Best Family-Friendly Zoos in the United States
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A Guide to Fun and Educational Animal Encounters
Zoos have always been a popular destination for families looking for a fun and educational day out. With so many zoos across the United States, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to visit. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best family-friendly zoos in the country, so you can plan your next adventure with ease.
When it comes to family-friendly zoos, there are a few key factors to consider. Of course, the animals are the main attraction, but it’s also important to look for zoos that offer interactive and educational experiences for kids, as well as amenities like playgrounds, food options, and stroller rentals. With this in mind, we’ve scoured the country to find the zoos that offer the best overall experience for families. From the East Coast to the West Coast, there’s a zoo on this list for every family to enjoy.
Top Family-Friendly Zoos
If you’re looking for a fun family outing, visiting a zoo is always a great option. Here are some of the best family-friendly zoos in the United States.
San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is one of the most famous zoos in the world and for good reason. It is home to over 3,500 animals from over 650 species, including giant pandas, koalas, and polar bears. The zoo is also known for its beautiful botanical gardens and its commitment to conservation efforts.
Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo in New York City is another great option for families. This 265-acre zoo is home to over 6,000 animals from 650 species, including tigers, gorillas, and snow leopards. It also has a children’s zoo and a butterfly garden.
Philadelphia Zoo
The Philadelphia Zoo is America’s first zoo and it’s still going strong. It is home to over 1,300 animals from over 40 different species, including rare and endangered animals like the Amur leopard and the western lowland gorilla. The zoo also has a children’s zoo and a carousel.
Henry Doorly Zoo
The Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska is one of the best zoos in the country. It is home to over 17,000 animals from over 962 species, including the largest indoor desert and the largest indoor rainforest in the world. The zoo also has a children’s zoo and a skyfari.
Saint Louis Zoo
The Saint Louis Zoo in Missouri is another great option for families. It is home to over 17,000 animals from over 600 species, including elephants, lions, and penguins. The zoo also has a children’s zoo and a train ride.
Columbus Zoo
The Columbus Zoo in Ohio is home to over 10,000 animals from over 600 species, including manatees, kangaroos, and orangutans. The zoo also has a children’s zoo and a water park.
Cincinnati Zoo
The Cincinnati Zoo in Ohio is another great option for families. It is home to over 500 animals from over 3,000 species, including cheetahs, giraffes, and red pandas. The zoo also has a children’s zoo and a train ride.
Zoo Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta in Georgia is home to over 1,000 animals from over 200 species, including giant pandas, gorillas, and meerkats. The zoo also has a children’s zoo and a train ride.
Zoo Miami
Zoo Miami in Florida is home to over 3,000 animals from over 500 species, including koalas, rhinos, and elephants. The zoo also has a children’s zoo and a monorail.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, Colorado is another great option for families. It is home to over 750 animals from over 170 species, including giraffes, lions, and grizzly bears. The zoo also has a children’s zoo and a sky ride.
Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo in Texas is home to over 6,000 animals from over 900 species, including elephants, gorillas, and zebras. The zoo also has a children’s zoo and a water play area.
Oakland Zoo
The Oakland Zoo in California is home to over 700 animals from over 100 species, including elephants, tigers, and sun bears. The zoo also has a children’s zoo and a gondola ride.
These zoos are just a few of the many great family-friendly zoos in the United States. Whether you’re looking for a day of fun or a chance to learn about animals and conservation, these zoos are sure to deliver.
Interactive Experiences
When it comes to family-friendly zoos, interactive experiences are a must. These experiences allow kids and adults alike to get up close and personal with the animals, making for an unforgettable visit. Here are some of the best interactive experiences at zoos across the United States:
Petting Zoos
Petting zoos are a great way for kids to interact with animals in a safe and controlled environment. At the Phoenix Zoo, kids can pet goats, sheep, and pigs in the Red Barn. The Zoo Atlanta has a petting zoo where kids can get up close and personal with llamas, goats, and sheep.
Safari Trains
Safari trains are a fun way to see the animals while also getting a little bit of a thrill ride. At the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the Africa Tram takes visitors on a tour of the African savanna, where they can see rhinos, giraffes, and antelopes. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden has a train ride that takes visitors through a tunnel, over a bridge, and past the flamingos and kangaroos.
Playgrounds
Playgrounds are a great way for kids to burn off some energy while also learning about the animals. The Denver Zoo has a playground that is shaped like a giant spider web, complete with slides and climbing structures. The Houston Zoo has a playground that is designed to look like a giant treehouse, with a rope bridge and a slide.
Animal Encounters
Animal encounters allow visitors to get even closer to the animals. At the Adelaide Zoo, visitors can participate in a Big Cat Interactive, where they get to meet a lion or tiger up close. The Bronx Zoo has a program called the Wild Encounter, where visitors can get up close and personal with a variety of animals, including lemurs, penguins, and sloths.
Overall, interactive experiences are a great way to make a visit to the zoo even more memorable. From petting zoos to safari trains to playgrounds to animal encounters, there is something for everyone at these family-friendly zoos.
Additional Facilities and Services
In addition to the animal exhibits, many family-friendly zoos in the United States offer a variety of facilities and services to enhance visitors’ experiences. Here are some of the most common:
Gardens
Many zoos feature beautiful gardens that showcase a variety of plants and flowers. These gardens provide a peaceful respite from the crowds and noise of the animal exhibits. Visitors can stroll through the gardens, take in the scenery, and learn about the different types of plants on display. Some zoos even offer guided tours of their gardens, led by knowledgeable staff members.
Shade
Visitors to zoos can spend several hours walking around in the sun, which can be exhausting and uncomfortable. To combat this, many zoos provide shaded areas where visitors can rest and cool off. These areas may include covered pavilions, umbrellas, or trees. Some zoos even have misting stations that spray a fine mist of water to help visitors cool down on hot days.
Trains
Some zoos offer train rides that take visitors on a tour of the zoo. These trains are often designed to look like animals, such as elephants or giraffes, and are a fun way to see the zoo from a different perspective. Train rides are especially popular with young children, who enjoy the novelty of riding on a train.
Children’s Zoo
Many zoos have a separate area called a children’s zoo, which is designed specifically for young visitors. These areas typically feature smaller animals that children can interact with, such as goats or rabbits. They may also include playgrounds, petting zoos, and other interactive exhibits that are geared towards children.
Overall, these additional facilities and services can greatly enhance visitors’ experiences at family-friendly zoos in the United States. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful garden, a shady spot to rest, a fun train ride, or a children’s zoo, there’s something for everyone at these zoos.
