There’s nothing like spending the day outdoors, viewing our world’s most fascinating animals and plants. With the help of zoos across the U.S., we can watch playful sea lions splash in water or primates swing from tree branches.
As incredible as it is to see these animals up close and personal, many zoos provide face-to-face animal encounters. Some of the best zoos in the U.S. do a fantastic job to protect endangered species, provide animal welfare, and help educate their guests.
To help you plan your next outdoor activity, we’ve compiled a list of the top zoos in the United States. Can you guess as to who took our top spot? Let’s find out!
25. Brevard Zoo, Melbourne, Florida
Head over to Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida and you’ll come across more than 800 animals from all over. It’s easy to walk but somehow still packed with habitats and unexpected activities.
One quirky highlight: you can actually kayak through animal exhibits. Or, if that’s not your thing, stroll along raised trails above the South American rain forest exhibits.
The zoo makes learning feel like play. Kids can feed giraffes by hand or cool off in the Little Paws Play Zone.
USA Today ranked Brevard Zoo as one of the top 10 in the U.S. for 2025. If you want a hands-on, interactive animal experience, this place is tough to beat.
24. Oklahoma City Zoo, Oklahoma
Drop by the Oklahoma City Zoo and you’ll find over 1,800 animals spread across 120 acres. The grounds are big, but the paths are clear and there’s plenty of shade for breaks.
You’ll spot elephants, tigers, gorillas, and a seriously impressive reptile collection. The botanical gardens add pops of color and extra shade as you walk.
Animal encounters are a big draw—feeding sessions and up-close learning spots are scattered throughout. The Children’s Zoo and playgrounds are always a hit with kids.
People often mention the clean habitats and friendly staff. National awards have put this zoo on a lot of “must-see” lists in Oklahoma.
23. Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence, Rhode Island
At Roger Williams Park Zoo, you’ll see over 100 species from around the world. Wander through the Fabric of Africa area, where giraffes and elephants roam, or try to spot red pandas and snow leopards—always crowd favorites.
Kids can hop on the carousel or check out play zones. Seasonal events like outdoor movies mix things up if you’re looking for something different.
Families keep coming back, and it’s not hard to see why. The zoo puts a lot of effort into keeping animals healthy and happy—sometimes you’ll catch elephants splashing in the waterhole or red wolves tucked away in the shade.
If you enjoy animals and being outdoors, this Rhode Island spot is worth a visit.
22. Pittsburgh Zoo, Pennsylvania
Explore the Pittsburgh Zoo and you’ll find more than 8,000 animals living in big, open spaces. The attached PPG Aquarium lets you get close to all sorts of sea life, too.
Check out the Tropical Forest or African Savanna—these areas look a lot like the animals’ natural homes. You’ll come across elephants, polar bears, gorillas, and penguins along the way.
The zoo’s pretty easy to get around, and there are picnic spots if you want to take a break. There’s plenty for both kids and adults to discover.
Pittsburgh Zoo hosts events and hands-on programs all the time, so there’s usually something new. If you’re in Pennsylvania, it’s a fun stop you really shouldn’t skip.
21. Riverbanks Zoo, Columbia, South Carolina
Visit Riverbanks Zoo and you’ll see over 2,000 animals spread across 170 acres along the Saluda River. You’ll find everything from African savannas to Asian forests, plus some seriously beautiful botanical gardens.
Love hands-on activities? Feed a giraffe or meet a lorikeet up close. It’s not just about animals—the gardens are packed with thousands of different plants, too.
Riverbanks Zoo ranks high on lots of lists. There are plenty of shady spots to relax or grab a snack, and you can always find something new to learn or see.
20. Alaska SeaLife Center, Seward, Alaska
At the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, you’ll get to know marine animals native to Alaska. The building sits right on Resurrection Bay, so the views are a bonus.
See puffins, seals, sea lions, and even giant octopuses. Many animals come here for rehab before heading back to the wild.
