Denver Zoo
Zoo · City Park ·

Denver Zoo

Zoo · City Park ·

Touch stingrays, feed birds, see lions, elephants, giraffes

Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by Courtesy Denver Zoo
Denver Zoo by Courtesy Denver Zoo
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null
Denver Zoo by null

Information

2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205 Get directions

Information

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2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205 Get directions

+1 720 337 1400
denverzoo.org
@denverzoo
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@DenverZoo

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Dec 5, 2025

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@cntraveler
40,925 Postcards · 5,494 Cities

The 17 Best Things to Do in Denver

"The 84-acre Denver Zoo campus is a mostly outdoor journey on wide, well-spaced paths to see more than 3,000 animals. Recent renovations make certain exhibits feel like you’ve taken a trip away from the city for the day. The Stingray Cove exhibit, opened in 2020, is an open-air interactive experience that lets you touch and feed cownose and southern stingrays as they swim around a 15,000-gallon tank. An extra $5 admission fee gets you into the exhibit with one piece of food to feed, and the space also showcases bamboo and bonnethead sharks. Another don’t-miss exhibit is Predator Ridge, a five-acre recreation of the African savanna that rotates African lions and spotted hyenas through the enclosures. This May, the park also welcomed Down Under, an interactive, Aussie-themed enclosure, in which you’ll come face-to-snout with red kangaroos, red-necked wallabies, and endangered Huon tree kangaroos—plus a pair of imposing Southern cassowaries, dinosaur-like flightless birds with bright blue necks." - Megan Barber, Nicholas DeRenzo

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-things-to-do-in-denver
Courtesy Denver Zoo
Denver Zoo
@cntraveler
40,925 Postcards · 5,494 Cities

Denver Zoo – Zoo Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"Let’s start big picture here. The 80-acre Denver Zoo campus is a mostly outdoor journey on wide, well-spaced paths to see thousands of animals. Recent renovations make certain exhibits feel like you’ve taken a trip away from the city for the day . The Toyota Elephant Passage features two miles of trails that meander through a replica of an East Asian village with views of Asian elephants, greater one-horned rhinos, and Malayan tapirs. At the new Amur tiger exhibit, you can stand under an elevated walkway and watch two tigers travel between their swimming pool-filled enclosures. Due to the pandemic there is a one-way path through the zoo that helps enforce social distancing; the current loop takes about two hours with the option to add an additional one-to-two hour loop.  Any standout features or must-sees? The Stingray Cove exhibit, opened in 2020, is an open-air interactive experience that lets you touch and feed cownose and southern stingrays as they swim around a 15,000-gallon tank. An extra $5 admission fee gets you into the exhibit with one piece of food to feed, and the space also showcases bamboo and bonnethead sharks. Another don’t-miss exhibit is Predator Ridge, a five-acre recreation of the African savanna that rotates African lions, spotted hyenas, and African wild dogs through the enclosures. Was it easy to get around? Easy signage, maps, and a free mobile app make navigating the zoo a breeze. There are also plenty of benches, picnic tables, and shady spots available—bring a blanket and picnic under the tree on one of the many lawns. Wheelchairs and wagons are available for reservations. All said and done, what—and who—is this best for? For families with kids, the Denver Zoo is a must-do. But kid-free adults should consider a trip, too. Sunny Colorado weather makes a stroll through the zoo pleasant in any month of the year, and the 21-plus crowd can also imbibe local brews and ciders sold at the Zoo Gardens Plaza." - Megan Barber

https://www.cntraveler.com/activities/denver/denver-zoo
Courtesy Denver Zoo
Denver Zoo

Rehea Boynton

Google
Our trip to the Denver Zoo was an absolute blast! The grounds are beautiful, clean, and easy to walk through — you can tell the staff really cares about the animals and the guests. Every exhibit was well-designed, and we loved seeing so many animals up close! The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to answer questions. The kids especially loved the giraffes and the train ride! Such a fun, family-friendly day — we can’t wait to come back again soon! 🐘🦁🦒

rachel fiskus

Google
The Denver Zoo is a really nice zoo with a large variety of animals and well-designed exhibits. It’s clean, organized, and a fun place for families, especially kids who love seeing wildlife up close. That said, I’ve always had mixed feelings about zoos. I really don’t believe animals should be held captive, especially when so many species belong in wide, natural habitats instead of enclosures. But I’ll never forget something one of my students once said to me. I told them I didn’t really support zoos, and he raised his hand and said, “But Ms. Fiskus, if there were no zoos, then people wouldn’t be able to see the animals and gain empathy for them. And without empathy, less people would want to help them.” And honestly, that stuck with me. It’s a good point. Zoos can help with education, awareness, and conservation when done responsibly. So while I’m torn about the ethics, the Denver Zoo itself is very nice, and it does a lot to teach people about wildlife and conservation. I prefer an African safari.

