Best Zoos & Aquariums for Kids in America
Whether your kids are into penguins, sharks, or feeding giraffes, these are the zoos and aquariums that families love most. Each one includes stroller access info, cost breakdowns, and which ages get the most out of the visit.
How this list is built
KidPaths starts with highly rated family listings, then filters for pages with enough practical detail to help a parent plan. A strong listing should show age fit, estimated family cost, indoor or outdoor setting, visit length, and parent notes.
What to compare
The top-ranked stop is not always the best stop for your family. Compare toddler fit, teen appeal, stroller access, weather backup value, parking, food nearby, and whether the activity can fill a full afternoon or only a short break.
Keep planning local
Use this national list for ideas, then open the city page for nearby alternatives. City guides make it easier to pair a big attraction with lunch, a free playground, or an indoor backup if the weather changes.
Browse cities- 1
Indianapolis Zoo Skyline
Indianapolis, IN · ★ 5 (4 reviews)
All ages
The Indianapolis Zoo features dolphins, orangutans, rhinos, and an aquarium in White River State Park. One of the best family attractions in Indianapolis.
- 2
Montana Yellowstone Tours | Private Tours and Hikes
West Yellowstone, MT · ★ 5 (76 reviews)
5, 17
Book Montana Yellowstone Tours private tours and hikes with kids. Custom family experiences in Yellowstone , expert guides, flexible pace, real wilderness.
- 3
Kangaroo Ranch
Denver, CO · ★ 5 (119 reviews)
Best for ages 2-14
Hand-feed free-roaming kangaroos at Kangaroo Ranch near Denver in Wheat Ridge, CO. A unique animal experience for families. Ideal for ages 2-14.
- 4
Animals R Us Petting Zoo
Huntsville, AL · ★ 4.9 (82 reviews)
1, 8
Animals R Us Petting Zoo in Huntsville, AL lets kids get up close with farm animals. A hands-on outdoor experience ideal for toddlers and young children.
- 5
Tropical Forest
Boston, MA · ★ 4.9 (16 reviews)
Best for ages 2-10
Small free tropical forest exhibit in Boston's Roxbury neighborhood. Great for toddlers and young kids curious about tropical animals and plants.
- 6
Kovler Seal Pool
Chicago, IL · ★ 4.9 (37 reviews)
All ages
Free seal exhibit at Lincoln Park Zoo with underwater glass viewing. Harbor seals at kids' eye level. All ages. Part of free Lincoln Park Zoo. Daily 10AM-5PM.
- 7
Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center
Tampa, FL · ★ 4.8 (212 reviews)
Best for ages 2-12
Marine science center on St. Pete waterfront with horseshoe crab and stingray touch tanks. Best for ages 2-12. Next to the St. Pete Pier. 4.8 stars.
- 8
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Outer Banks, NC · ★ 4.8 (2,718 reviews)
Best for ages 3 and up
Free wildlife refuge on the Outer Banks with easy trails, birding, and Atlantic views. Ideal family nature walk for all ages , no admission fee.
- 9
HorsePower for Kids & Animal Sanctuary
Tampa, FL · ★ 4.8 (1,650 reviews)
Best for ages 2-12
Hands-on horse and animal sanctuary in Tampa. Pet horses, feed animals, pony rides. 4.8 stars with 1,600+ reviews. Open Thu-Sun. Best for ages 2-12.
- 10
Wildlife Learning Center
Los Angeles, CA · ★ 4.8
Best for ages 3-12
Nonprofit wildlife rescue facility in Sylmar, LA with live animal encounters. Educational programs for ages 3-12. Small-group, intimate experience.
- 11
River's Edge
St. Louis, MO · ★ 4.8 (918 reviews)
Best for ages 1-10
River's Edge at the free St. Louis Zoo features hippos, elephants, and cheetahs. Underwater hippo viewing, stroller-friendly, zero admission cost.
- 12
Prague Zoo
Prague, Czech Republic · ★ 4.8 (66,752 reviews)
0, 17
Visit Prague Zoo with your family. One of the world's top-rated zoos with gorillas, elephants, and more , a must-do full-day family experience in Czech Republic.
- 13
Cockrell Butterfly Center
Houston, TX · ★ 4.8 (2,316 reviews)
All ages (best for 2, 12)
The Cockrell Butterfly Center at HMNS Houston is a tropical greenhouse with hundreds of live butterflies. 4.8-star rated , magical for kids of all ages in the Museum District.
- 14
Predator Lagoon
Nassau, Bahamas · ★ 4.8 (60 reviews)
See sharks and rays up close at Predator Lagoon in Atlantis Nassau. Family tips, snorkeling options, and what kids love about this marine experience.
- 15
National Elk Refuge & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center
Jackson Hole, WY · ★ 4.7 (1,885 reviews)
All ages
The National Elk Refuge Visitor Center in Jackson is free, 4.7 stars, and a must-visit orientation stop. Wildlife displays and expert staff. Family tips.
- 16
Briarwood Ranch Safari Park
Pigeon Forge, TN · ★ 4.7 (1,057 reviews)
Best for ages 2-12
Safari-style animal park in Sevierville with zebra, bison, and exotic species. Best for ages 2-12. Drive-through or walk-through format near Pigeon Forge.
- 17
Indianapolis Zoo Bicentennial Pavilion
Indianapolis, IN · ★ 4.7 (76 reviews)
All ages
The Indianapolis Zoo Bicentennial Pavilion hosts seasonal events and family programming throughout the year , check the zoo's calendar for what's happening during your visit.
- 18
St. Vincent Dolphin Pavilion
Indianapolis, IN · ★ 4.7 (1,934 reviews)
3, 14
Watch bottlenose dolphins leap and play at the St. Vincent Dolphin Pavilion inside the Indianapolis Zoo. A top family experience in Indianapolis.
- 19
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center-Animal Discoveries
Dallas, TX · ★ 4.7 (4,325 reviews)
3, 16
Drive-through safari near Dallas in Glen Rose, TX. Giraffes eat from your car window at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. One of Texas's best family day trips.
- 20
Nashville Zoo Giraffe House
Nashville, TN · ★ 4.7 (58 reviews)
All ages (zoo admission required)
Hand-feed giraffes at Nashville Zoo's Giraffe House. Included with zoo admission plus feeding add-on. Best wildlife encounter in Nashville for kids.