Activity Overview
The Kansas City Zoo is one of the top zoos in the United States. Its displays and exhibits of African and Australian species are ranked Number One in the country, and even Jane Goodall remarked that it has one of the best chimpanzee exhibits she's ever seen. Bring the whole family and enjoy all 202 acres of botanical gardens, petting zoos, polar bears, an African Sky Safari, Sea Lion shows, and more!
The Kansas City Zoo focuses a lot of their energy on creating an affordable and educational environment for both visitors and the animals. They launched a Green Revolution, an eco-friendly exhibit that informs visitors about the importance of conservation.
Many of their exhibit buildings, including the Polar Bear Passage, are green buildings, made out of recycled materials focused on conserving energy as well as making the animals as comfortable as possible in an environment that mimics their own. Visiting Polar Bear Passage, or many of their other green buildings - including the Penguin Plaza - will help you and your family learn about protecting the planet and all of her creatures.
Things to Do
- Tiger Trail: This recently renovated exhibit gives Manis and Langka, Kansas City's tiger brothers, a comfortable new home complete with wading pool and waterfall. Visit the tigers and learn about their diets, lifestyle, and endangerment.
- Penguin Plaza: The Helzberg Penguin Plaza is filled with penguins! Rockhoppers, Emperors, Gentoos, and Humboldts swim, squack, and play in their own space in the zoo. Visit at 930 and 10am for special penguin chats and learn more about these amazing birds.
- African Safari: For an extra $4, you can ride a skilift high above the cheetahs, giraffes, and chimps that make this exhibit one of the best in the country. Let your feet dangle 35 feet above the ground as you take in the African wildlife. Children under 42" must ride with an adult.
- Zoo Chats: Every day, zookeepers will give you a more up-close and personal look at the animals. If you want to learn why penguins swim so fast or what a giraffe's favorite food is, be sure to be at their exhibit. Chats happen every 30 minutes, so check the calendar online to find out what times you can stop by and ask all your burning questions.
- Science Adventure Club: Usually once a week, sometimes twice a week, these extra classes will give your child the opportunity to get up close and personal with zoology. Learn about a range of creatures, from birds to bugs, even narwhals. Pre-register online or visit the Education office 10 minutes before class begins to make sure there's an opening. Children $5/ Adults FREE
Kansas City Zoo Insider Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes. The Kansas City Zoo is very large and some of their exhibits are spaced far apart, so be prepared to walk as it takes about 4 hours to get through the entire park.
- Avoid weekends and holidays. In order to truly take your time and enjoy the animals without the crowds, visit the zoo during the week.
