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Zoos in the US

Walking through the gates to see the animals is the only way to spend a day outside.

Based on 481 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Orange County Zoo image 1
Orange County Zoo image 2
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Zoo offers affordable entry at $2 and a family friendly vibe with easy walking paths. Large park with tree canopy creates a peaceful setting. Kids enjoy petting zoo and pony rides, plus clear views of jaguars and mountain lions.

Entry costs just $2, making it very affordable. The zoo is small and family friendly, easy to walk, and great for kids.

People are saying

"I found the zoo to be a fun place with a great petting zoo."

"I thought the zoo was affordable, with entry costing only $2."

"It's really cool to be so up close to native wild animals."

Good to know

1

The entrance fee is only $2 per person, with children under 2 entering for free.

2

Parking costs $5 per car, but finding a spot can be challenging.

3

The zoo hosts community events like Star Wars day that are enjoyable for the whole family.

02
African Savanna at Fort Worth Zoo image 1

African Savanna features naturalistic habitats with large enclosures showcasing a wide variety of animals. It offers a family-friendly atmosphere with interactive kid areas and plenty of shaded spots. Ongoing remodeling keeps exhibits fresh and engaging.

African Savanna exhibit stands out with its beautiful and improved displays. The zoo hosts a wide variety of amazing animals and maintains a clean, well-organized environment.

People are saying

"I had so much fun seeing all the animals at the zoo."

"I had so much fun seeing all the amazing animals."

"It's really Kid Friendly; my kids had a lot of fun."

Good to know

1

Wednesday offers a friendly discount price for admission.

2

The zoo is currently remodeling some areas, including the African Savanna.

3

Expect larger crowds on weekends, especially during peak hours.

03
Snake Discovery: A Reptile Experience image 1

Spacious, naturalistic enclosures showcase a variety of animals with a well-planned layout. Engaging educators like Brooke lead interactive experiences such as holding snakes. The place offers a family-like atmosphere with entertaining education in a beautifully maintained setting.

A variety of animals fills the zoo, both inside the store and in the exhibits. The layout is well put together, and educators like Brooke lead engaging experiences during events.

People are saying

"It's so Kid Friendly; you can even hold a snake!"

"The zoo staff are so knowledgeable and friendly."

"The guided tours here are so informative, especially about the reptiles."

Good to know

1

Free guided tours are available, allowing visitors to see and touch reptiles.

2

Birthday parties can be booked, providing a unique and fun experience.

3

The 5:00 tour is popular and often well-attended.

04
Randall Oaks Zoo image 1

Small zoo offers a relaxed atmosphere with interactive animal experiences like pony rides and petting. Friendly staff keep the grounds well maintained. Perfect for families with young children seeking a cozy, engaging visit without crowds.

Small size keeps visits manageable and not overwhelming. Pony rides and animal feed add interactive fun. Staff are friendly and grounds stay well maintained.

People are saying

"This zoo is small, cute, and great for young children."

"I found the zoo to be super affordable."

"The picnic spot was so clean and neat."

Good to know

1

Keeper talks occur every hour during busy times, focusing on different animals.

2

Brew at the Zoo is an adult-only event with drinks, live music, and interactive exhibits.

3

Educational programs and seasonal events add extra fun and learning opportunities.

05
African Lions at Bronx Zoo image 1

Spacious enclosures house majestic lions and playful penguins across large grounds perfect for a full day visit. Family picnic areas and shops create a welcoming atmosphere. Near the entrance, enjoy incredible barbecue that adds flavor to the day.

Large grounds require a full day to explore with majestic lions and playful penguins featured. Family picnic areas and well-organized habitats add to the experience, while food options include incredible barbecue near the entrance.

People are saying

"I saw majestic lions and playful penguins at the Zoo."

Good to know

1

Wednesdays offer free admission to the zoo.

2

Getting a membership is beneficial for frequent visitors.

3

The zoo is large and takes a whole day to explore.

06
Animal EDventure Park & Safari image 1
Wildlife and safari park

Wildlife park offers intimate animal encounters with kangaroos and otters in a family-oriented setting. Walkthrough safari tours let you feed zebras and monkeys, while VIP tours include an otter swim experience. Immaculate grounds with festive seasonal themes make visits engaging for all ages.

