Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium - aquarium
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Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium

4.6
·21k reviews·Kansas City, United States

Explore diverse wildlife at the expansive Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, featuring a stunning new aquarium and captivating seasonal events like GloWild.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more active animals

CrowdLow
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Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium - aquarium

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more active animals

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore diverse wildlife at the expansive Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, featuring a stunning new aquarium and captivating seasonal events like GloWild.

4.6
(21k reviews)

"The aquarium and penguin exhibits are excellent! I could have spent hours watching everything."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book GloWild Tickets Early

GloWild is popular! Book tickets in advance, especially for weekend evenings, to secure your spot.

👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key

The zoo is spread out over 200 acres. Wear comfortable shoes for lots of walking!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sobela Ocean Aquarium

Sobela Ocean Aquarium

Aquarium Exhibit

Dive into an underwater world with sharks, turtles, octopi, and touch tanks. Over 8,000 animals in 650,000 gallons!

Instagram
GloWild Lantern Festival

GloWild Lantern Festival

Various Locations

Experience a magical mile-long journey through glowing lantern displays, from 19th-century Paris to the future.

TikTok
Free-Roaming Kangaroos

Free-Roaming Kangaroos

Australian Outback Exhibit

Get up close with kangaroos as they roam freely, sometimes coming surprisingly near visitors.

TikTok
Majestic Gorillas

Majestic Gorillas

Primate House

Witness the impressive silverback gorillas, with opportunities for fascinating interactions.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Heat

Visit on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds, especially during peak seasons. Utilize the zoo's misters and air-conditioned buildings to stay cool, as recommended by visitors who've navigated the heat. Reddit

Maximize Your Visit

Consider purchasing a special cup for free drink refills to save on costs, or bring your own cooler. Check for any additional fees for attractions like the train ride. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more active animals
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings (GloWild)
Why
Magical lantern displays
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring & Fall
Why
Pleasant weather for exploring
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Baby Giraffe at Kansas City Zoo.
@zoobornsz
1.7M likes • 12.7M views

🎟️ Book GloWild Tickets Early

GloWild is popular! Book tickets in advance, especially for weekend evenings, to secure your spot. TikTokInstagram

👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key

The zoo is spread out over 200 acres. Wear comfortable shoes for lots of walking! Reddit

The kangaroos roam free in the Kansas City zoo but this is the first time we’ve seen them come so close! #kansascityzoo #kangaroo
@samanthawalsh848
102.1K likes • 1.1M views
GloWild is back at the Kansas City Zoo and it’s better than ever! 💡 I will admit - before going to GloWild for the first time, I thought it was an activity best done with kids. I couldn’t have been more wrong! This was fun for all ages! There are drinks 🍺 and snacks 🍿 along the way and the lanterns are truly breathtaking! GloWild takes you “around the world” on this one mile path throughout the ...
lo.kc.al
41.3K likes • 1.4M views

🥤 Refillable Drink Cups

Purchase a special cup for free refills to save money on drinks, or bring your own cooler. Reddit

📸 Capture the Magic

Plenty of photo opportunities, especially during GloWild and at the aquarium. Reddit

✨ Are you ready to step into the past and the future at GloWild at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium? It’s back—and bigger, brighter, and more magical than ever! #hosted This year’s theme: Time Traveler! ⏳ Take a 1-mile stroll through glowing lantern displays that transport you through different eras: 🌍 19th-century Paris with a sparkling Eiffel Tower 🤠 The Old West 🌴 A glowing jungle adventure 🏰 ...
adventuresinmomlife_
6.1K likes • 458.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book GloWild Tickets Early

GloWild is popular! Book tickets in advance, especially for weekend evenings, to secure your spot. TikTokInstagram

👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key

The zoo is spread out over 200 acres. Wear comfortable shoes for lots of walking! Reddit

🥤 Refillable Drink Cups

Purchase a special cup for free refills to save money on drinks, or bring your own cooler. Reddit

📸 Capture the Magic

Plenty of photo opportunities, especially during GloWild and at the aquarium. Reddit

🐘 Africa Tram Ride

Enjoy a relaxing tram ride through the Africa section for a different perspective. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(21k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally praise the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium for its impressive new aquarium and engaging exhibits like the free-roaming kangaroos. Many highlight the friendly staff and cleanliness, with GloWild being a particularly magical seasonal attraction. However, some find the food to be expensive, and occasional animal exhibit closures can be disappointing.

"KC Zoo was good. Did not see many animals out on this day which was frustrating. The Aquarium was nice. The staff are friendly and the area was clean. The food is crazy expensive but they give you "free" refills if you purchase a special cup. :/ You do have the option of bringing in your own cooler. Train ride has a fee. Would not have purchased season passes if we had known what we know now. The good on that is we can visit some other zoos for free or discounted prices."

