17 Best Zoos in the United States

There are many zoos in the United States that you can visit if you are interested. However, some of these zoos in the country are specifically recommended. When you visit these zoos, you can see different animals, including giant pandas, snow leopards, red pandas, and many more interesting animal encounters that will be waiting for you. There are also magical botanical gardens. 

Some of the best zoos in the US to visit are our Houston Zoo, Brookfield Zoo, Bronx Zoo, Denver Zoo, Washington DC Zoo, Cincinnati Zoo, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, San Diego Zoo, and Saint Louis Zoo. There are, of course, many more: Here are the 17 best zoos in the US for you to visit!

Houston Zoo is one of the most popular zoos in the United States. Every year, thousands of people visit Houston Zoo. It is one of the largest zoo options in the United States. They are also known for their conservation efforts and their emphasis on saving wildlife. Here, you will see African lions, African elephants, and thousands of other animals. After your visit, you can enjoy a cup of coffee at the cafes that are also reserved at Houston Zoo. 

The entrance ticket for adults is $22,95. For children, it is $17,95.

The nearest airport to Houston Zoo is William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), located about 11 miles south of the zoo. Alternatively, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), around 25 miles north, is also a major option for travelers flying into Houston. How to get from airport to Houston Zoo? For transportation details (vehicle types and updated prices) you can visit Houston Zoo Airport Taxi and George Bush Intercontinental Airport taxi pages.

Brookfield Zoo is located in Chicago, and it is one of the best zoos in the United States. It is one of the oldest zoos in the United States. Here, you can see pandas, gorillas, lions, and many other animals. You can also adapt your favourite animal to share their expense of living. 

The tickets are $24,95 for adults, $19,95 for seniors, and $17,95 for children.

The nearest airport to Brookfield Zoo is Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), which is about 10 miles southeast of the zoo. Alternatively, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is located roughly 17 miles northwest. Both airports offer convenient access to the zoo, with AirportTransfer.com. How to get from nearby airports to Brookfield Zoo? For transportation details (vehicle types and updated prices) you can visit Chicago Midway Airport Taxi and O'Hare Airport Taxi Transfer pages.

Bronx Zoo is located in New York, Bronx town, Bronx Park. You can witness the glory of the wildlife here at Bronx Zoo. You can feed the animals, get guided tours, and enjoy the exhibits here. Bronx Zoo is a little pricy compared to other zoos in the United States, but it may be because it is located in New York.

The tickets are $41,95 for adults, $36,95 for seniors, and $31,95 for children. 

The nearest airport to Bronx Zoo is LaGuardia Airport (LGA), located approximately 8 miles from the zoo. Alternatively, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is about 15 miles away. How to get from nearby airports to Bronx Zoo? Both airports provide easy access to the zoo, with various transportation options, including taxis, car , and public transit. For transportation details, including vehicle types and updated prices, you can visit the LaGuardia Airport Taxi and JFK Airport Taxi pages.

Denver Zoo is all about conservation efforts and protecting wildlife. They are also taking donations to help Ukraine. There are many demonstrations you can witness. You can see African penguins, sheep, rhinos, sea lions, and Asian elephants. You can also see animal hospitals. Denver Zoo will provide you with lots of different experiences. 

Adults need to pay $20 for entrance, seniors pay $17, and children can enter for $14.

The nearest airport to Denver Zoo is Denver International Airport (DEN), located about 25 miles northeast of the zoo. How to get from Denver Airport to Denver Zoo? For more details on vehicle types and updated prices, you can visit the Denver Airport Taxi page.

Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington DC is one of the best zoos in the United States. You will see many different exotic animals at Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington DC. There are guided tours here, so you learn a lot as you witness the wildlife. The best part is coming. Are you ready? You can visit the zoo in Washington DC for free! Take your children with you and enjoy.

The nearest airport to Washington DC's Smithsonian National Zoo is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), located about 4 miles south of the zoo. Alternatively, Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is about 27 miles away. Both airports offer easy access to the zoo with various transportation options. You can visit the Ronald Reagan Airport Taxi and Washington Dulles Airport Taxi pages.

Cincinnati Zoo is one of the best zoos in the United States. Cincinnati Zoo also serves as a botanical garden, gorgeous for the eyes and the soul. Cincinnati Zoo also has the significance of being the second oldest zoo in the United States. 

