The last time I was at the Bronx Zoo, it was over 30 years ago and I was with my grandma. It was a hot, sticky New York City day and we took a long NYC bus ride over from her apartment in Washington Heights. Living in New York City for over 22 years with two young girls, I have yet to go back (except for one spectacular wedding!) and experience The Bronx Zoo of the 21st century because from what I’m hearing it’s got amazing, interactive experiences.
What is the Dinosaur Safari at The Bronx Zoo?
For example, back by popular demand, The Dinosaur Safari at The Bronx Zoo is an interactive ride that takes place in a 2-acre area of the Bronx Zoo. You’ll hop on a hayride-like wagon and go on a journey and watch over 30 realistic, animatronic dinosaurs that roar, hiss, move, and spit water. The ride is led by a “detective” narrator who helps tell the story of how paleontologists gather evidence to draft the story of our world’s past. You and your kids will learn how scientists use the clues and study modern animals to create educated pictures of what these ancient creatures might have looked like, sounded like, and even acted like.
Things you’ll be able to see: a gigantic T-Rex stalking an injured Triceratops; a mother dinosaur protecting their nests and curious babies from lurking predators; 3 Dilophosaurus dinosaurs spitting dinosaur goo and much more.
After the ride, you’ll be taken to the Dinosaur Safari Field Site, a mock dig site. You and your kids can dig for fossils, control an animatronic robot, take a photo on a huge Pachyrhinosaurus, touch skulls and claws, and learn about these exciting species from zoo volunteers.
How has it gotten better from last year?
This year’s Dinosaur Safari at The Bronx Zoo includes 50% more dinosaurs, stimulating scenes, and many groupings of mothers with their babies and nests. This year, guests will stumble upon clusters of dinosaurs that seem to be in the midst of thrilling wildlife scenarios. All such groupings are based on the latest scientific evidence, obtained through the collaborative efforts of the American Museum of Natural History and the Bronx Zoo’s talented scientists and curators. This year’s ride will take time with each scene, allowing for the perfect photo opportunity for each visitor to take home a memory.
More Family Events at The Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo will also be hosting interactive shows, author presentations, and character appearances related to Dinosaur Safari this April through June. Although Dinosaur Safari will continue through September, the Bronx Zoo will focus additional programming on the Children’s Zoo Celebration for July and August.
May 10th/11th & 17th/18th: Dinosaurs Rock® Show – 12:30pm, 2:00pm, 3:30pm. Back by popular demand, Dinosaurs Rock® will be making their 4th appearance at the Bronx Zoo in this exciting and educational performance. Dinosaur expert Neil Brown brings the museum to you in this interactive show where guests can learn about real fossils and bones in a fun, entertaining way.
May 31st: Molly Idle Meet and Greet – 12:30pm, 2:00pm, 3:30pm. Enjoy story time and a dinosaur drawing demo with Molly Idle, author of the popular children’s book, Camp Rex.
Dinosaur Safari at The Bronx Zoo opens April 12th and continues every day until Labor Day, September 1st. For more information, visit The Bronx Zoo Dinosaur Safari website.