Sunrise Children's Zoo

Great petting zoo! You can buy food to feed the pets. They do not charge admission but please bring cash to do a free will donation and/or buy food! They have goats, sheep, a cow, donkeys(burrows), an alpaca, chickens & ducks, pigs, some kittens and other birds to look at. You can go into the goat, chicken/duck and sheep/cow pen. Possibly the pigs too but we didn't. I may have forgotten some of the animals. There is staff present to help you feed the correct food to the correct animals and to help with other questions or problems that may arise.  They have a handwashing station to use when you are done.  I think there was a porta-potty but I wasn't paying close attention to that.

We're from out of town but each time we're back visiting family our little one always requests to go feed the animals. Such a cute little park. Highly recommend to anyone with young children.

I took my daughter here on a Saturday. Entry is free. There is a free will donation box at the entrance, in which we did donate and hope everyone does. Yes, its a small zoo with farm animals but when you see the enjoyment on your kids faces when they feed the animals it is well worth the visit. Staff was awesome and friendly and knowledgeable about the animals. Highly recommend visiting

While not necessarily a destination "zoo" as a quick stop (30-45 minutes) while in Waterloo it's a nice little Petting Zoo.

My elementary aged kids enjoyed seeing the animals up close, petting them, and feeding them. Since it's small I didn't worry too much about my youngest wondering off.

I appreciate that this petting zoo is available for the Waterloo community giving kids & families an opportunity to experience animals up close.

They have a hand washing station & a porta potty for use as well.

My son, daughter in law, my grandchildren, and I went to see the animals  and when we arrived (at 3 pm on a Thursday), their was no person in sight. All the animals were visable, but the gate to get in was locked. According to their website they were open. It was a record breaking 102 degrees outside but we walked around the outside fence to see the animals and interact with them a bit. The horses seemed in distress in the heat. They did have a small shaded area to go to and water but no hay or food of any kind. The mule next to them had hay, and the horses were trying to get to it but couldn't. Then we noticed a wound on one of the horse's legs. It was very open and raw with flies gathered around it. The horse kept stomping to get the flies away. We called the number advertised several times but did not get anyone so we decided to call animal control to make them aware of the horse's injury. We had to leave them a message, and never got a return call. The sheep were also extremely stressed out and were panting and trying to get cool. I was very disappointed in the habitats they have these poor animals in. Small, hot, and not much food in site. They did have dirty water to drink thank God. This is just not humane! Not to mention they advertised to be open during those hours but they weren't. This place needs help. These animals need help!

I want to add that I just learned they closed until Friday due to the heat. This is even more disturbing,  as the animals were there with no fresh water to get away from the heat. Not ok.

Big Joel's Safari Petting Zoo & Educational Park

This place was awesome! The staff was so friendly, and the place is big! I wasn’t expecting to see so many animals! Feeding the cows was my favorite part and my daughter loved being able to feed the parakeets. It was a great experience and not that far of a drive!

Great place a bit off the beaten path, but not too far. You could spend as little as a few hours to most of the day here. We were there about three hours which allowed plenty of time to see all the animals and let the kids play for awhile.

Prices are reasonable and the place is clean. Clean as one can expect an animal park to be that is. The staff was also friendly and willing to talk about the animals and share stories.

No food service, as they say on their site. So eat before or pack a lunch. You can eat in the parking lot area if you’re making a day of it.

We took our 2 year old granddaughter and her mom and dad. She had so much fun feeding the animals. They have set the animals up in a way that is fun and  not intimidating for the little ones. There is also lots of staff to help you and keep both the people and the animals safe. Please use the spoons they provided to feed the animals, they keep you from getting bit and also protect the animals

What a cool petting zoo! It is much larger than we imagined! There was so much for the kids to see! The spoons were a smart idea for those that may be afraid to feed the animals with their hands. Took us close to an hour and a half to go around the whole place at a leisure pace. Animals, playground, huge slide for the kids, they had a variety of things to do. Fall decorations all over when we went. Was super fun.

We had fun. I enjoyed walking around with my Grandson (age 2).
He was having fun.
Lots of very sweet animals.

