NY Botanical Garden

Bronx, NY

Admission fee, parking lot fee

Free grounds access on Wednesdays; does not include entry to the Enid A Haupt Conservatory, special exhibitions like the Orchid Show and Holiday Train Show, Everett Children's Adventure Garden, Rock and Native Plant Gardens or Tram Tour (visit neighboring Bronx Zoo which is also free on Wednesdays)

Free on Saturdays b/w 9am and 10am (double check before you go)

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer, Fall

www.nybg.org

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I went here in the very beginning of spring, when only a few trees were in bloom.  But the Orchid Show only goes on for so long, and that was the main draw the month I went.  Admission costs more than it otherwise would have because of this spectacular display in the greenhouse!  I wish I had gone at night to see the flowers illuminated during Orchid Nights!  It is the perfect spot for a romantic date or a proposal! The outer grounds were also beautiful but unfortunately, there was not enough to see just yet.  Had I gone early May, the garden would have been at its peak!

There are activities here throughout the cold season as well!  From December 31-January 22, there is an "All Aboard with Thomas & Friends" show as well as the "Holiday Train Show" that are great activities with the children.  More information is included on their website.  

Always check www.groupon.com for deals before you go.  

For a list of other gardens, click here.

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!

 

The Bronx Zoo

Bronx, NY

Admission Fee

Pay what you will for grounds access on Wednesdays; does not include admission to special exhibitions like the Butterfly Garden, Congo Gorilla Forest and Jungle World; visit neighboring NY Botanical Garden which is also free on Wednesdays

Parking on the Street

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer, Fall

www.bronxzoo.com

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Make sure you go when your children are old enough to appreciate the animals!  I had gone with my husband and two year old son, and I got more enjoyment out of the experience than my toddler!  But every child is different! I'm sure if I go again with my older children, they will understand how cool it is to be face to face with a guerilla (separated by a glass screen), or see a polar bear, lion or giraffe within a few yards!  The zoo is massive and I only walked around for two hours as my son soon grew impatient.   

In July of 2017, the Bronx Zoo debuted Nature Trek.  Expect sand, water (seasonal), and loose branches in the nature play area.  Admission to Nature Trek is included with the Bronx Zoo Total Experience ticket, which is $6.00 per person.  Read more about this here.  Also every October the Zoo hosts Boo in the Zoo every weekend for Halloween.  

Kill a few birds with one stone:  There isn't much to do in this neighborhood! If you have enough time and money, definitely stop by the neighboring Bronx Botanical Garden if you are here in the spring!  

For a list of other zoos in the area, click here.

Click on the gallery above to view pictures and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!

 

Wave Hill

Riverdale, Bronx

Admission fee, parking lot

Free on Tuesdays from 9am to noon (double check before you go)

Free on Saturdays from 9am to noon (double check before you go)

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer Fall

www.wavehill.org

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Located on the Hudson River, this is a beautiful 28-acre public garden that is perfect and scenic in any season.  I visited in the very beginning of Spring when some flowers were in bloom but no trees  yet.  I could have waited a couple of weeks to get to see some Magnolias or Cherry Blossoms, but I love tulips and the garden was full.  This is one of the most unique gardens I have visited in all of New York.  Once we parked in the parking lot, a shuttle drove us to the front entrance and once there, it was easy to navigate using a map.  We spent two hours at this magical place but could easily have stayed the entire day.  Make sure you check to see what time the mansion tours are open to as we missed the opportunity. But the house was exquisite and super charming!  The park is not open till late so you cannot catch the sunset.  I imagine the park being unbearably warm in the summer so I chose the Spring.  I would love to visit in the Fall and experience the foliage reflecting off the Hudson.  

Kill a few birds with one stone:  Take a 10 minute detour and explore the neighborhood around Wave Hill as well as the neighborhood of Fieldston, both in Riverdale.  It is one of NYC's wealthiest neighborhoods of the five boroughs, and truly unique.  Also, you can pick up lunch from the local Carlos and Gabbys and picnic away at the park.  Or drive down to the Upper West Side in Manhattan for dinner.

For a list of other gardens, click here.

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!