Michelle George

"Had a great time at the zoo! The aquarium and penguin exhibits are excellent! I could have spent hours watching everything. The polar bear exhibit had no animals to display. That used to be a fun thing to see. The California Sea Lions are always fun to watch. The elephants were great to see. The KC Zoo has the 2nd oldest African Elephant in North America! She was born in 1968! If you have never been there or haven't been in a few years you will be amazed at all the improvements made. Also, to the staff at the Zoo, You guys are great! Everyone was friendly and made my visit even better. Thank you!!!"

Ray Emert

"Had a fantastic Saturday at the zoo with the family, the weather was great and it was plenty busy with it being the weekend. Despite the crowds we were easily able to see all the exibits with ease, not to mention take some great photos! The dining areas were very clean though some friendly little bees were hanging around the shaved ice flavor dispenser, was able to get my Tiger Blood/Blueberry combo just fine. The aquarium has been a great addition to the zoo, I enjoyed reading all the little facts they had about the critters there, a MUST SEE if you go. Overall loved my time at the zoo and I always love to pick up some of their fresh fudge on the way out. ♥️"

Clay Miller

What People Like

New aquarium is amazing
GloWild is magical
Friendly and helpful staff

What People Dislike

Expensive food
Animals sometimes not visible

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is located in Swope Park. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving Swope Park. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available at the zoo. While generally ample, it can fill up on busy days, so arriving early is recommended. Reddit

Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can drop you off at the zoo's entrance. This can be a convenient option if you're not driving. Reddit

Information on public transport routes to the zoo can be found on the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) website. It's always best to check their current schedules. Reddit

The zoo is quite large, so comfortable shoes are a must. Consider using the Africa Tram for a scenic overview of that section. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices vary, and it's best to check the official Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium website for the most up-to-date pricing. Look out for potential discounts or package deals. Instagram

While you can often purchase tickets at the gate, buying them online in advance is recommended, especially for popular events like GloWild, to guarantee entry and potentially save time. TikTokInstagram

Yes, the zoo hosts special events like the popular GloWild lantern festival, which transforms the zoo into a magical nighttime experience. TikTokInstagram

General admission typically includes access to most animal exhibits. Special attractions like the Africa Tram or the train ride may have separate fees. Reddit

Yes, visitors are allowed to bring their own coolers with food and drinks, which can help save money on dining expenses within the zoo. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the new Sobela Ocean Aquarium with its diverse marine life, the free-roaming kangaroos, the impressive gorilla exhibit, and the captivating GloWild lantern festival if visiting during its season. TikTokInstagram+2

Absolutely! The zoo is very family-friendly, with a wide variety of animals, interactive exhibits like touch tanks, and attractions like the Africa Tram that kids will love. Instagram+1

Weekdays, especially mornings, tend to be less crowded than weekends. Visiting during off-peak seasons or outside of major holidays can also help. Reddit

The zoo often features animal shows, such as the California Sea Lion show, which is highly recommended. Check the daily schedule upon arrival for keeper talks and feeding times. Reddit

The zoo is spread across 200 acres, so expect a significant amount of walking. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring all the exhibits. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The zoo offers various dining locations, but food can be expensive. Consider bringing your own food or utilizing the refillable drink cup option for savings. Reddit

Many visitors find the food prices at the zoo to be quite high. Bringing your own snacks and meals is a common strategy to manage costs. Reddit

Yes, if you purchase a special souvenir cup, you can get free refills on select beverages at designated stations throughout the zoo. Reddit

While specific menus can change, most zoo eateries offer a range of options. It's advisable to check with the food vendors directly for current vegetarian and vegan choices. Reddit

Yes, bringing your own food and drinks in a cooler is permitted and a great way to save money during your visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The aquarium offers stunning underwater shots, while GloWild provides magical, illuminated scenes. The free-roaming kangaroos and majestic elephants are also great subjects. TikTokInstagram+1

Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout the zoo for personal use. Be mindful of any specific signage regarding flash photography, especially in sensitive exhibit areas. Reddit

A versatile zoom lens is useful for capturing animals at various distances. For GloWild, a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod can be beneficial. TikTok

Typically, drone usage is prohibited within zoo grounds to ensure the safety and well-being of animals and visitors. Always check the zoo's official policy. Reddit