Wild Animal Adventures

First thing, do not waste your money on the lemur encounter!
You give them 10 pieces of human baby food, and then that’s it.
You sit there while they eat it out of the cup they give you and after 2 minutes it’s over with.
The girl working the area will rush you out as well. I sat back down to let the lemurs come around me after standing and she starting opening the gate to let us out. We were not even in there 5 minutes.
We were told by the lady we purchased the ticket from that it is a 30 minute encounter. We went and told the same lady working the front desk and her response was “sorry you feel that way” and “it just depends how the lemurs feel. We base the interaction off of them.”

How can we be told 30 minute encounter and get a 5 minute encounter? There was no refund offered or anything of the sort.

One of the lemurs, was apparently a “spicy” one. The girl kept telling us not to touch her or take the little treats away from her or she will bite you. She said don’t move around or she will bite you.
Maybe there shouldn’t be a hostile lemur in there with people, that made the 5 minute experience so much fun, being told to watch out for that lemur.

Other than that I love the park and this is my second time coming, due to loving it so much.
There were quite a few animals that were alone, they seemed pretty lonely and bored. Just pacing.
The sheep needs to be shaved, it has feces hanging under its stomach with thick hair.

I love how clean they keep the park and the animals cages are clean and their water also.  It’s very fun other than the lemur encounter. Which is a waste of money.  $50 for two people to access the park and the lemurs “encounter”.

WOW! This was my fiancé and I’s first time here and it was absolutely incredible. It was such a unique “zoo” experience and it was a slower day making it all the more special. We got to meet and speak to the owner and she was amazing and we got to hear wonderful stories about how she acquired the animals in the first place and took them from not so great situations and gave them a forever home. It is such a hidden gem and I would recommend anyone to go and visit!

Loved this hidden gem in Missouri! We got to feed and pet most of the animals and that made it so much more awesome! Big variety of animals, close up and personal! Animals looked happy and healthy, well fed with lots of activities in their habitats. The zoo grounds were clean, well marked with sitting benches, hammocks and even a "flower bed" to sit and rest! Lots of side gardens for bees and butterflies made it a pretty setting! All animals had signs of information and history of the animals at each habitat! Lived our visit here! Will definitely revisit and recommend!

OK, so it was my first time visiting this place so I didn’t know what to expect however, when I got to the very front counter, I could tell that it was an extremely wonderful place. The people were amazing in so many ways, they were constantly watching out for a little ones, there and answer any questions that we may have they have a lot of knowledge on the animals at their exhibit  and was more than happy to share it with each and every person there. I haven’t been at a place like that and so long to where they don’t only make you feel like a customer they make you feel like family it was a great experience for the family this weekend and I think everybody should try it!!!  I want to thank you all as the wild animal adventures it was amazing and you all work extremely hard and I appreciate what you guys do

There isn't much I could say that hasn't already been said, but here goes: these animals are very well cared for and the staff is amazing with animals and visitors alike. They are very informative, and it is such a friendly environment. Not to mention every enclosure has signage with various info such as the animal's breed, name, and instructions for visitors on what to do or what not to do.
We watched a staff member play with the male lion like he was a dog or cat, and then the staff member gave my daughter a tuft of hair that came from the lion's mane. It was so cool! Plus there is such a wide variety of animals/species here that my family and I all had a hard time deciding which was our favorite.
There are cool little areas throughout such as a kid's play area, hammocks, picnic tables etc. The gift shop had some small little snack bags like chips and goldfish. And dip 'n dots.
10/10 would go here again and again. Lots of fun!

Bison

One time a lady called them buffalo. My 4 year old son corrected her that these were Bison, and that Buffalos lived in Africa.

Minnesota Zoo

We went to their Jack O Lantern spectacular.  It was amazing.  The pumpkin carvings were fantastic and the exhibits were set up beautifully.
It was a cold, blustery day but the event was packed.  Our tickets were at 7pm.  We waited a few minutes in line and then got to enjoy the event.

