Central Park Zoo is a compact animal park near the southeast corner of Central Park. It has sea lions, penguins, red pandas, snow leopards, and tropical birds, with exhibits small enough to fit easily into a wider park visit.
The children's zoo next door is included with admission and is the best part for younger kids, with farm animals and play areas. It is not a full-day zoo like the Bronx Zoo, but it is a good family stop in Manhattan.