Zoos and aquariums offer visitors the opportunity to see an incredible number of species, learn about wildlife and support conservation. The United States is home to a whopping 350 zoos and aquariums, more than any other country in the world, making it the perfect destination for family getaways or educational vacations.
However, with so many amazing zoos to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down your options. To help with your search, here are the six top-rated zoos in the U.S., according to travelers like you.
1. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo And Aquarium
What to do: Omaha’s premier zoo and aquarium offers tons to explore, from the orangutan forest and butterfly pavilion to an interactive children’s playground. Leave time in your packed itinerary to visit the Desert Dome, the world’s largest indoor desert under a giant geodesic dome.
Other things to do in Omaha, Nebraska: Check out other family-friendly attractions like the Omaha Children’s Museum and the Gene Leahy Mall, a riverfront green space perfect for wearing out energetic travelers.
Hotel near Omaha Zoo: Read one Hilton Grand Vacation Member’s review of Hilton Omaha.
2. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
What to do: Meet animals from around the world, from African elephants and giraffes to grizzly bears and otters. Learn more about barnyard animals and feed domestic goats and chickens at the petting zoo. Kids can also sign up for classes and join a starlit safari, become a junior ranger or learn about animal conservation from the experts.
Other things to do in Colorado Springs, Colorado: Spot dramatic rock formations at Garden of the Gods, catch a show at Cosmo’s Magic Theater and visit the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum.
Hotel near Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: Home2 Suites by Hilton Colorado Springs South offers a place to stay just five miles from the zoo with accommodations fit for the whole family.
3. Columbus Zoo And Aquarium
What to do: Say “G’day” to kangaroos, watch cheetahs reach top speed or hang with colorful lorikeets. For a more aquatic adventure, see stingrays soar underwater, sit in on a sea lion show and touch horseshoe crabs and starfish in a tide pool. If you visit during the weekend, listen to a Zoo Keeper and learn about the professionals caring for your favorite zoo animals.
Other things to do in Powell, Ohio: Splash around at Zoombezi Bay, an outdoor water park with a wave pool, giant playground and enough water slides to cool off. Or take a day away from Powell to explore LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus and Ohio Caverns.
Hotel near Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: Stay at Hilton Garden Inn Columbus/Dublin for a convenient location four miles from the zoo.
4. Jacksonville Zoo And Gardens
What to do: Explore more than 100 acres of animal enclosures, botanical gardens and sculptural exhibits. Highlights include zebras, penguins and tigers — oh my! Be sure to check out Florida natives like manatees, alligators, bobcats, cormorants and cottonmouths.
Other things to do in Jacksonville, Florida: Sweet-toothed travelers will love the candy factory tour at Sweet Pete's Candy. Then, hit the beach at Big Talbot Island State Park, one of Jacksonville’s top bird-watching spots. Or see even more big cats at Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary.
Hotel near Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens: Enjoy riverside views and access to DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Riverfront.
5. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
What to do: Cincinnati Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the U.S., offering tiger sightings and plenty of family-friendly activities like Breakfast with the Animals and Zoo Babies. You can also take a self-guided tour and see animals from aardvarks to zebra bugs.
As part of its 150th anniversary, the Cincinnati Zoo launched a pin trading program, encouraging guests to trade and collect pins of their favorite animals.
Other things to do in Cincinnati, Ohio: Tour the American Sign Museum and watch an artist make a neon sign. Head to Winton Woods Park for awesome outdoorsy activities like hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, golfing and horseback riding. Or try dodgeball archery for a new take on a familiar sport.
Hotel near Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden: Kick back and relax in Ohio-inspired rooms at Graduate by Hilton Cincinnati for a stay that’s undeniably Cincy.
6. Brevard Zoo
What to do: See over 800 animals at the Brevard Zoo via kayak, miniature train or zipline. Sign up for a close animal encounter with rhinos, sloths, flamingos, stingrays and okapis. For more kid-friendly activities, check out upcoming events like family paint days and Science Sundays.
Other things to do in Melbourne, Florida: Take advantage of the Florida coast and spend time on the water. Hop on a manatee and dolphin tour, or learn about sea turtle conservation. Less than 20 miles away, Melbourne Beach and Paradise Beach await you and your family.
Hotel near Brevard Zoo: Stay at Hampton Inn Melbourne-Viera, within driving distance of Brevard Zoo, or take a day trip from one of Hilton Grand Vacations’ Orlando properties.
Did You Know?
One perk of Hilton Grand Vacations membership is the flexibility to convert HGV ClubPoints to Hilton Honors Points and stay anywhere within the Hilton portfolio. Thanks to vacation membership, Members have vacationed around the world — from incredible destinations like Bali and New Zealand to off-the-beaten-path locales like Lake Placid, New York.
Read “How My Family Sees More Of The World With Points” for one Member’s advice to maximizing Hilton Grand Vacations membership.