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Best of California

Parks with zoos

Made for those who want to spend their day observing wildlife before retreating into the quiet expanse of a nearby park.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Orange County Zoo image 1
Orange County Zoo image 2
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Zoo sits within a large park shaded by tree canopy, creating a peaceful family atmosphere. Enclosures feature water elements and offer clear views of animals like jaguars and mountain lions. A petting zoo with goats and pony rides adds interactive experiences for children.

A small zoo with many animals sits inside the park, including a petting zoo area. The park offers a nice mix of nature and animal exhibits.

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."

"I loved seeing all the animals, especially the petting zoo goats."

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
Irvine Regional Park image 1

Spacious park with lush greenery and large open grass areas featuring BBQs and picnic benches. Atmosphere shifts from peaceful and quiet during weekdays to active and friendly with families and teens on weekends. Offers diverse activities including a zoo, train and pony rides, paddle boats, and hiking trails.

Offers family-friendly outdoor fun with attractions like a zoo and seasonal festivals. Entry costs a small fee per car, making it accessible for day visits.

Outdoor fun includes a small $2 zoo with train and pony rides for kids. Hiking and nature areas surround the zoo, making it a good spot for families with young children.

People are saying

"This park has a zoo and train, perfect for families."

"It's a great place to walk your dog on leash."

"The zoo here is great for kids and has a fun train ride."

Good to know

1

The cost to enter the park with a vehicle is $5.

2

Parking can be extremely difficult at Irvine Regional Park.

3

I need to arrive early because the park fills up quickly.

03
Irvine Park Railroad image 1
Amusement park

Large park offers train rides, pony rides, and bike rentals amid festive decorations. Atmosphere feels natural and peaceful with a family-friendly vibe. Seasonal events and well-lit areas create a relaxing experience for all ages.

A huge park with various outdoor activities including fishing, barbecues, and parties. The tiny train ride offers a live guided tour and the park hosts seasonal events like Easter and Pumpkin Patch.

Admission costs just $2, free for kids under 2, making it very affordable. The zoo features wild animals like jaguars and mountain lions, along with birds, reptiles, and farm animals, all in a clean, well-maintained environment.

People are saying

"It's a great Kid Friendly place with train rides and pony rides."

"The train ride through the park is charming and relaxing."

"The zoo here is really fun for kids and families."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $5 per car to enter Irvine Park Railroad.

2

Arriving after 10:00 AM could result in waiting up to an hour to get in.

3

Online tickets for Halloween events sell out quickly, so buy in advance.

04
Emma Prusch Farm Park image 1

Park combines farm animals like wandering chickens with extensive green spaces and a state-of-the-art playground featuring a large hen-shaped play structure. Atmosphere feels quirky and peaceful, with families often enjoying the open areas despite nearby traffic noise. Renovations add modern touches while preserving a calm, farm-like vibe.

Open green spaces invite kids to run freely while the playground offers many activities for children aged 2 to 10. Barn animals and chickens roam nearby, adding a farm experience that families enjoy alongside clean picnic areas.

A small zoo features a petting area with animals like chickens, goats, turkeys, and rabbits. It sits near a playground and walking trail that connects to fruit groves.

People are saying

"You can see peacocks and roosters running around the park."

"You won't believe the farm animals wandering around the Parking Available area!"

"You'll love the petting zoo with all the goats and chickens."

Good to know

1

The Mexica New Year celebration occurs from March 15 to 17, 2024.

2

Parking can be challenging during events at the park.

3

The animal barn is open from 10 AM to 4 PM; plan your visit accordingly.

05
Old Los Angeles Zoo image 1

Abandoned animal cages and overgrown paths create a hauntingly beautiful and mysterious vibe. Graffiti and street art add an urban grit that contrasts with the peaceful, quiet atmosphere. The site feels like a hidden spot with great photo opportunities and space for relaxed walks or picnics.

Old zoo ruins sit within a large park that offers hiking trails and a playground with benches and grass. The area supports bird nesting, including falcons, and hosts outdoor performances like Shakespeare in the park.

Abandoned enclosures and old animal cages create a hauntingly beautiful and atmospheric setting. Trails wind through the area offering well-groomed paths for hiking and biking with views of the city.

People are saying

"It's cool exploring the old abandoned zoo enclosures."

"I found the abandoned zoo hauntingly beautiful and atmospheric."

"I explored the hauntingly beautiful old zoo cages in the park."

Good to know

1

Parking is usually available nearby, and it's free.

2

Nearby restrooms are accessible at the Old L.A. Zoo.

3

The site is perfect for photographers or families seeking something offbeat outdoors.

