Select Region
Let's Get Social!


Prospect Park and Queens Zoo Launch New Educational Quests Program

Prospect Park and Queens Zoo Launch New Educational Quests Program


Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) scientists work around the world to save wildlife, and now families who visit Prospect Park Zoo and Queens Zoo can learn more about that work through the newly expanded WCS Quests experiential program, according to a press release.

While the Quests are specifically designed for children, adults can also participate so it can become a family affair. The program allows visitors to learn about animals at each zoo and in the wild in a scavenger hunt format. Participants receive a Quests map brochure at the start of the adventure at each zoo and then visit several stations spread around each park to complete science and conservation challenges. The goal is to connect everyone with the animals and nature in a new and exciting way. Visitors are encouraged to share their experience on social media with the hashtag #wcsquests.

Prospect Park Zoo Quests takes place 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays through Labor Day, then on weekends only through Columbus Day. Some of the stations include:

Nature Playscape – Participants will get creative along the Discovery Trail, with activities and explorations using natural objects inspired by the animals that live there.

Wetland Wonders– Inside the Animal Lifestyles building, visitors will learn about the wetland habitats of New York City and what they can do to keep these ecosystems healthy. 

Conservation Station – At the Hall of Animals exhibit, visitors will conduct experiments inspired by the activities of WCS scientists saving wildlife and wild places around the world.



Queens Zoo Quests takes place 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays through Labor Day only. The stations there include:

Bird Station – Visitors will identify the amazing birds at the zoo, using binoculars provided by zoo staff. 

Sea Lion Station – Visitors will learn about the aquatic animals that live in New York City’s waterways while discovering simple ways they can help keep the New York seascape clean for wildlife and people. 

Farm Fun – The zoo is home to a wide range of domestic animals, including sheep, goats, chickens, and horses.  Participants will play farm-themed games and learn about the fuzzy domestic friends who live on the zoo’s farm. 

For more information on the Quests, visit the Prospect Park Zoo website and Queens Zoo.

RELATED: Find More Zoos In Your Area

Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest updates on fun events and other family activities in your area.

Main photo: Julie Larsen Maher © Courtesy WCS

More Family Activities Articles:

Circus Glow Comes to Brooklyn and Queens

Circus Glow is bringing a totally new style of circus to Brooklyn and Queens. It is committed to providing children and families with an illuminated e...


Latest News:

Things to Do with Kids in NYC this Weekend

Enjoy these fun things to do with your kids in New York City this weekend. Start planning your weekend now with our editorially curated list of happen...


Family Activities:



Have a Laugh:

Best Memes of the Week for Parents

Here are the funniest parenting memes from Instagram, Facebook, and Reddit this week.

Author: Linda DiProperzio has written extensively on parenting issues for Parents, American Baby, Parenting, and Family Circle, among others. She lives in New York with her husband and two sons. See More

Featured Listings:

Long Island Aquarium

Long Island Aquarium

Riverhead, NY Make a wish with the fish! Have an Aquatic Birthday Party at the Long Island Aquarium! Your birthday child and guests will enjoy an underwater advent...

Children's Museum of Manhattan (The)

Children's Museum of Manhattan (The)

New York, NY For more than thirty years CMOM has been a destination and resource where families of all backgrounds come to learn, play and grow together. At CMOM, ...

Westchester Children’s Museum

Westchester Children’s Museum

Rye, NY The Westchester Children’s Museum, overlooking the boardwalk and Long Island Sound in Rye, NY, is a light-filled, colorful learning space filled with ...