The Best Zoo In Missouri, USA For Families

1) STL Zoo

https://stlzoo.org/

Undoubtedly, one of the crown jewels of Missouri’s zoos is the STL Zoo in St.

Louis.

This sprawling 90-acre expanse hosts an impressive collection of 16,000 cost-free creatures from tigers, giraffes, and capybaras to elephants, sloths, and sea lions.

What sets the STL Zoo apart is its commitment to offering a day filled with family fun, education, and animal experiences all at the low cost of absolutely nothing! Yes, you read that right, admission to the STL Zoo is completely free for all, making it an affordable and entertaining outing for families of all sizes and budgets.

The zoo-only requires visitors to pay a minor $15 parking fee, while the option of bringing your own food and drinks makes further cost savings possible.

The STL Zoo is not just about entertainment but also places a significant emphasis on education and conservation.

It’s an incredible venue for families with older kids and toddlers alike to learn about the importance of wildlife preservation.

Moreover, the zoo features disability access with walkways suitable for wheelchairs, ensuring everyone can enjoy their visit comfortably.

While pet dogs aren’t allowed for the safety of the zoo animals, service animals are welcomed, showcasing the zoo’s commitment to accommodating all visitors.

You may not be able to hold any animals, but frequent events and animal experiences ensure you are connected to wildlife in a meaningful way.

If you wish to spend an engaging 2-3 hours immersed in the marvels of the animal kingdom, the STL Zoo in the heart of Missouri is your wise pick.

2) Dickerson Park Zoo

https://dickersonparkzoo.org/

Dickerson Park Zoo, located in Springfield, Missouri, is an enchanting destination for families.

Covering 70 acres with a breathtaking variety of over 450 animals, you’ll encounter magnificent creatures such as tigers, giraffes, elephants, and lions.

It’s not only the diversity of species that stands out, but the zoo’s dedication to conservation and protection of these amazing animals that truly captivates visitors.

Families can spend a wonderful day out at Dickerson Park Zoo while also learning about wildlife, animal ecosystems, and the importance of conservation.

Accessibility and comfort are paramount at Dickerson Park Zoo, making it an ideal environment for all visitors.

The walkways are wheelchair-friendly and provide accessibility assisted attendees an easy and smooth experience.

Both toddlers and older children will find their visit captivating and fun-filled, and yes, even your four-legged family members are welcome! Tickets are reasonably priced, addressing the different needs of adults, children, and concessions, thereby ensuring families have a memorable day without breaking the bank.

Unfortunately, the zoo does not allow personal food and drink within its premises.

However, it has several appealing food stalls to cater to your hunger pangs.

While the zoo is not accessible by public transport, it provides ample free parking space for visitors.

Set aside about 2-3 hours to explore all the attractions, but trust us when we say, it is time well spent!

3) Kansas City Zoo

https://kansascityzoo.org/

The Kansas City Zoo, located in the heart of Missouri, is a large, sprawling and well-maintained location that caters perfectly for family trips.

The zoo, spread out over an impressive 202 acres, houses an array of captivating animals, including tigers, giraffes, elephants, penguins, lions and even the adorable, slow-moving sloths, amongst many others.

The zoo is homes to over 1,700 animals, providing an ideal opportunity for children and adults to explore and learn about an extensive range of species all in one location.

Packed with plenty of attractions to keep visitors intrigued, the Kansas City Zoo has estimated an average visiting duration of around 2-3 hours, offering a delightful and entertaining way to spend your day.

Accessibility is a key focus of the Kansas City Zoo as it has ensured its walkways are wheelchair friendly.

This concerted effort allows individuals with disabilities to navigate the entirety of the zoo with little to no difficulty, promising a fun-filled family day out for everyone.

Hand in hand with this, the zoo’s pricing is quite family-friendly, with tickets priced at $22 for adults, $20 for children and concessions.

The total cost for a family of four is an affordable $84.

Additionally, children under the age of two can enter for free, making it a wonderful option for families with young toddlers.

In terms of amenities, the zoo provides ample free parking and food stalls.

Visitors also have the option to bring their own food and drinks, offering a degree of flexibility for those who wish to plan a picnic or have dietary restrictions to consider.

While the zoo discourages touching the animals and bringing pets, service animals are legally permitted.

For a unique and engaging outing suitable for all ages and abilities, the Kansas City Zoo stands as a top choice for families in Missouri.

4) Endangered Wolf Center

https://www.endangeredwolfcenter.org/

Located in Eureka, Missouri, the Endangered Wolf Center is one of the best zoos for families with older children.

Boasting vast expanses of land and pinpoint focus on the rescue and conservation of wolves and foxes, the center is a large zoo that occupies 2000 acres.

The highlight of this amazing adventure is embarking on insightful guided tours that last about 90 minutes, providing visitors with incredible knowledge and unique experiences to remember for a lifetime.

The center, however, may not be accessible for everyone, as trails can be somewhat challenging for wheelchairs.

Affordability is another factor that makes the Endangered Wolf Center an ideal destination for families.

The center charges $18 for an adult ticket and $15 for a child ticket, with children under the age of three entering for free.

An average family of four can have an amazing day out at the zoo for just $66.

Unfortunately, the zoo cannot be accessed by public transport, but they do provide free parking for visitors.

Don’t forget to pack your own lunch though, as there are no food stalls at the zoo - but rest assured, you are more than welcome to bring in your own food and drinks.

Remember, while you can’t hold any of the animals and pet dogs are not allowed, service animals are legally allowed to enter the zoo.

For more information, feel free to contact the zoo.

5) Grant’s Farm

https://grantsfarm.com/

Nestled in the heart of St.

Louis, Missouri, Grant’s Farm is an ideal destination for families seeking an engaging, immersive animal experience.

Covering an expansive 280 acres, this zoo offers a remarkable opportunity to see a diverse selection of animals including deer and goats.

Families appreciate the sheer variety of attractions available and find that the 2-3 hours it takes to cover all the attractions offers the perfect balance between an exciting day out and not becoming too tiring for younger children.

Moreover, the zoo’s exceptional commitment to accessibility makes it a standout choice, with walkways throughout the park suitable for wheelchairs, making it ideal for families with disabled members or those utilising pushchairs.

Uniquely, Grant’s Farm is one of the few zoos in the state where admission is completely free, allowing families to enjoy a day out without the usual financial pressures.

Although there is a charge for parking ($16 per car), families feel it is reasonable given the exceptional experience the zoo offers.

On-site food stalls offer a range of refreshments, although it’s important to note that guests aren’t allowed to bring their own food and drinks into the zoo.

Unfortunately, public transport to the zoo is not available, but having ample parking on-site makes it a convenient drive-up destination.

While personal pets are not allowed, service animals are welcomed, demonstrating Grant’s Farm’s commitment to accessibility.

Undoubtedly, all of these factors combined make Grant’s Farm one of the best zoos for families in Missouri.

In conclusion, Missouri has an exceptional variety of zoos that offer memorable experiences for families.

The Saint Louis Zoo, Kansas City Zoo, and Dickerson Park Zoo each provide unique encounters with wildlife while offering educational activities that engage and inspire both children and adults.

With diverse animal collections, creative exhibits, and fun programs, these zoos offer an exciting and educational daytrip for any family visiting or residing in the state.

Be sure to add these stops to your list to indulge in an adventurous journey through the animal kingdom.