A very fun walk on a paved path, handicap accessible, through a wooded area full of thousands of beautiful, carved, and lighted pumpkins. It is a bit hilly and pretty dim in some areas but very doable for everyone. (My step count was almost 6000 by the time we were done). It was crowded, but you go at your own pace so easy enough to get out of the crowd. I can only imagine the amount of time and work that goes into doing this. Some of the pumpkins are up in the trees while others are on stands or elaborate displays. Take your time and enjoy all of them, it's worth the walk. I took lots more pictures, could only upload 50.

I love the Minnesota Zoo.  I enjoy the new trail tree top walkway.  It is a beautiful way to see the animals.

I also like to get down close to the animals and the zoo has built many enclosures that allow you to be safely feet away from the animals and still not disturb them.

The food choices are nice and the new order kiosk allows you to order, grab a pager and then wait comfortably at your seat.

Parking was abundant and the dolphin interaction was fun, but short.

I would love to see the monkeys have a little more space to roam as their enclosure was small.

The wolf enclosure was also somewhat limited for the animal and it didn't have anything to keep them busy or entertained.

Overall it was a wonderful day at the Minnesota zoo.  I highly recommend you visiting and supporting this zoo.

The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular was spooktacular! It's definitely a great family event with options for food and beverages for purchase.  It is recommended to get there 30 minutes early.  There were a lot of people when we went and it was raining.  So be prepared for crowds especially is the weather is good.  There is no structured line. You can pass people and walk faster or slower, so it's just a nice thing to know.  Walk at your own pace.  I also appreciate that it is ADA accessible.  Check it out! Pictures don't do it justice. It is a must-see to get the best experience.

What a beautiful zoo!  We go to the Omaha Zoo often, and this zoo has so many animals I've never seen before.  We loved how much spa e each animal had and how clean their areas were.  The staff were very friendly and they have lots of options to view the animals.  My adult boys loved it too!

Endangered Wolf Center

Very cool experience! I went on a photographers tour, so my trip was more about getting good photos than learning, however, the staff was very knowledgeable and always willing to answer questions. The gift shop was pretty cool as well.

Nothing like it where we live. I didn’t know there were so many different kinds of wolves. The guide was very informative and covered a lot of information in a short time on the endangered tour. Our kids ages 7-14 enjoyed it. And the adults did too!

Absolutely amazing experience. We were greeted at the visitor center by the sound of the wolves howling in unison. Our guide Amira was incredibly knowledgeable and very patient with the endless list of questions from our Scout troop. We can't wait to go back!

One of the biggest hidden gems in STL for animal lovers. The tour guides are extremely knowledgeable and friendly. A great place to take the kids to help them learn about animal conservation!

Visiting the EWC was a memorable experience for my granddaughter and I. We watched a brief video about the mission of the center then headed outside to view the foxes and wolves. Paige, our tour guide, was friendly and full of interesting facts about the animals and EWC.

Hemker Park and Zoo Closed for the Season Open May 1

I loved absolutely everything about this mom & pop type park/zoo!! My boyfriend and I went on a "zoo date," and ended up choosing Hemker Park & Zoo, and I was not disappointed! The woman working the register in the entrance building, was very kind and all smiles. She gave off very happy vibes. My favorite part was all of the budgies landing and climbing all over us, but I do need to reiterate, it was just all around a fun time and we loved it.

*** Everyone has a different experience ***
We had a great experience. The price we paid is worth it. We bought 2 General Admission Tickets for $40.50 (before Tax, Service Fees, and Credit Card Processing Fees). We came at late noon, so most animals were napping or hiding. Other animals look overheated and tired because of the weather outside. To have a better experience, choose a day that is cool and not too hot outside. Before noon or after 3 pm is the ideal time to visit the zoo. At that point, the animals will be more active instead of hiding from the heat or taking a nap. In this zoo, you can see animals more closely than in most other zoos. There are many experiences available for a fee that can provide you with more enjoyment and knowledge about the animals. You can have Bird Feeding, Giraffe Feeding, Otter Feeding, Rhino Feeding, Koi Feeding, or a Tram Ride with a budget fee and Red Panda Experience, Alligator Experience, Kangaroo Experience, Cuddle with Boa, or Pet The Penguin with a higher fee. Asking the staff for more details about the experience you are interested in. I believe there are some events at this zoo, so be sure to check out the events calendar on their website to not miss any interesting activities.

