Zoos in the U.S.
Almost every large American metropolitan center has a zoo. All of them bear witness to America's love of animals, both native and exotic.
There’s something timeless about a day at the zoo. It’s not just the animals, it’s the shared awe, the little moments, the way a child’s face lights up seeing a giraffe for the first time. These zoos across the U.S. stood out not just for their size or exhibits, but for how they made us feel connected to nature, to each other, and to the wonder in the everyday. I remember standing beneath a canopy of trees, watching elephants sway gently, and thinking, “This is why we travel together...to feel this much joy in one place.”
Best Zoos in the U.S.:
Explore Vast Habitats and Hidden Worlds at Henry Doorly Zoo
We drove 3 miles south from downtown Omaha to Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium (about 10 minutes). Covering 160 acres, it’s consistently ranked among the best zoos in the world.
Henry Doorly Zoo took my breath away from the moment we stepped into the Desert Dome. The way the light filtered through the geodesic ceiling, casting shadows over dunes and cacti, made me feel like we’d traveled far beyond Nebraska. Each exhibit was immersive and intentional, from walking through a misty rainforest to exploring underground caves. At one point, watching a jellyfish pulse softly in the aquarium, I thought, “This isn’t just a zoo, it’s a whole world tucked into one place.”
What I Loved Most: The Lied Jungle, where you walk under waterfalls and alongside monkeys swinging through treetops.
Food Highlight: A grilled chicken sandwich and fresh-squeezed lemonade at the TreeTops Restaurant, with views of the jungle canopy. It felt like dining in the middle of an adventure.
At a Glance:
- Location: 3701 S 10th St, Omaha, NE
- Vibe: Expansive, immersive, world-class
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or early fall
- Cost: $30.95 adults, $23.95 children (3–11)
- Hours: 9am–5pm daily
Roam Wildlife Wonders in the Heart of Denver Zoo
I drove 3 miles east from downtown Denver to the Denver Zoo (about 10 minutes). Spread across 80 acres inside City Park, the zoo has been a local landmark since 1896.
Set inside the city’s greenest space, Denver Zoo was filled with that crisp Colorado air and a sense of discovery around every bend. We watched African wild dogs playfully chase each other and paused to admire the view of the mountains in the distance. It felt like a day of balance, between animals and people, learning and laughter. At the lion exhibit, I whispered to myself, “This might be the calmest I’ve felt in weeks.”
What I Loved Most: The Edge exhibit, where you get incredibly close to Amur tigers through glass walls and overhanging bridges.
Food Highlight: Street tacos from Samburu Grill, savory, spicy, and perfect for an open-air lunch.
At a Glance:
- Location: 2300 Steele St, Denver, CO
- Vibe: Urban oasis, educational, walkable
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring or fall
- Cost: ~$24 adults, ~$19 children (3–11) varies by day
- Hours: 10am–5pm daily
Local tip: Bring your reusable water bottle. The zoo is committed to sustainability and has water refilling stations throughout the park.
If You’re Ready for Close-Up Animal Encounters, Visit Cincinnati Zoo
We drove 3 miles north from downtown Cincinnati to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (about 10 minutes).
During our trip to Ohio, the Cincinnati Zoo felt like visiting a beloved classic. There was something nostalgic about its winding paths and historic buildings. Yet it still managed to surprise us, especially at the gorilla habitat, where we watched a mother cradle her baby with tender care. I caught my breath and thought, “There’s something sacred about seeing life up close like this.”
I loved wandering through the blooming tulip gardens in spring. You'll have to time your visit right, but it's definitely a hidden gem.
Food Highlight: A hearty BBQ pulled pork sandwich from Base Camp Café, paired with kettle chips and a view of the giraffe ridge.
At a Glance:
- Location: 3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH
- Vibe: Historic, family-friendly, heartwarming
- Best Time to Visit: Spring during Zoo Blooms or summer for extended hours
- Cost: $22 adults, ~$16 children (2–12), variable pricing
- Hours: 10am–5pm daily
Dive into Wildlife and Aquarium Adventures at Pittsburgh Zoo
We drove 7 miles northeast from downtown Pittsburgh to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium (about 20 minutes).
