You’ll go wild over our list of top spots
Nothing gets our kids more excited than a trip to see animals, and we’re lucky to have amazing institutions like the San Diego Zoo, the Bronx Zoo, and the National Zoo right here in America. We’ve rounded up a list of the best zoos in the US, perfect for your next day off or vacation. Besides offering amazing photo ops, a zoo day is also a great jumping-off point to teach the little ones about wildlife conservation and endangered species—and that’s a win in our book!
1. Alabama: Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Gulf Shores
Get up close and personal with more than 500 exotic animals at the Alabama Coast Zoo. Cuddle up with a baby red kangaroo, play with young lemurs, and meet a 50-year-old tortoise, then book it over to the shaded picnic area to relax and refuel.
1204 Gulf Shores Pkwy
Gulf Shores, AL
Online: alabamagulfcoastzoo.org
2. Alaska: Alaska Zoo, Anchorage
The Alaska Zoo has cared for orphaned and injured wildlife since 1969. The only zoo in Alaska, today you can visit their black and brown bears, otters, owls, seals, and other critters, and you can even “adopt” an animal with a donation to the zoo.
4731 O’Malley Rd.
Anchorage, AK
Online: alaskazoo.org
photo: Missy B. via Yelp
3. Arizona: Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix
As one of the nation’s largest non-profit zoos, this Arizona gem has enough features to keep your crew coming back again and again. In addition to animal encounters and safari adventures, there are also shops, cafes, and gardens for you to explore.
455 N. Galvin Pkwy
Phoenix, AZ
Online: phoenixzoo.org
4. Arkansas: Little Rock Zoo, Little Rock
You’ll find more than 725 animals on over 33 acres at the Little Rock Zoo, from zebras to otters to chimpanzees. You can hop aboard the train, feed fish, go for a spin on the carousel, and interact with friendly lorikeets—in short, you definitely won’t run out of things to do.
1 Zoo Dr.
Little Rock, AR
Online: littlerockzoo.com
5. California: San Diego Zoo, San Diego
Although we’re big fans of the San Francisco Zoo and the LA Zoo, our top pick in the Golden State is the San Diego Zoo, a world-famous spot that’s totally worth the trip. The zoo is home to more than 3,500 rare and endangered animals, along with more than 700,000 exotic plants. Click here to see our guide to getting the most out of your visit.
2920 Zoo Dr.
San Diego, CA
Online: zoo.sandiegozoo.org
6. Colorado: Denver Zoo, Denver
We love the broad range of exhibits at the Denver Zoo—kids can learn about and feed animals in the Be a Zookeeper Zone, splash around in the Explore the Shore play area, and get up close and personal with tigers, rhinos, and other critters in special animal encounters.
2300 Steele St.
Denver, CO
Online: denverzoo.org
7. Connecticut: Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport
Spend your day at the Beardsley Zoo learning about endangered and threatened species, including tigers, wolves, anteaters, and condors. Check out their event lineup, offering everything from Earth Day parties to educational programs for toddlers.
1875 Noble Ave.
Bridgeport, CT
Online: beardsleyzoo.org
8. Delaware: Brandywine Zoo, Wilmington
Located in a scenic spot on the Brandywine River, this gem of a spot is guaranteed to be a family favorite. You’ll have the chance to see red pandas, geckos, and herons, plus the zoo offers special reptile shows and day camps.
1001 N. Park Dr.
Wilmington, DE
Online: brandywinezoo.org
9. Florida: Zoo Miami, Miami
Make a day of it at Zoo Miami—after you’ve seen the exotic animals (and fed a giraffe!), kids can run and explore in the playground and water play areas, go for a ride on the wildlife carousel, and chill out in a pedal boat.
12400 SW 152nd St.
Miami, FL
Online: zoomiami.org
10. Georgia: Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta
In the course of an afternoon at Zoo Atlanta, you can take a stroll through an African rainforest, have an up-close encounter with a giant panda and watch the animals chow down on their afternoon snacks. Sign us up!
