Denver Zoo

Activity Overview

The Denver Zoo is one of the most popular family attractions in the city of Denver, Colorado. This 80-acre zoo is home to hundreds of fascinating animals such as elephants, bears, penguins, frogs, cheetahs, camels, flamingos, and otters. It is especially famous due to being one of the first zoos in North America to provide animals with naturalistic enclosures instead of cages with bars.

Today, families that visit the zoo can see and learn about a wide variety of animals living in diverse habitats such as Bear Mountain, Primate Panorama, the Feline House, and Predator Ridge, which features animals from the African savanna including lions and hyenas. It's a great place for the whole family to explore and learn together no matter the season.

Things to Do

• Explore the zoo and find your favorite animals! You might even encounter species you've never heard of before, such as the fishing cat, the rhinoceros hornbill, or the adorable aye-aye, a tiny nocturnal primate from Madagascar!
• Attend a sea lion show, a penguin feeding, or an animal demonstration! The Denver Zoo has numerous fun events throughout each day where you can learn more about the animals from zookeepers as you watch them play and eat. Learn more on their Feedings & Showtimes page.
• Have a truly memorable experience by going on an Animal Adventure, in which you can meet and greet the animals, have a a close encounter with a friendly sea lion, help feed penguins, and more! Learn more about all the great Animal Adventure programs on their website.

Denver Zoo Insider Tips

• Save some money by bringing along a picnic! The zoo provides picnic areas in its Giraffe Meadows, Sycamore Island, and Woodland Garden exhibits. Just make sure not to bring straws - they're not allowed in the zoo for the safety of the animals.
• Check the zoo's Hours & Admission page to see the schedule of their next free admission days - they generally offer 9 free days per year.
• If you don't like crowds, try to visit the zoo when it opens in the morning or in the early afternoon - it's generally busiest around noon.