Walkthrough safari tours feature zebras, camels, monkeys, and capybaras with chances to feed many animals. VIP tours include an otter swim experience and showcase a large variety of animals cared for with genuine love.

People are saying

"The guides here are so knowledgeable and make the fun activities really special."

"The park guides are so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the animals."

"You can pet kangaroos and sloths at this zoo!"

Good to know

1

Reservations are required, so visitors should book in advance.

2

Denim jeans are required attire for visitors.

3

You should not show up early because you are held at the gate outside until your check-in time.

07
Children's Zoo image 1

Small farm area offers friendly animals perfect for toddlers and a petting zoo that invites close interaction. Calm ponds with ducks and turtles add a magical atmosphere. Climbing play areas and tunnels make it a fun spot for kids.

The Children's Zoo offers close views of cute animals and a petting zoo with farm animals. It includes climbing and play areas plus tunnels to crawl through, making it a fun spot for kids.

People are saying

"The Children's Zoo is a charming place for kids to see animals."

"The Children's Zoo is a charming place for kids to get up close with animals."

"It's a fun, family-friendly activity to get up close with animals."

Good to know

1

Visitors should bring quarters to buy pellets for feeding the animals.

2

I recommend buying tickets in advance to save money.

3

You should wash your hands after petting the animals.

08
Zoomazium image 1

Zoomazium features climbing structures and interactive toys that spark creativity and physical play. Bright, open spaces let kids explore nature-based activities while adults relax nearby. It offers a perfect indoor play area to recharge during a zoo visit.

Zoomazium offers a beautiful indoor play area designed for young kids to explore and learn. It serves as a fun spot to recharge before continuing to explore the rest of the zoo.

People are saying

"It's a great Kid Friendly place with a big open space to run around."

"Zoomazium is a fun indoor play area in the zoo for kids."

"The playground has lots of nature and animal toys for free play."

Good to know

1

Zoomazium has a designated area for children aged 2 to 5 years.

2

Expect long wait times for the restroom due to limited facilities.

3

The indoor play area includes arts, crafts, blocks, and a slide.

09
Redland Conservation Center image 1

Spacious enclosures with natural habitats create a peaceful, respectful atmosphere. Visitors enjoy hands-on experiences that foster close connections with animals. Clean, well-organized spaces make it ideal for educational visits and family traditions.

Offers an educational, hands-on experience that lets you truly connect with the animals. Visits often become a yearly tradition for families exploring different zoos.

People are saying

"It's an educational, hands-on zoo where you truly connect with animals."

"Jacob and his family are so welcoming, it's like hanging out with friends."

"Jacob's passion for the animals makes these hidden gems truly fascinating."

Good to know

1

Advance booking is required as walk-ins are not accepted.

2

The center offers hands-on experiences with various animals, including sloths and lemurs.

3

Jacob, the founder, provides knowledgeable and enthusiastic guidance during tours.

10
Como Park image 1

Zoo blends lush botanical walkways with peaceful lake views and well-maintained gardens. Wildlife habitats focus on animal well-being, showcasing active primates and big cats. Free admission and a quiet, relaxing atmosphere make it perfect for family visits.

A sanctuary with incredible wildlife and habitats that prioritize animal well-being. It offers a diverse range of species including primates, big cats, and aquatic animals, with many animals visible and active.

People are saying

"I loved this little zoo; it's a family favorite."

"It's a great place for picnics with plenty of open parkland."

"This meditation spot is so peaceful with lush gardens and koi ponds."

Good to know

1

Admission to Como Park Zoo is free or available through a donation of your choice.

2

Parking can be challenging, so arrive early to secure a spot.

3

The Bonsai festival attracts large crowds, especially on Mother's Day.

11
World of Birds image 1

Enclosure offers Budgie Parrot experience for close bird interaction and a World of Birds exhibit that delights families. Calm atmosphere supports educational experiences perfect for children. Visitors enjoy diverse bird species in a focused learning space.

Budgie Parrot experience offers close interaction with birds. The zoo features a World of Birds exhibit included with admission. It stands out as a major highlight for families.

People are saying

"The Zoo's World of Birds has incredible species."

Good to know

1

World of Birds is included in zoo membership or admission.

2

Expect to see a wide variety of bird species.

3

The facility offers educational programs for children.