800 Cherokee Ave. SE
Atlanta, GA
Online: zooatlanta.org
11. Hawaii: Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens, Hilo
As the only naturally occurring tropical rainforest zoo in the United States, this 12-acre zoo is a must-visit the next time you’re on the Big Island. You’ll have the chance to see anteaters, alligators, and an orange Bengal tiger named Sriracha as you stroll through the lush plants and trees.
800 Stainback Hwy
Hilo, HI
Online: hilozoo.org
12. Idaho: Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park, Idaho Falls
Kids will have a blast seeing snow leopards, zebras, wallabies, and more critters. Don’t forget to visit the Children’s Zoo, where they can pet sheep and goats, watch pigs play in the mud, and explore what it’s like to be a bird.
2725 Carnival Way
Idaho Falls, ID
Online: idahofallsidaho.gov/735/Zoo
13. Illinois: Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
Get an up-close look at bottlenose dolphins, gentle giraffes, sea lions, and lots of other animals at the Brookfield Zoo. Kids will also have the chance to touch and feed parakeets and goats, ride the carousel and join in on a motor safari.
8400 W. 31st St.
Brookfield, IL
Online: czs.org/Brookfield-ZOO/Home
14. Indiana: Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis
The Indianapolis Zoo was the first in the United States to be accredited as a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and today your crew will love seeing some of their 1,400 animals. From desert lizards to ocean-dwelling penguins, there’s so much to experience.
1200 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN
Online: indianapoliszoo.com
15. Iowa: Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines
Whether you’re an Iowa native or just visiting, Blank Park Zoo is totally worth a visit. In addition to seeing flamingos, bald eagles, and lion cubs, you can feed giraffes and ostriches, go for a ride on the carousel and hop aboard the zoo’s train.
7401 SW 9th St.
Des Moines, IA
Online: blankparkzoo.com
16. Kansas: Sedgwick County Zoo, Wichita
With a world-class tiger exhibit, a gorilla forest, and a penguin cove, just to name a few, this fantastic zoo really has something for everyone. Check out the learning programs for kids of all ages, including overnight Creature Campouts for adventurous animal lovers.
5555 W. Zoo Blvd.
Wichita, KS
Online: scz.org
17. Kentucky: Louisville Zoo, Louisville
Make a trip to the Louisville Zoo to get a close-up look at rhinos, wallabies, grizzly bears, and more animals. Stroll through an aviary to interact with and feed lorikeets, take on a ropes course, and burn off some energy in the kids’ play area.
1100 Trevilian Way
Louisville, KY
Online: louisvillezoo.org
18. Louisiana: Audubon Zoo, New Orleans
Enter the Jaguar Jungle, take a stroll through a Louisiana Swamp, and explore an African Savanna at this fantastic zoo that’s devoted to saving endangered wildlife. If it’s a hot day, bring your swimsuits along and head over to the Splash Park to cool off.
6500 Magazine St.
New Orleans, LA
Online: audubonnatureinstitute.org/zoo
19. Maine: DEW Haven, Mount Vernon
DEW Haven is a nonprofit zoo and rescue that’s home to more than 200 domestic, wild, and exotic animals from around the world. You’ll have the chance to see camels, bears, tigers, and more critters.
918 Pond Rd.
Mount Vernon, ME
Online: dewhaven.com
20. Maryland: Maryland Zoo, Baltimore
From lemurs to flamingos, the Maryland Zoo has plenty of animals to observe. Check out their Penguin Encounter, where you’ll get a private tour with a zookeeper and special photo ops with the penguins. Before you leave, go for a ride on the Zephyr, the zoo’s train.
1 Safari Pl.
Baltimore, MD
Online: marylandzoo.org
21. Massachusetts: Southwick’s Zoo, Mendon
At Southwick’s Zoo, you’ll have the chance to see and learn about all your favorite animals, like giraffes, chimpanzees, kangaroos, and rhinos. Take a stroll through the 35-acre deer forest and ride the Woodlands Express train through the North American Elk habitat and wetlands.
