The Kansas City Zoo is a great place for a family friendly day trip. To plan a visit, check out the online zoo map for the list and location of all animals on display. The KC Zoo offers several shows, including keeper chats, so don’t forget to plan the day around the show times.
Kansas City Zoo Insider Tips: Where to Begin
Bypass the initial displays. The river otters take the stage at the entrance to the zoo, and just around the corner guests will find a fun sea lion display. Since these are so close to the entrance, though, it may be a good idea to save them for the end of the day. This will help avoid missing out on favorite animals that are farther away from the entrance. Besides, it is a good place to rest before making the trek through the parking lot.
Start in Africa. Kansas City Zoo has a large African display, which includes animals, such as elephants, cheetahs, hippos, zebras, giraffes and gorillas. The display is stretched out over more than two miles of trails, which is why the KC Zoo recommends guests may want to start the day with this attraction first. Otherwise, guests may find themselves too exhausted to visit all of the displays at the end of the day.
Afternoon Breaks to Eat and Cool Off
Take a lunch break. After visiting the African display, kids will most likely be ready for lunch. Guests can eat at the Beastro, the Carousel Café, or Rafiki restaurant. The zoo also allows guests to bring their own picnic lunches.
Take a break to play. The Discovery Barn is located near the Carousel café. An animal display nearby includes llamas, sheep and goats. Inside, kids and adults will enjoy the air conditioned display of macaws, the lemurs and meerkats. Kids can ride down an indoor slide and climb on the huge Peek-a-Boo tree outside.
The End of a Great Zoo Trip
Wrap up the day in the Outback. The path from the barn leads to the zoo’s Australian exhibit, which includes an up-close and personal look at the popular kangaroos. Right around the corner, guests will find the Asian display with tigers, orangutans and red pandas.
Saving the best for last. In 2010, the Kansas City Zoo welcomes the arrival of the much anticipated polar bears. The exhibit is near the entrance and makes a great end-cap to a full day at the zoo.
The Kansas City Zoo provides a great day trip for families. With all the KC Zoo's wild animals, there is always something new to see.
Source
Kansas City Zoo website. Accessed May 2010.
Kristen O'Hara - I graduated from college with a B.S. in elementary education. After teaching third grade for two years, I chose to stay home with my ...
