Santa Ana Zoo
A charming, manageable zoo with over 350 animals, a magical butterfly exhibit, and kid-friendly rides.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See active animals, avoid crowds
Santa Ana Zoo
Best Time
See active animals, avoid crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, manageable zoo with over 350 animals, a magical butterfly exhibit, and kid-friendly rides.
"A really great small zoo that grandkids thoroughly enjoyed, with the butterfly experience as a highlight."
🦋 Butterfly Exhibit Waitlist
Join the waitlist upon arrival for the 'Flight' butterfly exhibit; it's included with admission!
🎟️ Ticket Prices & Discounts
Adults $12, Kids $9. Santa Ana residents get free entry on the 3rd Sunday.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Flight Butterfly Experience
Inside the zoo
Immerse yourself in a magical garden with hundreds of butterflies from around the world.
Primate Exhibits
Various enclosures
See a variety of monkeys and primates, often described as hilarious and cute by visitors.
Mini-Train Ride
Children's Zoo area
A charming train ride perfect for younger visitors, offering a unique perspective of the zoo.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Butterfly Exhibit Reservations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🦋 Butterfly Exhibit Waitlist
Join the waitlist upon arrival for the 'Flight' butterfly exhibit; it's included with admission!
🎟️ Ticket Prices & Discounts
Adults $12, Kids $9. Santa Ana residents get free entry on the 3rd Sunday.
🚂 Train & Ferris Wheel Hours
Note that the train and Ferris wheel often close early, around 2 PM.
🅿️ Free Parking Available
The zoo offers free parking, with overflow lots if needed.
Tips
from all over the internet
🦋 Butterfly Exhibit Waitlist
Join the waitlist upon arrival for the 'Flight' butterfly exhibit; it's included with admission!
🎟️ Ticket Prices & Discounts
Adults $12, Kids $9. Santa Ana residents get free entry on the 3rd Sunday.
🚂 Train & Ferris Wheel Hours
Note that the train and Ferris wheel often close early, around 2 PM.
🅿️ Free Parking Available
The zoo offers free parking, with overflow lots if needed.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Mornings are ideal for seeing animals active and avoiding the afternoon sun. Trees offer good shade.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Santa Ana Zoo as a charming, well-kept, and manageable-sized zoo perfect for families and a relaxed day out. Highlights include the magical butterfly exhibit and friendly staff. Some noted construction or closed exhibits during their visit, and the butterfly exhibit's wait times can be a factor.
"This is a lovely little zoo. My friend and I decided to check it out since we were in the area. There is decent amount of parking with some overflow if none is available in the front. It's a decent size, we were there about 2 hours, leisurely walking through and looking at the animals.
All the animals had an indoor area to hide, so some of them were sleeping while we were there, but we got to see over half of them out and about.
There are lots of scenic spots to take pictures, and lots of seating to rest. The day we went had a pop up that was Mind in Motion, which had booths pertaining to community events and lots of child programs and wellness, which we thought was really neat and a positive addition to the community.
It was a Saturday, so it was decently busy, some animals that were out would have a little crowd gathered to look at them, but we still got our turn to view as well. There were "fun facts" throughout the park, which we both found informative and interesting. There was also a butterfly exhibit but that requires reservations a head of time, which we didn't know, so the wait was too long for us.
It was a lovely day out for walking around the zoo and enjoying the atmosphere and animals."
Maika Rothfuss
"A really great small zoo. Our grandkids aged 3 and 7 thoroughly enjoyed our time there. The butterfly experience was probably the highlight. It is a very nice zoo and well kept. All the staff were very helpful and friendly. I would highly recommend this zoo for any age keeping in mind it is small."
Walter Baker
"It is not crowded on a weekday afternoon. Even though many constructions are happening inside the zoo and quite a few empty habitats, we had a wonderful time. The entry fee is $13 for adults and $10 for children. The butterfly garden is delightful, with lots of beautiful butterflies and you can spend as much time inside as you please and the electric queue system is good too similar to something a restaurant used. Note. The zoo closes for entry at 4pm but you can stay till 5pm."
Joseph Au
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Santa Ana Zoo is located at 1801 E Chestnut Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92701. It's about an hour's drive from Los Angeles. Free parking is available on-site, with overflow options if the main lot is full.
While specific routes can vary, checking local Orange County transit schedules for buses serving the Santa Ana area near Prentice Park is recommended for public transport options.
The Santa Ana Zoo is typically open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM for entry, with visitors allowed to stay until 5 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website for any last-minute changes or holiday hours.
