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.
- 1
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.
- 2
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.
- 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. Perfect for ages 2-14.
- 4
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.
- 5
Tropical Rain Forest Zone
Seattle, WA · ★ 4.9 (14 reviews)
Best for ages 2-12
The Tropical Rain Forest Zone at Woodland Park Zoo is an indoor rainforest with free-flying birds and tropical wildlife. Best for ages 2-12, included with zoo admission.
- 6
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 perfect for toddlers and young children.
- 7
ReeF Aquarium
Rome, Italy · ★ 4.9 (241 reviews)
2-13
Compact reef aquarium in Rome with colorful coral fish and sea life displays. Great for young children. Indoor rainy-day option.
- 8
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.
- 9
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.
- 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
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. Perfect family nature walk for all ages — no admission fee.
- 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
Tropical Encounters
Minneapolis, MN · ★ 4.8 (19 reviews)
Best for ages 1-12
Tropical Encounters at Como Zoo in St. Paul, MN is a free indoor tropical animal exhibit with birds, reptiles, and insects. Great for ages 1-12.
- 14
Wonders Of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium
St. Louis, MO · ★ 4.8 (16,553 reviews)
Best for ages 3-14
Wonders of Wildlife in Springfield, MO: 350,000 sq ft of aquariums and wildlife exhibits. Tickets ~$30/adult, $20/child.
- 15
Cinézoo
Montreal, Canada · ★ 4.8 (295 reviews)
3-10 years
Cinezoo in Sainte-Anne-de-la-Rochelle offers intimate animal encounters for kids ages 3-10. Highly rated small zoo about 1.5 hours from Montreal.
- 16
Urban Jungle
San Diego, CA · ★ 4.8 (22 reviews)
Best for ages 2-12
Urban Jungle at the San Diego Zoo is an outdoor rope and net climbing area for kids ages 2-12. Included with zoo admission. Great physical activity within the zoo.
- 17
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.
- 18
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.
- 19
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.
- 20
Eagle Mountain Sanctuary
Pigeon Forge, TN · ★ 4.8 (17 reviews)
All ages; excellent for ages 3 and up
See bald eagles up close at Dollywood's Eagle Mountain Sanctuary in Pigeon Forge. Included with park admission. Educational and awe-inspiring for all ages.