The Pittsburgh Zoo offered a beautiful rhythm of animal encounters woven between forest paths. On top of that, a gentle incline rewarded us with sweeping views of the city.
We loved the PPG Aquarium with stingrays. The PPG Aquarium is one of the few large aquariums connected to a major zoo. We took our time to appreciate the variety of species.
At the polar bear exhibit, I found myself thinking, “My son will always remember this.”
What I Loved Most: Watching sea lions play and polar bears swim just inches away in the underwater tunnel.
Food Highlight: A fresh soft pretzel and root beer float from the Lakeside Café.
At a Glance:
- Location: 7370 Baker St, Pittsburgh, PA
- Vibe: Green, breezy, elevated experience
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring or fall
- Cost: $20 adults, $17 children (2–13)
- Hours: 9:30am–5:30pm daily
Local tip: The zoo first opened in 1898. While much has changed, you can still get a feel for its past. I recommend walking over to Water's Edge exhibit which sits on the site of the original zoo building. It currently houses naturalistic exhibits for polar bears, sea otters, and northern elephant seals.
Wild Trails and Family Fun Zones at Dallas Zoo
Everything’s bigger in Texas. The Dallas Zoo (just 2 hours from my house near Austin) proved it with massive exhibits and vibrant energy. From the Safari Monorail to the award-winning Giants of the Savanna, the zoo felt like a full-day adventure in every sense.
My son's favorite moment was watching an elephant slowly meander toward us under the blazing sun. He said: “Mom, he is impressive.” He lingered there for a while, a quiet and patient observer.
What I Loved Most: Feeding giraffes on the elevated platform and riding the Wilds of Africa Adventure Safari monorail.
Food Highlight: A smoked brisket sandwich from Prime Meridian Café. It was unmistakably Texan.
At a Glance:
- Location: 650 S R L Thornton Fwy, Dallas, TX
- Vibe: Bold, expansive, immersive
- Best Time to Visit: Fall or early spring
- Cost: $24 adults, $18 children (3–11)
- Hours: 9am–5pm daily
Local tip:
The most authentic way to learn about the animals is directly from the people who care for them every day. The Dallas Zoo offers regular "Keeper Chats" where you can ask questions, learn about animal enrichment, and see the relationships between the keepers and the animals. They post the schedule online so that you can check it before your visit.
If You Love Immersive Exhibits and Expansive Grounds, Explore Brookfield Zoo
I drove 14 miles west from downtown Chicago to Brookfield Zoo (about 30 minutes on I-290).
Brookfield Zoo ($29.95 for adults, $20.95 for kids) brought a quiet elegance to the zoo experience. Spread out across expansive grounds with mature trees and classic stone buildings, it felt timeless.
The Great Bear Wilderness exhibit stopped us in our tracks. Watching bison graze peacefully under a big sky felt surreal. I leaned over and said, “There’s a kind of stillness here that I didn’t expect.”
What I Loved Most: Dolphin presentations in the Seven Seas arena and the immersive Australia House with kangaroos and wallabies.
Food Highlight: An Italian beef sandwich from Café del Sol, juicy and flavorful with Chicago flair.
At a Glance:
- Location: 8400 31st St, Brookfield, IL
- Vibe: Spacious, classic, nature-focused
- Best Time to Visit: Spring for Zoo Blossoms or summer for long days
- Cost: $29.95 adults, $20.95 children (3–11)
- Hours: 10am–5pm daily
Local tip: Go behind the scenes with a "Wild Connection" or "Behind-the-Scenes" tour. These paid experiences, such as feeding giraffes or penguins, give you an up-close look at animal care. Best of all, you get a chance to talk directly with the zookeepers. Proceeds from these programs support the zoo's conservation work.
