Which Is Best: Dickerson Park Zoo Or Kansas City Zoo. A Guide To Which Is The Best Zoo In Missouri, USA

Dive into a world of wild fascination as we compare two of Missouri's wildlife treasures - The Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield and Kansas City Zoo.

Whether you're interested in the close encounters with over 450 animals at Dickerson Park Zoo, or intrigued by the expansive 202 acres and more than 1,700 animals at Kansas City Zoo, we will provide a detailed comparison between these two zoological parks.

From ticket pricing and family accessibility to the variety of creatures you can marvel at, read on to discover the unique highlights each zoo offers and make an educated decision on your next family day out.

Which Is Best: Dickerson Park Zoo Or Kansas City Zoo. A Guide To Which Is The Best Zoo In Missouri, USA

At A Glance

Dickerson Park Zoo and Kansas City Zoo both offer an enchanting experience in the heart of Missouri, but they cater to slightly different experiences.

Dickerson Park Zoo located in Springfield covers 70 acres and houses over 450 animals with beloved species like tigers, giraffes, elephants, and lions.

On the other hand, Kansas City Zoo spans 202 acres in Kansas City and boasts a larger species variety with over 1,700 animals, including unique fauna like capybaras and sloths alongside the fan favorites.

Both zoos are wheelchair-friendly and excellent for families with older children.

However, Dickerson shines out as the premier choice for families with toddlers, and even allow dogs, making it a truly family-inclusive destination.

Both zoos lack public transport access but offer free car parking.

Kansas City Zoo allows guests to bring their own food and drink inside, while Dickerson Park Zoo restricts outside food but offers food stalls.

Pricing varies, with an average family of four costing $58 at Dickerson Park and $84 at Kansas City.

Both zoos offer free entry for children under two but do not allow guests to hold any of the animals.

They are exceptional in their own unique ways; while Dickerson emphasizes close encounters with animals and conservation, Kansas City Zoo is a large-scale adventure for family trips.

Size

Comparing the sizes of Dickerson Park Zoo and Kansas City Zoo, each located in the state of Missouri, reveals a notable difference.

Dickerson Park Zoo, located in Springfield, covers a more intimate size of 70 acres.

In comparison, Kansas City Zoo spans a larger area with an impressive coverage of 202 acres.

Regardless of the size difference, visitors typically spend a similar amount of time exploring each zoo, with an average visit lasting 2-3 hours.

This suggests that both zoos, despite their different sizes, have sufficient attractions and facilities to engage visitors for a comparable duration.

More About Dickerson Park Zoo

About Dickerson Park Zoo

Size (acres) 70
Time To Walk Around 2-3 Hours
Adult Price $17
Child Price $12
Infant Price Free Under 2 Years Old
Price For Family Of 4 $58
Parking Free
Number Of Animals Over 450 animals
Can Bring Your Own Food? No

Information from https://dickersonparkzoo.org/

Price

When it comes to the price of tickets, Dickerson Park Zoo and Kansas City Zoo differ somewhat.

At Dickerson Park Zoo, an adult ticket is priced at $17, which is less than the Kansas City Zoo where you have to pay $22 for an adult ticket.

For children, the price of a ticket at Dickerson Park Zoo sits at $12, noticeably cheaper than the Kansas City Zoo where a child’s ticket costs $20.

Concession tickets, mainly targeting seniors and students, at Dickerson Park Zoo are priced at $14, whereas at Kansas City Zoo, they are the same as a child’s ticket, costing $20.

In terms of family affordability, for a family of four, a day out at Dickerson Park Zoo will cost $58, while the same experience at Kansas City Zoo comes to $84.

However, both zoos are considerate in allowing free entry for children under the age of 2, lightening the load for families with smaller children.

The cost of an average family of 4 at Dickerson Park Zoo is $58 compared to 84 at Kansas City Zoo.

The range of animals at both the Dickerson Park Zoo and the Kansas City Zoo are quite diverse, but noticeably the Kansas City Zoo holds a larger collection.

Sporting over 1,700 animals of different species, Kansas City Zoo’s offerings significantly outnumber Dickerson Park Zoo’s still impressive 450+.

While both zoos are proud homes to favorites like tigers, giraffes, elephants, and lions, Kansas City Zoo amps up the exotic factor with specific mentions of capybaras, sloths, and penguins.

However, Dickerson Park Zoo shouldn’t be dismissed for its animal variety, providing ample entertainment and educational opportunities.

The zoos’ differences make each an alluring choice and visitors certainly won’t be lacking for incredible animal observation at either location. <div class=”overview” markdown=”1”id=”wyntk-kansas-city-zoo”>

More About Kansas City Zoo

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/

</div>

Accesibility

Both Dickerson Park Zoo and Kansas City Zoo in Missouri have exhibited commendable steps to ensure excellent accessibility for visitors in wheelchairs or those who experience difficulty walking.

Specifically, both zoos are equipped with walkways designed to accommodate wheelchairs, customizing their environments for optimal accessibility for all guests.

This shared foresight emphasizes their commitments to inclusivity and ensures that all visitors, irrespective of their mobility, can comfortably enjoy a day of observing and learning about the various animals housed within these zoos.

Despite their varying sizes, with Dickerson Park Zoo spanning 70 acres and Kansas City Zoo covering 202 acres, both zoos uphold laudable levels of dedication in facilitating disability access, guaranteeing that no guest is excluded from a fun, family outing with nature.

Pefect For

Both the Dickerson Park Zoo and the Kansas City Zoo are wonderful options for family outings.

If you have a disability or are a family with older children, either zoo would be a fantastic choice as they have walkways suitable for wheelchairs and are equipped to entertain older kids for the average 2-3 hour visit.

For those with toddlers or even furry family members, Dickerson Park zoo would be the better fit as it welcomes both toddlers and dogs, thereby catering to a full-family experience.

In contrast, the Kansas City zoo does not allow pet dogs, though it does accommodate service animals.

Both zoos are committed to the protection and conservation of animals, therefore fostering a memorable experience rooted in education and awareness - a combination both older children and toddlers can appreciate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Dickerson Park Zoo and Kansas City Zoo provide wonderful family-friendly experiences, prioritizing animal conservation and offering close encounters with a variety of exotic species.

Despite having fewer animals, Dickerson Park Zoo is more affordable, and allows families to bring their dogs, making it slightly more appealing for those on a budget or with pets.

Meanwhile, Kansas City Zoo is larger and home to more than 1,700 animals, including unique species such as capybaras and sloths, offering a more extensive experience for a higher price.

Importantly, both zoos are accessible for wheelchairs, therefore ensuring enjoyment for all.

Ultimately, your choice between the two may depend on your location, budget, and preference for a?n intimate or expansive zoo visit.

Zoo Near Me