2 Southwick St.
Mendon, MA
Online: southwickszoo.com
22. Michigan: Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak
With more than 2,000 animals over 125 acres, animal lovers will be in heaven at the Detroit Zoo. Check out all the amphibians, mammals, birds, and reptiles, then explore the playgrounds, go for a spin on the carousel, and snap photos in front of the historic fountain.
8450 W. 10 Mile Rd.
Royal Oak, MI
Online: detroitzoo.org
23. Minnesota: Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley
At the Minnesota Zoo, your crew can get a close look at bears at Russia’s Grizzly Coast, walk along a beaver pond, peek into a coyote den, and wander through a rainforest with lemurs and kangaroos. Plus, don’t forget to check out their daily activities, from shark feedings to hands-on animal encounters.
13000 Zoo Blvd.
Apple Valley, MN
Online: mnzoo.org
24. Mississippi: Hattiesburg Zoo, Hattiesburg
Discover animals from around the world as you trek through the Hattiesburg Zoo, from ostriches to alligators to porcupines. Don’t miss the Sloth Experience, where you’ll get a behind-the-scenes tour of the animal kitchen and a chance to help prepare snacks for sloths and even feed the animals.
107 S. 17th Ave.
Hattiesburg, MS
Online: zoohattiesburg.com
25. Missouri: St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis
An adventure is always just around the corner at this wow-worthy spot. Whether you’re into snakes or tortoises, apes, or antelopes, you’ll find something to get excited about here. The best part? Admission is free!
Government Dr.
St. Louis, MO
Online: stlzoo.org
26. Montana: Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, West Yellowstone
It’s not strictly a zoo, but this educational spot is perfect for anyone eager to learn about animals. It’s a nonprofit wildlife park where you’ll have the chance to see grizzlies and wolves in their natural habitat. The grizzly bears are brought to the center when they’re unable to survive in the wild, while the wolves come from captive-born, unplanned litters.
201 S. Canyon St.
West Yellowstone, MT
Online: grizzlydiscoveryctr.org
27. Nebraska: Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha
In a single day at Henry Doorly Zoo, you can see giraffes and elephants in the African Grasslands, meet meerkats and rattlesnakes under the Desert Dome and explore the Lied Jungle alongside monkeys and macaws, then cool off on an Alaskan-themed splash pad (And that’s just scratching the surface.).
3701 S. 10th St.
Omaha, NE
Online: omahazoo.com
28. Nevada: Lion Habitat Ranch, Henderson
Next time you’re in Las Vegas, take a detour to the Lion Habitat Ranch. At this hidden gem spot, you’ll have the chance to see a giraffe (who also happens to be an artist) and lions. For an additional fee, you can even feed the animals yourself.
382 Bruner Ave.
Henderson, NV
Online: lionhabitatranch.org
29. New Hampshire: Charmingfare Farm, Candia
Your whole crew will love spending the day at Charmingfare Farm, home to many traditional agricultural animals you would expect to see on a farm. You’ll find alpacas, goats, sheep, owls, and more. In addition to exploring the petting area, little ones can go on pony and tractor rides.
774 High St.
Candia, NH
Online: visitthefarm.com
30. New Jersey: Cape May County Park & Zoo, Cape May Court House
From cheetahs to red pandas to river otters, there are lots of cool animals to watch out for at this kid-approved spot. After you’ve seen the critters, fuel up at the Safari Cafe, scale the rock climbing wall, and ride a replica mini train. This Jersey gem is free, but donations are accepted to help keep it running.
707 Rte. 9 N.
Cape May Court House, NJ
Online: cmczoo.com
31. New Mexico: Albuquerque Biological Park Zoo, Albuquerque
Located next to the Rio Grande, the Albuquerque Biological Park Zoo offers 64 acres of exotic and native animals, including snow leopards, giraffes, cheetahs, and orangutans. You’ll have the chance to touch alpacas and llamas, watch crocodile feedings and zoom down the zip line.