The Bronx Zoo
While living in NYC for 10 years, I visited the Bronx Zoo many times. This first time I stepped beneath tall arching trees at the Bronx Zoo, I thought, “This feels like a forest tucked inside New York”. Peacocks walked along the paths and children pressed close to glass where lions stretched in the sun. The air smelled of earth after rain, mingled with popcorn drifting from a vendor’s cart.
What I Loved Most: The Congo Gorilla Forest. It was lush and quiet, with shaded trails where I could linger and watch the gorillas move through their space. It felt alive, humbling, and unhurried.
My highlights? The Butterfly Garden filled with color, wings brushing past like petals in motion. I lingered too at the Bronx River, where sea lions barked and splashed. Later, I found a simple meal nearby at Arthur Avenue Market. I was happy with fresh mozzarella warm in my hand, a sandwich of prosciutto, tomato, and basil layered with olive oil. The bread was crusty, the taste sharp and comforting, the smell of cured meats filling the air around me.
A downside? The zoo was sprawling, and I underestimated how much walking it would take. By the end of the day, I wished I had mapped out my must-sees first.
Plan your Bronx Zoo trip:
- Location: Bronx, New York City
- Vibe: Expansive, immersive, family-friendly
- Highlights: Congo Gorilla Forest, Tiger Mountain, Butterfly Garden, Children’s Zoo
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild weather and fewer crowds
- Cost: General admission ~$28 adults; free on Wednesdays (donation-based)
- Hours: Typically 10am–5pm; seasonal variations
Where to Stay: For convenience, look toward the Bronx’s Fordham area or nearby Manhattan. Opera House Hotel offers boutique comfort in a restored historic building. Residence Inn by Marriott New York The Bronx gives families more space and easy access to the zoo. If you prefer to pair your zoo visit with more of the city, staying in Upper Manhattan near Harlem or Washington Heights keeps you close while offering subway access to the rest of New York.
Houston Zoo
A little further from my home than the Dallas Zoo, Houston Zoo (3 hours from Austin), is another fantastic day trip for my family. If you are trying to decide between the two, the Dallas Zoo is bigger but the Houston Zoo has more species.
The Houston Zoo is known for its sheer variety of species and its incredibly well-rounded collection. I like that the zoo's location in Hermann Park gives it a strong connection to Houston's urban life. You can combine a zoo visit with a trip to the nearby museums (if you have the energy!).
What I Loved Most: Watching the elephants splash and spray each other in the water hole. Their size was immense, yet their playfulness made the moment feel light.
My highlights? The gorilla habitat, where I stood eye-to-eye with a silverback, separated only by glass, was unforgettable. Later, I wandered through the African Forest, its shaded trails alive with color and sound.
A downside? Houston’s heat makes it hard to visit at midday. Get an early start or visit from late fall to early spring when the weather is cooler.
Plan your Houston Zoo trip:
- Location: Hermann Park, Houston, Texas
- Vibe: Lush, family-friendly, urban oasis
- Highlights: Elephant habitat, African Forest, giraffe feeding, McGovern Children’s Zoo
- Best Time to Visit: Morning hours in spring or fall for cooler weather
- Cost: $25 adults; discounts for kids and seniors
- Hours: Typically 9am–5pm daily
Where to Stay: For easy access, choose lodging in the Museum District or nearby Medical Center. Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District offers boutique luxury within walking distance of Hermann Park. I like InterContinental Houston for families because provides modern comfort close to the zoo. Another good option is Hilton Houston Plaza/Medical Center, with spacious rooms and a rooftop pool to cool off after a day in the heat.
Conclusion
Whether it’s a massive urban zoo or a quiet sanctuary just outside the city, each of these destinations reminded us what it means to pause and notice. The laughs, the wide eyes, the moments you didn’t plan but won’t forget. That’s what these zoos offer. So pack a snack, bring your camera, and leave room for the unexpected. Because the best part of the zoo might not be the animals, it might be the way you feel when you're there.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
