting the Bronx Zoo, reset expectations. For kids, the scale is a feature: everything is walkable, and the animals are close.
Buy discounted tickets at the desk. The military and senior discounts only apply to tickets purchased at the front admissions desk.
Last ticket at 4:30pm in summer — don’t roll in at quarter to five.
Pair it with the park. The zoo sits inside Thompson Park, so a visit stacks naturally with the rest of the park — see our history of Thompson Park for the backstory, and the day-trips guide if you’re making a day of the region.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Zoo New York cost?
Adults $12, children 3–12 $9, children 2 and under free. Seniors get 10% off and active-duty military/veterans get 20% off with ID, purchased at the front desk.
What are Zoo New York’s hours?
May through October it’s open daily 10am–5pm. November through February it’s weekends only, 11am–3pm; March and April it’s daily 11am–3pm.
Is there a military discount?
Yes — 20% off for active-duty military and veterans with valid ID, tickets purchased at the admissions desk.
How long does it take to visit?
Most visitors spend 45 minutes to a couple of hours. It’s a compact zoo — easy with small kids.
Where is Zoo New York?
1 Thompson Park, Watertown, NY 13601 — inside Thompson Park. (315) 782-6180.