Animal lovers must travel to the Himalyan mountains or the Serengeti for a close observation of a rare species. And even when they do get there, there is no guarantee they might see the wildlife that they long to lay eyes on. Fortunately, that’s where zoos come in. Wildlife that most Americans only see in books or on television, such as camels or zebras or lions, can be seen at zoos. Want to experience these animals for yourself? The best zoos in the US are a great way to get to see the animals without buying a plane ticket to far-flung places.
10 Best Zoos in the US
1. Bronx Zoo, New York City
Right in the heart of the city, this zoo is an oasis of beautiful animals and relaxing habitats. The children’s zoo is one of the best in the nation, allowing kids to get up close and personal with animals they have only seen on television. There is also the Madagascar exhibit, a monorail ride around Wild Asia and a 100-year-old snapping turtle.
2. National Zoo, Washington, D.C
This is a huge research center, and there is evidence of that: Just check out the Think Tank, where orangutans are allowed to test their skills on touch-screen computers! Kids will love watching the orangutans swing above them on their way to the Think Tank. Expect to see a giant panda, Komodo dragons, and even the golden lion tamarins, one of the few zoo-bred animals to be released successfully into the wild.
3. Brookfield Zoo, Illinois
Known as one of the most amazing zoos in the world, this massive showplace for animals offers hundreds of beautiful animals as well as live educational experiences throughout the day. Your family will enjoy the“critter cart,” where animals are displayed for a better look. Kids really love the hands-on experiences, such as releasing ladybugs or feeding some of the smaller, more docile animals.
4. St. Louis Zoo, Missouri
On top of all the great animals that this zoo offers, the penguins are some of the best in the world. The exhibit is set up with a habitat that is so close to the original that parents should be warned: It gets cold in there! Even kids in strollers can see everything, including the 22-foot waterfall that the penguins love to play in. Other animals are displayed in such a way that you can get closer than you imagined.
5. Houston Zoo, Texas
This zoo makes the zookeepers the star of the show—along with the animals, of course. That’s because the Houston Zoo makes sure visitors can see the animals being cared for during the day, instead of hiding that behind the scenes. Want to see an elephant being bathed? Here’s the place! Other goodies include tunnels in the aquarium and programs that allow children to touch the smaller and more docile animals.
6. San Antonio Zoo & Aquarium, Texas
This hands-on zoo offers a children’s area that makes learning about animals fun. Should you dig up carrots to feed the animals? How about watching the flamingos eat shrimp? Or maybe just relax while you look at the tracks the animals make in the dirt? This is great for kids of all ages, but especially those who are five and under. Of course, there are plenty of the “usual” attractions, too.
7. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Ohio
Want to see something really amazing? How about the baby animals in the baby nursery, where they are raised in plain sight of anyone who cares to watch. Other great options include a walk-through turkey cage, the Wildlife Canyon with the rhinos, and the stroller safari, where little kids get to see the big animals on a guided tour. But maybe best of all is the nighttime fun, where you can see the animals that come out of their burrows after the sun goes down.
8. San Diego Zoo, California
With over 4,000 animals, there is plenty to see.One of the best attractions is the pandas, and this zoo offers the best viewing opportunities in the U.S. Other great attractions include the elephant section, the children’s zoo, and the half-hour bus tour that takes you around the zoo to see everything while you sit back and relax.
9. Minnesota Zoological Garden, Minnesota
This amazing park can take you to the tropics, and you can explore the Minnesota Trail for a view into the animals that are right there in the state but rarely seen by residents. Kids will love the chance to spot animals that they might only see occasionally in the wild—if they’re lucky! Other goodies include the South Pacific lagoon animals, including friendly dolphins and rays, and the Coral Reef.
10. Miami Metro Zoo, Florida
This zoo is the only one located in a sub-tropical climate, so many of the exhibits are open-air. Sub-tropical animals, even those that are accustomed to the desert, love this—but humans can get rather hot, so make sure your kids have plenty of ways to cool off in the heat. It’s worth it to get a close-up view of these animals in the Ecology Theater, where you can watch the alligators, crocodiles, and tortoises.
Want to learn more about the best zoos in the US before you take your kids there? Here is a video that tells you much more about which zoos might be the best bet for you.