Close
We're Sorry
San Diego Zoo
See San Diego, California family vacation
San Diego Zoo
Balboa Park
view website2920 Zoo Dr
San Diego, CA 92101+1693
619-234-3153
Save to My Wishlist
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
San Diego Zoo Description
One of the best-known zoological parks in the world, the San Diego Zoo is packed with fun. From an aerial tram ride to a close look at dik diks, there is something to intrigue everyone in your family. The zoo's so big, and there's so much to see, that many visitors plan to go on two consecutive days. Don't miss the edible "Mouse House" (the mice spend a week eating and nesting their way through it) in the Children's Zoo (which is not just for children -- you may even get lucky enough to see a porcupine being taken for a walk).
Zoo
Kid Tips
Toddlers & Pre-K: Riding the aerial tram (only 4 people per wagon) may be the highlight of the trip (so what if it has nothing to do with animals?). But the statues of polar bears and the underwater polar bear viewing area, as well as the Children's Zoo, will also wow your wee one.
Pre-Teens & Teens: The Wild Animal Safari simulation ride, the aerial tram, and the Ape House are "can't- miss" attractions for older kids.
Planning Notes
- In Balboa Park. The zoo, and some 15 other museums, is located in San Diego's gorgeous Balboa Park. Take advantage of the prime location to have a picnic or take in a puppet show.
- Bring sunscreen. You'll be spending hours outside as you explore the different parts of the zoo.
- See the Sea Lion Show. Scheduled daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. (and more frequently during the summer).
- Plan to walk ... a lot. You can bring a stroller or rent one at the zoo, and there are moving sidewalks, an aerial tram, and courtesy shuttle buses, but this zoo is enormous and you'll be doing a lot (did we say a lot?) of walking.
Just the Facts
Hours: Winter hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily (grounds close at 5) Summer hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Fees: $30 - $40
Recommended Time: Half-day
Reviews of San Diego Zoo
Fascinating!
By kimmay20 January 29, 2008 | Working hard at DIG
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-K
School-Age Kids
Pre-Teens & Teens
What we didn't love:
Too cold for the Galapagos turtles. :(
Fascinating! This is why digital cameras were invented. Read More
There's a reason why it's "world famous."
By CuisineAficionado November 15, 2007 | Sons: Ages 5 & 23 months | San Diego, CA
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-K
School-Age Kids
Pre-Teens & Teens
What we didn't love:
Babies don't get it, but at least their admission is free.
Our children absolutely love the zoo. Living in San Diego, we don't always realize just how amazing it is, but we have visited some zoos in other cities, and we then fully appreciate (even the boys) just how good ours is.
The enclosures are much more natural, and give the animals more room to move and exercise. The whole park makes you feel like you stepped into a jungle, and if you didn't see planes flying overhead, you would completely forget that you were still in the city.
They have plenty of bathrooms with changing tables (great for when my boys were younger).Read More
California's Zoo
By wandamomda November 14, 2007 | Wichita, KS
What we loved:
Variety of animals, activities
What we didn't love:
So huge Mom can't keep up!
There are literally thousands of animals here, but what my kids and I love most about this great zoo are the bears: brown bears, panda bears, and of course the giant pandas! They're our first and last stop every time we come to California and San Diego.Read More
 |
What's Nearby?
- Museum of Photographic Arts 1649 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
619-238-7559 32.73100138888889 -117.14863277777778 - San Diego Junior Theatre 1650 El Prado # 208
San Diego, CA 92101
619-239-1311 32.73166027777778 -117.14836472222223 - San Diego Natural History Museum 1788 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
619-232-3821 32.7320575 -117.14736694444444
Related Vacations
Sunny Southern California Dreamin'
San Diego, CaliforniaThe weather's fine in America's Finest City: Ogle orcas at SeaWorld, b...
