Photo of Santa Ana Zoo in California
Zoos & Wildlife

Santa Ana Zoo

πŸ“ Lyon Street, CA

β˜…4.1(4,533 Google reviews)πŸ‘ΆAll ages

A compact, manageable zoo ideal for families with young children. Features animal exhibits, rides, play areas, and educational programs in a walkable setting that won't overwhelm little ones.

βœ“ Perfect for young kidsβœ“ Knowledgeable staffβœ“ Under construction

πŸ† Family Action Verdict

This is an ideal starter zoo for families with young children who want an manageable, budget-friendly animal experience. The small size means little ones won't get overwhelmed or tired, and the $14 admission is very reasonable. However, visit with realistic expectations as it's currently undergoing major renovations with several exhibits closed.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

πŸ’‘Plan for about 1 hour to see everything at a leisurely pace
⏰Check website before visiting - butterfly enclosure is seasonal and rides are weekends only
🎟️Expect some closed exhibits and construction areas throughout the zoo
πŸš—Take advantage of the goat petting area which kids especially enjoy

πŸ’¬ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews β†’
4.1
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4,533 Google reviews

G Reviews from Google

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Claudia Cantu

11 months ago

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β€œin not sure why people are complaining about the Santa Ana zoo on the reviews here? It’s a small zoo & the people working there are very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly! It’s a small zoo. You cant expect San Diego zoo from a local zoo, that’s just easy to expect do not come here with extremely high expectations, come here just to stroll around and have a good time. I walked around and it took me about an hour, I was actually observing the animals. Some of the enclosures are indeed empty, but it has signs saying there will be a new friend there soon. Butterfly enclosure is for springtime only and the website states online that the rides are open weekends only. It’s not hard to deep dive and research before coming. The waterfall/new area is empty because if you read, there’s a sign that says it’s not put together yet and will be done soon. I enjoyed seeing various types of monkeys, anteater, birds, goats, horses & more. I also enjoyed the goat petting section. I would definitely come here again $14 per person (adult) is extremely reasonable, you’re supporting the zoo with the ticket purchase.”

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Kelly l Kahn

8 months ago

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β€œThis is the perfect size zoo for young children. Employees are very knowledgeable and you can ask them anything about the animals. It’s great they even have two play areas for the kids to burn some steam while parents can sit and have a snack from the cafe.”

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Twila Kawai

11 months ago

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β€œNot very many choices of animals to see but it was still a good experience for us. Traveling from Hawaii, this was our fist encounter with camels and the excitement still lingers for me. And the monkey with the beard was just too cute for me. The vegetation was more than I expected in a zoo. It kept the park cool, shady, and beautiful. We even got a flower for our hair. The cost was affordable enough that my college child was able to buy our tickets.”

πŸ’¬ What parents mention

Knowledgeable and friendly staffMany exhibits closed/under constructionAffordable admission priceBeautiful plants and vegetationInteractive goat petting area

Overview

Santa Ana Zoo offers animal exhibits, rides, multiple play areas, and educational storytime programs across a compact site perfect for young families. The zoo features a botanical garden, hosts special events like Boo at the Zoo, and provides Zoo Explorer guided programs alongside self-guided visits and nature journaling activities.

πŸ• Opening Hours

Monday10:00-16:00
Tuesday10:00-16:00
Wednesday10:00-16:00
Thursday10:00-16:00
Friday10:00-16:00
Saturday10:00-16:00
Sunday10:00-16:00

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