Best Zoos in America for Families
The United States has some of the finest zoos in the world, and nearly all of them are designed with families in mind. Whether you're after world-class animal exhibits, interactive encounters, or just a great day out with the kids, here's our guide to the best zoos across the country.
New York
Bronx Zoo — The Bronx, New York City
The largest metropolitan zoo in the United States and one of the best on the planet. Spread across 265 acres, the Bronx Zoo is home to over 6,000 animals. The Congo Gorilla Forest, Tiger Mountain and the Wild Asia Monorail are standout exhibits. The Children's Zoo lets kids get hands-on with goats, alpacas and other domestic animals.
Price: Adults $42, Kids (3–12) $32, Under 3 free. Free admission on Wednesdays (pay what you wish) Getting there: Subway (2/5 train to West Farms Square) or free parking with membership Time needed: 4–7 hours Highlights: Congo Gorilla Forest, Wild Asia Monorail, Tiger Mountain, Children's Zoo Tip: The zoo is enormous. Pick a section and commit rather than trying to see everything in one visit. The monorail is a must — kids love it and you cover ground without walking.
Central Park Zoo — Manhattan, New York City
A compact, beautifully maintained zoo right in the heart of Manhattan. The sea lion pool is the centrepiece, the penguin house is mesmerising, and the Tisch Children's Zoo lets kids feed goats and sheep. You can see the whole zoo in a couple of hours, making it perfect for younger kids.
Price: Adults $20, Kids (3–12) $15, Under 3 free Time needed: 1.5–3 hours Highlights: Sea lion feeding, penguin exhibit, Tisch Children's Zoo Tip: Arrive for the 11:30am or 2pm sea lion feeding — it's the highlight of the visit. Combine with a Central Park playground nearby.
California
San Diego Zoo — Balboa Park, San Diego
Consistently ranked among the world's best zoos. The San Diego Zoo's naturalistic habitats, exceptional animal collection and beautiful botanical gardens set the standard. The guided bus tour covers 75% of the park and gives your legs a break.
Price: Adults $67, Kids (3–11) $57, Under 3 free Time needed: 5–8 hours (full day) Highlights: Panda exhibit, Africa Rocks, Outback exhibit, guided bus tour, Skyfari aerial tram Tip: Take the guided bus tour first to get an overview, then double back to the areas that interested your kids most. Wear comfortable shoes — the zoo is built on hilly terrain.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park — Escondido
The San Diego Zoo's sister park, about 35 miles north of the main zoo. The Africa Tram safari takes you through open-range enclosures where giraffes, rhinos, antelopes and other animals roam across large grasslands. It feels genuinely different to a traditional zoo.
Price: Adults $67, Kids (3–11) $57, Under 3 free Time needed: 4–6 hours Highlights: Africa Tram safari, Balloon ride, cheetah run, Lorikeet Landing Tip: The Cheetah Run is scheduled — check the daily program and plan around it. Watching a cheetah sprint at full speed is something kids will never forget.
Midwest
Brookfield Zoo — Brookfield, Illinois (Chicago area)
One of the first zoos in the US to use naturalistic enclosures rather than cages. The Great Bear Wilderness, Tropic World and the living coast exhibit are highlights. The Hamill Family Play Zoo is an interactive zone where kids can pretend to be zookeepers.
Price: Adults $30, Kids (3–11) $22, Under 3 free. Free days available — check calendar Getting there: Metra train or I-290/I-294 Time needed: 4–6 hours Highlights: Great Bear Wilderness, Tropic World, Hamill Family Play Zoo, dolphin show Tip: Download the zoo app for a map and show times. The dolphin presentation fills up fast — arrive 20 minutes early.
Henry Doorly Zoo — Omaha, Nebraska
A genuine surprise for families who haven't been. Henry Doorly regularly appears on "best zoo" lists worldwide. The Desert Dome (the world's largest indoor desert), the indoor rainforest and the underground aquarium tunnel are remarkable. The Scott Aquarium and Kingdoms of the Night nocturnal exhibit are unlike anything you'll find elsewhere.