12
Chicago Zoological Society image 1
Non-profit organization

Expansive grounds feature diverse animals and engaging exhibits for all ages. Bright Holiday Magic lights create a festive vibe during events. Frequent visits are easy with a zoo membership that invites regular exploration.

Huge grounds offer lots to see and do with a wide variety of animals. Frequent visits are easy with a zoo membership that encourages regular exploration.

People are saying

"You'll see lots of animals and things to do at the zoo."

Good to know

1

Holiday Magic lights event runs from December 1 to January 1 each year.

2

Expect large crowds on weekends, especially during holiday events.

3

The zoo offers stroller rentals for families with young children.

13
Zoologico image 1

Zoo features clean paths and family-friendly games for kids. Free parking and affordable entry make it easy to visit. A simple train ride offers a quick tour but lacks excitement.

Several maps help navigate the zoo, which stays clean throughout. A train ride offers a way to see the grounds, though the route is simple and less impressive than expected.

People are saying

"It's a wonderful, clean place for kids and family fun."

"It's a wonderful place for kids to have fun."

"I loved visiting the zoo with my family."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available at the zoo.

2

The entrance fee is $22 for adults and $19 for children over two.

3

It's best to arrive when the zoo opens to avoid long wait times.

14
Petting Barn at Fort Worth Zoo image 1

Enjoy gentle goats and a calf at the Petting Barn near a fun play area. Shaded paths and a forest-like ambiance make exploring easy and relaxing. Kids love the interactive activities and feeding giraffes, while the clean, accessible zoo suits all visitors.

Lots of interactive activities for children make this zoo stand out, including a Petting Barn and opportunities to feed giraffes. The zoo is very clean and offers plenty of shade, making it easy to explore even with mobility aids like electric carts and wheelchairs.

People are saying

"It's a great Kid Friendly place to get up close to animals."

"The petting barn at the zoo was the best part."

"The petting barn is so much fun for the kids."

Good to know

1

The zoo offers a special half-price admission on Wednesdays.

2

I highly recommend buying tickets in advance to walk in easily.

3

The lines at the food places were about 45 minutes or longer.

15
Staten Island Zoo image 1

Zoo offers free admission after 2pm on Wednesdays and a reptile exhibit with rare animals like the Amur leopard. Lush greenery and family-friendly activities like a carousel create a peaceful, park-like atmosphere with plenty of shade and benches.

Free admission after 2pm on Wednesdays makes visiting easy on the budget. The zoo features a reptile exhibit with rare animals like the Amur leopard and a carousel for kids. The layout is compact, so walking is minimal and suitable for young children.

People are saying

"It's a super cute small zoo, you can see everything in a couple hours."

"It's so fun for kids; my son loved the otters!"

"I found plenty of free parking available."

Good to know

1

Admission is free on Wednesdays after 2 PM, but it gets crowded.

2

Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children.

3

Only cash is accepted for payments at the zoo.

16
Great Lakes Serpentarium image 1

Small building offers hands-on reptile experiences with snakes and tortoises. Staff are knowledgeable and engaging, making visits interactive and educational. Animals get excellent care, creating a fun and unique zoo feel.

Animals receive better care than in typical zoos. The reptile section is run in a fun way that adds to the experience.

People are saying

"It's so Kid Friendly; you can even hold snakes!"

"The staff here are super chill and know a ton about the snakes."

"The zoo staff's dedication to animal care really shows."

Good to know

1

The Serpentarium closes at 5 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

Expect to pay a higher entrance fee for the unique experience offered.

3

Credit card payments may incur an additional fee, so check beforehand.

17
Hamill Family Play Zoo image 1

Interactive exhibits let kids become zookeepers and engage with animals. Hands-on areas like the Petting Zoo make learning fun and direct. Early closing times mean planning is key for a full experience.

Hands-on exhibits like the Hamill Family Play Zoo and Petting Zoo offer interactive experiences for children under 10. Visitors can engage in educational activities, including pretending to be a zoo keeper.

People are saying

"The Hamill Family Play Zoo is a really great, fun place for kids."

"The Hamill Family Play Zoo is a fun, hands-on experience for kids."

Good to know

1

Entry is free on certain days, making it a budget-friendly option for families.

2

The zoo features interactive exhibits designed specifically for children under 10.

3

Expect some attractions to be closed, especially near closing time.

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