Hemker Park & Zoo is a must visit. Animals, facilities, coffee cafe, and park grounds are very well cared for AND the zoo has 2 rhinos, giraffes, yaks, many varieties of exotic birds, alpaca, African penguins, a red panda, and so much more. Walk the grounds or board a safari vehicle to see the animals in a loop. Pack a cooler and enjoy lunch in a shaded picnic pavilion. Staff members are competent, caring, friendly, enthusiastic animal lovers.

I was here about a year ago with my 14 month old daughter and just came back with her, and she had a blast with all the animals. The zoo is well taken care of and so clean! They have beautiful structures built instead of the cheapest materials( will include some photos of structures). I love that the animals are clearly loved and taken care of. Staff are so friendly, and it's reasonably priced given that it's a private zoo. We did the giraffe feeding and a kangaroo encounter, and it was absolutely majestic. Highly recommend, and we will definitely be back! Thank you so much for giving people the opportunity to be in such close proximity to animals! It's just beautiful 🥹🥹🥹

This was truly one of my favorite zoo experiences. With beautiful well kept grounds, healthy animals, and a wonderful variety of animals our family had a great day. We felt safe, relaxed, and engaged the entire visit. We especially enjoyed the giraffes, playground, and the bird house!

Como Park

Como Park, Zoo, and Bonsai Garden constitute a captivating trifecta of natural beauty and wildlife exploration. Nestled in the heart of St. Paul, Minnesota, this destination seamlessly blends the tranquility of a Japanese-inspired Bonsai garden with the excitement of a vibrant zoo, creating an enriching experience for visitors of all ages.

The Como Park Zoo is a delightful haven for animal enthusiasts. With its diverse array of species, including primates, big cats, and aquatic life, the zoo provides an educational and entertaining journey into the wonders of the animal kingdom. The well-designed habitats prioritize the well-being of the animals while offering visitors an up-close encounter with the beauty of nature.

The adjacent Bonsai Garden adds a touch of serenity to the lively atmosphere. Strolling through meticulously manicured landscapes adorned with these miniature masterpieces evokes a sense of peace and appreciation for the artistry of bonsai cultivation. The garden serves as a picturesque oasis, inviting reflection and relaxation amid the lush greenery.

What makes Como Park truly special is the seamless integration of these diverse elements. Families can spend a day immersed in the wonders of the zoo, exploring the intricacies of the Bonsai Garden, and enjoying the natural beauty of Como Park itself. The well-maintained grounds, educational programs, and conservation efforts make Como Park a cherished destination that not only entertains but also fosters a deeper connection to the world of flora and fauna. Whether you're a nature lover, a parent seeking family-friendly activities, or someone in search of a peaceful retreat, Como Park, Zoo, and Bonsai Garden offer a harmonious blend of recreation and relaxation.

I recently visited Como Zoo and was absolutely amazed by the experience! The zoo is not just a place to see animals; it is a sanctuary filled with breathtaking beauty, incredible wildlife, and a deep commitment to animal welfare.

My daughter and I had a fantastic time and would highly suggest this zoo!!

Such a wonderful park and organization. They only ask for a donation at the gate, and even then not required- but so worth it. The care they provide the the animals is amazing. The park is so wonderful and kids enjoy so much, they deliver knowledge in an engaging and very much level of the person they speak to way. We all (ages ranging from 3 to 44) enjoyed the park and the animals who looked great. The plant section was outstanding too. Wish all cities took a page off their book. So worth the donation! Definitely would go back again when in town!

Different animals from the MN zoo, small and fun to explore. The polar bears were fun to watch the last time we visited. The conservatory attached is a special place and so beautiful and well kept! FYI- the seal “show” is only a few minutes long and not a show haha it’s definitely worth watching but manage your expectations;)

This was such a fun trip with my daughter! The animals were all out mostly too. I've been going to this zoo since I was a little girl and I'm so pleased to see how many improvements they've made over the years and how they keep things interactive for kids too! With it being a free zoo it's even better. We still donated they're suggestive amount of $5 for adults and 2 for kids, which I was more than happy to give for such a fun experience. We will most certainly be back!