903 10th St. SW
Albuquerque, NM
Online: cabq.gov/culturalservices/biopark
32. New York: Bronx Zoo, New York
Make a day of it at the Bronx Zoo, where you’ll be able to see sea lions, baboons, lions, and lots more interesting animals. You can also catch a 4-D movie, watch penguin feedings, take a ride on the monorail, and get a giraffe’s-eye view via a cool climbing structure.
2300 Southern Blvd.
Bronx, NY
Online: bronxzoo.com
33. North Carolina: North Carolina Zoo, Asheboro
Animal lovers will have a blast exploring the North Carolina Zoo, from the zebras and elephants in the African exhibits to the aviary filled with more than 3,000 tropical plants and dozens of exotic birds. After you’ve seen the animals, you can hop aboard a paddle boat or take on the ropes course.
4401 Zoo Pkwy
Asheboro, NC
Online: nczoo.org
34. North Dakota: Dakota Zoo, Bismarck
At the Dakota Zoo, you’ll have the chance to see animals from around the world, including grizzly bears, alligators, monkeys, and porcupines. But that’s not all—be sure to check out their special events, from educational day camps to wine tastings.
600 Riverside Park Rd.
Bismarck, ND
Online: dakotazoo.org
35. Ohio: Columbus Zoo, Columbus
The Columbus Zoo will take you on a trip around the world, minus the passport. Go on a quest to Asia and learn about animals facing the threat of extinction, see kangaroos and lorikeets from the land down under, and hop over to Africa to hang out with zebras and gazelles.
4850 W. Powell Rd.
Powell, OH
Online: columbuszoo.org
36. Oklahoma: Oklahoma City Zoo, Oklahoma City
During your visit to the Oklahoma City Zoo, you can watch a pygmy hippo swim in his pond, feed colorful lorikeets, and explore a forest filled with snow leopards, tigers, and bobcats. Once you’ve gotten your fill of the animals, take a stroll through the lush botanical gardens.
2101 NE 50th St.
Oklahoma City, OK
Online: okczoo.org
37. Oregon: Oregon Zoo, Portland
At the Oregon Zoo, you’ll get to see black bears climbing Douglas fir trees, river otters frolicking in a mountain stream and cheetahs on the prowl. There’s also a family farm where you can get close to goats and chickens, plus outdoor concerts during the summer. And that’s not all—click here for our ultimate guide to getting the most out of your visit.
4001 SW Canyon Rd.
Portland, OR
Online: oregonzoo.org
38. Pennsylvania: Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia
Home to nearly 1,300 animals, many of which are rare or endangered, the Philadelphia Zoo is all about educating visitors on animal and environmental conservation. You’ll be wowed by the Zoo360 Animal Exploration Trails, which allow critters to roam around and even above the zoo’s grounds.
3400 W. Girard Ave.
Philadelphia, PA
Online: philadelphiazoo.org
39. Rhode Island: Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence
At this family-favorite spot, you’ll have the opportunity to follow in Marco Polo’s footsteps (and see red pandas and snow leopards along the way), and see native wildlife as you stroll through Rhode Island’s most endangered habitat, the wetlands.
1000 Elmwood Ave.
Providence, RI
Online: rwpzoo.org
40. South Carolina: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, Columbia
Your day at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden will be anything but boring—to start, you’ll get to see baboons, ostriches, koalas, Komodo dragons, and lots more animals. Bring your swimsuits along and take a detour in Waterfall Junction, a new area with lots of space to splash around and play.
500 Wildlife Pkwy
Columbia, SC
Online: riverbanks.org
41. South Dakota: Reptile Gardens, Rapid City
Founded in 1937, Reptile Gardens is now the largest reptile zoo in the world. You’ll find snakes, crocodiles, turtles, and lizards, along with amphibians and bugs—so it’s perfect for kids who love learning about creepy crawlies.
