Best Family-Friendly Zoos in the US: 5 to Visit with Kids

Visiting a zoo is one of the most fun, wholesome days out for all the family. By introducing kids to the magic of wildlife and conservation, you can inspire a lifelong respect for the natural world.

But with so many zoos to choose from in the US, which are the best, and how should you plan your day?

Dallas Zoo (Dallas, Texas)

Dallas Zoo is a great choice for family adventures, with an incredible variety of animals and exhibits. See more than 2,000 animals from around the world and help staff feed giraffes and tortoises.

Denver Zoo (Denver, Colorado)

Denver Zoo is packed with gorgeous animals and activities for all the family. Visit the African penguins, ride the Denver Zoo Railroad (safe for little ones), and see Australian kangaroos up close.

San Diego Zoo (San Diego, California)

San Diego Zoo is home to giant pandas — guaranteed to delight adults and kids! It also houses koalas, red pandas, baboons, hippos, tigers, sun bears, and many other spectacular creatures. San Diego Zoo also offers VIP experiences, though they can be pricey.

Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago, Illinois)

Lincoln Park Zoo is free to enter, so it’s a budget-friendly way to treat the family to a fun day out. Introduce your kids to red pandas, rattlesnakes, aardvarks, lions, alpacas, beavers, and dozens of other species. And did we mention it’s free?

Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (Washington, D.C.)

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is free to enter (like the Lincoln Park Zoo). Established in 1889, the zoo houses tigers, giant pandas, sea lions, and more. Feed your family at multiple eateries, including Elevation Burger at Mane Grill and Zoo Market Cafe.

Planning the Perfect Family Zoo Day

A great zoo day starts before you leave the house. A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping everyone happy, comfortable, and safe.

Check Zoo Accessibility

Each of the five zoos above caters to guests with diverse accessibility needs. But it’s always best to check a zoo’s website and contact the support team before you go, which will give you the information you need to plan your day and avoid disappointment.

Check Parking in Advance

Always check the parking situation at any zoo well in advance. If you try to wing it, you might spend hours driving circles around the lot before you give up.

Any good zoo website has parking information, including fees and how to pay, and may offer discounts. San Diego Zoo, for example, offers complimentary parking for members of its San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi

Most zoos offer free Wi-Fi, which is handy for pulling up maps, looking up animal facts with the kids, or downloading a zoo’s app. But public internet connections can be risky: hackers could intercept your data and use it against you.

What can you do to stay safe? Understanding how to change your IP address on an iPhone or Android phone, will maximise your security on public Wi-Fi. A simple solution is to install a VPN to encrypt your data and keep you safer from malicious actors online.

Start Your Day Early

The sooner you arrive at a zoo, the more likely you are to grab a good parking spot and beat the crowds. Getting young kids up and ready early can be tough, but keep them focused on the fun day ahead. Talk up the animals they’ll see, let them pick out a favourite they want to visit first, or promise a treat at the gift shop.

Find the Right Place to Eat

Each of the zoos we’ve picked has multiple places to grab a snack or a meal. Some (e.g., Denver Zoo) allow you to bring your own food, which is a simple way to keep costs down.

But if you want to eat out, check the menu before your visit, and make sure cafes or food trucks cater to your dietary requirements (vegan, gluten-free, etc.). That way, you won’t scramble to find something suitable on the day.

And check that they offer dishes your kids will love — we all know how fussy little ones can be!

Have an Unforgettable Day at the Zoo

The best family-friendly zoos in the US appeal to adults and kids of all ages. A great zoo trip can create lasting memories and inspire young ones to learn more about the world around them. Whichever zoo you visit, plan ahead and have a fantastic time!