The Best Zoo In Missouri, USA For Toddlers

1) STL Zoo

https://stlzoo.org/

The STL Zoo, nestled in the heart of St Louis, Missouri, is a wonderland for toddlers and one of the best zoos in the state.

Housing an impressive collection of 16,000 animals from capybaras to sea lions, the zoo provides a rich, educational, and engaging experience that captivates the curiosity of little ones.

Its expansive area of 90 acres hosts a variety of fascinating exhibits and habitats that take about 2-3 hours on average to explore, from the proud prowling tigers to the slow-moving, gentle sloths.

Moreover, the zoo provides a perfect blend of fun and learning with its diverse events and interactive animal experiences designed especially to spark interest and create memorable experiences.

The brilliance of the STL Zoo goes beyond its wonderful collection of animals.

The zoo is dedicated to making every visitor’s experience as inclusive as possible, with disability-friendly walkways and facilities.

Families with toddlers can benefit from this level of access and, with free entry, the visit is even more attractive.

Despite having no public transport access, the zoo offers on-site parking, eliminating any transportation concerns.

Families can even bring their own food to enjoy a delightful picnic amidst the natural beauty of the zoo.

For a more convenient option, various food stalls within the complex offer a wide range of options.

However, visitors need to remember that pet dogs aren’t allowed, with the exception of service animals.

In short, the STL Zoo promises an entertaining, educational, and affordable day out for families with toddlers.

2) Dickerson Park Zoo

https://dickersonparkzoo.org/

A trip to Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield, Missouri is more than just a day out for the family; it’s an immersive, educational adventure for toddlers.

With more than 70 awe-inspiring acres to explore, and 450+ captivating creatures to meet - ranging from majestic elephants and regal lions to striking tigers and lovable giraffes - there’s plenty to keep little eyes wide and mind engaged.

The zoo also goes the extra mile to ensure comfort and accessibility for all guests, showcasing pathways that are well-suited for wheelchairs and strollers, thus making it a wonderful location for families with young ones or for those with accessibility needs.

What’s even better, families don’t just get to observe the animals from afar at Dickerson Park Zoo, but they’re also offered the chance at close encounters as part of their conservation and protection efforts, ably demonstrating their mission to instill a love and respect for the animal kingdom in their guests.

Although toddlers might not be able to hold animals directly, they are nonetheless treated to a spectacle of nature up close that manages to be both awe-inspiring and suitable for young kids.

And of course, a day of roaming the zoo can be quite an energetic undertaking, which is why food stalls are well-placed across the zoo grounds to keep hunger at bay.

With the adult ticket coming in at $17, a child’s at $12 and under-2s going free, a day out here is not just entertaining but also great value, especially considering a full exploration takes 2 to 3 hours.

3) Grant’s Farm

https://grantsfarm.com/

Nestled in the heart of St.

Louis, Missouri, Grant’s Farm is a must-visit destination for families, particularly those with toddlers.

Spanning 280 acres, this expansive zoo provides a home to an array of animals, with notable inhabitants including deer and goats.

One standout feature of Grant’s Farm is its accessibility, with walkways designed to cater for wheelchairs, making it an ideal spot for families of all types.

Despite its size, visitors can expect to take in all the attractions within 2-3 hours, perfect for families with young children who might find longer trips overwhelming.

Perhaps the most impressive detail of Grant’s Farm is its price - or lack thereof.

Adult, child, and concessions tickets are all entirely free, meaning that an average family of four can visit without needing to spend a single dollar on entry.

While parking is available for a reasonable fee of $16 per car, it’s worth noting that the zoo can’t be accessed by public transport.

Food stalls dot the zoo, providing refreshments as outside food and drink are not permitted.

While visitors are not allowed to hold animals, and pet dogs are not permitted (with an exception for service animals), the delightful sights and experiences provided by Grant’s Farm mark it as one of the best zoos for toddlers in Missouri.

Other Zoos To Enjoy

There are so many other great zoos to enjoy in Missouri.

If you want to try another zoo, then one of these might be right for you.

Kansas City Zoo

https://kansascityzoo.org/

Located in the heart of Missouri, the Kansas City Zoo offers a world of nature right in the midst of a bustling city.

Spanning an impressive 202 acres, the zoo is a haven for over 1,700 animals including majestic tigers, graceful giraffes, playful capybaras, regal elephants, quirky sloths, and more.

It provides a perfect destination for family outings because of its size, diversity, and varied attractions that can keep you busy for 2-3 hours on average.

For families with older children, a trip to this zoo promises an enriching and fun experience, as the creatures from across the globe captivate their interest and curiosity.

Given its expansive terrain, Kansas City Zoo has been thoughtfully designed to ensure easy accessibility.

The walkways are suitable for wheelchairs, which is an assurance for guests with disabilities.

At the cost of $22 for an adult ticket and $20 for a child or concession ticket, the entire family of four can enjoy a day of adventure for a total of $84.

What’s more, children under the age of 2 are granted free entry.

While the zoo is not accessible by public transport, visitor parking is free, and there are food stalls on-site.

If you prefer, you are allowed to bring your own food and beverages as well.

However, note that holding animals and bringing pet dogs (except for service animals) into the zoo are not allowed.

<div class=”overview” markdown=”1”id=”wyntk-kansas-city-zoo”>

More About Kansas City Zoo

Size (acres)	202
Time To Walk Around	2-3 Hours
Adult Price	$22
Child Price	$20
Infant Price	Free Under 2 Years Old
Price For Family Of 4	$84
Parking	Free
Number Of Animals	More than 1,700 animals
Can Bring Your Own Food?	Yes

Information from https://kansascityzoo.org/

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Endangered Wolf Center

https://www.endangeredwolfcenter.org/

The Endangered Wolf Center, located in Eureka, Missouri, USA, is a phenomenal zoological attraction.

Apart from being an expansive zoo that spreads across 2,000 acres, the Endangered Wolf Center also prioritizes wolf rescue and conservation, making it an exceptional education and conservation site.

As the name suggests, the Center houses endearing wolves and also foxes, each playing a significant role in the ecosystem.

It’s the perfect place for families with older children to understand the balance of nature and the significance of each creature in the ecosystem.

Apart from this, the zoo offers comfortable facilities for guests with disabilities, although a point to note is that certain trails may be hard to access with wheelchairs.

For an amazing 90-minute tour across the park, tickets for adults and concessions are reasonably priced at $18, and for children at $15.

The total cost for a family of four averages to approximately $66 and children under the age of 3 are warmly welcomed free of charge.

While the zoo lacks physical access to public transport, free on-site parking is available for visitors.

Guests are further given the convenience to opt for a picnic of their own as they are allowed to bring their own food and drinks inside the park.

Please make sure to contact the zoo for any additional details needed.

<div class=”overview” markdown=”1”id=”wyntk-endangered-wolf-center”>

More About Endangered Wolf Center

Size (acres)	2000
Time To Walk Around	Tours last around 90 mins Hours
Adult Price	$18
Child Price	$15
Infant Price	Free Under 3 Years Old
Price For Family Of 4	$66
Parking	Free
Can Bring Your Own Food?	Yes

Information from https://www.endangeredwolfcenter.org/

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In conclusion, Missouri’s zoos offer an array of spectacular and educational experiences for toddlers.

The close-up encounters with animals, fun interactive shows, and engaging playgrounds make it an ideal destination for families with young children.

Each visit not only feeds a toddler’s curiosity but also sparks their interest in wildlife and conservation.

So, pack your bags, grab your little ones, and make animal-shaped memories in the outstanding zoos of Missouri!