Interactive exhibits explain marine life and the research that helps protect it. Kids usually go straight for the touch tanks and lively displays.
This place isn’t just an aquarium—it’s a rescue and research center, too. Parking’s easy, even if you’re driving an RV.
19. Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle, Washington
Check out Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle and you’ll see over 900 animals from all over the globe. The zoo covers 92 acres, so you’ve got plenty of ground to explore.
Animals live in areas that mirror their natural habitats, like rain forests and savannas. The African Savanna and Tropical Rain Forest are especially popular—giraffes, lions, you name it.
Kids can run wild in play zones or visit the petting zoo. Most people spend two or three hours to see the main highlights.
Events and member days pop up year-round, so there’s always a reason to return. It’s tucked in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood, not far from downtown Seattle.
18. Memphis Zoo, Tennessee
The Memphis Zoo sits right in midtown and has been around since 1906, making it one of the oldest in the country.
This place keeps winning awards. In 2024, Newsweek named it the second-best zoo in the U.S., and it’s snagged plenty of other honors from travel sites and magazines.
There are more than 3,500 animals here, with habitats designed to match their natural homes. People love the panda, lion, and polar bear exhibits.
You could easily spend the whole day wandering from “Teton Trek” to “Zambezi River Hippo Camp.” Kids love the splash parks and vintage carousel, and honestly, adults seem to have just as much fun.
17. Oregon Zoo, Portland
If you’re in Portland, check out the Oregon Zoo in Washington Park. You’ll find over 2,500 animals—elephants, lions, penguins, and more.
The zoo puts a big focus on animal care and conservation. Leafy paths wind between exhibits, so you get lots of shade as you wander.
Kids can burn energy in play zones, while adults might catch an animal talk or a seasonal event. The zoo shares info about protecting wildlife in the Pacific Northwest, too.
Weekends and holidays get busy, so buying tickets ahead is a smart move. There are plenty of spots for snacks or lunch if you get hungry.
16. Fort Worth Zoo, Texas
Visit the Fort Worth Zoo and you’ll see more than 7,000 animals from just about everywhere. This place has been open since 1909, making it Texas’s oldest continuously running zoo.
The big cat exhibits get lots of praise. You’ll also see elephants, gorillas, flamingos, and plenty of hands-on learning spots for kids.
The zoo often lands on “best in the country” lists, and some even call it #1 in North America. With so many shady areas, it’s actually comfortable to walk around—even in the Texas heat.
The zoo keeps adding new features and improving, so it’s a great place for families and animal lovers to explore together.
15. ZooTampa, Tampa, Florida
ZooTampa stands out among Florida’s animal attractions. It’s right in Tampa and draws crowds for good reason.
You’ll see a wide variety of animals, including some rare and endangered ones. The David A. Straz Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center is a highlight—here, you can learn about manatee rescue and care.
ZooTampa holds accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, so you know animal care standards run high. Families love the interactive exhibits and activities for kids.
The zoo’s picked up a bunch of awards, like the USA Today 10Best Zoos list and the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for several years. If you’re in Tampa, it’s a fun place to spend a day and get close to wildlife.
14. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo lets you see wildlife while soaking in some pretty incredible mountain views. The zoo sits high above Colorado Springs, so you get both city and mountain scenery at once.
There are more than 200 species here, including giraffes you can feed by hand. Special exhibits like Rocky Mountain Wild bring you even closer to the animals.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo often lands in the top five of national zoo rankings, including USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for 2024.
The hillside layout means some paths get steep, but that just adds a little adventure. If you want a break, there are rides and play areas scattered around too.
13. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Ohio
If you’re near Powell, Ohio, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is worth a stop. The zoo stretches across about 580 acres, giving a home to around 10,000 animals. Over 600 different species live here in spacious, thoughtfully designed habitats.
