Zoos in the U.S.
Zoos in the United States bring the natural world closer, offering opportunities to see and learn about animals from across the globe. From world-famous zoological parks to smaller, specialized sanctuaries, these destinations provide both entertainment and education for visitors of all ages.
I’ve wandered through expansive exhibits that recreate natural habitats, watched awe-inspiring wildlife up close, and discovered conservation programs making a real difference. Whether you’re traveling with family, enjoying a solo day of exploration, or looking for a unique date idea, U.S. zoos offer experiences that are fun, engaging, and meaningful. Here are the ones I recommend, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. 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).
When I first visited the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska, I knew I had stumbled upon one of the coolest and most spectacular hidden gems in the U.S. It felt like a dream to explore a place that is often called the absolute best zoo in the country, and I could see why right away.
We wandered through the world’s largest indoor desert, which was such a unique and unusual experience that I couldn’t stop smiling. I thought it was amazing that one moment I was in a desert dome and the next I was in a lush rainforest—it felt like magic unfolding before my eyes.
My favorite part was walking inside the Lied Jungle, where I felt transported into a vibrant rainforest with waterfalls, exotic plants, and playful monkeys. It was so exciting and joyful that I wanted to take a million photos to remember every second.
We also explored the aquarium, and it was one of the most underrated highlights. Sharks swam over us in a 70-foot tunnel, and I thought it was the coolest, most thrilling thing to see so close. It felt like the best underwater getaway without even leaving Nebraska.
What I loved most about this zoo is that it’s perfect for both romantic weekends and family adventures. It’s affordable, filled with unusual and interesting exhibits, and every turn holds something exciting and new. For me, the Henry Doorly Zoo is not just a zoo—it’s a spectacular, unforgettable experience that I can’t wait to enjoy again.
2. 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.
When I visited the Denver Zoo in Colorado, I quickly realized why so many people call it one of the best city zoos in the U.S. Nestled right near City Park, it felt like the perfect mix of urban energy and natural wonder, and I thought it was an awesome way to spend a joyful afternoon.
We started at Predator Ridge, which was my favorite spot, because it was so exciting to see lions, hyenas, and wild dogs roaming in a habitat designed to look just like the African savanna. It felt unusual and unique, almost like a little safari tucked into the heart of Denver.
I loved wandering through Tropical Discovery, where I found myself face-to-face with exotic reptiles, colorful fish, and even some unusual amphibians. It was one of those underrated gems that made me feel like I had stumbled upon something truly special and cool.
The elephant exhibit was another highlight for me—it was amazing to watch these gentle giants in such a spacious and vibrant setting. I thought it was one of the most magical moments of my visit, and I snapped some of my favorite photos there.
What I enjoy most about the Denver Zoo is that it works perfectly for a quick family outing, a romantic weekend getaway, or even a solo adventure when I need something affordable yet spectacular to do. Every visit feels exciting, different, and filled with brilliant ideas to connect people with wildlife in the coolest ways possible.
Local tip: Bring your reusable water bottle. The zoo is committed to sustainability and has water refilling stations throughout the park.
3. 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.
When I first wandered through the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden nestled in the Avondale neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio, I fell for its charm as one of the most remarkable and historic zoos in the U.S. It’s the second-oldest zoo in America, founded in 1873 and officially opening in 1875, and that legacy makes it feel like a hidden gem full of stories to explore.
We ventured through lush gardens filled with over 3,000 plant species—my favorite part being how the greenery weaves seamlessly into habitats, offering a brilliant idea in design and making the zoo feel bigger and more magical.
I was absolutely enchanted by the Cat Canyon, a spectacular section where snow leopards, Malayan tigers, and more prowled in environments that felt as natural as could be—a truly unique and thrilling experience.
My most unforgettable moment might have been seeing Fiona the hippo—and her adorable brother—in the Africa exhibit. Watching that resilient little hippo who captured countless hearts was one of the coolest and most joyful highlights of my visit.
