America's most popular zoos, and 7 ways to save
Nebraska is known for cornfields, not jungles and deserts. But according to a new survey, jungles and deserts are part of the reason it has the nation鈥檚 most popular zoo.
Just in time for summer, travel site TripAdvisor has听released a list of the 10 most popular zoos in the United States based on user reviews. Here鈥檚 a recap, followed by some zoo-enjoying advice鈥�
1. Henry Doorly Zoo (Omaha, Nebraska)
Highlights: 鈥淭he largest indoor desert in the world,鈥� says TripAdvisor, and 鈥渁 rainforest setting featuring cascading waterfalls and monkeys jumping from tree to tree.鈥�
Prices: $13.50 for adults, $12.50 for seniors, $9 for children.
2. St. Louis Zoo (Saint Louis, Missouri)
Highlights:听More than听650 species in settings that include Penguin and Puffin Coast, Bear Bluffs, and the 10-acre River鈥檚 Edge exhibit, 鈥渁 naturalistic habitat featuring roaming hyenas, hippos, elephants, and more.鈥�
Prices:听Free admission, although some of the coolest exhibits and activities charge a fee.
3. Cape May County Park & Zoo (Cape May Court House, New Jersey)
Highlights: More than 250 species along with nature trails, a train, and a carousel.
Prices: Free.
4. Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden (Columbia, South Carolina)
Highlights:听Features more than 2,000 animals across 350 species, including an African-like savannah where 鈥済iraffes, zebras, and ostriches roam鈥� and 鈥渁n interactive walk-through area鈥� with wallabies and kangaroos.
Prices:听$11.75 for adults, $10.75 for seniors, $9.25 for children.
5. Memphis Zoo (Memphis, Tennessee)
Highlights:听Daily shows that star 鈥渁 lineup of cuddly cast mates鈥� and settings including Cat Country, Primate Canyon, and Crocodile Cove.
Prices: $15 for adults, $14 for seniors, $10 for children.
6. San Diego Zoo (San Diego, California)
Highlights:听You can take an evening tour of this 100-acre zoo, 鈥渉ome to more than 3,700 rare and endangered residents, including giant panda bears.鈥�
Prices: $42 for adults, $32 for children.
7. Sedgwick County Zoo (Wichita, Kansas)
Highlights: Lions, tapirs, and red pandas, oh my!
Prices: $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, $9 for children.
8. Brevard Zoo (Melbourne, Florida)
Highlights: Natural habitats where 鈥渢ravelers can feed white-tailed deer or climb into a kayak for a guided tour.鈥�
Prices: $14.50 for adults, $13.50 for seniors, $10.50 for children.
9. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (Colorado Springs, Colorado)
Highlights:听An open-air chairlift ride on the mountainside showcasing more than 800 animals, from giraffes to meerkats and grizzlies.
Prices: $17.25 for adults, $15.25 for seniors, $12.25 for children.
10. Audubon Zoo (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Highlights: A water park, posed pictures with animals, and 鈥渂ug tosses.鈥�
Prices: $16 for adults, $13 for seniors, $11 for children.
No matter what zoo you go to, the costs quickly add up. Even if you鈥檙e lucky to live near a free one, there鈥檚 still the cost of getting there, parking, and food. Here鈥檚 some advice to make your next zoo visit more worthwhile and less expensive鈥�
1. Look for partnerships
Many zoos, gardens, aquariums, parks, and museums team up to offer discounted membership or free admission to each other鈥檚 exhibits. So if you鈥檙e a nature lover or even plan to visit more than once, a reciprocal membership can be a great way to get more bang for your buck.
For instance, a $71 family membership through ZooSociety.org will get you free or half-price admission at every zoo in the list above, with the exception of San Diego, Cheyenne Mountain, and Audubon. It also offers discounts for attractions and gift shops.
There are more than 150 participating 鈥�Association of Zoos and Aquariums鈥� member locations across the country, so check the full reciprocal zoo list.
2. Watch for social deals on memberships
Last year, I scored a $40 membership for two at Florida鈥檚听Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens on Travelzoo. (Despite the name, it鈥檚 not specific to zoos.) My wife and I had been twice before and loved it, and at a regular admission of $13 a head, we already knew a half-off membership was worth it. We ended up going five times, including on a few special festival days, so we saved at least $90. (You also get discounts at the cafe and gift shop.)
Watch for entertainment deals like that on sites like Travelzoo, Groupon, and Livingsocial 鈥� but pay attention to restrictions and expiration dates.
3. Try it out and upgrade
Not sure you want a membership right now? When buying your tickets, ask whether you can put the paid admission toward a membership later. Some places will let you upgrade the same day or within a certain time frame, as long as you keep the receipt.
4. Look for coupons and discounts
If you鈥檙e looking for a one-time adventure, look for admission coupons. Start by checking the zoo鈥檚 website, which may mention upcoming promotions, have a printable coupon, or list where to find one. Also flip through newspapers, tourist brochures and travel guides, and other places. Here in Florida, Lion Country Safari has advertised on soda cans!
Many places offer group discounts, so coordinate with another family or two. Senior and military discounts may be available, and AAA or AARP memberships might save too.
5. Plan your trip
Zoos can be huge 鈥� you can stay overnight at the San Diego Zoo. There are also limits to how much walking a child 鈥� or even an adult 鈥� is willing to do, especially if it鈥檚 mostly outdoors. So look up a map, a zoo-specific guide (like in听St. Louis and North Carolina), and a list of animals and attractions to make sure you hit your personal highlights. And if you have kids, perhaps plan a route that skirts the pricey souvenir shop.
6. Eat at home and bring food
Avoid the high prices of on-site cafes and restaurants by having a big meal before you arrive and bringing a backpack or two with snacks, sandwiches, and drinks. Some zoos prohibit outside food and drink, but many offer picnic areas.
7. Take great photos
Unless you buy souvenirs, all you鈥檒l have after your adventure are the memories, the bill, and the photos. These days, everybody has a camera, but few take the time learning to avoid blurry, distant, overexposed shots.
You don鈥檛 have to become a master photographer, but a few pointers: Bring fully charged batteries, clear your memory card before you go, and take several photos of everything 鈥� then delete the obviously bad ones on lunch break to make more space. Fences and glass reflections can ruin shots, so get as close as you鈥檙e allowed and put the lens right up against the barrier, with the flash off. (Bring a cloth to clear away glass smudges or fence crud.) You鈥檒l find more zoo photography tips online.
