Embark on a wild journey at the best zoos in the USA, where exotic animals, immersive habitats, and family-friendly fun create unforgettable adventures! From sprawling savannas teeming with giraffes to lush rainforests alive with colorful birds, these zoos blend thrilling wildlife encounters with conservation education. Whether you’re feeding a giraffe, riding a zoo tram, or exploring interactive exhibits, America’s top zoos offer a perfect mix of excitement, discovery, and natural wonder for travelers of all ages. Pack your curiosity and dive into a world of roaring, soaring, and splashing fun!
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium – Omaha, Nebraska
Get ready for a wild adventure at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, a world-class destination spanning 170 acres with 17,000 animals! Home to the largest indoor desert and rainforest, this zoo wows with unique exhibits like the Desert Dome, where you can see rattlesnakes and peccaries, and the Lied Jungle, filled with monkeys and waterfalls. From the Scott African Grasslands with giraffes and elephants to the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium’s shark tunnel, it’s a thrilling journey for families and animal lovers alike.
Beyond the exhibits, this zoo is a leader in conservation, supporting global wildlife research and offering hands-on experiences like giraffe feedings. With trams, a Skyfari ride for aerial views, and kid-friendly petting zoos, it’s a perfect day trip for all ages. Whether you’re exploring the African savanna or marveling at snow leopards, Omaha’s zoo guarantees an unforgettable escape into the wild!
Address: 3701 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68107
Website: https://www.omahazoo.com
San Diego Zoo – San Diego, California
Nestled in sunny Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo is a global icon, housing over 12,000 animals across 650 species in lush, open-air habitats! Famous for its pioneering cageless exhibits, you’ll wander through the Elephant Odyssey, spot koalas in the Australian Outback, or watch polar bears dive in the Northern Frontier. With guided bus tours and a Skyfari gondola offering stunning views, this zoo is a must-visit for a fun-filled day in Southern California.
The San Diego Zoo shines in conservation, leading efforts to save endangered species like the California condor. Families love the Discovery Outpost playground and petting paddock, while thrill-seekers can book animal encounters for up-close moments with giraffes or cheetahs. Its vibrant botanical gardens and immersive experiences make it a top pick for travelers seeking wildlife wonders!
Address: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: https://www.sandiegozoo.org
Bronx Zoo – New York City, New York
Step into the wild at the Bronx Zoo, the largest metropolitan zoo in the U.S., sprawling across 265 acres with over 6,000 animals! From the Congo Gorilla Forest to the Wild Asia Monorail, where you can spot tigers and red pandas, this NYC gem offers immersive exhibits that transport you to distant ecosystems. The zoo’s interactive attractions, like the Nature Trek and Children’s Zoo, make it a family favorite.
With a legacy of conservation since 1899, the Bronx Zoo operates an in-house animal hospital and supports global wildlife preservation. Seasonal highlights include the Butterfly Garden and penguin feedings, while the zoo shuttle makes exploring easy. Perfect for travelers visiting New York, it’s a roaring good time in the heart of the city!
Address: 2300 Southern Blvd, The Bronx, NY 10460
Website: https://www.bronxzoo.com
Saint Louis Zoo – St. Louis, Missouri
Discover a free-admission adventure at the Saint Louis Zoo, a 90-acre wonderland in Forest Park with 16,000 animals! Marvel at the Sea Lion Sound’s underwater tunnel, watch polar bears splash in the Polar Bear Point, or explore the River’s Edge with elephants and hippos. With family-friendly attractions like the Emerson Zooline Railroad and daily giraffe feedings, this zoo is a budget-friendly gem for all ages.
A leader in conservation, the Saint Louis Zoo supports global efforts, from saving Galápagos tortoises to breeding endangered snails. Its engaging programs, like the “Romeo and Zooliet” stage show and behind-the-scenes tours, make every visit educational and fun. Perfect for travelers exploring St. Louis, it’s a wild escape you won’t want to miss! Address: 1 Government Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110
Website: https://www.stlzoo.org
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium – Powell, Ohio
Venture into the wild at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, a 580-acre haven with 10,000 animals from 600 species! From the Heart of Africa’s giraffes to the Polar Frontier’s swimming bears, this zoo’s themed regions offer immersive adventures. The Shores and Aquarium dazzle with manatees and coral reefs, while kids love the Zoombezi Bay water park nearby for extra summer fun.
