Why Zoos Still Matter and Which Ones Are Worth the Trip
There’s something magical about locking eyes with a lion or watching giraffes munch on leaves just feet away. In an age of digital everything, America’s best zoos offer us real moments of awe and connection. But not all zoos are created equal. We’ve rounded up 25 U.S. zoos that stand out for their conservation, creativity, and unforgettable animal encounters. Ready to meet them?
1. San Diego Zoo – San Diego, California
This California icon isn’t just a zoo, it’s a global model of modern animal care. Sprawled across 100 lush acres in Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo is home to more than 12,000 animals and features naturalistic enclosures that feel more like safaris than cages. It’s especially beloved for its rare species, immersive exhibits, and commitment to global wildlife conservation. Even repeat visitors find new reasons to be wowed.
Source: One Million Places
2. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium – Omaha, Nebraska
Tucked away in Nebraska is one of the most unexpectedly epic zoos in the country. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo features the world’s largest indoor desert and North America’s largest indoor rainforest. Its uniquely immersive environments let you walk through habitats instead of just peering in. Sharks, lemurs, and bats? You can meet them all here, and it’s anything but average.
Source: Wikipedia
3. Saint Louis Zoo – St. Louis, Missouri
Few places deliver as much value as the Saint Louis Zoo, it’s free to enter but packed with over 16,000 animals and exhibits that rival any paid experience. Known for its conservation work and educational programs, it’s a place where both kids and adults can spend hours enchanted. Must-sees include its penguin exhibits and an ever-expanding WildCare Park just outside city limits.
Source: Britannica
4. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – Colorado Springs, Colorado
You’ll get a workout just walking this high-altitude zoo, located more than 6,700 feet above sea level. But it’s worth every step for the sweeping views and hands-on animal experiences. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is best known for its giraffe feeding area and unique Sky Ride, plus serious conservation efforts that benefit endangered species across the globe.
Source: Visit Colorado Springs
5. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden – Cincinnati, Ohio
This historic zoo was founded in 1875 but keeps getting better with age. It balances family-friendly fun with cutting-edge conservation work, and is especially famous for its hippo superstar Fiona. With a blend of lush gardens and animal habitats, plus projects like Roo Valley and Elephant Trek, it’s one of the most forward-thinking zoos in the country.
6. Fort Worth Zoo – Fort Worth, Texas
Big things are happening at the Fort Worth Zoo. With over 7,000 animals and a $100 million expansion in the works, it’s fast becoming one of the top zoos in the South. New exhibits focus on African predators and Asian forest species, giving visitors fresh reasons to return. It’s also praised for its wildlife preservation programs and immersive experiences.
7. Philadelphia Zoo – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
As America’s very first zoo, Philly’s animal kingdom knows how to stay relevant. The zoo features a unique network of overhead walkways that let animals roam above visitors, an innovation that’s both fun and enriching for the animals. Set in a Victorian-era landscape, it blends history with modern design and remains a favorite in the Northeast.
8. Houston Zoo – Houston, Texas
This urban zoo has made a name for itself through global conservation efforts and interactive exhibits. Supporting wildlife projects in over two dozen countries, the Houston Zoo does more than just showcase animals, it helps save them. Visitors can explore naturalistic habitats, attend live animal talks, and feel like they’re part of something meaningful.
9. Bronx Zoo – New York, New York
One of the world’s largest city zoos, the Bronx Zoo is a wild escape in the middle of New York. Its massive 265-acre sprawl houses hundreds of species and features iconic exhibits like the Congo Gorilla Forest and Wild Asia Monorail. It’s a leader in conservation science, but also a go-to for unforgettable family outings.
10. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium – Columbus, Ohio
With a reputation built in part by its legendary former director, the Columbus Zoo combines charm with world-class exhibits. Its Heart of Africa attraction puts you face-to-face with cheetahs and giraffes in open savanna settings. Add a robust aquarium and a water park next door, and you’ve got an unbeatable family destination.
11. Brookfield Zoo – Brookfield, Illinois
Located just outside of Chicago, Brookfield Zoo is a longtime favorite for its pioneering approach to animal welfare and education. Spanning 216 acres, it features immersive exhibits like Great Bear Wilderness and Tropic World, where you can explore different global ecosystems in one afternoon. Its long-standing commitment to conservation and accessibility makes it a go-to for both locals and travelers who want more than just a walk-through animal park.
12. Audubon Zoo – New Orleans, Louisiana
The Audubon Zoo blends the spirit of New Orleans with wildlife from around the world. Visitors love its Louisiana Swamp exhibit, which gives an up-close look at regional species in a bayou-like setting. The zoo is lush, family-friendly, and full of cultural flavor. From its Jaguar Jungle to the playful sea lions, it’s not just a place to see animals. It’s an experience that reflects the vibrant energy of the city.
13. Denver Zoo – Denver, Colorado
Denver Zoo makes the most of its city park setting, offering visitors a fun mix of animals, learning, and sustainability. Spanning 84 acres, its standout exhibits include Predator Ridge and the award-winning Toyota Elephant Passage. The zoo also runs conservation projects on nearly every continent. Whether you’re watching lions laze in the sun or enjoying eco-friendly initiatives, it’s a great choice for families and nature lovers alike.
