The Mom’s Guide to the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium

This post is sponsored by the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium.

Whether you have been going to the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium for years or are visiting for the first time, there is always something new to explore. The new Sobela Ocean Aquarium brings brand new exhibits and animal friends to explore and is included with your Zoo admission.

Check out our guide to a stress-free, maximum-fun visit!

What Kids Will Love

There are nearly 10,000 animals from over 400 species for your kids to watch and learn from while they interact in their own habitats. My kids love seeing the monkeys jumping from tree to tree, the red pandas relaxing on a branch or getting up close and personal with the farm animals. Throughout the day there are Animal Chats, feedings and Q&As that include one of the Zoo’s knowledgeable guides walking you through facts about specific animals. Check out the daily schedule to plan your day.

In addition to the animals, riding the train around the Zoo is always a highlight. We typically venture to the railroad when our legs need a break from walking. There is also a great playground near the barn animals that has activities for all ages.

Photo Credit: The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium

The brand new 650,000-gallon Sobela Ocean Aquarium is now open and features six different zones with 34 exhibits highlighting how ocean currents connect animals across the globe. Entrance into the Sobela Ocean Aquarium is included with your Zoo admission. 

What Moms Will Love at the Zoo

Planning for your trip to the Zoo is imperative. We typically know our route ahead of time and review the schedule of events to plan around any animal feedings or animal chats. 

Grab a Zoo Map

Plan your route ahead of time with the Zoo’s digital map or download the Zoo app to access one via your mobile device. There are also maps when you enter the and enlarged signs throughout the park.

photo op at Kansas City ZooPhoto Ops

Be on the lookout for all of the fun photo ops around the park aside from snapping a shot in front of all of the animals. They have ‘face in hole’ photo areas, murals and animal statues you can pose with.

Re-Entry

Forgot something in your car? You’re welcome to retrieve items from your vehicle and return to the Zoo within the same day as long as your hand is stamped by the main entrance attendant before you leave.

Family Friendly Amenities

Are you nursing? Nursing rooms are found at Helzberg Penguin Plaza, Sobela Ocean Aquarium and at Elephant Expedition. Family restrooms and changing rooms also available. The restrooms have toddler hand washing steps.

Variety KC communication board at Kansas City ZooAccommodations for All Kids

There are also several Variety KC Communication Boards throughout the park that are there to help every kid be active and able to communicate either verbally or non verbally.

Location and Parking

The Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium is located in historic Swope Park with easy access from I-435 and 71 Highway. It is just minutes from downtown, the Country Club Plaza, and surrounding metro suburbs.

Parking at the zoo is always free. As always, the earlier you get there, the closer you will be to the entrance. There is a drop off zone right in front of the Zoo if you have to park further away. 

Admission Cost & Hours

Zoo Hours

Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday, 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Tickets are:

$18-25 for Adults

$17-$22 for Children 3-18

Kids under 2 are free

Jackson or Clay County residents get discounted tickets!

Ride vouchers are $9-$12 for the African Tram, KCZoo Railroad, Sky Safari, Endangered Species Carousel and Kenyan Cruise. 

Membership

Are you an avid zoo goer? If so, becoming a Friend of the Zoo will definitely get you more bang for your buck! We join every year, and it pays for itself in just two visits! Your membership includes discounts on concessions and retail, discounts on special events, carousel rides, KCZoo Railroad rides and more. Your membership helps support the Zoo’s Conservation Fund, preserving wildlife at home and around the world. Learn more about membership here.

Stroller and Wheelchair Accessibility

The zoo is extremely accessible to navigate with a stroller or a wheelchair. There are many options available to rent when coming to the zoo, single and double strollers, wagons, wheelchairs and electric scooters. For more information on pre-reservation, click here.

Food Policies and Purchase Options

The Zoo offers a variety of themed dining options for full meals, snacks and sweet treats. We love to pack a picnic and dine al fresco at many of the picnic style seating areas around the park. My kids’ special treat is always a snow cone from Kona Ice.

Birthday Parties

Talk about a wild birthday party option! Did you know you can host a daytime birthday party or an overnight bash as the zoo? Learn more.

Special Events

There’s always something fun going on at the Zoo. Find information about holiday-themed events, fundraisers and more here or sign up for Zoo emails to stay up to date on all fun.

Fall Events

  • GloWild, an enchanted nighttime journey through a mile of lighted sculptures, September 6-December 29.
  • Hoots and Howls, the first three weekends in October with special themed activities.
  • Boo at the Zoo, a family friendly not-so-scary trick or treating experience on October 26 and 27.

Mom Tip: Get There Early!

Get to the zoo early when the animals are most active. This is especially true in the summer when the days get hot and animals retreat to the shade. 

In the mornings, zoo staff put out food for the elephants, orangutans, camels and more. It’s always fun to see them eating and the monkeys playing with their food. Depending when you go, you can sometimes stumble upon animal care specialists giving the elephants baths.

Regardless when you visit the zoo it is sure to be a wild time and always a new adventure! 

Emily Gafford
I am a mom of two girls, 4 & 6 and a baby boy who arrived in June as well as our fur-baby, Walter. I've been married to my southern raised, patient and silly husband for 8 years. Born and raised in Kansas City, I am naturally an avid Chiefs fan. I am the Director of E-Commerce & Retail at J. Rieger & Co. distillery and thoroughly enjoy being a full time-working mom. I am an open book and hope that my real stories of what works for our family and the raw emotions that come with each of life's curve balls helps guide other families along their journey. Being a Mom of two wildly active girls, one whose spirit needs some extra attention, I am currently navigating child advocacy and support for parents who lean on professional resources for children with behavioral disorders. I love getting lost in the kitchen or a book, going on walks and spending time with friends & family.

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