Adults can visit Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden for $25, seniors can see it for $19, and children can visit this amazing zoo for $9,50.

The nearest airport to Cincinnati Zoo is Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), located about 14 miles south of the zoo. Alternatively, Cincinnati Municipal Lunken Airport (LUK) is closer, approximately 5 miles southeast. You can visit the Cincinnati Airport Taxi page.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a magnificent place if you want to learn interesting facts about different animals or want your children to get familiar and closer with the world of animals. They also accept donations for conservation efforts. 

The ticket price for adults is $19,95, and for children, it is $14,95.

The nearest airport to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), located about 20 miles from the zoo. How to get from Columbus Airport to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium? For more details on vehicle types and updated prices, visit the Columbus Airport Taxi Transfer page.

San Diego Zoo does not look for any profit while protecting the wildlife and pursuing their conversation efforts. Since they emphasise their conversation efforts, their ticket prices may sound too expensive compared to other zoos. 

For adults, the tickets are $62. For children aged between 3 to 10, the keys are for $52.

The nearest airport to San Diego Zoo is San Diego International Airport (SAN), located about 3 miles from the zoo. How to get from San Diego Airport to San Diego Zoo? You can visit the San Diego Airport Taxi Transfer page.

Saint Louis Zoo is located in Missouri, United States. Saint Louis Zoo is the home of thousands of different animals. The exact number is around 14,000 animals! It is super popular, and millions of people visit Saint Louis Zoo every year. The biggest part goes to the zoo being free! Yes, you can visit Saint Louis Zoo in Missouri for free. Enjoy your visit and learn as much as you can!

The nearest airport to Saint Louis Zoo is Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL), located about 12 miles from the zoo. For further transportation details, including vehicle types and updated prices, you can visit the Saint Louis Airport Taxi Transfer page.

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is popular in Nebraska. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is one of the best zoos in the United States. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is located in Omaha, Nebraska, and is considered one of the best zoos in the world. Spanning 130 hectares, this zoo offers many impressive features that both entertain visitors and raise awareness about wildlife conservation. The zoo is home to the Desert Dome, known as the largest indoor desert exhibit in the world. Additionally, the Lied Jungle is one of the largest indoor rainforests globally. The aquarium section features an underwater tunnel filled with sharks and colorful marine life. The zoo plays a pioneering role in protecting and breeding endangered species.

The ticket price for adults is $12,95, and for children, the ticket price is $9,45. Seniors can visit Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium for $12,45, and children under 2 can see it for free.

The nearest airport to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is Eppley Airfield (OMA), located about 5 miles north of the zoo. How to get from Omaha Airport to Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium? For more information on transportation options, including updated prices, you can visit the Omaha Airport Taxi page.

Zoo Miami is a popular zoo in the United States. Zoo Miami puts a lot of emphasis on protecting wildlife and supporting environmental causes. Zoo Miami, located in Miami, Florida, is the largest and oldest tropical zoo in the United States. Spanning approximately 300 hectares, it is home to over 3,000 animals representing more than 500 species from around the world. Animals are showcased in open and spacious areas that mimic their natural habitats, allowing visitors to observe them in a more authentic environment. Thanks to its tropical climate, Zoo Miami provides an ideal setting for exotic species, offering a fun yet educational experience for all visitors.

For adults, the tickets are for $22,95. For children, the keys are for $18,95. 

The nearest airport to Zoo Miami is Miami International Airport (MIA), located about 12 miles north of the zoo. How to get from Miami Airport to Zoo Miami? For more details on transportation options and prices, you can visit the Miami Airport Taxi page.

Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the best and most popular zoos in the United States. Lincoln Park Zoo is located in Chicago. Here, you can see monkeys, rhinos, Jamaican iguanas, and many other exotic animals. Lincoln Park Zoo is not only the home of animals but also plants! Also, sea-life is cherished here, too. Watch out; the birds will be above you, too! 

The entrance to the zoo is free; you will only need to pay for parking if you have a vehicle. And that price is around $20.

The nearest airport to Lincoln Park Zoo is Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), located about 12 miles south of the zoo. How to get from nearby airports to Lincoln Park Zoo? Alternatively, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is approximately 17 miles northwest. You can visit the Chicago Midway Airport Transfer and O'Hare Airport Transfer pages.