14. San Antonio Zoo – San Antonio, Texas
Right in the heart of San Antonio lies a colorful zoo packed with personality. With more than 750 species, it’s home to one of the world’s most impressive bird collections. Families love the immersive Africa Live! area and the recent zoo train upgrades that loop around the park. It’s ideal for a full-day visit where learning and fun meet. Plus, its conservation efforts stretch far beyond Texas.
15. Minnesota Zoo – Apple Valley, Minnesota
The Minnesota Zoo is known for its year-round appeal, with indoor and outdoor trails that transport you across climates and continents. The Northern Trail features moose, bison, and other cold-weather species, while the Tropics Trail brings you face-to-face with exotic birds and monkeys. The zoo’s naturalistic design helps animals thrive and makes it a peaceful, thoughtful place to explore even in the chill of winter.
16. Zoo Miami – Miami, Florida
Zoo Miami is the only subtropical zoo in the continental U.S., and its open-air, cageless design creates a safari-like experience. Animals from Asia, Africa, and the Americas live in spacious, climate-appropriate habitats. Visitors can rent safari cycles to explore the vast grounds or cool off in splash zones and shaded paths. It’s a conservation-focused zoo that mirrors Miami’s tropical vibe and it’s perfect for a sunny family day out.
17. Woodland Park Zoo – Seattle, Washington
This Pacific Northwest favorite is loved for its commitment to animal welfare and education. Woodland Park Zoo’s realistic habitats make you feel like you’re in the animals’ world, not just watching from the sidelines. Signature exhibits like the African Savanna and Trail of Vines deliver immersive, enriching experiences. The zoo also supports dozens of field conservation projects worldwide, proving that a visit here is good for more than just selfies.
18. Detroit Zoo – Royal Oak, Michigan
The Detroit Zoo was ahead of its time when it got rid of barred cages decades ago and it continues to lead in animal-centric design. Its Arctic Ring of Life lets visitors walk through a tunnel while polar bears swim overhead, and the penguin center is one of the largest in the world. It’s a zoo where ethics and experience align, making it one of the most progressive in the country.
19. Oregon Zoo – Portland, Oregon
Set in Portland’s scenic Washington Park, the Oregon Zoo is a favorite for its focus on Pacific Northwest species and sustainable practices. Elephant Lands is a standout exhibit, offering a dynamic environment for its herd. The zoo also plays a big role in local conservation, from butterfly recovery to condor rehabilitation. With lush surroundings and a laid-back vibe, this zoo offers a uniquely Oregonian experience.
20. Indianapolis Zoo – Indianapolis, Indiana
This one’s a triple threat: zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden all in one. The Indianapolis Zoo is famous for its dolphin presentations, walk-through butterfly garden, and one-of-a-kind International Orangutan Center. The layout encourages exploration and interaction, with well-designed habitats that balance education and fun. As a bonus, it’s the only zoo where you can actually touch sharks and stingrays in the heart of the Midwest.
21. Kansas City Zoo – Kansas City, Missouri
Spread across more than 200 acres, the Kansas City Zoo is a spacious haven for animals and guests alike. Highlights include the African Sky Safari where you glide above elephants and giraffes, and the Tropics House featuring vibrant birds and reptiles. With fun rides, strong conservation programs, and affordable admission, it’s a crowd-pleaser for families who want a full day of wildlife adventure without the heavy crowds of bigger-name zoos.
22. North Carolina Zoo – Asheboro, North Carolina
This is the largest natural habitat zoo in the world, and you feel it from the moment you start walking its expansive trails. Located on 2,600 acres, it offers massive exhibits divided into North America and Africa regions, so animals have room to roam and behave naturally. It’s quiet, immersive, and deeply focused on education and conservation. If you like your zoos to feel like nature walks, this one’s a dream.
23. Memphis Zoo – Memphis, Tennessee
The Memphis Zoo might not be the biggest, but it packs a major punch. Its Zambezi River Hippo Camp and Teton Trek offer close-ups with playful hippos and grizzly bears. The zoo has over 3,500 animals and maintains a strong focus on conservation and species survival. Located near the city center, it’s both accessible and surprisingly serene, making it one of the most well-rounded animal experiences in the South.
24. Phoenix Zoo – Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix Zoo stands out as one of the largest non-profit zoos in the country. Its Arizona Trail gives visitors a taste of the state’s unique ecosystems, while the Africa and Tropics Trails showcase big cats, monkeys, and rhinos. The zoo runs entirely on private funding and is highly respected for its animal welfare programs. It’s also a favorite for locals who return again and again with kids in tow.
25. Alaska Zoo – Anchorage, Alaska
Few zoos let you watch snow leopards, arctic foxes, and musk oxen in a landscape where they actually belong. The Alaska Zoo specializes in cold-climate species, offering an authentic Arctic feel that most zoos can’t replicate. Though smaller in size, it makes up for it with a unique atmosphere, especially under the northern lights or with snow on the ground. It’s a wild encounter at the edge of the world.
Which of these zoos have you visited, or which one is now on your bucket list? Share your favorite animal encounter or tell us which city you’d love to explore next with the kids or your inner child. Drop a comment and let’s get a wild conversation started!
