Best Zoos & Aquariums in Los Angeles for Kids & Families

5 family-friendly zoos & aquariums with age ratings and parent tips.

Highest rated: Aquarium of the Pacific, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, The Reptile Zoo. 1 listing is free. 1 listing is indoor. 2 listings are outdoor. Qualified listings include age fit, stroller notes, cost signals, and practical planning tips.

By Kit, KidPaths editor

Reviews family planning details across KidPaths city guides.

This Los Angeles page currently has 5 qualified listings in zoos & aquariums that passed KidPaths' listing and photo checks. Start your comparison with Aquarium of the Pacific, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park, then use the age, cost and visit-length notes to narrow the list.

1 option is free. 3 options work indoors or in mixed weather. 1 option has confirmed stroller access. 5 picks fit toddlers and 5 picks fit big kids.

Start near opening, choose the animals your kids care about most and keep an indoor or seated break in reserve. Large campuses can turn one exciting stop into too much walking.

Top Picks

Aquarium of the Pacific

4.6 stars

Children can watch sea otters, penguins, sharks and sea jellies, touch sharks in Shark Lagoon, meet lorikeets and cool off near the water-squirting sq

Ages 3-12, with free admission for children under 3 and enough animal exhibits for older siblings and teensIndoor & Outdoor$169

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

4.6 stars

Children can meet Southern California sea life, touch tidepool animals, crawl through a soft mud tunnel, look through microscopes, and explore how bea

Ages 3-12 for the strongest mix of animals, touch experiences, play, and simple marine science; older children and teens can go deeper into research and conservation.FreeIndoor & OutdoorAdmission is $0

The Reptile Zoo

4.3 stars

Children can view hundreds of reptile exhibits, join interactive presentations, possibly hold selected animals, and purchase opportunities to feed pon

Best for ages 4-12, though reptile-loving teens can also enjoy the collectionIndoor$50 for two adults and two children ages 4-12: $15 + $15 + $10 + $10

Montebello Barnyard Zoo

4.2 stars

Children can get close to farm animals, feed and pet selected animals, ride a pony, take a John Deere-themed ride, and add playground or picnic time i

Ages 2-9 for close animal encounters, feeding, pony and tractor-style rides, and playground time. Confirm ride restrictions before promising an activity.OutdoorAbout $44 for four general admissions at the posted $11 each

Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park

4.1 stars

Children can watch animals at close range, see river otters through underwater viewing, follow primates using elevated pathways, and add weather-permi

Ages 2-10, with conservation exhibits and animal observation for older children and teensOutdoorUnknown

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