Santa Ana Zoo
📍 Lyon Street, CA
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.
in 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.
🏆 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
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →4,533 Google reviews
Claudia Cantu
5 months ago
“in 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.”
Kelly l Kahn
2 months ago
“This 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.”
Janet Bennett
6 months ago
“Attended the orchid show. Incredible! Never seen so many beautiful flowers. The zoo is going through a lot of construction and going down a path and then having it closed was a little bit disappointing and so many closed exhibits. However, we stumbled across the butterfly aviary. Oh my gosh it was incredible. So many butterflies. It totally made the visit worthwhile. That part was wonderful. Seeing what they are changing will be good for the zoo. It just still has a while before it is complete.”
Twila Kawai
5 months ago
“Not 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.”
Reviews from Google
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.