Freddie Crespo

Google
🦁 5-Star Experience at the Denver Zoo! ​What an absolutely fantastic day at the Denver Zoo! From the moment we arrived, the staff was friendly and welcoming, setting the tone for a truly enjoyable visit. The zoo itself is beautifully maintained, and it's clear how much care goes into the animal habitats. ​We were especially impressed by the variety and visibility of the animals. Well I was there. The animal was visibly happy, which I loved. The exhibits are designed wonderfully, making it easy to observe the animals in settings that feel natural and spacious. It's a wonderful place for both kids and adults to connect with wildlife and learn more about conservation. ​I highly recommend the Denver Zoo for a day of fun, education, and inspiration. It's a must-visit Denver attraction and a true asset to the city. I can't wait to go back!

Brandi Mcparland

Google
These are very loved animals. I have been to some zoos where the animals look like they haven’t ate in a while or they are very stressed and/or in a small enclosure. At the Denver zoo, all the animals enclosures were just big enough for the animals to survive and not stressed. I liked how we could get close to the wallaby’s and ask the near by staff questions about the animals.

Daniela Guevara

Google
The Denver Zoo is one of the most beautiful zoos I’ve ever visited! 🐅🦒 The grounds are clean, spacious, and full of life, with animals that look healthy and well cared for. The exhibits are thoughtfully designed, making it easy to enjoy every habitat while learning something new. From the majestic lions to the playful monkeys, every corner brings a new surprise. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo explorers. Truly a gem in Denver and a must-see attraction!

Jackie Henderson (Real Estate Agent)

Google
The Denver Zoo is absolutely amazing! 🐘 Every visit feels like a new adventure. The exhibits are beautifully designed, the animals look well cared for, and the staff is always so friendly and knowledgeable. My son’s favorite part is seeing the elephants - he could stand there for hours watching them! 🥰 It’s such a wonderful place for families, and we love how clean, shaded, and easy to explore it is. There’s always something exciting going on, whether it’s a special event or just a sunny day surrounded by wildlife. As a Johnstown real estate agent, I’m always telling families how special it is to have places like this right here in the heart of Denver, Colorado. The zoo is a perfect mix of education, conservation, and fun - definitely a must-visit for locals and visitors alike! 🦁🌿

Gran E

Google
We have gone to the zoo twice this month for Boo at the zoo. The first night was great fun. The lights everywhere were amazing. The second night there were some lights but they were mostly turned off. That was disappointing. But, we had a great family and friends outing. The first night not being able to see the animals in the dark was a bummer. The second night we went earlier and we were able to see some of the animals. The seals are my favorite. Since they would only let us go one way around the zoo we didn't get to see any of the seals, penguins etc.

Armando Gonzalez

Google
Was a cool place! Very large and a lot of animals! This is actually the first zoo I've visited that had Hyenas, so that thoroughly pleased me! They had this awesome Lorikeet section where it is possible to feed them and they can fly on you but you cannot touch them, which I understand. The Primates area was pretty cool got to see Gorillas up close, some orangutans, I'm not too sure about the Mandrill section but they seemed sad, plus there was a sign saying they've been expressing strange behaviors. OOHHH and they had an area with an Eye eye that was neat. The zoo is actually so large, it was difficult to navigate around even with a map, but not a negative. They just closed a bit early for my liking. They closed at 4 and we were only about... 75% through the park? Also a bit of construction going on. Oh and another awesome thing was all the squirrels and Rabbits roaming all around the park
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Lee W.

Yelp
What a great way to spend a beautiful Autumn day! Over 125 years ago the zoo started with one bear & today they have over 2500 animals on 80 acres. And, that's a lot of walking...we walked 3.5 miles. The zoo hosts private events as well as their own events like Wild Fall & Zoo Lights. Memberships are available too. Tip: check out their website for "Today's Programs" - listed is the where & when for Talks & Demos for the day. We went on one of the zoo's Community Free Days. They have seven free days a year. You still need to have a ticket & time to enter. Get your tickets early because they only have a limited number per day. There is still one more free day this year in November, tickets are released on 11/6/24. Everything you need to know is on their website. The zoo landscape was beautiful, the sidewalks were wide & the animals were out - many of them up close & near the fencing. Plenty of room to see everything! They even have a carousel & train rides for an additional fee. I was pleasantly surprised how good the food was & reasonably priced too. We had a delicious thin crust Pepperoni Pizza, yummy Steak Empanadas, gooey Deep Fried S'mores & sweet Sopapillas that tasted more like donuts. All in all a wonderful day & an even more wonderful zoo!
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Samantha N.

