I own a home within walking distance of the Bronx ...

I own a home within walking distance of the Bronx Zoo otherwise known as the New York Zoological Society Bronx Zoo which has been around since 1898. The reason for the four star is the following:

First off there's only one day in the week when the zoo is free however they encourage you to make a donation and they look at you kind of weird if you don't make a donation. Furthermore pack a lunch is very expensive to dine in the Bronx Zoo and it's not worth the money you're not that far from the Italian business district which has an assortment of restaurants and bistros to satisfy your appetite.

There is a fee for parking however you may want to get to the zoo very early in order to get a good parking position you might want to get there up to 2 hours literally before the zoo opens because of the traffic that generates at this location. During the summer months it could be very crowded and if you're dealing with small children keep this in mind.