Is Hogle Zoo worth visiting?

Yes, especially for families with kids 2-12. The Rocky Shores underwater viewing, giraffe feeding, and Wasatch Mountain backdrop make it memorable. It's a medium-sized zoo (3-5 hours) with good variety. At $22/adult and $17/child with free parking, it's reasonable value.

What is Zoo Lights at Hogle Zoo?

A holiday light display (November-January) where the entire zoo is illuminated with thousands of lights. Includes ice skating, hot cocoa, Santa visits, and festive atmosphere. Separate admission from regular zoo visits. One of SLC's most popular holiday traditions -- go on weeknights to avoid the biggest crowds.

Can you combine Hogle Zoo with the Natural History Museum?

Yes, they are across the street from each other and share parking areas. An ambitious family could do the zoo in the morning (3 hours) and the museum in the afternoon (2-3 hours) for a full day. Budget for fatigue with young kids -- it's a lot of walking.

Utah's Hogle Zoo

Name: Utah's Hogle Zoo
Address: 2600 Sunnyside Ave, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, US
Telephone: (801) 584-1700
Rating: 4.4

Rating

4.4(13,500)

Family of 4

$85-$105 (adults $22, kids 3-12 $17, under 3 free).

Duration

3-5 hours

Best Ages

Best for ages 2-12

About

Utah's Hogle Zoo has occupied its stunning location at the mouth of Emigration Canyon since 1931, and the Wasatch Mountain backdrop makes it one of the most scenically situated zoos in the country. Home to over 800 animals representing 200+ species, it delivers a solid zoo experience with several standout exhibits.

Rocky Shores is the star exhibit, featuring California sea lions and harbor seals in a multi-pool environment with large underwater viewing windows. Watching a sea lion torpedo through the water inches from the glass is thrilling for all ages. Keeper talks and feeding demonstrations happen throughout the day.

The African Savanna puts giraffes, zebras, and ostriches in a shared habitat with mountain views behind them. The giraffe feeding station ($5) allows visitors to hand-feed giraffes -- the combination of a giraffe's face up close and the Wasatch peaks in the background creates a uniquely Utah photo opportunity.

Elephant Encounter houses Asian elephants in a modern habitat with enrichment features. The Great Apes building has gorillas and orangutans. The Asian Highlands exhibit features red pandas, Amur leopards, and Amur tigers.

For younger kids, the zoo offers a Conservation Carousel ($3), a miniature train ride ($4), and a splash pad playground that provides relief on hot summer days. The playground is well-designed with climbing structures and water features.

The zoo's terrain is important to know: it is built on a hillside, with significant elevation changes between exhibits. Strollers are recommended even for kids who normally walk -- the uphill sections tire young legs quickly. The hilly layout also means excellent views from various vantage points.

Zoo Lights (November through January) is one of Salt Lake City's most beloved holiday traditions. The entire zoo is illuminated with holiday lights, and the event includes ice skating, hot cocoa, visits with Santa, and a festive atmosphere. It draws large crowds on weekends -- weeknight visits are less crowded.

The zoo is located directly across from the Natural History Museum of Utah, making a combined zoo-museum day feasible. Both share free parking areas.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Yes

Nursing / Changing

Available

Kid Meals

Available

Setting

Indoor & Outdoor

Rainy Day

Not ideal

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Spring and fall for the best weather and most active animals. Summer mornings before 11 AM beat the heat and crowds. Winter visits are possible but some outdoor exhibits may be limited. Zoo Lights (Nov-Jan) is a beloved holiday tradition.

Wait Times

Most exhibits have no waits. Giraffe feeding: 10-15 min. Train ride: 5-10 min. Carousel: 5 min. The splash pad gets busy on hot summer afternoons.

Nearby Food

Several food stands inside the zoo serving standard fare ($10-15). This is the Place Heritage Park (adjacent) has dining. Sugar House neighborhood (10 min) has Caputo's Market & Deli, Even Stevens Sandwiches, and numerous family restaurants. The Natural History Museum (across the street) has a cafe.

Why Kids Love It

The African Savanna exhibit lets kids see giraffes, zebras, and ostriches together in a landscape setting. Giraffe feeding ($5) puts kids nose-to-nose with a giraffe. Rocky Shores has seals and sea lions performing underwater acrobatics through viewing windows.

The splash pad near the playground is a summer lifesaver. The Conservation Carousel and train ride add amusement park elements to the zoo experience.

Pro Tips from Parents

The zoo sits against the Wasatch foothills -- the mountain backdrop is gorgeous and unique among American zoos
Rocky Shores underwater viewing is the best exhibit -- watch seals and sea lions swim and play through large glass windows
Giraffe feeding ($5) is available at select times -- arrive early to get in line as it's popular
The zoo is hilly -- bring a stroller even for kids who usually walk, as the uphill sections tire little legs
Zoo Lights (November-January) is a major local tradition -- the entire zoo illuminated with holiday lights, ice skating, and hot cocoa

What to Bring

sunscreen
comfortable walking shoes
stroller (hilly terrain)
water bottles
swimsuit for splash pad in summer

Cost Info

Estimated Cost (Family of 4)

$85-$105 (adults $22, kids 3-12 $17, under 3 free).

Train $4.

Carousel $3.

Giraffe feeding $5.

Parking free.

Tips to Save

Kids under 3 free.
Free parking.
Annual membership ($130 family) pays for itself in 3 visits and includes reciprocal AZA zoo admission nationwide.
Discount days announced periodically on social media.
The zoo is across from the Natural History Museum -- do both in a day for a full experience.