Best Zoos & Aquariums for Kids in America
Whether your kids are into penguins, sharks, or feeding giraffes, these are the zoos and aquariums that families love most. Each one includes stroller access info, cost breakdowns, and which ages get the most out of the visit.
- 1
Kangaroo Ranch
Denver, CO · ★ 5 (119 reviews)
Best for ages 2-14
Hand-feed free-roaming kangaroos at Kangaroo Ranch near Denver in Wheat Ridge, CO. A unique animal experience for families. Perfect for ages 2-14.
- 2
Lighthouse Point Splash Zone at Hogle Zoo
Salt Lake City, UT · ★ 4.9 (19 reviews)
Best for ages 2-10
The Lighthouse Point Splash Zone at Hogle Zoo is a seasonal water play area for kids 2-10. Included with zoo admission. Open summers 9AM-6PM.
- 3
Tropical Forest
Boston, MA · ★ 4.9 (16 reviews)
Best for ages 2-10
Small free tropical forest exhibit in Boston's Roxbury neighborhood. Great for toddlers and young kids curious about tropical animals and plants.
- 4
Sedona Wolf Sanctuary
Sedona, AZ · ★ 4.9 (589 reviews)
Ages 5 to teens (must be calm and follow instructions)
Sedona Wolf Sanctuary near Camp Verde offers guided tours with rescued wolves. 4.9 stars, reservation required. Ages 5+. 30 minutes from Sedona.
- 5
Kovler Seal Pool
Chicago, IL · ★ 4.9 (37 reviews)
All ages
Free seal exhibit at Lincoln Park Zoo with underwater glass viewing. Harbor seals at kids' eye level. All ages. Part of free Lincoln Park Zoo. Daily 10AM-5PM.
- 6
Lorikeet Glen
Williamsburg, VA · ★ 4.9 (17 reviews)
Best for ages 3+ (requires Busch Gardens admission)
Lorikeet Glen at Busch Gardens Williamsburg lets kids hand-feed colorful lorikeets. Included with park admission. Memorable for all ages.
- 7
Tropical Rain Forest Zone
Seattle, WA · ★ 4.9 (14 reviews)
Best for ages 2-12
The Tropical Rain Forest Zone at Woodland Park Zoo is an indoor rainforest with free-flying birds and tropical wildlife. Best for ages 2-12, included with zoo admission.
- 8
Urban Jungle
San Diego, CA · ★ 4.8 (22 reviews)
Best for ages 2-12
Urban Jungle at the San Diego Zoo is an outdoor rope and net climbing area for kids ages 2-12. Included with zoo admission. Great physical activity within the zoo.
- 9
Cockrell Butterfly Center
Houston, TX · ★ 4.8 (2,316 reviews)
All ages (best for 2–12)
The Cockrell Butterfly Center at HMNS Houston is a tropical greenhouse with hundreds of live butterflies. 4.8-star rated — magical for kids of all ages in the Museum District.
- 10
Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center
Tampa, FL · ★ 4.8 (212 reviews)
Best for ages 2-12
Marine science center on St. Pete waterfront with horseshoe crab and stingray touch tanks. Best for ages 2-12. Next to the St. Pete Pier. 4.8 stars.
- 11
Wildlife Learning Center
Los Angeles, CA · ★ 4.8
Best for ages 3-12
Nonprofit wildlife rescue facility in Sylmar, LA with live animal encounters. Educational programs for ages 3-12. Small-group, intimate experience.
- 12
HorsePower for Kids & Animal Sanctuary
Tampa, FL · ★ 4.8 (1,650 reviews)
Best for ages 2-12
Hands-on horse and animal sanctuary in Tampa. Pet horses, feed animals, pony rides. 4.8 stars with 1,600+ reviews. Open Thu-Sun. Best for ages 2-12.
- 13
Eagle Mountain Sanctuary
Pigeon Forge, TN · ★ 4.8 (17 reviews)
All ages; excellent for ages 3 and up
See bald eagles up close at Dollywood's Eagle Mountain Sanctuary in Pigeon Forge. Included with park admission. Educational and awe-inspiring for all ages.
- 14
World of Birds
New York City, NY · ★ 4.8 (408 reviews)
Best for ages 3 and up
Free-flight tropical bird exhibit inside Bronx Zoo. Indoor, climate-controlled, and included with general admission. Great rainy-day stop for NYC families.
- 15
Sobela Ocean Aquarium
Kansas City, MO · ★ 4.8 (25 reviews)
1–12 years old
Walk-through ocean aquarium inside the Kansas City Zoo with sharks, rays, and coral fish. Included with KC Zoo admission.
- 16
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Scottsdale, AZ · ★ 4.8 (11,632 reviews)
Best for ages 3 and up — particularly excellent for curious kids of all ages
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum near Tucson, AZ — 4.8-star zoo, botanical garden and natural history museum combined. Hummingbird aviary, raptors, mountain lions. Day trip from Scottsdale.
- 17
Oatland Island Wildlife Center
Savannah, GA · ★ 4.7 (2,020 reviews)
All ages
Oatland Island near Savannah features wolves, bison, bears, gators and more on a 1.75-mile coastal trail. Affordable admission, all ages. Bring water and snacks.
- 18
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
San Diego, CA · ★ 4.7 (120 reviews)
All ages
The San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park has 4,000 animals and 800 species across 100 acres. One of the world's best zoos. Great for all ages. Buy tickets online.
- 19
Ocean Wonders: Sharks!
New York City, NY · ★ 4.7 (910 reviews)
3–16
Ocean Wonders: Sharks! at the New York Aquarium features a walk-through shark tunnel, interactive exhibits, and daily feedings. Learn what families need to know for visiting with kids.
- 20
Zoological Society of Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI · ★ 4.7 (1,004 reviews)
all ages
Milwaukee County Zoo offers 1,800+ animals, a children's zoo, and family rides. Tips for visiting with kids, best times, and how to save on admission.