Price: Adults $27, Kids (3–11) $18, Under 3 free Time needed: 5–7 hours Highlights: Desert Dome, Lied Jungle rainforest, Scott Aquarium tunnel, Kingdoms of the Night Tip: Worth a special trip to Omaha. Start with the Desert Dome and indoor jungle — they're climate-controlled and impressive regardless of weather.
Texas
Houston Zoo — Hermann Park, Houston
Located within beautiful Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo features over 6,000 animals and has undergone major renovations in recent years. The Galápagos Islands exhibit, African Forest and the McNair Asian Elephant Habitat are standouts. The adjacent Hermann Park offers a miniature train ride, pedal boats and a playground.
Price: Adults $25, Kids (2–11) $19, Under 2 free Time needed: 3–5 hours Highlights: Galápagos Islands, African Forest, elephant habitat, sea lion show Tip: Combine with Hermann Park — ride the miniature train, visit the playground, and make a full day of it. Tuesday is free for Houston residents (timed tickets required).
Dallas Zoo — Dallas
The oldest and largest zoo in Texas, the Dallas Zoo features a massive African savanna section called Giants of the Savanna where elephants, giraffes and other animals share open habitat. The Wilds of Africa monorail gives an overview of the entire African section.
Price: Adults $20, Kids (3–11) $15, Under 3 free Time needed: 3–5 hours Highlights: Giants of the Savanna, giraffe feeding, Wilds of Africa monorail Tip: The giraffe feeding station is one of the best in the country — budget an extra $7 for the experience. Kids stand on a raised platform eye-to-eye with the giraffes.
Southwest
Phoenix Zoo — Phoenix, Arizona
The largest privately owned, non-profit zoo in the country. The Arizona Trail showcases desert animals you won't see at most zoos — javelinas, Gila monsters, roadrunners and desert bighorn sheep. The Leaping Lizards play area and Stingray Bay touch pool are fantastic for younger kids.
Price: Adults $35, Kids (3–13) $25, Under 3 free Time needed: 3–5 hours Highlights: Arizona Trail, Stingray Bay, Monkey Village walk-through, camel rides Tip: Visit October through April — Phoenix summers are dangerously hot. Morning visits are essential even in shoulder season. Most animals retreat to shade by midday in warm months.
Southeast
Zoo Atlanta — Atlanta, Georgia
Home to one of the largest gorilla populations in the US and the only giant pandas outside of Washington DC for many years. The Scaly Slimy Spectacular reptile house and the African Savanna are highlights. The zoo is located in historic Grant Park, adding charm to the setting.
Price: Adults $30, Kids (3–11) $24, Under 3 free Time needed: 3–5 hours Highlights: Gorilla habitat, African Savanna, KIDZone splash pad, Scaly Slimy Spectacular Tip: The gorillas are most active in the morning. Visit the KIDZone splash pad in summer — it's a welcome cool-down midway through your visit.
Comparing Prices
| Zoo | Adult | Child | Under | |-----|-------|-------|-------| | Bronx Zoo | $42 | $32 | 3 free | | San Diego Zoo | $67 | $57 | 3 free | | Brookfield Zoo | $30 | $22 | 3 free | | Henry Doorly Zoo | $27 | $18 | 3 free | | Houston Zoo | $25 | $19 | 2 free | | Phoenix Zoo | $35 | $25 | 3 free |
Tips for Zoo Visits With Kids
- Arrive at opening — animals are most active in the morning, and you'll beat the crowds
- Bring a stroller — even if your kids usually walk. Zoos involve serious mileage and tired legs lead to meltdowns
- Pack lunch — zoo food is overpriced across the board. Most have shaded picnic areas
- Download the app — nearly every major US zoo has one with GPS maps and show schedules. Plan your route to avoid backtracking
- Check show times — sea lion shows, bird shows and keeper talks are often the highlight for kids. Plan your day around them
- Sunscreen and hats — you're outdoors for hours. Reapply at lunchtime
- Membership pays off — if you'll visit more than twice a year, a membership almost always saves money and often includes perks like free parking and guest passes
Browse all zoos across the US on Family Action for ratings, photos and visitor reviews.