06
Grant Rea Park Recreation Building image 1

Large park with baseball fields, petting zoo, and water play areas creates a lively yet family-oriented atmosphere. Kids enjoy splash pads, pony rides, and batting cages while adults gather at picnic shelters. The space balances active recreation with relaxing spots for gatherings and play.

Large park with well-maintained baseball fields and a free water and splash park suitable for young kids. Offers a petting zoo, grilling areas, many seats near clean bathrooms, and spaces great for family gatherings and parties.

Small petting zoo offers pony rides and a water play area for kids. The family-friendly zoo is affordable and fun for children.

People are saying

"It's a great place for kids with a fun water area and petting zoo."

"The parks here have fun water features and splash pads."

"It's a fun little petting zoo, great for the kids."

Good to know

1

The entrance fee is around $6.00 for access to the park.

2

The park hosts family-friendly events like Easter and 4th of July celebrations.

3

The water area and splash pad can get busy; visit early or late to avoid crowds.

07
Old LA Zoo Picnic Area image 1

Concrete lionโ€™s head and abandoned animal enclosures create a whimsical, surreal setting with faux-cave seating and scattered wildlife sculptures. The atmosphere feels slightly eerie yet inviting for family outings and peaceful reflection. Walkable paths and shaded picnic spots offer easy access and a unique backdrop for relaxation.

Many trails and walkable areas make the park great for walking and exploring. The Old LA Zoo Picnic Area offers a large space for picnics and hosts events like Shakespeare in the park.

A huge recreation park surrounds the haunted abandoned zoo with paths to wander and explore. Visitors can take a walk around the old zoo area, which offers a unique mix of nature and eerie history.

People are saying

"The old zoo enclosures add a cool, eerie atmosphere to the parks."

"Picnic among abandoned animal enclosures with surreal, quirky backdrops."

"I wandered around the old zoo at night for paranormal encounters."

Good to know

1

Shakespeare festivals are held in the evening at the Old LA Zoo Picnic Area.

2

The Old LA Zoo Picnic Area has no bathrooms or drinking water available.

3

The area is often dirty and has a strong odor.

08
Kelley Park image 1

Park offers peaceful, shady green spaces with towering trees and well-maintained picnic areas. It combines family-friendly attractions like a zoo, playgrounds, and amusement rides with quiet spots for walking and relaxing. The atmosphere balances serene natural settings and lively recreational options.

Green spaces stay beautifully maintained and paths invite both brisk walks and leisurely strolls. The park offers a free 21-hole Disc Golf course, a children's zoo with rides and playgrounds, plus a historic area with buildings and exhibits staffed by volunteers.

Children's zoo rides and playground equipment offer fun for little ones. The zoo features a peaceful atmosphere with a variety of animals and connects well with surrounding park areas.

People are saying

"I found the parks here to be clean and beautifully maintained."

"It's really fun for kids with play areas and animals."

"The zoo is a fun place for kids with rides and animals."

Good to know

1

Senior Safari occurs on the fourth Thursday of May to October from 9 to 10 am.

2

The drive-thru Christmas lights at Kelley Park cost $20.

3

Parking at Kelley Park costs $10 for the day.

09
Montebello Barnyard Zoo image 1

Small zoo with a barnyard theme offers pony rides, a tractor-pulled train, and a petting area where kids feed farm animals. Atmosphere stays family-friendly and relaxed, with plenty of space for children to play and enjoy. Connected park includes picnic tables and a splash pad, making it ideal for short visits with young children.

Water play areas and picnic facilities stand out in the park outside the zoo. The water splash area offers a fun spot to cool off.

Small and charming, this zoo offers a petting area where kids can feed goats and donkeys. Horse rides and picnic spots with a water play area add to the family-friendly experience.

People are saying

"It's a fun, kid-friendly place to see and feed the animals."

"This zoo is small, perfect for younger kids, and a quick visit."

"You can feed and pet the animals at these parks."

Good to know

1

Admission is $9 per person.

2

Free parking is available.

3

Children must weigh 90 pounds or less to ride the ponies.

10
Santa Ana Zoo image 1

Landscaped grounds with shaded rest areas and natural habitat exhibits create a pleasant, quiet atmosphere. Play areas include a working train, carousel, and Ferris wheel, offering hands-on fun for children. Layout features multiple trails that help reduce crowding and enhance the experience.

A playground and a hands-on exhibit offer interactive fun. Lush vegetation keeps the park cool and shady.

Small size suits young children well with two play areas and a working train, carousel, and Ferris wheel. Animal habitats and landscapes stay well-maintained and the zoo remains very clean and informative.

People are saying

"It's a cute little zoo, perfect for younger kids."

"I found the admission prices to be affordable compared to other zoos."

"It's a lovely little zoo, perfectly sized for a leisurely visit."

Good to know

1

Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for children.

2

Parking is free at the zoo.

3

The zoo offers rides only on weekends.

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