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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals
Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals

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.
"The aquarium and penguin exhibits are excellent! I could have spent hours watching everything."
🎟️ 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!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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!

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

Free-Roaming Kangaroos
Australian Outback Exhibit
Get up close with kangaroos as they roam freely, sometimes coming surprisingly near visitors.

Majestic Gorillas
Primate House
Witness the impressive silverback gorillas, with opportunities for fascinating interactions.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Maximize Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ 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!
🥤 Refillable Drink Cups
Purchase a special cup for free refills to save money on drinks, or bring your own cooler.
📸 Capture the Magic
Plenty of photo opportunities, especially during GloWild and at the aquarium.
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.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key
The zoo is spread out over 200 acres. Wear comfortable shoes for lots of walking!
🥤 Refillable Drink Cups
Purchase a special cup for free refills to save money on drinks, or bring your own cooler.
📸 Capture the Magic
Plenty of photo opportunities, especially during GloWild and at the aquarium.
🐘 Africa Tram Ride
Enjoy a relaxing tram ride through the Africa section for a different perspective.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, there is parking available at the zoo. While generally ample, it can fill up on busy days, so arriving early is recommended.
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.
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.
The zoo is quite large, so comfortable shoes are a must. Consider using the Africa Tram for a scenic overview of that section.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
Yes, the zoo hosts special events like the popular GloWild lantern festival, which transforms the zoo into a magical nighttime experience.
General admission typically includes access to most animal exhibits. Special attractions like the Africa Tram or the train ride may have separate fees.
Yes, visitors are allowed to bring their own coolers with food and drinks, which can help save money on dining expenses within the zoo.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
Weekdays, especially mornings, tend to be less crowded than weekends. Visiting during off-peak seasons or outside of major holidays can also help.
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.
The zoo is spread across 200 acres, so expect a significant amount of walking. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring all the exhibits.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
Yes, if you purchase a special souvenir cup, you can get free refills on select beverages at designated stations throughout the zoo.
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.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks in a cooler is permitted and a great way to save money during your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The aquarium offers stunning underwater shots, while GloWild provides magical, illuminated scenes. The free-roaming kangaroos and majestic elephants are also great subjects.
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.
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.
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.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide softer lighting. For GloWild, the evening is obviously the prime time for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the most of a family visit, consider bringing snacks and drinks in a cooler to save on costs. Comfortable shoes are essential for everyone, as the zoo is quite large. Check the daily schedule for animal shows and keeper talks, which are often engaging for younger audiences.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting on a weekday to potentially avoid higher weekend crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience. 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.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For wildlife shots, the free-roaming kangaroos provide dynamic subjects, and the gorilla and elephant exhibits offer chances for powerful portraits. Early mornings and late afternoons generally offer the best natural light. Remember to check for any restrictions on flash photography within certain exhibits to ensure the well-being of the animals.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the New Sobela Ocean Aquarium
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. The aquarium's design aims to provide an immersive experience, allowing visitors to feel as though they are truly exploring the ocean depths.
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.
The Enchanting GloWild Lantern Festival
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. Along the path, visitors can find drinks and snacks, adding to the festive atmosphere. The sheer artistry and scale of the lanterns create a truly immersive and unforgettable evening.
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.
Navigating the Zoo: Tips for Comfort and Enjoyment
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. These rides provide a different perspective of the zoo and are a welcome respite during a long day of walking. The Sea Lion show is also a highly recommended activity, often cited as one of the best in the country.
While the zoo offers a fantastic experience, some visitors note that food can be expensive. To manage costs, bringing your own cooler with food and drinks is a popular and practical strategy. Alternatively, purchasing a special souvenir cup for free drink refills can also help save money.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit