Orange County Zoo
A charming 8-acre zoo in Irvine Regional Park, showcasing native Southwestern animals with a focus on education and family fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Orange County Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming 8-acre zoo in Irvine Regional Park, showcasing native Southwestern animals with a focus on education and family fun.
"Affordable, charming, and perfect for little ones – a hidden gem in Orange County!"
🎯 Affordable Admission
Only $2 per person! Kids 2 and under are FREE. A fantastic value for a family outing.
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking is separate from zoo admission, typically $3 on weekdays and $5 on weekends.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Petting Zoo
Barnyard area
Get up close and personal with friendly goats! A guaranteed hit for kids, with hand-washing stations nearby.
Native Southwestern Animals
Various enclosures
See mountain lions, black bears, coyotes, bald eagles, and more in naturalistic habitats.
Irvine Regional Park Setting
Surrounding the zoo
Enjoy the beautiful, shaded park grounds, perfect for picnics and a relaxing stroll.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Affordable Family Fun
Location within Irvine Regional Park
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Affordable Admission
Only $2 per person! Kids 2 and under are FREE. A fantastic value for a family outing.
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking is separate from zoo admission, typically $3 on weekdays and $5 on weekends. +1
👟 Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is walkable and mostly shaded, but wear comfy shoes for exploring the park.
🧺 Picnic Potential
Bring a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful Irvine Regional Park surrounding the zoo. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Affordable Admission
Only $2 per person! Kids 2 and under are FREE. A fantastic value for a family outing.
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking is separate from zoo admission, typically $3 on weekdays and $5 on weekends. +1
👟 Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is walkable and mostly shaded, but wear comfy shoes for exploring the park.
🧺 Picnic Potential
Bring a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful Irvine Regional Park surrounding the zoo. +1
💧 Stay Hydrated
While shaded, it can still get warm. Bring water bottles, especially for little ones.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Orange County Zoo for its affordability, charming atmosphere, and focus on native animals. It's considered a perfect, relaxed outing for families with young children, offering close encounters with wildlife and a delightful petting zoo experience. While small, its value and location within Irvine Regional Park make it a highly recommended spot for a budget-friendly day of fun.
"This is my first time going to the Orange County Zoo, and compared to the zoos I have visited, the Orange County Zoo experience was below my expectations. There aren't many animals there. The zoo is inside the beautiful Irvine Regional Park; it’s the perfect size for a relaxing, family-friendly visit. We saw mountain lions, turtles, snakes, black bears, coyotes, Jacob's sheep with four horns, and even a bobcat—up close but in thoughtfully designed, naturalistic enclosures.
The zoo is clean, well-maintained, and super affordable (admission for adults is two dollars, and for children from two years old and under, it's free). The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, and there were several interactive areas for kids to learn and explore. We especially loved the barnyard area, where children could play with the goats.
It’s a short and sweet outing, great for young kids, or a relaxing afternoon in the park. We followed it up with a picnic, train ride, and paddle boats nearby. ( The paddle boat is $22 for 30 minutes. It sits, two adults and one kid."
Oge white
"This is a small size place with some animals to see. It’s located inside the Irvine park and you can drive through an entrance to park right next to the entrance. It’s not expensive to enter and the area is very shaded so it’s nice walking around. We did encounter a peacock strolling through when driving in so be careful but it was also fun to see. We saw that some of the enclosures had water running through fit the animals. There is a petting part of the zoo and they have machines to get food as well as washing areas to clean hands. There’s also some statues and photo spots which were fun. There is also a place to buy snacks right outside the zoo entrance with an area to eat. It was a nice little visit."
L. R.
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Hidden Gem for All Ages! 🦊🐻
The Orange County Zoo is small but full of charm! Perfect for families, with well-kept habitats and a great variety of native animals. Our visit was relaxing and educational—kids loved the close-up views of the black bear, mountain lion, and playful otters. Affordable admission and friendly staff make this a must-visit when in the area."
Kim Dinh Huynh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Orange County Zoo is located within Irvine Regional Park at 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869. You can drive directly into the park, and parking is available near the zoo entrance. +1
No, parking is not free. There is a parking fee for Irvine Regional Park, which varies by day. Weekdays are typically around $3, and weekends can be $5 or more. +1
Public transportation options to Irvine Regional Park are limited. It's generally recommended to drive. Check local transit schedules for any available bus routes that may stop near the park.
Yes, the zoo is well-signposted within Irvine Regional Park. Follow the signs for the 'OC Zoo' once you enter the park.
From major freeways like the 5, 55, or 57, you can exit and follow local signs towards Irvine Regional Park. It's a well-known landmark in Orange County.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Orange County Zoo has a very affordable admission fee of just $2 per person. Children aged 2 and under are free. +2
Tickets can typically be purchased at the entrance. It's a small zoo, so advance booking is usually not necessary, but it's always a good idea to check their official website for any updates.