The Heart of Africa area? That’s a favorite. Giraffes and zebras wander right in front of you. The aquarium lets you get close to manatees and stingrays—sometimes closer than you’d expect. Kids usually lose their minds in the themed play areas, and honestly, the paths are so easy to wander that adults don’t mind tagging along.
Columbus Zoo pops up near the top of expert lists and visitor ratings all the time. Its long history and real dedication to animal care come through in every corner. If you’re hoping to see lots of species and love big, open enclosures, you’ll probably run out of energy before you run out of things to see.
12. Zoo Miami, Florida
Get ready to embark on a fun-filled journey by tram tour or safari cycle. Home to over 2,500 animals, Zoo Miami has almost 400 various species homed for your viewing pleasure. From Australian koalas to jaguars from the Amazon, traveling to Zoo Miami will feel like traveling worldwide!
When planning your visit, you must stop by their new interactive exhibit, the Conservation Action Center. In this indoor exhibit, you’ll make your way through a python while you’ll learn more about this fascinating species.
After strolling through the zoo, grab a bite to eat at Nourish 305. As Zoo Miami’s first indoor restaurant, Zoo Miami offers wraps, flatbreads, and made-to-order salads for guests.
11. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Ohio
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is home to more than 400 animal specials and 3,000 plant species. As one of the best and oldest zoos in the nation, it also leads to the reproduction of endangered species.
When planning your adventure, you can experience various rides and attractions. While walking through the African habitat, you’ll have face-to-face encounters with vultures, lesser kudu, and more! Also found at the Cincinnati Zoo are painted dogs, giraffes, and African lions.
Of course, we can’t forget to mention the African Penguin Point. Here, you’ll learn and see about endangered African penguins. Watch these magnificent birds swim underwater for a face-to-face experience.
10. Bronx Zoo, New York City
Spanning over such a large area, the Bronx Zoo allows you to connect with animals you love. With their one-of-a-kind butterfly exhibit, you can view over a dozen species. Here, you can view the most fascinating life cycle of these uniquely-colored insects.
When visiting, you must see the star attraction, the Congo Gorilla Forest. Watch these nurturing and playful gorillas with their unique personality. We guarantee it will be a thrill watching these animals interact.
As a popular destination for families, take your little ones to ride Bug Carousel. From riding a dung beetle to a long-legged praying mantis, this ride will surely put a smile on your child’s face.
9. Denver Zoo, Colorado
With more than 2,500 animals to view, the Denver Zoo has many habitats to explore. Here, you can learn about the endangered Huon tree kangaroos from down under. Spend time in the Emerald Forest, where the acrobatic primates spend their days swinging and climbing.
Are you interested more in predator species? You’ll love Predator Ridge, where you’ll view spotted hyenas and African lions. This habitat resembles the landscaping of the African Savanna and has indoor viewing areas for up close and personal experiences.
Take a break in between habitat viewings and make your way to Brown Bear BBQ. Enjoy massive BBQ sandwiches, Mac n cheese, and many traditional side dishes.
8. Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Washington, D.C.
Home to over 2,200 animals, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is a popular and free tourist destination. With approximately two million visitors each year, you’ll get to view more than 400 different species during your trip.
If you’re traveling with little ones, check out the Kid Farm exhibit. Watch their eyes light up as they see chickens, fish, donkeys, hogs, alpacas, and cows.
Next, explore the Elephant Trail exhibit, where you’ll see the behaviors of seven Asian elephants. At this exhibit, you’ll experience the sounds, sights, and smells of this endangered herd of elephants. Don’t worry; these fascinating animals have plenty of space to move around in this exhibit.
The Smithsonian National Zoo takes around two-to-three hours to tour fully. Additionally, it sits on a hill, so ensure you wear comfortable walking shoes.
7. Brookfield Zoo, Illinois
The Brookfield Zoo in Illinois is home to 3,481 animals, all of which belong to 511 species. Boasting a diverse collection of wildlife, the Tropical World exhibit is a hit among visitors. Coming from three continents, the exhibit includes orangutans, gorillas, colobus, and spider monkeys.