Yelp
Horrible customer service We come here quit a bit since moving to Denver Mid July. My husband and two kids moved out here alone without any family or friends, so we have been making great use of the membership. My family came into town for the first time this weekend and I wanted to use the two guest passes available with my membership since we don't really know what else to do (we're from vegas so don't spend much time outdoors). Upon checking my available passes on my account, it said I have 0 guest passes available. Not sure how that could be possible since I literally have no one else to bring with me to the zoo besides my husband and my two kids under 2 years old. I explained this to guest services however they refuse to believe me and credit back these two passes. Not sure why they assume that guests would be lying over $45??? For me, it's based on the principle. I bought a membership that included two guest passes -- I want those two guest passes. Instead of giving the guest the benefit of the doubt, they said that an error is impossible and the passes will not be added back to my account. Cool. Spent hundreds there and stop by the gift shop for my spoiled kid every freaking time, get face paintings and they can't even give me back two guest passes that were never used. Ridiculous
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Brittany H.

Yelp
I was visiting the Denver Zoo while on vacation. I am from Portland and I love our Zoo. We had also visited The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keensburg while in the state. I expected more from the Denver Zoo and honestly was disappointed. First the enclosures for several of the animals was to small. The Fishing Cat, River Otters, and several at the beginning for instances. The River Otters also had no water.. they are river otters. I was quite shocked. We also got to watch as they did a Rhino encounter where people were petting the Rhino. I am not a Rhino expert but as the founder of an animal rescue and my wife being in animal control we have pretty good gauges on body conditions. We understand what is thin for one animal may not be for another. For instance Dairy cows vs a Beef cow. However this Rhino was skinny. We even googled a body condition scale due to us being concerned. The rhino was not the skinniest part of the scale but was absolutely underweight which is quite confusing. As we continued on it just seem to be a theme of small enclosures or interested ones.. Many of the animals like the Hyenas were seen pacing which is a sign of stress. The poor lynx or bob cat ( I can't remember which it was) was so hot it was panting and pleading to get inside but their inside was shut. Truthfully after 3/4 of the way through we just left because we were so unimpressed and disappointed by the conditions here. Please spend your money else where.
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Jessica O.

Yelp
We have been to the Denver zoo plenty of times since we have a yearly membership! Highly recommend getting a membership, we always see something new with every visit since we have littles and only go for a couple hours each time. One benefit about that membership that is huge in my option is that you get early access to the zoo before it is open to everyone else. The animals are very active in the morning too so its a great time to come! One of my son's favorite animals to visit are the giraffes. We were able to feed them lettuce! What a cool experience! They have a new Australia section that is a must check out. You can be inside of the enclosure with the kangaroos and wallabies! Super cool! The staff her are awesome. They are just so friendly and really seem to care about the animals. Don't miss out of their animal talks and don't be afraid to ask questions. Make sure to check out their gift shop on the way out. The zoo lights in the winter are cool too. A solid zoo! Lots of different animal species to see. Tips: The zoo has free days! You can find more information on their website so keep an eye out! For nursing moms they have awesome stations in both the giraffe house and one by the bathrooms by the animal hospital. They are very private and comfortable.
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Esmeralda C.

Yelp
It has been decades since I've visited a zoo. Was pleasantly surprised to see a lot of different animals and species at the Denver zoo. Truly enjoyed my visit exploring and learning about the animals and their environments as well as their care.
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Joel H.

