Zoos are some of the most exciting and educational places to visit in your lifetime. They provide a unique opportunity for you to see and interact with animals from around the world that you might not otherwise have the opportunity to. You will also learn about the many different animals and the projects in place to help protect endangered species. Although many zoos charge an admission fee, you can come across zoos with free admission.
For a little bit of history: The first zoo was established in London in 1828 by a wealthy Englishman, William Hornby. However, zoos were not popular until they started appearing in the United States during the late 1800s. The first public zoo was opened in Philadelphia and became so popular that it had over 4 million visitors on its opening day. Today, you will find many diverse zoos that have animals from different parts of the world with habitats such as deserts, rainforests, or polar regions. Some are now associated with the programs of tropical rainforest aviary. You’ll also find that zoos have rare species like polar bears, African lions, giant pandas, Asian elephants, prairie dogs, grizzly bears, snowy owls, red pandas, and other endangered animals.
Visit A Zoo Today
If you’re looking for a fun, educational activity for your family, then visiting a zoo is the perfect way to spend a day out.
Zoos are great places for learning about animals and science. They also help people appreciate wildlife in a whole new way.
Best Free Zoos in the United States of America
The best free zoos in the United States are the ones that offer animal education and conservation programs along with an immersive experience for children to learn about animals and fall in love with nature.
These types of institutions provide a safe environment for animals and offer opportunities for interaction with humans. A free zoo allows you free admission due to generous donations from the cities and municipalities in the area along with generous, private donations.
Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Washington, DC
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is one of the most popular zoos in the world. It is home to over 2,000 animals from more than 300 species around the globe.
It opened in 1876 and was one of the first zoos in the world to use zoological parks rather than circuses to exhibit animals, making it one of the oldest zoos in continuous operation. It is one of the zoos that provides an experience of tropical rainforest aviary.
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo United States offers a wide range of experiences for visitors to experience with their children and family members. The zoo has a variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits that are fun and educational for all ages.
The National Zoo is a perfect place to visit with your family and friends because it offers a wide range of activities including live animal shows, feeding programs, and new exhibit openings throughout the year.
Como Park Zoo, St. Paul, Minnesota
Como Park Zoo is located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It is home to over 400 animals and has a total of 120 acres of land. This zoo shares many features with San Diego Zoo.
Como Park Zoo is the largest zoo in the United States. It was founded in Saint Paul in 1875 by Henry Vilas and his wife Mary as a private zoological garden. The zoo is also considered one of the most popular attractions in Minnesota.
The park has been around for over 100 years but was only recently expanded to include more exhibits and animals, such as giraffes, lions, zebras, rhinos, and gorillas.
Henry Vilas Zoo, Madison, Wisconsin
Henry Vilas Zoo is located in Madison, Wisconsin. It was founded by Henry Vilas in 1894 and is the oldest zoo in the United States. Wildlife conservation is one of the aims of Henry Vilas Zoo. You can come here to watch animals and their natural habitats because they offer free admission. Different endangered species like African lions are part of this beautiful zoo.
Henry Vilas Zoo is one of the few zoos that allow visitors to see both wild and captive animals, with over 2,000 animals on site. The zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1960 and has won numerous awards for its animal care programs.
The zoo also features a number of educational exhibits for children, including an outdoor petting farm where children can interact with cows, bunnies, goats, sheep, pigs, and other farm animals.
Lee Richardson Zoo, Garden City, Kansas
Lee Richardson Zoo was founded in 1868 in Garden City, Kansas, and it is managed by the Lee Richardson Foundation.
The zoo houses over 2,000 animals, including more than 1,500 mammals and 500 birds. It also has a petting farm with over 100 animals such as goats, sheep, donkeys, and ponies. The zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). It also has an animal hospital for injured or sick animals.
Lee Richardson Zoo is one of the most popular zoos in the United States. The zoo is open every day of the year except Christmas day and New Year’s Day.
Saint Louis Zoo, Missouri
The Saint Louis Zoo is one of the best free zoos in the US, and it is great for families. It has been around since 1876 and has over 2,000 animals. Saint Louis Zoological Park is a project of a nationwide conservation carousel. It aims to make wildlife conservation possible.
This zoo is a great place to visit all kinds of animals since it’s home to some endangered species that are found nowhere else in the world.
Besides the parking fee, there is no admission charge to visit the St. Louis zoo, and it makes a great addition to visiting the Gateway Arch as part of your family day trip to St. Louis, Missouri.
Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo, Chicago, Illinois
The Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo is located in the Chicago suburb of Glencoe in Illinois and was founded by Jay and Cindy Pritzker in 1986. Their goal was to create a place where children could learn about animals without disturbing them. The zoo has been growing since its inception and now features over 200 species of animals that are housed in more than 16 different exhibits.
The zoo has received many awards for its innovative exhibits and educational programs. In 1991, it was awarded the prestigious Dr. Doolittle Award for excellence in children’s education by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago, Illinois
The Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago, founded in 1868, is located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. It was founded by members of the Lincoln Park Improvement Association, an organization that had been active since 1857.
The first exhibit was a collection of birds that had been donated by John J. Audubon on his trip to Illinois from 1841 to 1843.
The zoo has grown significantly over its history, with more than 30 buildings and 200 acres (800,000 m²) of land covering its grounds today. It has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chicago with 2 million visitors each year.
Why Not Visit A Zoo Today
There are many great zoos in the United States that are perfect for a fun and educational day out. They offer many different activities and attractions for families to enjoy.
Most zoos have many things to offer, including exotic animals, exhibits, and a wide range of educational opportunities. Some provide education on animal care and conservation.
The United States has a lot of different zoos, each with its own unique characteristics. We have listed the best free zoos, but there are many across the states open to the public for an admission fee. One way you can save money is to join the AZA, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. With this yearly membership, you will have access to many zoos and aquariums across the country for free or at a discount. Go to your local zoo today to find out what they offer and enjoy a fun and educational day out.