Whether you’re traveling with kids, on a romantic trip, or just an animal lover at heart, zoos offer an unforgettable experience. The USA is home to some of the world’s most spectacular zoos—each offering unique wildlife encounters, top-tier conservation efforts, and family-friendly attractions. We’ve curated this list based on expert reviews, visitor ratings, and educational value to help you plan your next wild adventure. These are the 15 best zoos in the USA to visit in 2025—from coast to coast!
1. San Diego Zoo – San Diego, California
The San Diego Zoo is consistently rated the #1 zoo in the world—and for good reason. Spanning over 100 acres in Balboa Park, this zoo houses more than 12,000 animals from 650+ species, including rare and endangered animals like the giant panda (now part of a conservation program). Visitors love the open-air exhibits, naturalistic habitats, and the Skyfari Aerial Tram that offers a bird’s-eye view of the entire park.
Top Attractions:
Africa Rocks exhibit with lemurs and leopards
Polar Bear Plunge & Elephant Odyssey
Guided Bus Tour (included with admission)
Insider Tip:
Arrive early and take the guided bus tour first—it’s a great overview before you explore on foot.
Visitor Rating: 4.8/5 (TripAdvisor)
Recommended for: Families, couples, and wildlife photography lovers
2. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo – Omaha, Nebraska
Often called the most underrated zoo in the country, Henry Doorly Zoo is a true gem. It boasts the world’s largest indoor desert, an underground cave system, and the Leigh Jungle—one of the world’s largest indoor rainforests. The focus on animal welfare, immersive environments, and conservation science makes it a favorite among biologists and travelers alike.
Top Attractions:
Desert Dome & Kingdoms of the Night
Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium (walk-through tunnel)
African Grasslands (with giraffe feeding station)
Insider Tip:
This zoo is massive—plan for a full day and wear comfortable shoes.
Visitor Rating: 4.9/5 (Google Reviews)
Recommended for: Wildlife enthusiasts, students, and eco-travelers
3. Bronx Zoo – New York City, New York
Located in the heart of NYC, the Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in the USA, covering 265 acres. What sets it apart is the commitment to education and conservation, especially through the Wildlife Conservation Society. Despite being in a major city, the zoo offers surprisingly naturalistic settings and quiet woodland trails.
Top Attractions:
Congo Gorilla Forest
Wild Asia Monorail
Butterfly Garden & JungleWorld
Insider Tip:
Wednesday is “pay what you wish” day—great for budget travelers!
Visitor Rating: 4.7/5 (Yelp)
Recommended for: City travelers, school trips, and conservation learners
4. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium – Columbus, Ohio
Made famous by late TV host and animal advocate Jack Hanna, the Columbus Zoo is an all-in-one family adventure. It features seven global regions including Africa, Asia, and North America, plus a connected aquarium and water park (Zoombezi Bay). The blend of education, entertainment, and family fun makes this zoo a must-visit in 2025.
Top Attractions:
Heart of Africa (feed giraffes, see cheetah runs)
Shores & Aquarium
Polar Frontier (with Arctic foxes & bears)
Insider Tip:
Book combo tickets in advance for the zoo, aquarium, and water park during summer.
Visitor Rating: 4.8/5 (Facebook Reviews)
Recommended for: Families with kids, road trippers, and summer travelers
5. Smithsonian’s National Zoo – Washington, D.C.
Part of the Smithsonian Institution, this zoo is completely free to enter and packed with over 2,000 animals across 400 species. It’s most famous for its giant panda program and conservation efforts. Its location in the capital makes it a popular stop for tourists looking for a budget-friendly day surrounded by nature.
Top Attractions:
Giant Pandas at the Asia Trail
American Trail with bald eagles and sea lions
Kids’ Farm and Amazonia exhibits
Insider Tip:
Entry is free, but timed-entry passes are still required—reserve online in advance.
Visitor Rating: 4.6/5 (Google Reviews)
Recommended for: Budget travelers, history lovers, and D.C. tourists
6. St. Louis Zoo – St. Louis, Missouri
The St. Louis Zoo is one of the top free attractions in the USA, offering a full-fledged zoo experience without charging admission. With over 17,000 animals from 600+ species, it’s not just big—it’s brilliantly organized and ideal for a full family day out. The zoo is located in beautiful Forest Park, which itself is worth a visit.
Top Attractions:
River’s Edge (hippos, elephants, cheetahs)
Penguin & Puffin Coast
Sea Lion Sound with underwater tunnel
Insider Tip:
Get there early to find parking and ride the Zooline Railroad before it gets crowded.
Visitor Rating: 4.8/5 (TripAdvisor)
Recommended for: Budget travelers, families, Midwest road trips
7. Brookfield Zoo – Chicago, Illinois
Located just outside of Chicago, Brookfield Zoo is spread across 216 acres and is home to nearly 2,400 animals. It’s known for its cutting-edge animal care and sustainable architecture, including a large indoor dolphinarium. The zoo also runs excellent year-round events like Boo! at the Zoo and Holiday Magic.
Top Attractions:
Tropic World (apes, monkeys, sloths)
Great Bear Wilderness (grizzlies & bison)
Dolphin presentations & seasonal animal chats
Insider Tip:
If visiting in winter or off-season, go for the indoor pavilions—they’re warm and full of activity.
Visitor Rating: 4.7/5 (Google Reviews)
Recommended for: Families, weekend getaways, Chicago tourists
8. Zoo Miami – Miami, Florida
Zoo Miami is the largest zoo in Florida and the only subtropical zoo in the continental US, which means it can house species that wouldn’t thrive in colder climates. It’s beautifully landscaped and emphasizes naturalistic, open-air habitats. It also focuses heavily on endangered species, making it a hit with eco-conscious travelers.