Early mornings and late afternoons often provide softer lighting. For GloWild, the evening is obviously the prime time for photography. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is an ideal destination for families. The Sobela Ocean Aquarium is a huge hit with children, featuring interactive touch tanks and a vast array of marine life. Instagram Kids will also be thrilled by the free-roaming kangaroos and the chance to see majestic animals like elephants and gorillas. TikTok+1 The Africa Tram offers a fun and educational ride, perfect for little legs that get tired. Reddit

To make the most of a family visit, consider bringing snacks and drinks in a cooler to save on costs. Reddit Comfortable shoes are essential for everyone, as the zoo is quite large. Reddit Check the daily schedule for animal shows and keeper talks, which are often engaging for younger audiences. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious visitors, the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium offers several ways to save. Bringing your own food and drinks in a cooler is a significant cost-saver, as on-site food can be pricey. Reddit Purchasing a refillable drink cup is another smart move for staying hydrated without repeated purchases. Reddit While some attractions like the train ride may have extra fees, general admission still provides access to a vast array of animals and exhibits. Reddit

Consider visiting on a weekday to potentially avoid higher weekend crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience. Reddit Look for any available discounts or special offers on tickets, especially if you plan to visit multiple times or are a member of reciprocal zoo programs. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium presents fantastic opportunities for photographers. The Sobela Ocean Aquarium offers stunning opportunities for capturing marine life, from vibrant fish to majestic sharks, with its impressive tanks. Instagram During the GloWild lantern festival, photographers can capture magical, illuminated scenes that are truly unique. TikTok+1

For wildlife shots, the free-roaming kangaroos provide dynamic subjects, and the gorilla and elephant exhibits offer chances for powerful portraits. TikTok+1 Early mornings and late afternoons generally offer the best natural light. Reddit Remember to check for any restrictions on flash photography within certain exhibits to ensure the well-being of the animals. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the New Sobela Ocean Aquarium

The Sobela Ocean Aquarium is a major highlight at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, boasting a massive 650,000-gallon tank that houses over 8,000 animals. Visitors can marvel at a diverse array of marine life, including sharks, sea turtles, eels, and octopi. Instagram The exhibit also features several touch tanks, offering an interactive experience for all ages. Instagram This addition has significantly enhanced the zoo's appeal, making it a must-visit destination for marine life enthusiasts. Reddit

Reviewers consistently praise the aquarium for its impressive scale and the variety of species on display. The penguin exhibit is also frequently mentioned as a standout, providing endless entertainment as the birds dive and play. Reddit The aquarium's design aims to provide an immersive experience, allowing visitors to feel as though they are truly exploring the ocean depths. Instagram

Whether you're fascinated by the majestic presence of sharks or the playful antics of sea otters, the Sobela Ocean Aquarium offers a captivating journey into the underwater world. It's a testament to the zoo's commitment to expanding its offerings and providing world-class exhibits. Instagram

The Enchanting GloWild Lantern Festival

GloWild is a seasonal event that transforms the Kansas City Zoo into a breathtaking spectacle of light. This mile-long journey features intricately designed glowing lantern displays that transport visitors through different eras and around the world. TikTok Themes have included historical periods like 19th-century Paris, complete with a sparkling Eiffel Tower, and futuristic visions. TikTok

This event is not just for families; reviewers emphasize that GloWild is fun for all ages, offering a unique and magical experience for adults as well. Instagram Along the path, visitors can find drinks and snacks, adding to the festive atmosphere. Instagram The sheer artistry and scale of the lanterns create a truly immersive and unforgettable evening. TikTok

GloWild is a testament to the zoo's creativity in offering diverse attractions beyond traditional animal viewing. It provides a different perspective on the zoo grounds, illuminated in a way that highlights its beauty and offers a magical escape. TikTokInstagram

Navigating the Zoo: Tips for Comfort and Enjoyment

The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is a sprawling 200-acre facility, so comfortable footwear is non-negotiable for a pleasant visit. Reddit To combat the elements, especially during warmer months, the zoo is well-equipped with misters and air-conditioned buildings, including those deep within the Africa trail. Reddit This thoughtful provision ensures that visitors can stay cool and comfortable while exploring. Reddit

For a more relaxed experience, consider utilizing the Africa Tram or the Kenya boat ride, which offer a chance to sit back and enjoy the scenery. Reddit These rides provide a different perspective of the zoo and are a welcome respite during a long day of walking. Reddit The Sea Lion show is also a highly recommended activity, often cited as one of the best in the country. Reddit+1

While the zoo offers a fantastic experience, some visitors note that food can be expensive. Reddit To manage costs, bringing your own cooler with food and drinks is a popular and practical strategy. Reddit Alternatively, purchasing a special souvenir cup for free drink refills can also help save money. Reddit

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