Queens Zoo, Corona, NY

Description

The Queens Zoo is located in Flushing Meadow Park, 53-51 111th Street, Corona, NY. There is only a small parking lot with three accessible spaces close by. Parking needs to be found on nearby streets.

The Zoo is five acres and has more than 75 species living here. The main paths are flat and paved. Detours to the habitats are compact wood chips.

The multi-stall restrooms have a large, accessible stall and accessible sinks. There is a baby-changing station.

At this time to gift shop and food concession is located outdoors, with limited selections. Clusters of benches can be found along the main path.

Checklist

Attraction Type:  kid-friendly, parks
Surface of lot:  paved
Distance to venue:  close
Transportation to venue offered:  na
Terrain:  flat
Places to rest:  benches throughout
Paths and walkways:  main paths are paved - detours are compacted wood chips
Doors:  na
Number of floors:  na
Elevators:  na
Ramps:  no
Steps and staircases:  none
Width of aisles:  good space throughout
Places to sit:  benches throughout
Location of restrooms:  free-standing buildings
Type of restroom:  multi-stall, large, accessible stall, accessible stinks
Ease of entry and exit:  good
Baby changing station:  yes
Available food services:  limited as of today (5-16-21)
Friendliness of staff:  very pleasant and knowledgeable
Notes:  * the parking lot is quite small - parking needs to be found on a street

Read More

The Queens Zoo – where is it exactly? What does it have? These are some of the questions I had about the Queens Zoo, yet another example of places I have never been to. It is located within Flushing Meadow Park, Corona (Queens), NY.  So, early one Sunday morning we made our way there. In this time of Covid, timed tickets need to be purchased in advance. Before you read any further, know that in these constantly changing times, the information we are offering is what wasin place on the day we visited (5-16-21). It seems that all rules and regulations are fluid and changing at any moment. The best thing to do is check the Zoo’s website  (http://www.queenszoo.com">www.queenszoo.com) to get the latest information available. 

We are quite fortunate in the New York area to have the world-class Bronx Zoo close by. It is great, but it can also be overwhelming for some. The Queens Zoo is a much more intimate venue and one that should not be overlooked, especially for younger kids.

The first thing to know is that we needed two timed tickets, which could only be purchased in advance. My “better half” was hesitant to purchase them. Good thing we did, because when we arrived at our allotted time, a large sign stated that the entire day was sold out!

We did not realize how small the parking lot just outside the park entrance is.There are three accessible spaces.  Being unable to park in the lot, we made our way down one of the side streets across from the park and were able to get a parking spot here. If you need to do this, you can drop your passenger off at the entrance – there are benches just inside the park entrance,

One person online described the Zoo as “…a picturesque zoo,” with animals from the Americas and birds from the Western Hemisphere.There are more than 75 species within its five acres. The  aviary houses birds from the Western Hemisphere.

At the moment, the zoo is one way – it’s easy too o follow the paved path, making detours along the way to visit the residents. These detours are either paved, or made with compact wood chips. 

As we wandered the tree-lined path we stopped to see some bears frolicking in the water, alpacas and chimps, among others. The sea lion pool had two playful inhabitants. The aviary dome is lush. A spiral ramp  goes to the top – but the accessible portion stops before that. A clear sign signifies where one should stop. They are not kidding, it is seriously steep to the top. If you can make it, it is something to see! 

There are clusters of benches (usually two or three together), on the paved path, throughout the zoo. Know that you can find a place to sit and rest not too far from wherever you are!

There are several free-standing, restroom buildings. Each has an accessible stall and accessible sinks. There is a baby-changing station as well. 

At of today, the gift shop and cafe have limited take-away items. There is picnic style seating very close by.

Once you leave you cannot return, but you can go across the path to the petting zoo. As of today, there was no petting allowed – just looking!

This is a lovely venue, easy to walk and observe so much in a small setting. Since it is located within a park, you can walk around (or go online) and see what else the park has to offer. We decided to walk to the lake, which turned out to be quite a hike!

As always, we at Destination:Accessible, advise you to visit a venue’s website, http://www.queenszoo.com">www.queenszoo.com, to “know before you go.” 

Location

Nearby