The Butterfly Garden is now open and it’s more spectacular than ever before. Explore the pathways that are surrounded by lush vegetation as you explore the 5,000 square foot area. See more than 1,000 butterfly species that are native to North America, as they flit and flutter around you. Meander through the elegant garden where you will learn fun facts about butterflies, view whimsical sculptures and hear beautiful music. Butterfly species include Monarchs, American Ladies, Black Swallowtails, Luna Moths, Mourning Cloaks and a wide variety of others.
Bug Carousel
If you are visiting the Bronx Zoo with little ones, be sure to visit the Bug Carousel when you have finished exploring the Butterfly Garden. Here, they can fly high in the sky on magnificent insects. This is a truly unique carousel. Instead of the usual horses, kids ride on praying mantis, ladybugs, grasshoppers and a variety of other insects. The 76 seat carousel is brightly decorated and is accessible all year ‘round.
Location
The Bronx Zoo is located at Fordham Road and the Bronx River Parkway, The Bronx, New York City, NY.
Ellis Island Immigration Museum
Be sure to take the kids to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, which was once the bustling hub for immigrants who were entering the US between 1892 and 1929. The main floor exhibits show patterns of immigration over the years and gives a multitude of interesting facts about the immigrants that were processed at the station. The second level displays a wide array of objects brought to the new country by immigrants of widely diverse backgrounds.
Have the kids look for the names of ancestors or those of friend’s ancestors on the Wall of Honor outside the Museum. They will leave Ellis Island with a good understanding of the people who arrived in America to start new lives.
Location
Ellis Island is located in New York Harbor and can be accessed by ferry from Battery Park, which is in lower Manhattan.