Sunset Zoo - Image 1
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Sunset Zoo

4.1
·209 reviews·Manhattan, United States

A charming, spread-out zoo perfect for relaxed afternoon visits, featuring engaging animal exhibits and educational programs.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Afternoon visits

Perfect for a relaxed pace

CrowdMedium
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Sunset Zoo - Image 1

Sunset Zoo

Best Time

Afternoon visits

Perfect for a relaxed pace

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming, spread-out zoo perfect for relaxed afternoon visits, featuring engaging animal exhibits and educational programs.

4.1
(209 reviews)

"It is not a huge zoo where you need to plan a whole day to go through, but an afternoon visit is perfect!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring Your Own Water 💧

Vending machines can be out of stock; locate a working water fountain or bring your own to stay hydrated.

Penny Machine Fun 💰

A small but delightful addition for kids, making the visit extra memorable and affordable.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Playful Gibbons

Playful Gibbons

Gibbon Habitat

Watch these agile primates engage in playful interactions, a truly captivating sight.

Red Panda Encounter

Red Panda Encounter

Red Panda Exhibit

Spot the adorable red pandas, often seen napping in the sunniest, shadiest spots.

Tortoise Feeding Experience

Tortoise Feeding Experience

Tortoise Exhibit

An interactive feeding opportunity that kids, especially, will adore.

Pelican's Stick Play

Pelican's Stick Play

Pelican Exhibit

Witness the surprising intelligence of pelicans as they creatively play with sticks.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Afternoon Adventure

Sunset Zoo is perfect for an afternoon visit, not requiring a full day. It's spread out, allowing for relaxed viewing and private observation spots. The facility is kept very clean, with zookeepers actively maintaining habitats.

Beat the Heat & Stay Hydrated

While the zoo is enjoyable, be mindful of water availability and shade for both visitors and animals. Vending machines can be out of stock, and some water fountains may be out of order. Plan to bring your own water or locate the gift shop for drinks.

Best Times

When
Afternoon visits
Why
Perfect for a relaxed pace
Crowd
Medium
When
Cooler weather
Why
Animals more active
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We had a nice time walking around our small local zoo! Most of the animals were sleeping or hiding but it was still nice to enjoy the spring weather and some family time! 🤩 #sunsetzoo #thingstodoinkansas #familyouting #familytime #manhattanks
@rachelcaroline_1
54 likes • 1.6K views

Bring Your Own Water 💧

Vending machines can be out of stock; locate a working water fountain or bring your own to stay hydrated.

Penny Machine Fun 💰

A small but delightful addition for kids, making the visit extra memorable and affordable.

These two went on doing this for about 10 minutes! 😂 #SpringBreak2025 #SpringBreak #ZooTour #SunsetZoo #ManhattanKansas #Kansas #WhiteHandedGibbon #gibbon #ZooAnimals #creatorsearchinsights
@_its_me_jen_
33 likes • 461 views
Our first & last time at Sunset Zoo in Manhattan KS ! Had no idea she was the oldest Chimp there at the time. Rest on Susie #kansas
@1300loc
53 likes • 1.6K views

Relaxed Pace is Key 🚶‍♀️

The zoo is spread out, allowing for unhurried exploration and quiet observation of animals.

Check Animal Availability ☀️

Some animals may be less visible or unavailable during very cold weather.

FREE ZOO ALERT Kansas Moms— if you’ve got kids + you’re in Kansas, this is for YOU 👇 🐾 Sunset Zoo = FREE with the Sunflower Summer app 🌻 July 12th through August 4th! 📍Manhattan, KS #KansasMoms #MilitaryMoms #SunflowerSummer #SunsetZoo #FreeKidFun #ThingsToDoWithKids #ManhattanKS #FortRileyLife #MomTok #SummerMomHack
@chelseainthethickofit
14 likes • 843 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Your Own Water 💧

Vending machines can be out of stock; locate a working water fountain or bring your own to stay hydrated.

