5 Best Zoos for Kids in the United States
Did you know the Philadelphia Zoo is America’s first zoo and was opened on July 1, 1874? The admission was 25 cents for adults and 10 cents for children at the time. Today, your pocket change will no longer admit you and your family to any zoo in America except for the free admission Smithsonian Zoo in Washington DC.
A trip to a zoo gives children opportunities for hands-on experiences and a greater understanding of the animals they learn about at home and in school. It’s a way to educate children about local animals and animals from other parts of the world.
Here is Travelmath’s list of 5 best zoos for kids in the United States:
One: Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington DC
Our National Zoo covers 163 acres and is one of the few zoos in America that have Red pandas of China. Red pandas look like raccoons and are about 42 inches long and weigh between seven and 14 pounds. They are red and white with long and bushy tails.
The Smithsonian National Zoo provides families with an option to purchase a panda package that includes a welcoming gift box containing
• Cute plush panda
• Zoo Tycoon 2, a computer game for Windows
• Zoo pen or pencil with animal design
• Zoo map
• Panda sticker and zoo scavenger hunt
• Panda photo or postcard
Traveling into Washington DC is easy from anywhere in the United States. There are
three major airports within 4 to 33 miles of the city center and over
14 airlines flying into the area.
Admission fee: Free
Information:
Smithsonian Zoological Park
Two: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo has the world’s largest indoor desert that houses three different deserts of the world. This glazed geodesic dome is the landmark of the city of Omaha. Inside you will be transported to the Namib Desert of southern Africa, the Red Center of Australia and the Sonoran Desert of the southwest United States.
The zoo comes equipped with adventurous transportation systems like the Skyfari, the Omaha’s Zoo Railroad (a steam locomotive) and a tram.
Omaha Nebraska is a
seven hour 41 minute drive from Denver CO and
seven hours 30 minutes from Chicago. If you prefer flying, there are
eight airlines flying into Omaha NE.
General Admission fees (not including rides):
Children (ages 2 & under): FREE
Children (ages 3-11): $10
Adults (ages 12 and over): $15
Seniors (ages 65 and over): $14
Military Adult (12 and over): $14
Military Child (ages 3-11): $9
Information:
Henry Doorly Zoo
Three: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Colorado Springs
At 6,800 feet above sea level, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs is one of the most picturesque zoos in America. It is home to 800 animals including African lions, American beavers, Andean bears and Bornean orangutans.
The Mountaineer Sky Ride is one of the best ways to enjoy the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Visitors take the chairlift-style, open-air ride soaring over Rocky Mountain goats, Asian highland animals, My Big Backyard play areas and more.
Another great attraction at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the Encounter Africa. See African elephants take a dip in an elephant-sized pool or watch them shower under a 20-foot waterfall. Also, check out the black rhino in its “natural” habitat.
Colorado Springs Airport is a domestic airport, served by
six airlines and is
nine miles from the city center.
Note: Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by another person who is 12 years and above.
General admission fees:
Adults $17.25
Children (ages 3-11) $12.25
Seniors (ages 65+) $15.25
Military Adult $14.25
All Children 2 and under: FREE
Information:
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Four: Fort Wayne’s Children Zoo Indiana
Children can have the ultimate experience by joining the VIP Experiences at Fort Wayne’s Children Zoo. Kids get a personal expert zookeeper and go behind the scenes to learn more about their favorite animals.
Stand close to African giraffes and help create a tasty treat for the giraffes, clean the stall and see how they measure up to the tallest mammal in the world. Or deliver fish to the penguins and fill out the penguins’ diet logbook. For the wild at heart (must be 13 years and older) visit the lions’ den with a zookeeper. Feed the lions and then watch from a hidden viewing area in the lions’ den.
All behind the scenes experiences require reservations in advance and an extra fee. Children under 8 are not permitted to join these programs.
Fort Wayne is
124 miles from Indianapolis and
160 miles from Chicago.
Fort Wayne’s Children Zoo is close during the winter months and reopens on April 26.
General admission fees:
Adult $14
Children ages 2-18 $9
Senior age 60+ $10.50
Babies age 1 and under Free
Information:
Fort Wayne’s Children Zoo
Five: Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo
Lowry Park Zoo’s more than 1,500 animals are selected and housed in the 56 acres of natural habitats because they are from areas that have a similar climate as Tampa.
Check out Bornean orangutans, chimpanzees and mandrills. These primates are endangered in the world and kids can learn ways to protect and support these animals.
THE Billabong water play area in Wallaroo Station is a popular attraction for families. Kids can enjoy and stay cool in the hot tropical sun of Florida after meeting their favorite animals.
Tampa is located
85 miles from Orlando and
280 miles from Miami.
Admission Fees:
Adults $24.95
Children 3-11 $19.95
Information:
Lowry Park Zoo
Looking for places to spend your summer vacation with kids? Go to one of the 5 best zoos for kids in the United States and let us know how it goes. For help with planning a road trip, download our Free Guide today.