The OC Zoo generally operates from 10 AM to 4 PM daily, but hours can vary seasonally or for special events. It's best to check the official Orange County Zoo website for the most current operating hours.
The zoo is usually open on most holidays, but it's advisable to confirm their holiday schedule on their official website, as they may have adjusted hours or be closed on certain days.
The $2 admission price is already very low, making it highly accessible. Children 2 and under are free, which is the primary discount available.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The zoo focuses on native Southwestern animals, including mountain lions, black bears, coyotes, bald eagles, bobcats, and various reptiles. There's also a popular petting zoo area with goats.
Absolutely! It's a perfect size for toddlers and young children, with a petting zoo and engaging exhibits. The relaxed pace and manageable size make it ideal. +2
Yes, the zoo is situated within Irvine Regional Park and features many shaded areas, making it comfortable to visit even on warmer days.
You can feed the animals in the petting zoo area. Food for the goats is available for purchase from machines on-site. Please do not feed other animals.
Yes, the paths are generally wide and well-maintained, making it easy to navigate with strollers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are snack stands located just outside the zoo entrance where you can purchase snacks and drinks. Many visitors also opt to bring their own picnics.
Yes, bringing your own food and having a picnic in Irvine Regional Park is highly encouraged and a popular activity. There are many picnic areas available. +1
Within Irvine Regional Park, there are picnic areas. For more extensive dining options, you'll find numerous restaurants in the surrounding cities of Orange and Irvine.
The zoo itself doesn't have a full-service restaurant, but there are snack vendors near the entrance. The focus is on a more natural, park-like experience.
Snack vendors typically offer typical park fare like drinks, chips, and small treats. It's best to bring more substantial food if you plan a full meal.
📸 📸 Photography
The close-up enclosures for animals like mountain lions and black bears offer great photo ops. The petting zoo and the scenic park setting also provide charming backdrops.
Yes, the enclosures are designed to allow good viewing angles, and the animals are often visible. The zoo's smaller size means you can get relatively close.
Tripods are generally allowed in Irvine Regional Park, but it's always best to check the park's specific regulations regarding photography equipment to ensure compliance.
Morning hours, especially on weekdays, tend to have softer light and fewer crowds, which can be ideal for photography.
Yes, you can take photos of the animals in the petting zoo, but be mindful of other visitors and the animals' comfort.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The low admission price of $2 per person makes it an incredibly budget-friendly outing. Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and allow your children ample time to explore and interact with the animals. Combine your zoo visit with other family-friendly activities in Irvine Regional Park, such as a ride on the Irvine Park Railroad or a picnic lunch. This creates a full day of entertainment without breaking the bank. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as food options are limited.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize savings, pack your own picnic lunch and snacks. This avoids the need to purchase food from the limited vendors on-site. By focusing on the zoo and enjoying the free park amenities like walking trails and picnic areas, you can have a fulfilling and inexpensive day out.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers
Located within the beautiful Irvine Regional Park, it's easy to combine your zoo visit with a leisurely walk, a picnic, or even a ride on the park's miniature train. This makes it a perfect addition to a broader itinerary exploring Southern California.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Irvine Regional Park
The park's natural beauty, with its mature trees and open spaces, provides a serene backdrop for a relaxing outing. It's common to see families enjoying barbecues, playing frisbee, or simply strolling through the grounds. The combination of the zoo's educational exhibits and the park's recreational opportunities makes it a well-rounded experience for all ages.
When planning your visit, consider how you'll integrate the zoo with other park activities. Many visitors choose to visit the zoo in the morning and then enjoy a picnic lunch or a train ride in the afternoon. This approach maximizes the value of your visit and ensures a memorable day out.
Understanding the OC Zoo's Focus
This focus on native species means the enclosures are often designed to mimic natural habitats, providing a more enriching environment for the animals and a more realistic viewing experience for guests. The zoo's size, at 8 acres, contributes to this intimate feel, allowing visitors to get relatively close to the exhibits.
Beyond the permanent residents, the zoo also features a popular petting zoo area, where children can interact with farm animals like goats. This hands-on experience is a highlight for many families, offering a fun and memorable way to connect with animals.
Maximizing Your Visit: Tips from Visitors
Several visitors highlight the petting zoo as a must-do, especially for families with young children. They also suggest bringing picnic lunches to enjoy in the surrounding Irvine Regional Park, as food options within the zoo are limited to snacks.
Remember that parking is a separate fee from zoo admission, and it's wise to factor that into your budget. While the zoo is relatively small, combining it with other activities in Irvine Regional Park, like the train ride or paddle boats, can create a full and enjoyable day.
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