Penny Machine Fun 💰

A small but delightful addition for kids, making the visit extra memorable and affordable.

Relaxed Pace is Key 🚶‍♀️

The zoo is spread out, allowing for unhurried exploration and quiet observation of animals.

Check Animal Availability ☀️

Some animals may be less visible or unavailable during very cold weather.

Coffee Break Spot ☕

There's a coffee spot within the park to warm up and enjoy a fresh cup.

What Travellers Say

4.1
(209 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Sunset Zoo for its clean, well-maintained grounds and the relaxed pace it offers, making it ideal for an afternoon visit. The staff's dedication to animal care and the engaging exhibits, like the playful gibbons and interactive tortoise feeding, are frequently highlighted as positives. While some note minor issues with water availability and shade for animals, the overall experience is highly recommended for its value and enjoyable atmosphere.

"We love going to this zoo! It is spread out enough that you can take your time and not feel like you are rushing through to allow others to visit each animal as well. They also have several more private observation areas where you can sit on benches and slow down and watch! The crew there does a great job of keeping the facility clean, and we constantly see zookeepers in the habitats working with the flora, fauna, and animals to maintain their needs. It is not a huge zoo where you need to plan a whole day to go through, but an afternoon visit is perfect!"

Ashlee Baker

"Visited Sunset Zoo today, quite the experience, I felt very at ease and peace walking around the animal exhibits. The zoo itself is so clean and very well taken care off. Some animals were not available due to cold weather so we look forward returning even maybe volunteering. We loved it. A place of education and kid fun. The views are spectacular. I highly recommended bring your kids and family for a day of fun and knowledge."

YAZMIN BAEZ CALDERON

"Small town zoo, so it doesn’t have a ton of animals but it was with the $6/ticket! Nice walking path, clean park. They had a penny machine! So that made it really worth it!
Bathrooms were clean."

Megan Yem

What People Like

Clean and well-maintained
Relaxed, unhurried pace
Engaging animal exhibits

What People Dislike

Water availability issues
Limited shade in enclosures

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Sunset Zoo is easily accessible by car. Parking is available on-site. Specific directions can be found on their official website. Reddit

Absolutely! It's perfectly sized for an afternoon visit, offering a relaxed experience without feeling rushed. Reddit

Ample parking is available at the zoo, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

Information on public transport routes to Sunset Zoo may vary. It's best to check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.

Yes, the zoo is designed with clear paths and easy-to-read signage, making it simple to find your way around. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission is very affordable, often around $6 per ticket, making it a great value for families. Reddit

While specific discounts aren't always advertised, the general admission price is already very budget-friendly. Reddit

It's recommended to check the official Sunset Zoo website for the most current information on purchasing tickets online or at the gate.

Operating hours can vary seasonally. Always check the official Sunset Zoo website for the most accurate and up-to-date hours of operation.

Information on membership options, if available, can typically be found on the zoo's official website. This might offer benefits for frequent visitors.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see a variety of animals including red pandas, gibbons, pelicans, and tortoises. Some animals may be less visible in colder weather. Reddit

Yes, it's a great place for kids with interactive experiences like tortoise feeding and plenty of space to explore. Reddit

Yes, the zoo offers private observation areas with benches, perfect for slowing down and watching the animals. Reddit

Clean bathrooms are available. There's also a gift shop and a coffee spot within the park. Reddit

Crowd levels are generally manageable, especially during weekday afternoons, making it a pleasant visit. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a gift shop that may offer snacks and drinks, and a coffee spot within the park. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally a good idea to check the zoo's policy on outside food and beverages. Bringing your own water is recommended due to potential vending machine issues. Reddit

Vending machines may have various drinks, but water availability can be inconsistent. The gift shop is a reliable source for beverages. Reddit

Sunset Zoo is a smaller attraction, so it may not have a full-service restaurant. Snack and drink options are more likely available. Reddit