Philadelphia Zoo, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the first zoo established in the United States, opening its doors in 1874. Spanning 42 acres, it is home to over 1,700 animals, many of which are rare and endangered species. The zoo is renowned for its innovative exhibits, such as Zoo360, a network of see-through trails that allow animals to roam above and around visitors. Philadelphia Zoo combines historic charm with modern conservation efforts, providing an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

Adults need to pay $24 for tickets, and children can enter Philadelphia Zoo for $19. If you have a vehicle with you, you will also need to pay $17 for parking.

The nearest airport to Philadelphia Zoo is Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), located about 9 miles south of the zoo. How to get from Philadelphia Airport to Philadelphia Zoo? For the answer, you can visit the Philadelphia Airport Taxi page.

The Alaska Zoo is not only one of the best zoos in the United States but also one of the top attractions in Alaska. Here, you can see brown bears and black bears, polar bears, wolverines, mountain goats, flying squirrels, Amur tiger, golden eagle, raven, horned owl, and many other exotic animals. 

For adults, the tickets are $15. But if you are an Alaska resident and an adult, you will need to pay $13. 

Seniors are expected to pay $10 for tickets. For children, the keys are priced at $7, and if your children are under the age of 2, they can enter for free.

The nearest airport to Alaska Zoo is Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), located about 8 miles from the zoo. How to get from Anchorage Airport to Alaska Zoo? You can visit the Anchorage Airport Taxi page.

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is one of the few zoos in the United States that includes both a zoo and an aquarium. Spanning 77 acres, it is home to over 4,000 animals representing 475 species, including several that are endangered or threatened. Notable features include the Asian Forest, African Savanna, and Kid's Kingdom, a family-friendly area where children can interact with animals. The PPG Aquarium offers an impressive range of marine life, from colorful coral reefs to majestic sharks. With its focus on conservation, education, and unique exhibits like the Water’s Edge area, which highlights Arctic species, the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium provides a comprehensive and immersive experience for nature enthusiasts of all ages.

To enter this special place, adults need to pay $19,95, seniors are expected to spend $16,95, and children can join for $15,95.

The nearest airport to Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), located about 20 miles from the zoo. For more details on transportation options, including vehicle types and updated prices, you can visit the Pittsburgh Airport Taxi Transfer page.

The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens is interesting and popular in California, United States. You can book guided or private tours to enjoy this place to the fullest because it has a lot to offer you. You will see African wild dog, American badger, Amur leopard, Addax, bat-eared fox, bearded dragon, bobcat, cape vulture, blue-tongued skink, and many other interesting things and exotic animals here at the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens. 

The price range for the tickets varies between $17,95 - $29,95.

The nearest airport to The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens is Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), located about 15 miles west of the zoo. Including vehicle types and updated prices, you can visit the Palm Springs Airport Taxi Transfer page.

Honolulu Zoo is located in Hawaii, and it is one of the best zoos to visit in the United States. Many animals here call Honolulu Zoo home, but there are also plants because Honolulu Zoo also has a rich botanical garden. Your visit to Honolulu Zoo will offer you a lot. Honolulu Zoo, located in Honolulu, Hawaii, is the only zoo in the United States established by a sovereign monarch, King Kalākaua. Spanning 42 acres within Queen Kapiʻolani Park, it is home to over 900 animals, including a wide variety of tropical species from around the world. The zoo features distinct areas such as the African Savanna, showcasing giraffes and zebras, and the Tropical Forest, which includes primates and exotic birds. With its unique location in a lush, tropical setting near Waikīkī Beach, the Honolulu Zoo offers visitors an opportunity to explore Hawaii's rich biodiversity alongside global wildlife. Its commitment to education and conservation makes it a must-visit for families and animal lovers alike.

The ticket price for adults is $19. For children, it is $11. If your children are under the age of 2, meaning they are only infants, they can enter Honolulu Zoo for free. Enjoy your visit!

The nearest airport to Honolulu Zoo is Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), located about 9 miles from the zoo. How to get from Honolulu Airport to Honolulu Zoo? For more transportation details, including vehicle types and updated prices, you can visit the Honolulu Airport Taxi page.