8955 US-16
Rapid City, SD
Online: reptilegardens.com
42. Tennessee: Memphis Zoo, Memphis
At the Memphis Zoo, you can explore a (Komodo) dragon’s lair, watch pelicans splash around in a pool, watch lemurs play, and more. Be sure to check out their daily schedule to catch zookeeper chats, elephant feedings, and animal shows.
2000 Prentiss Pl.
Memphis, TN
Online: memphiszoo.org
43. Texas: Houston Zoo, Houston
With over 6,000 animal residents, there’s no shortage of critters to see and interact with at the Houston Zoo. In addition to seeing sea lions, elephants, and jaguars, you can feed piranhas, join keepers on a dingo walk and get up close and personal with red pandas. Wondering what else there is to do in Houston? Check out our guide to the city.
6200 Hermann Park Dr.
Houston, TX
Online: houstonzoo.org
44. Utah: Tracy Aviary, Salt Lake City
Bird watchers will have a field day at this small but mighty aviary in Salt Lake City. You’ll see pelicans, bald eagles, cranes, parakeets, and lots more feathered friends. The aviary also offers cool events, from family yoga sessions to up-close bird encounters.
589 E. 1300 S.
Salt Lake City, UT
Online: tracyaviary.org
45. Vermont: Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee
At this kid-friendly spot, you’ll find 117 state-of-the-art raptor enclosures that house hawks, eagles, falcons, owls, and other birds of prey. Before your visit is over, venture into the woods on one of the institute’s nature trails.
149 Natures Way
Quechee, VT
Online: vinsweb.org
46. Virginia: Virginia Zoo, Norfolk
Become a world traveler for the day. Follow the Trail of the Tiger through Asia to see red pandas and tiger cubs, hop over to Australia to get a look at kangaroos and wallabies, and visit Africa to discover rhinos, tortoises, and cheetahs.
3500 Granby St.
Norfolk, VA
Online: virginiazoo.org
47. Washington: Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle
This is where you’ll have the chance to get close to more than 1,100 animals and 300 species, including some of the world’s most critically endangered. See penguins, meerkats, sloths, and lots more critters, and learn important steps you can take to help fight animal extinction. Click here to check out more of our favorites in the Seattle area.
5500 Phinney Ave. N.
Seattle, WA
Online: zoo.org
48. Washington D.C.: Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Washington D.C.
Always free of charge and open 364 days a year, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is a must-visit whether you’re a local or just in D.C. for vacation. In addition to sightings of giant pandas, elephants, and lions, you can watch animal feedings, meet zookeepers, and dip your toes in the tide pool. Get the inside scoop on how to get the most out of your visit by clicking here.
3001 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington, D.C.
Online: nationalzoo.si.edu
49. West Virginia: Oglebay Good Zoo, Wheeling
Make a day of it at the Oglebay Good Zoo, where you can explore the Outback Exhibit and Lorikeet Landing, and observe a cheetah, lemurs, red pandas, river otters, and more animals. Rest your legs by taking the C.P. Huntington Train Ride on a one-and-a-half-mile journey through the grounds.
465 Lodge Dr.
Wheeling, WV
Online: oglebay.com/activities/good-zoo
50. Wisconsin: Henry Vilas Zoo, Madison
You’ll have a wildly fun time at the Henry Vilas Zoo, a free-admission spot that your whole crew will love. Walk through a rainforest aviary filled with tropical birds and fish, ooh and ahh at lions and tigers, and watch super smart orangutans monkey around.
702 S. Randall Ave.
Madison, WI
Online: vilaszoo.org
51. Wyoming: Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary, Hartville
Kindness Ranch is a 1000-acre ranch that takes in and rehabilitates animals that have previously been used in laboratory research, including dogs, cats, horses, pigs, and sheep. Be sure to make an appointment in advance to visit the ranch; there are also overnight stays and volunteer opportunities available.
854 State Hwy 270
Hartville, WY
Online: kindnessranch.org