Famous for its conservation work, including breeding Mexican wolves, the Columbus Zoo offers train rides, animal encounters, and a legacy tied to “Jungle Jack” Hanna. Whether you’re watching cheetahs sprint or exploring the Congo Expedition, it’s a top pick for families visiting Ohio’s capital region!
Address: 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065
Website: https://www.columbuszoo.org
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden – Cincinnati, Ohio
Step into history at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, one of the oldest zoos in the U.S., home to 400+ species! Meet Fiona, the world-famous hippo, or watch cheetahs race at the Cat Ambassador Program. With immersive exhibits like Gorilla World and the Night Hunters nocturnal predator zone, this zoo blends wildlife thrills with stunning botanical displays for a vibrant day out.
Families love the Safari Train and hands-on encounters with barnyard animals, while conservation efforts, like saving manatees, make every visit impactful. Perfect for travelers in Ohio, this zoo offers a mix of education, adventure, and natural beauty that’s hard to beat!
Address: 3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45220
Website: https://www.cincinnatizoo.org
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – Colorado Springs, Colorado
Perched 6,714 feet above sea level, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers breathtaking views and 800+ animals in Colorado’s scenic Rockies! Home to one of the largest giraffe herds in North America, you can feed these gentle giants or explore the African Rift Valley with lions and meerkats. The Rocky Mountain Wild exhibit showcases grizzly bears and bald eagles, perfect for nature lovers.
This zoo’s unique ski lift ride offers panoramic views of Colorado Springs, while kid-friendly zones and animal encounters keep everyone entertained. Its focus on conservation and intimate setting make it a must-visit for travelers seeking a high-altitude wildlife adventure!
Address: 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Website: https://www.cmzoo.org
North Carolina Zoo – Asheboro, North Carolina
Embark on a global safari at the North Carolina Zoo, the world’s largest natural habitat zoo, sprawling over 2,800 acres in the Uwharrie Mountains! Trek through the Watani Grasslands to see rhinos and antelopes or marvel at the Desert Dome’s rare white deer. With 1,700 animals and immersive trails, it’s a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and families alike.
This zoo’s conservation efforts, like protecting American red wolves, make every visit meaningful. With tram rides, a kid-friendly playground, and seasonal events, it’s a top destination for travelers seeking an epic outdoor adventure in North Carolina! Address: 4401 Zoo Pkwy, Asheboro, NC 27205
Website: https://www.nczoo.org
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden – Columbia, South Carolina
Dive into adventure at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, a 170-acre gem along the Saluda River with 3,000 animals and 6,000 plant varieties! Wander through African savannas to see giraffes or explore Asian forests with red pandas. Hands-on fun like lorikeet feedings and the Waterfall Junction splash zone make it a family-friendly hotspot in the heart of South Carolina.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this zoo blends history with conservation, supporting global wildlife efforts. With zip lines, a climbing wall, and lush gardens, it’s a must-visit for travelers craving a mix of nature and excitement!
Address: 500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29210
Website: https://www.riverbanks.org
Brevard Zoo – Melbourne, Florida
Experience adventure at Brevard Zoo, a 75-acre oasis with 800 animals and unique interactive experiences! Kayak through an Africa-like savanna, walk through a South American jungle canopy, or feed giraffes in the Lands of Change exhibit. Kids love the Paws On play area, while the zoo’s focus on saving Florida’s endangered species, like the scrub jay, adds purpose to your visit.
With zip-lining, a train ride, and conservation-driven programs, Brevard Zoo is a hidden gem on Florida’s Space Coast. Perfect for families and explorers, it’s a splashy, wild escape just minutes from Melbourne’s beaches! Address: 8225 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL 32940
Website: https://www.brevardzoo.org