If a ferry ride boasting amazing views of the NYC skyline and the Statue of Liberty isn’t reason enough to check out Staten Island, keep reading to discover six ways to spend a day there. With a just-opened carousel, a botanical garden, a children’s museum, a baseball arena and even a new theme park rivaling Coney Island, you may be surprised by all of the attractions this oft forgotten borough has to offer.

1. Catch a glimpse of an endangered species.

The Staten Island Zoo recently unveiled a remarkable 4,500 square foot enclosure to house two incredibly rare Amur Leopards.  There are estimated to be only 40 Amur Leopards left in the wild, so not only will you have the opporunity to view these beautiful cats, you can have a discussion about conservation with your little ones.  Of course, there is no better place to discuss that than the Zoo's just-opened Conservation Carousel ($2 per person) where you can ride one of 25 handcrafted wooden animals, all of which are threatened, vulnerable or endangered species.  If your kids are still haunting you by singing "Let It Go," make sure you introduce them to the Zoo's three new Arctic Foxes, named Elsa, Anna, and Idina.

Go: The Staten Island Zoo, 614 Broadway

Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.--4:45 p.m.

Admission: $8 for adults, $5 for children 3-14, children under 3 free, free on Wednesdays from 2 p.m.-4:45 p.m.

What’s your favorite spot to visit with your family on Staten Island?

–Christine Gibson