Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
4.6(20,046)4.6 out of 5 stars, 20046 reviews Kansas City, MO
About Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium offers a unique blend of interactive animal experiences, educational opportunities, and family-friendly activities, making it a great destination for families looking to engage with wildlife in a fun and informative environment.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families looking for an educational outing.Parents wanting a fun day out with children of various ages.Groups such as school field trips or family gatherings.Toddlers (2-4 years): Enjoy petting zoos and gentle animal interactions.Preschool (4-5 years): Engaged by the aquarium and interactive exhibits.
Why families love it
- Diverse animal exhibits including a world-class kangaroo exhibit and a beautiful aquarium.
- Interactive experiences like stingray petting and goat feeding.
- Scheduled educational talks and feedings throughout the day.
- Free tram rides and train rides included with certain packages.
- The tram and train rides provide a unique view of the zoo.
- The penguin march is a fun and engaging activity for kids.
Insider tips
- Visit the Africa section later in the day for better animal visibility.
- Bring your own food and drinks to save on costs, as outside food is allowed.
- Arrive early to pick up any passes or cards to avoid delays.
Good to know before you go
- Visiting during peak times or weekends when the zoo may be crowded.
- Going when construction is reported, as it may limit access to some exhibits.
- Limited animal visibility at certain times, especially in the Africa section.
- High food prices and overall costs for activities and souvenirs.
- Construction work may limit access to some exhibits.
- Crowds
- The zoo can be busy during weekends and holidays; visiting during weekdays may provide a quieter experience.
- Value
- Entry fees vary, but food and activity prices are generally high. Families can save by bringing their own food and utilizing any available passes for discounts on rides and activities.
- Food
- Families are allowed to bring small coolers and water bottles, which can help save on food costs.
- Accessibility
- The zoo is generally family-friendly, but specific accommodations for special needs were not mentioned in the reviews.
- Safety
- The zoo has safety measures in place for animal interactions, such as supervised petting areas.
What parents say
"great zoo. Enjoyed that there are a few types of penguins. We went to Africa first but very few of the animals were out. When we went back later we saw far more so I would recommend waiting to see Africa at least if you are going in March. It would be nice if there was something on the app or some signs that let you know if the animals were staying inside or had moved out side or if their door is open or not. Good food, longish wait for what we ordered but OK since it was not busy."
a week ago
"We have always had the best time, hadn't been in a while, since our kids were little. Back then we were FOTZ, and no one got bored of going. Now they're grown so we took advantage of our monthly mailer for free entry, and husband and I had a date day at the zoo! They have the coolest animals. The kangaroos roam semi-free (safely), there is Stingray petting, goat feeding, multiple points of play for kids of all ages, but enough to keep 2 40 something adults completely engaged. There are many opportunities for education, with talks and feedings being scheduled throughout the day. The food pric"
2 weeks ago
"Okay upfront, we bought the zoo package that has the free tram rides, train rides and skyline ride (I think that's what it's called) since we are residents of Jackson County it made since for the year and we have several children. First time we've done this. You do get an actual plastic card with your name on it like a debit card. It does save you money all iver the park from food to gift shops and you show it at the front of line to tram and train and that's how you get on for free. But you do have to pick this card up in person at the zoo at those front windows. So arrive early enough to do "
2 weeks ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
More new year's eve kids activities in Kansas City
New Year's Eve Kids Activities Science City at Union Station
4.8(4,993)4.8 out of 5 stars, 4993 reviewsUnion Station, 30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City
New Year's Eve Kids Activities Breakout KC Escape Room | River Market
4.9(3,604)4.9 out of 5 stars, 3604 reviews114 W 3rd St #102, Kansas City
New Year's Eve Kids Activities The Escape Game Kansas City
5.0(2,306)5.0 out of 5 stars, 2306 reviews320 Ward Pkwy, Kansas City
New Year's Eve Kids Activities Penguin Park
4.5(3,461)4.5 out of 5 stars, 3461 reviews4124 NE Vivion Rd, Kansas City