Information on dedicated picnic areas is not widely available. It's best to check with the zoo directly or plan to enjoy snacks purchased on-site. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The private observation areas offer unique angles, and animals near the glass can provide great close-up shots. Look for playful animals like gibbons. Reddit

Yes, the animals are often easy to view. Some may be close to the glass, which is great for photos, but ensure they have adequate shade. Reddit

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. A zoom lens can be helpful for capturing details of animals further away. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of any posted signs or staff instructions regarding photography, especially with flash. Reddit

Yes, video recording for personal use is typically permitted. Capturing the playful antics of animals like the gibbons can make for great memories. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Sunset Zoo is a fantastic destination for families, offering an engaging and educational experience without being overwhelming. The zoo's manageable size means kids can explore without getting too tired, and the interactive tortoise feeding is a definite highlight. Reddit The presence of playful animals like gibbons and red pandas keeps young ones entertained, and the clean facilities, including bathrooms, make for a comfortable outing. Reddit

Parents should be prepared for potential hydration challenges by bringing extra water, as vending machines can be unreliable. Reddit However, the affordable ticket price and the overall positive atmosphere make it a worthwhile trip for a fun-filled family afternoon. Consider checking for any special kids' classes or day camp programs offered by the zoo for even more engagement. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Sunset Zoo offers exceptional value. The admission price is very affordable, often around $6 per ticket, making it an accessible outing for individuals and families alike. Reddit The zoo's compact nature means you can enjoy a fulfilling experience in just an afternoon, saving on time and potentially other expenses associated with larger attractions. Reddit

While there are opportunities to purchase drinks and snacks, bringing your own water is a smart way to save money and ensure you stay hydrated, especially given potential vending machine issues. Reddit The presence of a penny machine also adds a small, inexpensive souvenir option that kids often enjoy. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Sunset Zoo Experience: More Than Just Animals

Sunset Zoo is celebrated for its intimate and well-maintained environment, offering a refreshing alternative to larger, more overwhelming zoos. Visitors frequently praise the zoo's layout, which is spread out enough to allow for a leisurely pace and private moments with the animals. The dedication of the staff is evident, with zookeepers consistently seen tending to the habitats and ensuring the well-being of the fauna. This attention to detail contributes to a clean and peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed afternoon outing. Reddit

The zoo also offers unique educational programs, including kids' classes, day camps, and even overnight camping experiences, highlighting its commitment to animal education and conservation. For those looking to connect more deeply, volunteering opportunities are also mentioned. The spectacular views surrounding the zoo add another layer to the visitor experience, making it a place of both education and natural beauty. Reddit

While the zoo is not extensive, its charm lies in its manageable size and the quality of the visitor experience. It provides a perfect blend of animal encounters, educational opportunities, and scenic surroundings, making it a highly recommended destination for families and individuals alike. Reddit

Navigating Visitor Comfort and Animal Welfare

A recurring theme in visitor feedback for Sunset Zoo revolves around ensuring both human comfort and animal welfare. While the zoo is generally well-kept, some visitors have noted issues with water availability. Vending machines have been found out of stock, and water fountains can be out of order, leading to thirst. The gift shop is a more reliable source for drinks, but planning ahead by bringing your own water is a practical tip. Reddit

Animal welfare is also a consideration, with suggestions for increasing shade in enclosures. Some animals were observed seeking shade by pressing against the glass, indicating a need for more comfortable, shaded areas within their habitats. This observation, while highlighting a potential area for improvement, also underscores the zoo's commitment to providing viewing opportunities for visitors. Reddit

Despite these minor concerns, the overall sentiment remains positive. The zoo's manageable size, clean facilities, and engaging animal exhibits, like the playful gibbons and the interactive tortoise feeding, contribute to a highly enjoyable experience. Visitors are encouraged to be prepared for potential hydration challenges and to appreciate the zoo's ongoing efforts in animal care and visitor engagement. Reddit

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