Plan an All-Ages Safari at One of These Great Zoos
Vote for Your Favorite US Zoos
Vote for your favorite US zoo until polls close on March 25 at noon ET. We’ll share the winners publicly on April 3 at noon EST. For any questions, see our Motherhood Loves Community Awards terms and conditions.
Motherhood Loves Community Awards nominees have been carefully chosen by our team. We may earn a commission if you buy something through links on our site.
From giraffes on the savanna to tigers in the jungle, zoos across the country provide opportunities for visitors to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most majestic–and rare–animals. Our picks for the top US zoos are not only home to a variety of animals, but they also offer educational programming and fun attractions for all ages, making them the perfect addition to your family vacation itinerary. Plus, they’re conservation-minded, so you can visit knowing the animals’ welfare is a top priority. See your favorite zoo on the list? Be sure to give it a vote so it makes it to the top!
Favorite US Zoo of 2025 Nominees
Bronx Zoo | Bronx, NY
Located on 265 acres in New York City, the Bronx Zoo is the largest urban zoo in the country. It’s home to more than 700 species of animals, including gorillas, tigers, red pandas, and lemurs, and it’s even been featured on the Animal Planet show The Zoo. You and the kids also won’t want to miss out on the carousel, educational nature trek, and animal feedings and encounters.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden | Cincinnati, OH
Founded in 1875, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden houses more than 400 species of animals and 3,000 species of plants. It’s home to Fiona the hippo, made famous on social media, as well as lions, penguins, and elephants. Enjoy the flexibility of day and evening educational programming, and be sure to leave time for animal encounters, the zoo train, and the carousel.
Denver Zoo | Denver, CO
This zoo sits on 80 acres and has more than 2,500 animals, including species from Australia in the Down Under exhibit, which opened in 2024. Visitors can enjoy educational animal talks and demonstrations, plus special attractions like the Stingray Cove touch pool, virtual Gorilla Trek, Conservation Carousel, and railroad for all ages.
Memphis Zoo | Memphis, TN
East of downtown in the Overton Park area lies the Memphis Zoo, an open-air zoo that’s home to more than 3,500 animals, a farm train, and a carousel. Families with hands-on learners can schedule an encounter with residents like elephants, rhinos, and penguins. Visiting in the evening? Fun twilight tours are also available.
Minnesota Zoo | Apple Valley, MN
Situated a few miles south of Minneapolis, the Minnesota Zoo is open year-round and features both indoor and outdoor exhibits. The zoo is home to more than 500 species of animals, and its Treetop Trail provides visitors with a bird’s-eye view into some of the exhibits. Kids especially love the education stations and Dino Hideout play area.
North Carolina Zoo | Asheboro, NC
This hidden gem might not be on your radar, but as the world’s largest natural habitat zoo, it should be! It sits on 2,600 acres in quaint Asheboro, North Carolina, and has five miles of walking trails that take visitors through geographically themed exhibit areas like the Rocky Coast and Watani Grasslands Reserve. If your kids still have energy to burn after your tour, let them embrace their wild side in one of the multiple play areas.
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium | Omaha, NE
Highlights at this 160-acre zoo include the immersive Hubbard Orangutan exhibit and a sea lion exhibit with a 40-foot underwater viewing window. The aquarium houses a 70-foot shark tunnel, plus Stingray Beach, which allows visitors to feed and interact with rays. Family-friendly attractions abound, with the Skyfari and Alaskan Adventure splash area topping the list.
Oregon Zoo | Portland, OR
One of the most visited attractions in the Pacific Northwest, the Oregon Zoo is home to 165 species of animals, including local wildlife, as well as primates, elephants, lions, tigers, cheetahs, and giraffes. Enhance your family’s visit by completing the Cool Creature Crawl, a scavenger hunt throughout the grounds featuring works by local artist Mike Bennett. Additional kid-friendly attractions include a zoo train, carousel, and play areas.
Philadelphia Zoo | Philadelphia, PA
Opened in 1874, this is the oldest zoo in the country. Its unique Zoo360 trails lead visitors through exhibits via elevated mesh walkways, allowing the animals to roam longer distances in the zoo. Other must-sees include the free-flight bird exhibit and the walkthrough lemur enclosure. The Barnyard petting zoo is also sure to be a hit with your kids.
Phoenix Zoo | Phoenix, AZ
Located in the Papago Park area, the Phoenix Zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals, including orangutans, cheetahs, rhinos, and giraffes. Guests can enjoy several interactive experiences like camel rides, the Stingray Bay touch pool, the Safari Cruiser, and giraffe feedings. There’s plenty for little ones too, with a carousel and numerous play areas.
Saint Louis Zoo | St. Louis, MO
This expansive zoo just west of downtown was founded in 1910 and houses more than 16,000 animals, including lions, tigers, hippos, chimps, and polar bears. The zoo itself is free to visit, but additional experiences, like the 4D theater, sea lion shows, Zooline Railroad, and giraffe feedings, are available for additional fees. And with year-round hours, you can visit the zoo whenever it fits your family’s schedule.
San Diego Zoo | San Diego, CA
The San Diego Zoo is one of the most well-known zoos in the world, and for good reason! In addition to being home to over 12,000 animals, the zoo has numerous experiences like the Skyfari Aerial Tram, the Balboa Park Mini Train, a 4D theater, and play areas for kids. To add a little spice to your visit, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (separate ticket) offers guided, safari-style experiences.
Smithsonian National Zoo | Washington, DC
Founded in 1889, this zoo in the nation’s capital is part of the Smithsonian Institution, so it’s free to visit. It’s home to more than 2,200 animals, and highlights include a pair of giant pandas, as well as Asian elephants and Sumatran tigers. Kids will have fun with the Me and the Bee playground, Speedwell Conservation Carousel, and Squirt Zone.
Woodland Park Zoo | Seattle, WA
This residential zoo sits on 92 acres in Seattle and features multiple exhibits organized by geography, including African Savanna, Australasia, and the Living Northwest Trail, which houses local wildlife. Programming includes informative daily keeper talks, tiger training demonstrations, and penguin feedings. Your kids will also enjoy the Zoomazium play areas, carousel, and storytime events.
Zoo Miami | Miami, FL
Featuring four miles of walkways that stretch across 750 acres, Zoo Miami has exhibits highlighting the Everglades, the Amazon, and Asia. In addition to more than 2,200 animals, the zoo has multiple attractions, including the family-friendly Critter Connection Wacky Barn, where visitors can interact with barnyard animals. There’s also a carousel, pedal boats, and multiple kid zones with splash pads.
About Motherhood Loves Community Awards
Our nominees are researched and selected as the top products in their category. You can vote once per category, per day. Motherhood independently selects the products and services we cover and recommend. We do not exchange currency, goods or services to be listed.
