Nature and Animals

Bronx Zoo. The largest Metropolitan zoo in the United States. 265-acres of parkland and naturalistic habitats for some 4,000 animals. Outdoor exhibits, indoor exhibits, rides and children’s zoo. The Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx. 718-367-1010. http://www.bronxzoo.org.

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. Connecticut’s only zoo with some 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species, a free-flight aviary, prairie dog exhibit, New England Farmyard, educational events and children’s programs. 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport, Conn. 203-394-6569. http://www.beardsleyzoo.com.

Greenburgh Nature Center. A 33-acre woodland preserve with trails, pond, orchard, maple sugaring site, gardens, live animal museum with over 120 specimens, hands-on discovery room, greenhouse, nature-arts exhibits, nature store and programs for all ages. 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale. 723-3470. http://www.greenburghnaturecenter.org.

Maritime Aquarium. A learning environment with permanent and changing exhibits, special events, IMAX Theater, Behind-the-Scenes Tours and public cruises aboard the Aquarium’s research vessel Oceanic. The only aquarium focused on the Long Island Sound. 10 North Water St., Norwalk, Conn. 203-853-0700. http://www.maritimeaquarium.org.

Mystic Seaport, The Museum of America and the Sea. A seaport with a 19th Century Village, Waterfront area, Preservation Shipyard, Maritime Art Gallery, year-round special events, wooden boat playground, children’s museum and hands-on workshops and exhibits. 5 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic, Conn. 860-572-5315. http://www.mysticseaport.org.

Queens Zoo. A 5-acre zoo, ideal for youngsters, with over 70 species representing North and South America, an aviary, sea lion pool, barnyard animals and special events. Operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society. 5351 111th St., Flushing. 718-271-1500. http://www.queenszoo.com.

Stamford Museum and Nature Center. A center dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of art, history, natural sciences and agricultural sciences with family oriented exhibits, educational programs and special events. Site includes galleries, an observatory and planetarium, playground, Hecksher Farm, Otter Pond, a nature center, trails and a universally accessible nature trail. 39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford, Conn. 203-322-1646. http://www.stamfordmuseum.org.

Teatown Lake Reservation. A 834-acre nature preserve and education center offering environmental education and conservation activities for all ages, on and off-site. 33-acres with 15 miles of hiking trails, nature center, outdoor animal exhibits, working maple sugar house, bee and butterfly garden, laurel groves, Teatown Lake and a 2-acre sanctuary with 230 native and endangered species of wildflowers. 1600 Spring Valley Rd., Ossining. 762-2912. http://www.teatown.org.

The New York Botanical Garden. A National Historic Landmark with 250-acres, 50 curated display gardens, a 50-acre native forest, programs, exhibits, activities, family events, a Children’s Adventure Garden and a Family Garden. Bronx River Pkwy. at Fordham Rd., Bronx. 718-817-8700. http://www.nybg.org.