Plan an All-Ages Safari at One of These Great Zoos
What are the Favorite US Zoos?
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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.
Our nominees were researched and selected as the top products in their category. We then turned to the experts—the Motherhood Community—to place their votes and determine the best of the best! The votes are in, and the winners are...
- Saint Louis Zoo | St. Louis, MO
- North Carolina Zoo | Asheboro, NC
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden | Cincinnati, OH
- Philadelphia Zoo | Philadelphia, PA
- San Diego Zoo | San Diego, CA
- Bronx Zoo | Bronx, NY
- Phoenix Zoo | Phoenix, AZ
- Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium | Omaha, NE
- Smithsonian National Zoo | Washington, DC
- Woodland Park Zoo | Seattle, WA
Favorite US Zoo of 2025 Winners
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
