Zoos & Wildlife in United States
The US is home to world-class zoos offering incredible animal experiences for families — from immersive habitats and safari rides to hands-on encounters and conservation programs that bring learning to life. Many feature dedicated kids' zones, splash areas, and seasonal events. Compare the best family-friendly zoos with real visitor reviews and practical tips.
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Zoos & Wildlife across United States
Showing 24 of 298 activities
Brown Bears
📍 The Bronx, NY
Rescued brown bears that splash, wrestle, and forage at Bronx Zoo.
Heckscher Farm
📍 Stamford, NY
Stamford farm with exotic animals, nature trails, and a giant outdoor slide.
Ridge Ranch
📍 Patterson, NY
Appointment-only farm tours with bunnies, donkeys, highland cattle, and more.
Marlboro Meadows Farm
📍 Marlboro Township, NY
Working NJ farm with pony rides, egg collecting, and fresh produce.
Tisch Children's Zoo
📍 Manhattan, NY
Hands-on animal encounters with goats, sheep, and fruit bats in Central Park.
GGs Fun Ranch
📍 Sun Valley, CA
Private 1.5-acre ranch with pony rides, animals, and party catering.
Hall of Animals
📍 Brooklyn, NY
Prospect Park Zoo's indoor hall of rare small animals.
Hawk On Hand Falconry
📍 Elysian Park, CA
Fly hawks, owls, and falcons to your glove with expert falconer Adam Baz.
Catalina Falconry Experience
📍 Avalon, CA
Hold and fly trained falcons, hawks, and owls in Descanso Canyon.
Kenneth Hahn Hummingbird Garden
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Dozens of hummingbirds up close at this hidden LA park spot.
Living Northwest Trail
📍 Phinney Ridge, WA
Immersive Northwest wildlife trail with lynx, wolves, and interactive
Animal Tracks
📍 Agua Dulce, CA
Rescued animal sanctuary with kangaroos, monkeys, and exotic species.
the Francisco Family Farm
📍 Matawan, NY
Private NJ backyard farm with goats, chickens, and full event setup included.
National Amphibian Conservation Center
📍 Royal Oak, MI
Detroit Zoo's dedicated amphibian center with rare frogs and salamanders.
Circle M Safari Park
📍 Shelby, NC
Feed and encounter animals at this hands-on safari park in Shelby, NC.
Julio's Zoo 2 U
📍 West End, FL
Hands-on exotic animal encounters including capybara and horse rides.
Kindred Spirits Care Farm
📍 Chatsworth, CA
Free-entry LA rescue farm with guided animal encounters and educational tours.
Alpine Acres Sanctuary Farm™
📍 Alpine, CA
20-acre San Diego rescue sanctuary with 200 animals and guided tours.
Lions Tigers & Bears The San Diego Animal Sanctuary®
📍 Alpine, CA
Rescue sanctuary for big cats and bears with guided tours near San Diego.
TevaLand Sanctuary Farm
📍 Hillburn, NY
Appointment-only rescue farm sanctuary in the Ramapo Mountains.
Powell Farm
📍 Old Bethpage, NY
Organic co-op farm with hands-on animal encounters inside a historic village.
Friends of the Bergen County Zoo
📍 Paramus, NY
Free-admission community zoo with train rides and friendly animals.
Amazing Animals Inc
📍 St. Cloud, FL
Private wildlife rescue tours with sloths, capybaras, and hands-on encounters.
Lil' Buckaroo's Petting Zoo
📍 Erie, CO
Hands-on farm petting zoo near Erie with goats, alpacas, pigs, and donkeys.