Top Attractions:
Amazon & Beyond (jaguars, anacondas)
Asia habitat with Komodo dragons
Rhino feeding and giraffe encounters
Insider Tip:
Rent a safari cycle or tram—it’s a big zoo and Florida heat can be intense.
Visitor Rating: 4.6/5 (Facebook Reviews)
Recommended for: Warm-weather lovers, Latin America wildlife fans, conservation tourists
9. Woodland Park Zoo – Seattle, Washington
Woodland Park Zoo combines lush Northwest forest charm with an innovative approach to animal care. It has won several awards for its sustainable practices and immersive exhibits, especially for gorillas and African savannah species. Locals love it for its walkability and quiet atmosphere—not overly commercial, just purely educational and beautiful.
Top Attractions:
African Savanna (giraffes, lions, zebras)
Banyan Wilds (tigers & sloth bears)
Temperate Forest Trail
Insider Tip:
Go in the morning—Seattle weather is often cooler and animals are more active.
Visitor Rating: 4.7/5 (Yelp)
Recommended for: Eco-travelers, Seattle families, nature-focused tourists
10. Dallas Zoo – Dallas, Texas
Home to the award-winning Giants of the Savanna, the Dallas Zoo is the oldest and largest zoo in Texas, covering 106 acres. It features realistic African habitats, a monorail, and frequent educational talks that make it feel more like a safari than a city zoo. Plus, its proximity to downtown Dallas makes it super accessible.
Top Attractions:
Giants of the Savanna (elephants, lions, cheetahs)
Wilds of Africa Adventure Safari
Simmons Hippo Outpost
Insider Tip:
Check for special events like Zoo Lights in winter—Dallas Zoo goes all out with decorations and entertainment.
Visitor Rating: 4.6/5 (Google Reviews)
Recommended for: Safari lovers, Texas road trippers, animal education seekers
11. Houston Zoo – Houston, Texas
The Houston Zoo is home to over 6,000 animals representing 900 species, making it one of the largest in the country. Known for its strong commitment to animal conservation and education, the zoo runs numerous programs to protect endangered species both locally and globally. The beautifully landscaped grounds and interactive exhibits make it a favorite for families.
Top Attractions:
African Forest (gorillas, chimpanzees)
Kipp Aquarium (colorful tropical fish)
McNair Asian Elephant Habitat
Insider Tip:
Don’t miss the daily Keeper Talks—they provide fascinating insights and are great for kids.
Visitor Rating: 4.6/5 (TripAdvisor)
Recommended for: Conservation-minded visitors, families, school groups
12. Denver Zoo – Denver, Colorado
Nestled at the edge of Denver’s City Park, the Denver Zoo offers a beautiful backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. It’s a leader in sustainability with solar energy use and water conservation programs. The zoo’s layout is easy to navigate, featuring natural habitats and a strong emphasis on animal welfare.
Top Attractions:
Predator Ridge (wolves, bears)
Toyota Elephant Passage
Tropical Discovery indoor exhibit
Insider Tip:
Visit in the spring or fall to avoid summer crowds and enjoy mild weather.
Visitor Rating: 4.7/5 (Google Reviews)
Recommended for: Nature lovers, eco-conscious travelers, families
13. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden – Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati Zoo is famous not only for its diverse animal collection but also for its beautiful botanical gardens. Established in 1875, it’s one of the oldest zoos in the country and is known for pioneering breeding programs, including the first successful birth of a cheetah in captivity.
Top Attractions:
Fiona the Hippo (worldwide social media star)
Gorilla World exhibit
Butterfly Garden & Kangaroo Walkabout
Insider Tip:
Plan your visit around the Zoo’s seasonal festivals like “Boo at the Zoo” for special fun.
Visitor Rating: 4.8/5 (Yelp)
Recommended for: Garden lovers, families, history buffs
14. Philadelphia Zoo – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
America’s first zoo, established in 1874, Philadelphia Zoo blends historic charm with modern conservation science. It features rare and endangered species, hands-on exhibits, and innovative “Zoo360” animal trails that allow animals to roam above and around visitors.
Top Attractions:
Zoo360 Trail System
Big Cat Falls (lions & tigers)
KidZooU (interactive children’s area)
Insider Tip:
Use public transport or ride-sharing—parking can be tight during weekends.
Visitor Rating: 4.6/5 (TripAdvisor)
Recommended for: Urban explorers, families with kids, history lovers
15. Autry Museum of the American West & Zoo – Los Angeles, California
While not a traditional zoo, the Autry Museum offers a unique blend of cultural history and animal exhibits focused on the American West’s wildlife heritage. This makes it a perfect choice for travelers looking for a less crowded, educational experience paired with fascinating exhibits about Native American culture and western pioneers.
Top Attractions:
Western wildlife dioramas
Native American art & artifacts
Special wildlife education programs
Insider Tip:
Check their calendar for live events and educational workshops for kids and adults.
Visitor Rating: 4.7/5 (Google Reviews)
Recommended for: Culture seekers, educators, families looking for unique experiences
Summary: 15 Must-Visit Zoos in the USA for 2025
From iconic giants like San Diego Zoo to hidden gems like Autry Museum’s animal exhibits, this comprehensive list covers every type of zoo lover’s interests. Whether your readers want wildlife safaris, conservation education, or family fun, these zoos deliver unforgettable experiences.
I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