Saint Louis Zoo

This zoo is absolutely the best! We enjoyed every bit of the zoo. 95% of the animals were active and we enjoyed the view to the fullest. It’s a great place for family outing with the kids. There are several aquariums including the hippos, Mississippi River fishes, penguins, and sea lions. Each of the aquariums were great. Please plan to spend at least 4-5 hours in the zoo, otherwise it won’t be possible to watch all the animals.

We loved going to the Zoo! Growing up in San Diego we always loved the San Diego Zoo so it was a fun experience and see another large Zoo. Free admission is amazing! Buying the additional attractions is a fun plus for those who want a few extra things to do. The wrist bands made it easy to walk into the extra attractions without having to keep track of tickets. It was clean and well kept. If you are a member of the Zoo the attraction tickets are 50% off. If you are a member of any local Zoo they will honor the 50% off as long as you show the active membership. I didn't know that until I walked up to the window to purchase our tickets, so that was a bonus! We went during the Halloween season and the decorations were awesome! We ate lunch at the Lakeside Cafe. The lines looked long but they were pumping food out quickly. The standard kid friendly options are available and some adult options as well. They did offer alcohol, limited selection but it was offered at a reasonable price actually. The food wasn't crazy priced either, but what you would expect from any fast food place in 2023. Getting around was easy even when it got congested with people. It was a cooler day when we went so the animals were active and out playing. Overall it was a great experience all day and we will definitely make our way back to spend more time looking at all the animals.

I love this zoo so much!

They always have educators posted around the zoo who are knowledgeable about the animals in their areas and have posts with each exhibit that gives general information about each animal found within it.

The zoo is free to enter and is fairly priced on the majority of extra attractions and even their gift ship items aren't terribly expensive, in comparison with the average American zoo.

My only big gripe is that while they say they're accessible, that's not entirely true. If you have an electric wheelchair or scooter, absolutely. They're great. But if you are a manual wheelchair user the zoo can be a nightmare to traverse. The hills are abundant and steep, making for hard inclines and dangerous declines.
If you're a manual wheelchair user without a companion to push you or help you up the hill, or you're not an ambulatory wheelchair user and cannot assist the chair up the hills or brake with your feet, I highly recommend renting an electric scooter or waiting until you have a companion to assist you in your visit.

To end on a high note, all the facilities were clean and the layout of the zoo was simple to follow.

Great place for the whole family, just be extra aware of possible hazards if you're disabled.

Very nice public zoo with free admission.  There are a few pay as you go attractions once inside but you can enjoy every other exhibit at no charge.  Recently went to the Wildlight event and it was a fantastic holiday display to take in while on the walking paths.

I visited this zoo twice in one week, on Friday and then Sunday. This was my first time coming here and actually my first time ever coming to a zoo as an adult. At first it was discouraging because we didn’t see animals at the first few exhibits but then we were mind blown. The experience was amazing and we had so much fun. Came all the way from out of state and it was definitely worth it.

Missouri Down Under Adventure Zoo

This place was awesome. A lot to do and a good place to kill some time. The staff was so friendly and our guide was super knowledgeable and did a great job ensuring we had a great experience. Definitely worth stopping by and checking out if you’re in the area!

My wife and I was driving by and saw the sign, my wife always wanted to see kangaroos and we was so happy we stopped here!
What an awesome experience meeting and learning about the animals.
The entire staff were really friendly, welcoming and informative.
We had so much fun petting the Lemur and the Kangaroos. This is a must see, little gem in Missouri 🤩🤩

What a great place. The family had a great time with the animals. The staff was great too. They talked to us about the different animals and their stories. It was very interesting.
Picked up some gifts from the gift shop. Had a great time.

So worth your stop! We stopped here two years ago traveling through this area, and made sure to stop on our way through again this year! Our family feed the kangaroos, which was such fun. Our favorite is Clifford, the old male. The three employees were so kind, and truly loved working there. The young man that gave us a tour of the other animals and of the cave, was so much fun too. We cannot wait to stop again!

This place is amazing. The kangaroos are so gentle and soft. The staff are so nice.

Best Zoo services

Retail & Franchises

Industries

Partners

Resources