1 / 3Minnesota Zoo
📍 Apple Valley, MN
Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley spans 500 acres with over 4,500 animals across indoor and outdoor trails. Features include a dolphin presentation theater, a monorail, and seasonal butterfly garden.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with kids aged 3 and up willing to spend a full day outdoors. The Wells Fargo Family Farm engages toddlers well. School-age children get the most from keeper talks and the dolphin presentations. Parking is plentiful and the grounds rarely feel overcrowded even with school groups present.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →16,137 Google reviews
G Reviews from Google
M McNally
5 months ago
“A great place to spend the day where you can tell the animals are treated very well. Parking is easy. Don't be put off by the number of school busses. There's plenty of space for all and it never felt crowded to me.”
💬 What parents mention
Overview
Minnesota Zoo covers diverse biomes across five trails, including the tropics-themed Tropics Trail and the Russia's Grizzly Coast exhibit. The Wells Fargo Family Farm brings kids close to domestic animals, and the 4D theater adds an interactive screen experience. A daily schedule of keeper talks and animal encounters runs throughout the day. The zoo's large footprint means families should plan for several hours of walking, and a tram helps cover the outdoor trails.