Yelp
I find my reviews of most of the zoos around the country are all very similar. It's a zoo. some small and some very large. The Denver Zoo is just a thoroughly delightful zoo! It is not a small place and still very easy to maneuver with a stroller which makes it the ideal place to come with your children and toddlers. Very easy access off the main road and easy to get to from the downtown area in an Uber, as a New Yorker that was a pleasant surprise. We paid and entered the zoo and went straight to the penguin feeding. How cute was that. Too young ladies did a wonderful job introducing the audience to some birds. This was entertaining and definitely geared toward a younger audience and you can just see how much the children enjoyed it. We enjoyed it too as well as the birds. They also have a nice feature where they take you on a little train ride around the zoo. Very small and only six minutes but... it was fun and relaxing. From that point on my wife and I with our friends just walked around this delightful zoo during a beautiful day. There were so many families there and like I said earlier this is just the perfect place for them. The giraffes unknowingly put on a wonderful show as well ase the elepfants and tigers. Many maile Lions just sleeping during the day and one female who really wanted to know what was going on around her. We went to the small exhibit of parrots, where you go the cage. This is always one of my favorite spots as they're just so photogenic and of course I always have a camera with me. (See pictures). They al;so have an open area visit to the kangaroos. New for me and lots of fun. All zoo employees are just so proud of the zoo and various keepers throughout the place just loved to talk about the animals in their enclosures. They all have such great stories. This is a great way to spend some time especially with young children or adults just walking around enjoying the day.
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Shannon Y.

Yelp
What a great zoo! The facilities, including the animal cages, the grounds, and restrooms, were all clean. Prices were reasonable for adults and children, and they have an army of staff available in many of the exhibits to answer questions. It was truly a great experience for all ages. We went on a hot summer day but were able to find plenty of shade among the mature trees throughout the grounds. We dud find ourselves moving faster through the latter part of the day because of the heat. One of the newest exhibits is the kangaroo and wallaby area, where you actually go in the area with the animals. First time I have ever been able to do that. The animals were sleeping the whole time but still a unique experience. The zoo has such a diverse population of animals from warm weather climates, including elephants, lions, tigers, bats, and even gorillas. It's really a great place to visit in Denver. They have some great food options for guests as well, including great craft beer and cocktails for moms and dads. You can also pack a lunch to enjoy at one of several shade structures throughout.
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Savanna B.

Yelp
I visited with my family Sunday night during their extended summer weekend hours and we had a blast! It was t super crowded and they had some fun special activities (my son and husband enjoyed the silent dance party). The animals were pretty active as it was cooler which was great. Of course we ordered a pretzel because Denver Zoo has the world's best pretzels .
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Bee W.

Yelp
First time in a long time! Woo hoo!! Work event after zoo hours. We got to select which restaurant to eat at. I opted for a hot dog meal. And then the exploring began. Not a lot of lights after hours so it's difficult to see a lot but it was nice to spend time with colleagues and walk around. I'm sure the animals wanted us to leave to be able to get some sleep :)
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Sydney S.

Yelp
Great zoo! The penguins and down under exhibits are a can't miss, as well as the orangutans who were very active! Even though it was a 90 degree day we were happily surprised that the majority of animals were visible and interactive. I suggest going into the hospital if possible, very unique experience as we watched a wellness check of one of the monkeys. I spent about 2.5 hours going to every single animal habitat (except the flamingos) but since that was my first time, i could definitely see people spending less or more time there depending on their interests/ time availability.
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Rose R.

Yelp
It was really hot so maybe not the best time to have gone, because most animals weren't out. I didn't get a chance to check out the restaurants or the restrooms because I didn't last too long in the heat; but overall it was my first time to the zoo after living here for 6 years and we will definitely be back. We'll try to prepare a little better and come at a time where it's cooler in the day or season.
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Jose G.

Yelp
Had one day in Denver before we left and I was debating between the zoo and the aquarium... everything I read and even my sister in law who lives in CO, says that the Denver zoo is definitely a better and even cheaper attraction. Bought tickets online the day before, made a reservation and made it in with no issue. Parking was simple and free which was nice and went straight over to customer service where I was able to get a $10 stroller for my kid which definitely helped out throughout the day While there was a lot for us to see I was also surprised that there was a lot of areas without any animals... more than any other zoo I've ever been to... kinda random, but also a little disappointing. Food-wise, not a lot of options but we did eat at their Asian place and actually had a pretty decent chicken bowl The layout is also a bit confusing at times, but hey, my 2 year old doesn't know any different and he had a blast... so no complaints!
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Lauren A.

Yelp
Despite mixed feelings about zoos and aquariums, the Denver zoo is one of only a handful of zoos recognized for their high level of care for animals (I'm obviously not wording this word for word but it's all over their website and physical location!) they have a hospital area where you can watch vets perform surgery or routine check ups on animals. There is stingray cove where you can pay to pet stingrays, a multiple bird areas where you can pay to feed the birds, and much more. Kids love it and it's open year round. Tons of fun events such as boo at the zoo, zoo lights, and more.
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Magna R.

Yelp
This was one of the highlights of our trip! We enjoyed our trip to the zoo thoroughly. We brought a group of 8 and the walkways and exhibits were plenty big enough to accommodate us. The cost was reasonable and we enjoyed buying some refreshments (pizza, soft drinks, and beer - yum!). The concessions were reasonably priced and the photographer offering paid family photos was a fun touch as well. We greatly enjoyed talking to the volunteer outside the lion exhibit and wandering through the inside lizard habitat - pictures added. This place was huge and although we were there for about five hours we didn't even reach more than half the total zoo, this is definitely an all day affair for any avid lovers. There is also many hands on and interactive aspects (including a dam building experiment) that kids can enjoy throughout. The open air concept combined with buildings throughout offered a nice variety of habitats and kept the wandering fun. We look forward to being back in town so we can return!
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Danielle H.

Yelp
To start off I am the type of person who gets fairly sad at the zoo. The exhibits seemed rather small to me, but we had a pleasant time. Got there right when it opened at 10am and it was already packed. Parking is free and they have an underground garage. We got tickets for a specific time and seems like there is no crowd control or time enforcements as it was beyond crowded. Primarily young families. I do love that they have so many food options and free water stations to stay hydrated as it gets really hot walking around. So many placed sit and eat or even picnic. I might bring a sandwich next time and save some money. The exhibits were fun as they made the surrounding areas themed to the animal. Many animals to see but a lot of them are hidden. It was so crowded that we had to skip a few animals. One big downside is that bathrooms are hard to find and the map they give is nearly impossible to read. We got lost a few times. Would love to give it another go on a weekday where is it less hot and crowded. Also, members get to come before the park opens from 8-10. If you plan on coming here around 5 times a year I highly recommend getting the pass. Overall strong 3.5/5
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Noel J.

Yelp
We did the Denver zoo lights and it was so pretty. We bought the hot cocoa package and this other package where you get to do two of like 4 or 5 attractions. We were disappointed cause we could only do one because the one we wanted to do was closed and when we asked a supervisor they had no clue why. Both packages were not worth the money. The hot cocoa was not that good. We did have fun walking through the lights. Parking was definitely a nightmare. I would suggest choosing a earlier time
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Ashley F.

Yelp
This zoo was super cute! It took us a little over 2 hours to walk around the premises and there were some great exhibits. Loved seeing the group of bachelor lions resting in the heat of the afternoon, and the baby Orangutan was definitely a highlight! I also loved the Gibbon island-- seeing the gibbons swing above our heads was so fun! Only wish we could have seen the hyenas, as many zoos don't have them, but they were either great at hiding or not outside. It was also nice that they offer discounts to those who qualify for SNAP benefits! Can't beat $1/person admission on a budget.
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Cassandra T.

Yelp
It was much larger than I was led to believe from previous visitor! They're doing a lot of updating of exhibits so expect construction. We went on a Wednesday- got there at 10 and didn't leave till 330. The kids loved it! We did the birds parakeet adventure I think it was called (free unless you want to feed) it was so fun and kids were whispering to not scare birds that flew right up to them! We also did stingray cove adventure (costs extra) and kids thought it was cool to pet them! Food at the Asian cafe was tasty. Nice they had hot dog kids meal. Reasonably priced for portion sizes. Loved they had drink/water hydration stations throughout Friendly staff and zookeepers. We all loved the elephant demo. Highly recommend a trip. And they have dole whip which was a hit! As was the carousel and train ride (costs extra)
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Kyu Kyu T.

Yelp
Interesting. Went there with my family and the fees is abt $25 for each adult. Tamarind is one of the cutest mammal. Wish they had more good snack shops inside.
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Jason R.

Yelp
As a member for probably 15 years, I can tell you that the Denver Zoo is one of the best zoos in the country! They have an incredible variety of well cared for animals! Tropical discovery is an incredible indoor greenhouse that has many different plants and flowers year round! They have all kinds of different experiences to learn about specific animals scheduled throughout the day and numerous volunteers who are always willing to help you with any information and knowledge that you could ever want!! Multiple food trucks, restaurants, and snacks carts are spread out through the whole park. You can get everything from snacks to meals, sodas, and alcohol! Nothing beats the zoos popcorn and an ice-cold beer!! There are tons of things to take pictures of, and above everything, animals that are very well taken care of by employees who genuinely care about the animals and global conservation!!!
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Matt C.

Yelp
One of the nicest zoos we have encountered in our extensive travels. The admission price is reasonable and you need to spend at least 4 hours to see everything. One of the reasons that the Denver Zoo is so great is because they are in competition with the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs. There are lots of improvements in progress which will make this place an even better attraction in the future. I would also like to add that the food places, while they are expensive, are really great for a zoo. We shared a delicious pork teriyaki bowl at the Kamala Cafe ($17), which kept us full for a few hours.
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Jeanette K.

Yelp
I went with a group of adults. Haven't been to a zoo in 15 years. Really enjoyed the sting rays, elephants (my favorite), gorillas, tigers, etc. I just don't understand why we couldn't find a cup of coffee.
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Shami P.

Yelp
Came here with my family and toddler and enjoyed ourselves very much! We got there in the morning and spent about 4-5 hours there looking at all the animals. They serve beers as well so that was nice, especially since it was so hot. It's a big zoo so it didn't feel crowded at all and staff were everywhere providing assistance and knowledge on the animals. Had a great time!
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A C.

Yelp
A nice zoo. Its counterpart - Cheyenne Mountain Zoo - an hour south in Colorado Springs, in my opinion has it beat, resoundingly. Yes, it is hard to compete with a nearby location that is literally built in to a mountain side and provides a much more up close experience with many of its creatures. Food and beverage related notes: if your cafe is advertised by a neon sign depicting a steaming cup of coffee, please have coffee at that food stop. -1 star there unfortunately. If another cafe area is promoted with a neon sign resembling a steaming cup of coffee, please have coffee at that food stop. -1 star there too unfortunately.
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Kimberly C.

Yelp
Tonight we were here for Zoo Lights! Over a million Christmas lights and oh so fun. Our son and daughter in law are Zoo members so we came on a day and time set aside for members only. We love the zoo and enjoy visiting with our granddaughters. The smores station was so fun! We bought kits at a discounted price and chose a fire pit to roast our marshmallows. There were plenty of pits available so thank you for that. We also bought popcorn with was enjoyed by all as well. We rode the carousel and visited the animals. Two hours at the zoo was so fun.
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Ariella W.

Yelp
Its been awhile since i have visited the zoo and animal portion of the zoo. My kids are mostly grown. Though we did many a visit when the kids were younger and also did a overnight at the zoo with my girl scout troop. We have been going to the zoo every other year though for the zoo lights. Getting tickets is very easy to do online. I am sure if you dont have access to internet or dont want to pay that way you could probably also call as well. Parking is plenty. They have their parking garage which thankfully adds many layers of parking to their site. In all the years coming since that has been added we have always been able to get a spot. Staff is friendly. The zoo lights are fun. They seem to add new stuff each time we come. So many different colors and designs. We always have a wonderful time. Price is fair. Only reason for 4 stars is they took away the xmas music this year at least th night we were there. While I dont celebrate xmas personally i do appreciate the festive music. It is enjoyable to hear/listen to while strolling the holiday lights. Just be sure to dress warm. It gets pretty cold at night.
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Brianna C.

Yelp
Had the best day at the Denver zoo with my 13 month old and my friend. We got a reservation for 10 am when they opened and we're able to find parking super easy and FREE! We walked in got a map and we're off. We saw the giraffes which was my favorite part and the elephants. We walked the entire zoo in about 1.5 hours which was plenty for us. It was such a fun day. The bathrooms were a little hard to find the farther into the zoo you got but overall I'd go back again.
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Rachel B.

Yelp
The Denver Zoo is one of the best zoos I have ever been to! It's educational and engaging. The zoo is logically laid out and easy to navigate. Many of the animals were out and about - lots to see! Very interactive!!! AND THE COOLEST - they have a brand new animal hospital where people can observe as the veterinarians complete exams and procedures. It is fantastic and will inspire many young people to careers with animals. We just happened to see a lion getting a physical - it was like Discovery Channel in real life! There are lots of zoo attendants all over who you can ask questions to and learn about the animals. I highly recommend the Denver Zoo!
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Brenna R.

Yelp
We spent the day at the Denver Zoo while in town for a wedding. Plan for more time than you think here! We spent so much time enjoying the animals that we were crunched for time on the last few exhibits. The zoo was clean, not overly packed, and an enjoyable experience. Buy your tickets online beforehand as they only accept cash for tickets on the premises. The Denver Zoo only sells a certain number of prepaid tickets for each 30 min time slot so plan ahead if possible. There was more than enough free parking available - a nice amenity! If you're planning on purchasing food or drinks I would recommend looking into the prepaid entree option when buying your ticket online. We opted for the entree, side, and ice cream combo. There is a beer option as well that includes a souvenir beer mug, 2 beers, and a pretzel.
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Justin E.

Yelp
This was a very awesome zoo minus the current construction projects going on. Even with those, it still provided a great day of exploring the animals. Exhibits were laid out exceptionally well. We bought the membership. If you're local, it's worth it in two trips! Can't wait to see this place during the winter!!!
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David A.

Yelp
Absolutely fantastic zoo with plenty to see staff is so friendly and pleasant to be around. Ask many questions and got great. Answers was very happy with the concessions and the foods that Dippin Dots at the end of the day were absolutely amazing.
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Michael R.

Yelp
Signs throughout the park advertising 30% off memberships. When I went to sign up I was told that the discount is for new members only. So if you sign up, don't tell them you have already had a membership and provide a different phone number.
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Kimber H.

Yelp
Last time we visited was a couple of years ago and it was lackluster as they were remodeling, we only saw a handful of animals, and it was a total waste. I'm sure the pandemic messed it up like other places. Fast forward to today and it is absolutely a wonderful place. We saw over a dozen animals lions tigers, zebras oh my. There are certain parts that are undergoing some renovations, but nothing that impacts the visit. Denver Zoo has really upped their game! We purchased a family membership so we could come more often. Keep up the good work!
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Travis B.

Yelp
What an outstanding zoo! We had a fabulous time visiting and was pleasantly surprised with the size of the zoo, conditions of the grounds, and wonderful enclosures for the animals. Parking was plentiful (and free) in the garage attached to the zoo. Entrance fees are on par with other zoos we've visited and there were plenty of food and beverage options. Temps were pretty high on our visit but between the shade of the zoo and the misting stations they have set up, we stayed pretty comfortable.
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Stefanie C.

Yelp
Awww, Denver Zoo has such a special place in my heart. I've been several times with my partner and his kids. Probably wouldn't have gone by myself, especially since now there's little ones constantly sharing fun animal facts with me. Parking is super easy in their giant garage. Lots of well-designed, engaging exhibits that always seem to be evolving. Volunteers and staff are friendly. Definitely check out the scorching hot hippo statue in the summer. Food and beverage kiosks have plenty of cotton candy for the kids and booze for the parents. Great text displays to teach all human beings about the zoo creatures. Love the private events they host (as an event planner myself) and gift shop. Excited to be a regular!
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Anna B.

Yelp
The Denver zoo lived up to the hype! Sadly we only had a few hours but you could truly spend all day here. My favorite exhibits were the amphibians and the otters! There's currently a baby otter, Jai, that is adorable to watch play. Helpful tips: They still have timed entry. We went on a Sunday and bought our tickets right before and there were still plenty left. Definitely bring sunscreen and a hat, there's a lot of walking that isn't shaded. There's a huge parking lot but definitely expect to park a little far away and walk.
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Charmaine N.

Yelp
+ Wacky Let's Roam Denver Scavenger Hunt at the zoo (daytime) + Zoo lights (night time) Went here on 2 separate occasions. Both were very distinct but wonderful experiences. My uploaded photos are those from zoo lights 2022. There are two separate parking areas uncovered to your left and parking garage to the right (free). Get your tickets online for convenience. You can expect to spend at most 2 hours here. During the daytime (summer) most of the animals are out. You can even opt to feed giraffes -be sure to check online to book. The staff those we approached were real friendly and gave us information about animals nearby. The sights were beautiful and it was nice to get up close with a few animals (llamas, hippos, elephants, giraffes etc...) on both occasions It wasn't overly packed. There are areas even food spots where it wasn't so busy -helpful if you need a little quiet time from crowds. Overall great idea for all ages.
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Cynthia S.

Yelp
What an amazing zoo, we had a great day, and everyone was very nice, I love that they had people at stands where you can interact with the Arthropods, and they were very informative. Their food court was good, and the lines were moving fast!

Jessica H.