We also explored Gorilla World, with its multi-story habitat, simulated rockwork, and giant vines—a brilliant and dramatic space that brings the gorillas to life in such an immersive and exciting way.
We couldn’t miss the Manatee Springs and Rhino Reserve, where gentle giants like manatees and rhinos glided gracefully in serene settings—affordable, beautiful, and perfect for families or romantic weekend plans.
What really makes the Cincinnati Zoo stand out is that it feels like the absolute best of both worlds—deeply historic yet constantly evolving with fascinating conservation projects, behind-the-scenes encounters, and special experiences that make every visit feel fresh and exciting.
For me, the Cincinnati Zoo is more than a zoo—it’s an exceptional, unforgettable getaway that blends history, wildlife, nature, and joy all in one spectacular place.
4. 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).
When I first stepped into the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, located in Highland Park just a few miles from downtown, I knew right away it was going to be one of my favorite experiences in the city. It felt like an underrated gem where every corner had something exciting and unusual to see.
We began our adventure at the Tropical Forest, where I was surrounded by vibrant greenery, playful monkeys, and some of the coolest animals like lemurs and orangutans. It was such a joyful and unique space that I could have stayed there all day.
My favorite part had to be the aquarium—it’s the only combined zoo and aquarium in Pennsylvania, and it was absolutely spectacular to watch sharks, stingrays, and colorful fish swimming in a huge underwater tunnel. It felt magical, like a dream world beneath the waves.
We also explored the African Savanna, and I loved seeing giraffes, lions, and zebras in open, naturalistic habitats. It was an amazing and affordable way to feel transported across the globe without leaving Pittsburgh.
The Kids Kingdom was another highlight, with fun, interactive exhibits that made the day even more exciting for families. I thought it was one of the coolest ideas for keeping children engaged while adults enjoyed the vibrant scenery around them.
What makes the Pittsburgh Zoo so special is that it feels both like a hidden gem and one of the best city attractions—perfect for a weekend getaway, a romantic stroll, or a family adventure filled with spectacular, memorable moments.
5. 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.
When I visited the Dallas Zoo, just a short drive from downtown, I felt like I had discovered one of the most exciting and underrated gems in Texas. It’s the largest zoo in the state, and I thought it was the perfect mix of adventure, learning, and joyful family fun.
We started at the Giants of the Savanna exhibit, which quickly became my favorite part of the entire zoo. Watching elephants, giraffes, and zebras all roam together in a shared habitat felt magical and unique—like stepping into a real safari in the heart of Dallas.
I loved wandering through the Wilds of Africa, which was designed like a spectacular journey across the continent. From crocodiles to hippos and lions, every turn felt like a brilliant idea brought to life, and I couldn’t stop snapping photos.
The Children’s Zoo was such a cool and unusual highlight. It had hands-on experiences, pony rides, and playful goats to meet, making it one of the best spots for families with young kids to enjoy a joyful day.
One of the most amazing surprises for me was the zoo’s monorail ride, which gave us an elevated view of habitats that felt both vibrant and exciting. It was such an affordable and unusual way to see the zoo from a new perspective.
What I love most about the Dallas Zoo is that it’s perfect for everyone—whether you want a romantic weekend stroll, a family outing, or just a cool and unforgettable getaway, it truly delivers some of the best wildlife experiences in the country.
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.
6. 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).
When I made my way to Brookfield Zoo, just outside Chicago in the suburb of Brookfield, I realized right away why it’s considered one of the absolute best zoos in the U.S. The place felt massive, vibrant, and full of exciting adventures waiting around every corner.
We started our day at Great Bear Wilderness, and I thought it was one of the coolest and most spectacular exhibits I’ve ever seen. Watching polar bears, bison, and grizzly bears in huge natural habitats felt like stepping into a wild dream.
My favorite part was Tropic World, which is actually one of the largest indoor primate exhibits in the world. Seeing gorillas, orangutans, and monkeys in such an immersive setting was joyful, unusual, and truly unforgettable.
I also loved wandering through the Hamill Family Play Zoo, where kids can dig, climb, and interact with animals in fun and interesting ways. It was such a brilliant idea to make learning hands-on, and it made the experience even more exciting for families.
The dolphin show was another magical highlight for me. Watching these intelligent animals leap gracefully through the air brought so much joy, and it felt like one of those rare moments you just have to capture in photos.
What I think makes Brookfield Zoo so special is not just its size, but the way it blends unique exhibits with affordable fun for everyone. Whether it’s a romantic weekend date, a family outing, or simply an awesome getaway, this zoo is a spectacular hidden gem near Chicago that I’ll always call one of my favorites.
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.
7. The Bronx Zoo
While living in NYC for 10 years, I visited the Bronx Zoo many times.
When I first explored the Bronx Zoo in New York City, I was completely amazed by how huge and vibrant it felt—it’s one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the world, and to me it’s an absolute best gem in the middle of the city. It felt like stepping into a wild, magical escape just a subway ride away.
We started at the Congo Gorilla Forest, which instantly became my favorite part. Watching gorillas in such a lush, immersive setting felt unusual and so exciting, like being transported straight into the heart of Africa.
I loved wandering through JungleWorld, a spectacular indoor rainforest that surrounded me with exotic plants, rare birds, and playful monkeys. It was one of the coolest, most unique experiences I’ve had at any zoo, and it felt so joyful to be completely immersed in that world.
The Tiger Mountain exhibit was another highlight. Seeing those powerful, striped cats up close in a wooded habitat felt thrilling and unforgettable. It was an amazing reminder of why this zoo is considered one of the best in the U.S.
We also spent time at the Children’s Zoo, which I thought was such a brilliant idea. It gave families a fun, affordable, and interactive way to connect with animals, and the smiles on kids’ faces made it even more magical.
What I love most about the Bronx Zoo is how it blends unusual and exciting animal encounters with the charm of a hidden getaway right in New York. Whether it’s a romantic weekend stroll, a family outing, or just an adventurous day for yourself, this zoo delivers some of the coolest and most memorable experiences you’ll ever find.
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.
8. 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.
When I visited the Houston Zoo, nestled right inside Hermann Park near downtown, I immediately felt like I had found one of the most exciting and underrated gems in Texas. It’s the second-most visited zoo in the U.S., and from the start I could see why—it felt vibrant, joyful, and full of life everywhere I turned.
We began at the African Forest, which was my favorite part of the entire zoo. Watching giraffes stroll gracefully while rhinos and chimpanzees played nearby felt absolutely magical, like stepping into a safari adventure without leaving Houston.
I loved wandering through the Kipp Aquarium, where dazzling fish, playful sea lions, and unusual creatures swam in vibrant displays. It was so cool to to feel like I had been transported under the sea, and I thought it was one of the best spots to snap amazing photos.
The elephant habitat was spectacular to. Seeing a whole herd in such a spacious and naturalistic environment was unforgettable and easily one of the most joyful highlights of my day. It reminded me why the zoo is such a dream destination for families and couples alike.
The primate section also stood out, with clever orangutans and cheeky lemurs keeping everyone entertained. It was exciting, unusual, and made me smile nonstop as I watched them swing and play.
What I love most about the Houston Zoo is how affordable and accessible it feels, while still offering some of the coolest wildlife encounters in the country. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a family outing, or even a romantic stroll, the Houston Zoo always delivers a spectacular and memorable experience.
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
After exploring so many of these incredible zoos across the U.S., I can honestly say each one holds its own kind of magic.
What I love most is how these places aren’t just about animals—they’re about connection, discovery, and the coolest adventures for families, couples, or even solo getaways.
Whether it’s the hidden gems like Pittsburgh or the absolute best icons like the Bronx Zoo, every visit feels exciting, affordable, and truly special.
For me, zoos will always be one of my favorite ways to spend a weekend, creating spectacular stories and vibrant experiences that stay with me long after I leave.
Booking Checklist
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