The Best Zoo In Missouri, USA For Families

1) STL Zoo

The STL Zoo, located in St.

Louis, Missouri, is widely recognized as one of the best zoos not only in the state, but in the entire country.

Covering 90 acres, this zoological park is home to over 16,000 animals, including tigers, giraffes, capybaras, elephants, sloths, bears, lions, and sea lions.

Notably, the zoo offers free entry for everyone, making it a perfect option for budget-conscious families seeking a fun and educational day out.

Besides the extraordinary selection of creatures, the zoo provides various events and animal experiences that captivate the attention of both youngsters and adults.

The STL Zoo prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity, which is why all their walkways are suitable for wheelchairs.

This commitment renders the zoo perfect for families with older children, toddlers, and those living with disabilities.

Though the zoo isn’t accessible via public transport, it does offer ample parking at $15 per car.

Another advantage is the ability to bring your own food and drink, although there are also numerous food stalls scattered around the premises.

With an average visit taking 2-3 hours, every trip to STL Zoo promises a full day of engaging, family-oriented adventure.

However, please make note that whilst no animals can be held, and pet dogs are not permitted, service animals are legally allowed on site.

2) Dickerson Park Zoo

Nestled in the heart of Springfield, Missouri, Dickerson Park Zoo is considered to be one of the best zoos in the state, especially for families.

Boasting over 450 animals, including awe-inspiring tigers, majestic giraffes, powerful elephants, and roaring lions, it provides an experience akin to a mini safari, right here in our backyard.

The zoo sprawls over a generous area of 70 acres, offering ample space to walk and explore with your family.

While it usually takes around two to three hours on average to see all of the enthralling attractions, it won’t be a surprise if your young ones wish to linger and observe their favorite animals.

What makes Dickerson Park Zoo particularly family-friendly is its accessibility.

This zoo maintains well-crafted walkways suitable for wheelchairs, allowing people with disabilities to enjoy the beauty of the animal kingdom with ease.

In addition, the zoo is perfectly designed for families with older children, toddlers, and even their furry pets.

The cost for admission is reasonable, with a total of $58 for a family of four, making it a cost-effective day-out option.

Note that children under the age of 2 get free entry.

While public transport access to the zoo may not be available, ample free parking is provided, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

The zoo also offers food stalls, ensuring that your family day out is nothing short of delightful.

However, it should be noted that personal food and drinks are not allowed in the premises.

While access to hold animals is not provided, visitors often relish the close encounters experience, the spirit of conservation, and the enjoyable day out.

3) Kansas City Zoo

Kansas City Zoo, prominently occupying 202 acres in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, is an outstanding family-friendly destination.

The zoo, home to over 1,700 diverse animals, offers an unparalleled exploration of the natural world that is sure to engage visitors of all ages.

Families with older children can marvel at the majesty of the tigers, giraffes, capybaras, elephants and lions, not to mention cheerful sloths and characterful penguins.

The sizable zoo provides an incredible variety of exhibits to traverse, with an average visit taking about 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the breadth of animal life represented.

One remarkable feature of the Kansas City Zoo is its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

The zoo boasts well-paved, wheelchair-friendly walkways throughout, ensuring that visitors with disabilities can comfortably explore the premises.

The zoo offers adult, child, and concessions tickets at reasonable prices, and children under two years old are welcomed free of charge.

Despite its size and extensive range of attractions, the zoo remains budget-friendly with the total cost for a typical family of four standing at just $84.

There is abundant free parking available for visiting families, though please note the zoo cannot be accessed via public transport.

Inside the zoo, enticing food stalls offer refreshments, but if you prefer, you are also allowed to bring your own food and drinks into the zoo.

Please note that animal interaction is not permitted for safety reasons.

Pets are not allowed, with the exception of service animals.

For further information, do not hesitate to contact the zoo directly.

4) Endangered Wolf Center

Nestled in Eureka, Missouri, the Endangered Wolf Center stands as an incredible wildlife oasis for families, especially those with older children.

Distinguished by its uniquely large expanse of 2000 acres, this zoo is primarily dedicated to the rescue and conservation of wolves and foxes, creating an immersive experience unlike any other conventional zoo.

The exploration of this expansive ecosystem can be embarked upon via intriguing tours that last around 90 minutes, providing visitors with comprehensive insights into these fascinating creatures as well as the center’s substantive conservation efforts.

The Endangered Wolf Center does not only serve as a sanctuary for animals, but it is also significantly accommodative of its visitors.

For instance, it provides disability access, albeit trails may not be fully suitable for wheelchairs.

Moreover, it acknowledges the importance of affordability for families, reflecting this in its reasonable ticket prices; an adult ticket is priced at $18, a child’s ticket at $15, with children under three entering for free.

The convenience of being able to bring your own food and drink is similarly granted, given the absence of food stalls.

Although it isn’t accessible by public transport, ample free parking is available and pets, except service animals, are not permitted within the zoo to ensure the safety and comfort of both the visitors and the housed endangered species.

With its unique focus, vastness, affordability, and consideration for visitor needs, the Endangered Wolf Center sets a high bar as one of the best zoos in Missouri for families.

5) Grant’s Farm

Located in bustling St.

Louis, Missouri is a hidden gem for families: Grant’s Farm.

Covering 280 acres, this large-scale park is more than a regular zoo, it provides an immersive and interactive experience for everyone involved.

At Grant’s Farm, families will encounter a variety of amazing animals including deer and goats.

What sets Grant’s Farm apart is that it’s absolutely free for both adults and children, making it a budget-friendly option for families.

Although you might have to set aside about 2-3 hours to explore all its attractions, the wealth of educational and exciting encounters make every minute count.

The commitment of Grant’s Farm to accessibility is another endearing quality that makes it one of the best zoos for families in Missouri.

The park is well-suited for all individuals as the walkways are wheelchair-friendly, which makes navigating through the expansive property a breeze.

Furthermore, the zoo works for all age groups: toddlers, older children, and adults alike.

Although public transport access is not available, ample parking space is provided at an affordable cost of $16 per car.

Visitors can also enjoy a variety of food options from the numerous stalls spread across the zoo, ensuring that refreshment is never far away.

Although personal pets are not allowed, service animals are welcomed, underlying the zoo’s commitment to inclusivity.

Grant’s Farm flawlessly combines accessibility, affordability, and a diverse animal exhibition, securing its position as a favorite destination for families in Missouri.