Exploring the New York Botanical Garden and Bronx Zoo

Family Days: Exploring the Botanical Garden and Bronx Zoo

Botanical Garden

Get outdoors-y this Sunday—or any other summer day—for a nature-inspired trip to the Bronx. It’s the last week of school for most … and you know what that means. They’re going to need something to do between now and the beginning of summer camp. And that something isn’t going to involve spilling pudding on the couch or coloring on the wall with 12 of the Crayola 96.

Instead, journey up—or down depending on where you’re coming from—to the New York Botanical Garden or the Bronx Zoo. Both are havens for curious tweens, bored teens, and busy parents. Bonus: It will be less than 90 degrees this weekend.

The New York Botanical Garden
Bronx River Parkway at Fordham Road
Bronx, NY 10458

Darwin’s Garden
Now until June 29
This recreation of Darwin’s English countryside garden will amaze children of all ages. Don’t worry about explaining his theories to them just yet; they’ll be too busy climbing all over a replication of his ship, the HMS Beagle or walking through the Bourke-Sullivan Display House, which demonstrates how plants can survive in extreme heat and cold. If you’re in the mood for a quick education session, catch up with Darwin scholar David Kohn, who also curated the exhibit or take the evolutionary tour, a 40-minute journey throughout the garden showcasing a variety of Darwin’s favorite plants and flowers.

Moore in America
Now until November 2
Even a typical “adult” event can be kid-friendly. Let your kids snap a picture of one of the sculptures featured in the park, as part of the Moore in America exhibit. Enter them in the contest and potentially win monetary prizes. Or make up stories for each of the status as you walk by. My parents and I used to do this when I was younger, but for each of bridges leading into and out of the city. Think of a name for the statues, whether or not it has any siblings, and what it’s least favorite cafeteria food is. I’m sure you’ll all agree on the mysterious meatloaf.

Admission: $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and students, $7 for children between the ages of 2 and 12, free for children ages two and under
Directions: B, D, or 4 train to Bedford Park Blvd

Bronx Zoo
The Wildlife Conversation Soceity
2300 Souther Boulvard
Bronx, NY 10460

Explore the Kit in You: An American Girl Experience
Now until June 15
If you have an elementary-school aged girl, you already know that American Girl mania has swept across classrooms, parks, and everywhere in between. In conjuction with Kit Kittredge (in theaters July 2nd), the zoo is featuring Kit’s life-size cottage and treehouse. (Just assure your daughter that if she begs grandma long enough, she may get a pint-sized cottage of her own). There will also be plenty of giveaways, including the highly coveted Kit Kittredge and Grace dolls.

Discover Madagascar!
June 21 to July 27
Teach your tykes all about the culture of the fourth-largest island in the world and it’s inhabits, the Malagasy people. Events include traditional music and dances as well as exhibits demonstrating the ins and outs of vanilla and cotton production. The zoo also transforms itself into a treasure hunter’s paradise, a reflection of Madagascar’s pirate history. Make your own lemur mask and hunt for keepsakes to take home—not including the stilt-walking lemurs of course.

Admission: $27 for adults, $23 for seniors age 65 and over, $21 for children between the ages of 3 and 12
Directions: 2, 5 to East Tremont Avenue