Family Plan – 3 Hours at Central Park Zoo

This plan balances wow moments with rest.

Motto: Keep it short and shiny — high-impact moments, frequent breaks.

The Flow (3 Hours)

1. Sea Lion Pool (10–15 min) — catch a show if timing aligns.
2. Tropic Zone (20–30 min) — upper path first, then descend.
3. Snack + bathroom break (10–15 min) — reset and hydrate.
4. Temperate Territory (20–30 min) — look for enrichment.
5. Polar Circle (20–30 min) — cool down and watch penguins.
6. Delacorte Clock (5 min) + Children’s Zoo (30–45 min) — end with play.

Bathroom & Snack Anchors

• Restrooms near entrance and plaza.
• Snack along exits; save sweets for after Polar Circle to avoid energy spikes.
• Refill bottles during the plaza pause.

Parent Checkpoints

• Hydration after Tropic Zone.
• Quiet sit near Polar Circle.
• Exit when energy dips; nearby Pond walk is restorative.
• Adjust for naps: do Children’s Zoo earlier if a nap is imminent.

Stroller Strategy

• Favor right-side ramps for gentle grades.
• Park strollers to the side at exhibits to keep sightlines open.
• Use plaza benches for quick reorganizing.

Mini Games for Kids

• “Find three colors” in Tropic Zone.
• “Count the spins” at Sea Lion Pool.
• “Spot the band color” on penguin flippers.

Keep expectations flexible — short, high-quality stops beat rushing.