Of course, you can’t leave the zoo without heading over to the Penguin Encounter Room. Here, you’ll mingle with precious penguins, learn about their behaviors, and more! The Penguin Encounter Room has limited capacity, so reserve your ticket online in advance.
The Brookfield Zoo offers wagons, child strollers, wheelchairs, and electronic convenience vehicles for renting. You can reserve any of these on their online website.
6. Houston Zoo, Texas
Situated in a tropical landscape, the Houston Zoo is home to more than 4,500 animals from 800 species. This southern zoo is dedicated to helping endangered species, providing educational opportunities, and offering stimulating exhibits.
Check out the elephant herd, including the youngest elephants, Teddy and Winnie, who love splashing in the pool. Other animals you’ll see inside are Malayan tigers, western lowland gorillas, southern white rhinos, and more!
One of the top encounters at the Houston Zoo, however, is the Sea Lion encounter. You’ll get to learn all about sea lions, pose for photos, and help the keepers with short training sessions!
5. Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois
The Lincoln Park Zoo is an exceptional tourist spot to hang out when the weather is nice, and you want to get outdoors. It has educational programs for adults and children, such as Garden Tours and Sing Alongs. From polar bear training to feeding birds, you’ll want to stay in the know about activities and programs at this zoo.
This zoo has over 1,100 mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and birds representing over 200 species. Whether you want to say gray seals, slow-moving sloths, or giraffes, the Lincoln Park Zoo has it all. The park is constantly getting new animals, so check their website.
4. St. Louis Zoo, Missouri
The St. Louis Zoo is one of the only US zoos with more than 14,000 animals. Many of these animals are endangered and rare, coming from 500 species. These species represent biomes and major continents worldwide.
The St. Louis Zoo is the perfect activity to spend your day outdoors, learning about zebras, great apes, lions, and more! Interested in animals who love the water? Go to the splash zone to see playful sea lions from the underwater viewing tunnel.
Before you leave, don’t forget to stop by Rivers Edge. Here, you can view herds of elephants, hippos, hyenas, bears, and painted dogs!
3. Henry Doorly Zoo, Nebraska
Known as one of the best zoos worldwide, the Henry Doorly Zoo will give you a fantastic interactive zoo experience. This zoo will also provide you with many travel-worthy experiences.
Take a stroll through the biggest indoor desert and rainforest. Explore underground caves and exotic locations to see many animals worldwide in their natural habitat.
With the world’s largest indoor desert, you’ll see animal and plant life from the Namib Desert, the Sonoran Desert, and the Red Center of Australia. When strolling through the rainforest, you’ll go through wet caves over a swing bridge and see primates swinging among trees. With large indoor exhibits, this Omaha zoo is a must-visit for locals and tourists!
2. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Florida
You know we had to save one of the best for last! As the runner-up to the best zoos in the US, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is every adult’s and child’s dream vacation! With some of the top attractions, you’ll receive the ultimate animal-viewing experience.
Take a ride on the Avatar Flight of Passage, where you’ll ride on a winged mountain banshee. Take a 60-minute tour to view African Elephants. Or, visit the Hippopotamus’ who loves playing and lounging around while you walk through the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail.
Be sure to bring your comfortable walking shoes! Tourists take more than one day to explore Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
1. San Diego Zoo, California
Known for its naturalistic habitats and one-of-a-kind animal encounters, the San Diego Zoo has more than 3,700 animals. These endangered animals represent 600 species, along with the collection of 700,000 plants.
With their Zoo Discovery upgraded experience, you can enjoy a guided tour to learn about the animals and animals and plants cared for. Learn about an Amur Leopard, watching it climb, explore, and play with new things in its habitat.
Want the ultimate zoo experience?! Take a 3.5-hour VIP tour to explore the zoo’s unique habitats. From a knowledgeable guide, you’ll learn about the zoo’s conservation efforts and collaborative wildlife.
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