12 Biggest Zoos In The U.S. That Belong On Your Travel Itinerary
Across the U.S., some zoos do more than just showcase animals—they deliver full-scale wildlife experiences. These sprawling destinations blend education, conservation, and family-friendly fun on a massive scale.
From open-air safaris to cutting-edge habitats, they offer rare chances to see animals thrive in thoughtfully designed environments. If you’re looking for wild adventures without leaving the country, these are the zoos that truly go big.
1. Henry Doorly Zoo And Aquarium – Omaha, Nebraska
Stepping into this Midwest treasure feels like entering multiple ecosystems in one day. The Henry Doorly Zoo houses the world’s largest indoor desert and nocturnal exhibits under spectacular geodesic domes.
Visitors marvel at the Lied Jungle’s rainforest atmosphere and the Kingdom of the Seas Aquarium’s underwater tunnels, where sharks glide overhead.
2. Bronx Zoo – New York, New York
Nestled within America’s largest city lies a 265-acre wildlife oasis that transports visitors far from urban life. The Bronx Zoo welcomes nearly 2 million visitors annually to see its 6,000+ animals.
The Congo Gorilla Forest and Tiger Mountain stand out as must-see exhibits, while the Wild Asia Monorail offers a unique perspective of Asian species roaming in naturalistic habitats.
3. Columbus Zoo And Aquarium – Powell, Ohio
Former home to famous wildlife expert Jack Hanna, this world-class facility spans over 580 acres of animal wonderland. The Columbus Zoo organizes exhibits by continent, allowing visitors to journey around the world in a single day.
Polar Frontier’s swimming bears and Heart of Africa’s savanna landscape particularly captivate crowds, while seasonal events like Wildlights transform the experience year-round.
4. San Diego Zoo Safari Park – Escondido, California
Imagine watching rhinos and giraffes roaming freely across vast savanna landscapes right in Southern California. The San Diego Safari Park sprawls across 1,800 acres, offering unparalleled wildlife viewing.
Unlike traditional zoos, animals here enjoy expansive territories where they interact naturally. The Caravan Safari and Balloon Safari provide thrilling perspectives of herds moving across the terrain.
5. North Carolina Zoo – Asheboro, North Carolina
Spanning over 2,600 acres, this natural-habitat zoo requires comfortable walking shoes and plenty of time to explore. The North Carolina Zoo divides its massive grounds into Africa and North America regions, with animals enjoying remarkably spacious enclosures.
Elephants roam multi-acre habitats while polar bears splash in chilled pools. Visit early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active.
6. Minnesota Zoo – Apple Valley, Minnesota
Even in snowy Minnesota winters, wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy close animal encounters year-round at this innovative facility. The Minnesota Zoo pioneered the concept of immersive “biomes” rather than traditional exhibits.
The Tropics Trail lets visitors shed winter coats to watch monkeys swing through indoor rainforests, while the Northern Trail showcases cold-weather specialists like tigers and bears in their element.
7. Brookfield Zoo – Brookfield, Illinois
Pioneering naturalistic habitats since 1934, this historic Chicago-area destination continues setting standards for modern zoological parks. The Brookfield Zoo’s 216 acres feature Tropic World, one of the largest indoor zoo exhibits anywhere.
Seven major habitat zones house 2,300+ animals from tiny frogs to massive bears. The Great Bear Wilderness and Australia House rank among visitor favorites at this conservation-focused institution.
8. Audubon Zoo – New Orleans, Louisiana
Southern charm meets exotic wildlife in this lush, oak-shaded paradise that captures New Orleans’ unique cultural flavor. The Audubon Zoo features distinctive Louisiana touches throughout its beautifully landscaped grounds.
White alligators mesmerize visitors in the Swamp Exhibit, while the African Savanna’s giraffes tower above crowds. Summer visitors appreciate the Cool Zoo splash park offering refreshing breaks between animal encounters.
9. Saint Louis Zoo – St. Louis, Missouri
Remarkably, admission costs nothing at one of America’s most acclaimed wildlife destinations located in beautiful Forest Park. The Saint Louis Zoo welcomes over 3 million annual visitors to its 90-acre campus housing 16,000+ animals.
The River’s Edge habitat mimics four continents’ waterways, while the Penguin & Puffin Coast charms with its waddling residents. Go early on summer days to beat crowds and heat.
10. Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Orlando, Florida
Where theme park magic meets wildlife conservation, creating an experience that blends entertainment with authentic animal encounters. Disney’s Animal Kingdom spans 580 acres, making it Disney’s largest park.
The Kilimanjaro Safaris take visitors through 110 acres of African savanna where giraffes, elephants, and lions roam. Pandora – The World of Avatar showcases how imaginative theming enhances conservation messaging.
11. Indianapolis Zoo – Indianapolis, Indiana
Three attractions blend seamlessly into one at this unique downtown destination just steps from major city landmarks. The Indianapolis Zoo combines traditional animal exhibits, an aquarium, and botanical gardens in its compact 64-acre footprint.
The International Orangutan Center features aerial cable runs where apes swing above amazed visitors. Don’t miss the dolphin presentations and opportunities to feed giraffes during seasonal demonstrations.
12. Houston Zoo – Houston, Texas
Located in sprawling Hermann Park, this Texas-sized animal adventure welcomes over 2 million visitors annually to its ever-expanding campus. The Houston Zoo recently transformed many exhibits into immersive habitats like the African Forest and Pantanal wetlands.
Children especially love the Natural Encounters building where interactive elements bring them face-to-face with small creatures. Early morning visits offer both cooler temperatures and more active animals.