Zoo Boise

Name: Zoo Boise
Address: 355 Julia Davis Dr, Boise, ID 83702, USA, Boise, ID, US
Telephone: (208) 608-7760
Rating: 4.2

4.2(6,365) Boise, ID

Directions Website

About Zoo Boise

Zoo Boise offers an affordable and educational animal encounter, particularly on discount days. Despite its smaller size and ongoing construction, it provides a clean, well-organized experience with friendly, knowledgeable staff, making it a valuable stop for families.

What parents should know

Summarized from real visitor reviews.

Best for: Families looking for an affordable yet fun animal outing.A quick animal fix or a half-day activity rather than a full-day commitment.Educational trips for children interested in learning about animals and their behaviors.Families seeking a local attraction while visiting or living downtown Boise.**Younger Children (2-8 years):** Explicitly noted that 'kids were running around loving the animals' and it's a 'great place for children'. The smaller scale may be less overwhelming.

Why families love it

Friendly, knowledgeable, and patient staff who actively answer questions.
Good variety of animals for a 'little zoo', with some unique observations like hyenas eating rabbits.
Very clean and well-organized facility.
Visible ongoing improvements and expansion projects, promising future upgrades.
Ability to see giraffes through glass even when they are inside their barn due to cold weather.
Educational opportunities, as staff contribute to learning about the animals and zoo.

Insider tips

**Visit on Thursdays:** Admission is significantly reduced to $3 per person, offering excellent value.
**Check weather conditions:** Animals are more active and visible outdoors in warmer weather. Plan for Spring or warmer days for optimal viewing, as giraffes and other animals are indoors when it's cold.
**Arrive early:** Reviewers mention arriving 'as soon as they open' for a good start to the visit.
**Bring your own lunch:** Utilize the park with picnic tables located just before the entrance.
**Be prepared for construction:** Expect some exhibits to be closed due to ongoing expansion and improvement work.

Good to know before you go

**Cold weather:** To avoid less active animals and indoor viewing, which might disappoint some visitors.
**Expecting a large, comprehensive zoo:** It's a 'little zoo', so manage expectations regarding size and number of exhibits.
**If you need all exhibits open:** Due to current construction, some exhibits will likely be closed.
Significant ongoing construction means some exhibits may be closed and areas inaccessible.
Animals, especially giraffes, are less active or remain indoors during cold weather, limiting viewing opportunities.

Crowds: No explicit crowd levels were mentioned, but one reviewer noted arriving 'as soon as they open' for a good start, suggesting potential for busier times later in the day or on specific days.
Value: Excellent value, especially on Thursdays when admission drops to $3 per person. This discount is frequently highlighted as a significant positive. No hidden costs were mentioned.
Food: Outside food is implicitly allowed, as there's a park with picnic tables available right before the entrance for lunch. No explicit rules about internal food options or restrictions were mentioned.
Accessibility: No specific accessibility accommodations (e.g., for wheelchairs, sensory needs) were mentioned in the reviews.
Safety: No specific safety features were mentioned in the reviews.

What parents say

V. Mel Griffen

4.0

"The zoo was nice walking through it! It looks like they are in the much needed process of improving different areas of the zoo! It’s not a big zoo but enough too see quite a few animals! Overall is was a nice experience. There is a nice park right before the entrance with picnic tables to eat lunch at."

2 months ago

Martha Burke

4.0

"It’s Jan. 2nd and we just wanted something fun yet cheap to do while still in town. Looked online and the Zoo only charges $3 admission on Thursdays, perfect! We get there as soon as they open and right from the start know we made a good choice. Staff friendly even though it’s chilly and icy out. She answered all our questions and we set off to see the animals. It was a great visit, and we plan to go back when the weather is better so the Giraffes are out (still got to see them through the glass). Each staff we encountered was friendly, knowledgeable, and patient as we asked lots of questio"

3 months ago

Karie Howard

5.0

"I wish it wasn't under construction, but you have to put up with some down time to get new and exciting things. Great animals. Was super shocked to see hyenas eating rabbits, but that is what they do and it was interesting and educational."

a month ago

Reviews sourced from public Google data.