1 / 3Oakland Zoo
📍 Sequoyah, CA
Home to the California Trail exhibit featuring native species, plus giraffes, bears viewable via live webcam. Behind-the-scenes Veterinary Hospital tours run select Wednesdays and Saturdays. Advance ticket reservations required.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with kids aged 4 and up who can handle a full day of walking. Toddlers will enjoy animals and the terrain is substantial. Advance reservations are mandatory - do not show up without tickets. Members get 10% off through mid-May 2026 with code ADVENTURE26.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →13,985 Google reviews
G Reviews from Google
Charlie Von Bark
5 months ago
“Went to the Oakland Zoo and it’s still my favorite zoo. There are a lot of animals and a good amount of walking, so it feels like you actually get a full day out of it. The giraffe area is my favorite part. Wish you could feed them though-like at the San Diego Zoo-but you can’t here. That would be a nice addition. Parking was pretty easy and there’s plenty of it. I’d definitely recommend buying tickets in advance so you’re not waiting around when you get there.”
dua afghan
5 months ago
“Beautiful place but some of the park staff members were rude.”
Patricia Baldisseri
5 months ago
“Really great!”
💬 What parents mention
Overview
Oakland Zoo spans enough ground that visitors report genuinely full-day visits. The California Trail showcase focuses on native California species and conservation. Giraffe viewing is a crowd favorite, and the zoo's live animal cams let you scope out bears and giraffes before you arrive. Veterinary Hospital tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at a facility built to accommodate all current and future resident animals. Conservation programs tie directly to bison restoration efforts.