Yelp
My family did not terribly enjoy our visit to the zoo in Denver, which surprised me because we are a family who loves zoos and aquariums overall in general. We found the layout of the zoo unusual and not user friendly; they don't have any paper maps to help you navigate which was aggravating. The animal exhibits had minimal signs or information posted, which made it hard to stay engaged. There are QR codes, but they took forever to load each time. It was also very hot with minimal shade. We missed the reptile house because we walked past it (see above about no maps) and then didn't want to backtrack enough to find it due to the heat. We saw very few animals despite going early in the morning, and had to park pretty far from the zoo despite arriving at the opening hour. There were signs up around the zoo that said "Where are the animals?" and then listed all the places the animals could be if you could not see them, which tells me that ALOT of people are wandering around this zoo asking these questions because they cannot see animals. . We bought tickets for the "train" only to find out that the train does not go by any animal habitats but rather makes a single (very small) 2 minute loop in the same area around some basic trees. It could be in any city park. You'd never know you were in a zoo. Absolute waste of money if your child is over 3. Overall, I was surprised that after an hour my kids kept asking me "how much more before we can leave?". It felt like something we were forcing ourselves to finish rather than something we enjoyed. I wish we'd skipped this and gone back to the Science Museum next door instead.
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John F.

Yelp
Nice zoo, well organized and easy to get around and to park. They didn't have many animals out in the winter midday which was a bummer but still got to see many of our faves!
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Beth E.

Yelp
I love zoos! Whenever we travel, we stop at a local zoo for a few hours. For this zoo, we had to make a reservation which at this point in time blows my mind. The weather was crappy, so we had to go the day I had the reservation. I commented when they checked us in and they said the animals would be more active because it was not so hot. That was not true! So many animals were not even in their enclosure that I was fairly annoyed we spent the money we did. The zoo is very nice and laid out well, but we really didn't get to see much. I have no idea where the animals were, but they certainly weren't on display. Just our luck, we also picked a day where there were bus loads of school kids, who were not at all under control by their chaperones.
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Matthew K.

Yelp
It was fantastic!!! The zoo was clean, had plenty of mature trees which created needed shade on a hot day, and it was very busy but not overly-crowded on July 2, 2024. Several of the animals were so close we could almost touch them. We particularly loved the elephants and giraffes!!! The staff were all very professional and friendly. And to top it all off, I could not believe the parking was FREE! The printed maps were a bit out of date but other than that, it was a perfect 2.5 hour visit. I highly recommend this zoo! :)
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Irwin F.

Yelp
Came for the grizzly bear to find out they had left park to hibernate? In July? When park is in Rockies? But signs pointed out that bear had dug a cave to hibernate in, glad we got to see that hole instead. How exciting. Some exhibits / animals cost extra to see inside zoo. Really? And now extra cost inside to see virtual reality of gorillas (for those that come to zoo to watch a video of animals). Denver, you rock, but zoo doesn't.
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D T.

Yelp
I've been here a few times now. The animals look well cared for. There are a lot of variety. My favorite part is the animal hospital allows you to watch surgeries if it is happening. Food and beverages here are a bit pricey, but you are allowed to pack your own food and snacks to bring in. Sometimes they host fun events so definitely check out their website ahead of time. On weekends during the summer, you can get in for $5 after 5pm!
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Fart D.

Yelp
ANIMALS. CUTE. monkey was cute. Flamingo was cool. Fettuccine Alfredo. Also gorilla. Gorilla scary. 5 stars

Debbi G.

Yelp
We loved it took my granddaughter for her birthday ,, very clean and enjoyable place ,, will take the family back
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Beth R.

Yelp
Had hoped this would have been a better zoo. It looked very rundown. Animal exhibits made me sad for the animals especially the sea lion who kept swimming in circle around a small island. Bronze sculptures were nice.
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Jerry O.

Yelp
We love the zoo! It's convenient, it's always improving and it's popular! We loved taking our family there - years ago. Now, we love going there with our daughter and granddaughter!!
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Chantelle A.

Yelp
JUST DONT GET A MEMBERSHIP BECAUSE YOU CANT USE IT!!! I've had my membership for almost a year. I will not be renewing it. I can't ever reserve my tickets on line. On the app the link to reserve tickets is always "under construction". On the website it directs me to pay full price EVEN THOUGH IM SIGNED INTO MY ACCOUNT!!! They make it impossible to reserve your membership tickets online and you have to stand in long lines when you get there at the kiosk hoping there are reservations available. If you call you on hold for 30-60min. A MEMBER IS NOT WORTH IT. Just get one to the DMNS, children's museum, aquarium, butterfly pavilion. ANYWHERE BUT THE ZOO. THEY MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO USE YOUR MEMBERSHIP!!!