Prospect Park Zoo Opens Renovated Discovery Center

As the cold weather sets in, here's another options for parents looking for a place to get the kids out of the house but still keep them (and their parents) warm.  

The Wildlife Conservation Society just re-opened the Prospect Park Zoo's Discovery Center after renovations.

The redesigned space includes:

·         A campsite where parents and children can read nature books
·         Activity boxes for children to explore nature and wildlife items with magnifying glasses
·         A woodland stage with puppets and costumes for kids to perform their own wildlife plays
·         An area where kids can make their own animal-themed magnetic tangram puzzles
·         An area just for tots to play with foam blocks and stuffed animals

Several of the more popular areas from the previous incarnation have been kept including the striped mice, great horned owl, and mud turtle exhibits, as well as the zoo vet center for kids and the scoop on poop exhibit.

The zoo has several other indoor areas with animal exhibits (including the meerkats, , and Lestat the Giant Jumping Rat, On weekends, there are indoor keeper chats and arts and crafts. 

The Discovery Center is open on weekends from 11am to 3pm. Admission to discovery center is free with zoo admission of $8 for adults, $6 for seniors over 64 and $5 for kids 3-12. Kids 0-2 are free. 

During the week school groups, play groups, and camps can reserve a private visit for up to 35 people for $150. Price includes the cost of zoo admission and an educational live animal encounter. The Discovery Center is also available for birthday parties for kids ages 2 to 8. More information on the zoo's website. 

For more information or to book a private visit, call 718-399-7327 or email ppzeducation@wcs.org.

Zoo hours are 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. weekdays, and to 5:30 P.M. on weekends and holidays, April through October. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. November through March.