Yes, the zoo is well-marked and easily accessible by car. Its location in Prentice Park makes it a straightforward destination for visitors in the Southern California region.
The zoo is designed for easy walking, with well-marked pathways. Consider downloading a zoo map beforehand or picking one up at the entrance to plan your route and see all the exhibits.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission is $12 for adults and $9 for children aged 3-12. Children under 3 are free. Ride tickets for the train and Ferris wheel are an additional cost.
Santa Ana residents receive free admission on the third Sunday of each month with proof of residency. Discounts for AAA or military may be available, so it's worth checking their website or calling ahead.
Yes, purchasing Santa Ana Zoo tickets online in advance is often recommended, especially during busy periods, to save time and ensure entry.
Yes, the 'Flight' butterfly experience is included with your general zoo admission. However, you may need to join a waitlist upon arrival.
Group rates may be available for larger parties. It's best to contact the zoo directly in advance to inquire about group bookings and any associated discounts.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Santa Ana Zoo houses over 350 animals, including a variety of primates, birds, farm animals, and more. Popular sightings include monkeys, camels, and free-roaming birds in the aviary.
Absolutely! The zoo is very family-friendly, with a petting barnyard, a mini-train ride, and the magical butterfly exhibit, making it a hit with children of all ages.
Yes, there is a dual play area located near the snack bar, offering a space for children to burn off energy.
The zoo hosts various events throughout the year, including seasonal celebrations and educational programs. Check their official calendar for upcoming 'Santa Ana Zoo events' like Halloween or Christmas festivities.
Yes, the Santa Ana Zoo offers volunteer opportunities for those interested in animal care and education. Check their 'Santa Ana Zoo volunteer' section on their website for details on how to apply.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The zoo has a snack bar offering quick and delicious food options, including kid-friendly meals like quesadillas shaped like spaceships. You can also bring your own lunch.
Yes, the snack bar provides options for vegetarian children, such as veggie and fruit plates, PBJ sandwiches, and plant-based nuggets.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own lunches and snacks to enjoy at the zoo. There are plenty of seating areas available.
📸 📸 Photography
The zoo offers many scenic spots for pictures, especially within the 'Flight' butterfly exhibit and around the animal enclosures. The colorful exhibits and natural settings provide great photo opportunities.
Yes, photography is generally allowed. However, always be mindful of posted signs regarding flash photography, especially near sensitive exhibits.
While general photography is permitted, commercial photography or filming may require special permits. Always respect the animals' space and avoid disturbing them for a photo.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack snacks and drinks, or enjoy the kid-friendly food options available. Weekday visits are ideal to avoid crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for your little ones.
💰 Budget Travelers
For Santa Ana residents, the third Sunday of the month is a fantastic opportunity for free admission. Focus on the main zoo attractions and the included butterfly exhibit to maximize your experience without additional spending on rides. Weekday visits also mean fewer crowds, enhancing the overall value of your ticket.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The diverse animal enclosures, from primates to birds, offer dynamic subjects. Look for scenic spots throughout the zoo for landscape shots, and don't forget the charming details like the train and play areas. Remember to be respectful of the animals and avoid using flash photography where prohibited. Early morning visits can offer softer light and more active animals for your shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Flight' Butterfly Experience
+1It's important to note that this exhibit often has a waitlist or requires joining a queue upon entering the zoo. While it's included with general admission, checking the current operational status and potential reservation needs is advised. Some visitors have found the wait to be too long if they didn't plan accordingly.
For the best experience, wear bright colors, as butterflies are attracted to them, and you might even have one land on you! The exhibit is described as peaceful and magical, making it a highlight for many visitors, especially families.
+1Family Fun and Kid-Friendly Attractions
Additionally, there's a Ferris wheel that offers gentle views of the zoo, though it's important to be aware of its early closing time, often around 2 PM.
For more active play, a dual play area is situated near the snack bar, allowing children to climb and explore. The petting barnyard is another favorite, where kids can interact with friendly farm animals. Food options are also tailored for younger visitors, with fun presentations like space-shaped quesadillas. The overall size of the zoo is manageable for families, ensuring that little ones can explore without becoming overly tired.
Navigating Your Visit: Tips from Visitors
When it comes to tickets, while general admission is reasonable, remember that rides like the train and Ferris wheel come with an extra cost. For Santa Ana residents, the third Sunday of the month offers free admission, making it a popular, albeit busier, day to visit.
Comfort is key, especially in Southern California's climate. The zoo offers good shade from trees and plenty of seating areas for breaks. Bringing your own water and snacks is also a smart move, though the on-site snack bar provides decent options, including kid-friendly choices.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit