17 top US zoos and aquariums for kids

Taking kids to see amazing animals up close creates those magical moments that stick with families forever. Whether your little ones can’t stop talking about sharks or they’re dying to feed a giraffe, America’s best zoos and aquariums deliver incredible opportunities for hands-on learning and pure wonder.

These destinations blend education with genuine fun across the country. They feature interactive exhibits, touch tanks, and special programs designed specifically for young visitors. Here’s a list of 17 top US zoos and aquariums that’ll captivate kids of all ages.

Georgia Aquarium

Atlanta’s Georgia Aquarium holds the title as the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere — housing over 100,000 animals in 10 million gallons of water. Kids can walk through the breathtaking underwater tunnel in the Ocean Voyager gallery while whale sharks and manta rays glide overhead like gentle giants. Though the aquarium offers incredible animal encounters, the chance for children aged 7 and up to swim alongside whale sharks stands out as truly extraordinary. The daily “Waddle Walk” between 10 and 11 AM lets families meet African penguins during their casual stroll through the facility.

National Aquarium Baltimore

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JUL 2: The National Aquarium at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland, as seen on July 2, 2017.
— Photo by sainaniritu

Downtown Baltimore’s aquarium has welcomed over 51 million visitors since opening — remaining Maryland’s top tourist attraction. The mesmerizing Jellies Invasion exhibit creates an otherworldly experience, while the walk-through Shark Alley makes kids feel like they’re swimming with predators. Children love the Living Seashore touch pools where they can safely interact with horseshoe crabs and sea stars. What’s particularly thoughtful is the aquarium’s special early access sessions for children on the autism spectrum during the first weekend of each month.

San Diego Zoo

This world-famous zoo spans 100 acres yet manages to house over 4,000 animals representing 650 species and subspecies. The recently opened Wildlife Explorers Basecamp replaced the former Children’s Zoo with a cutting-edge 3.2-acre experience that combines immersive technology with live animal exhibits. Kids can ride the Skyfari aerial gondola for stunning views, though many prefer getting up close with the animals below. The Reptile Walk features incredible creatures like Galapagos tortoises — some weighing over 500 pounds.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Built on a former sardine cannery site along California’s stunning coastline, this aquarium showcases the Pacific Ocean’s incredible marine life. The towering 28-foot Kelp Forest exhibit teems with colorful fish, leopard sharks, and sea turtles swimming through giant kelp fronds that sway with artificial currents. While the main exhibits impress visitors of all ages, the Splash Zone offers over 30 hands-on activities specifically designed for children under 9. Daily animal feedings help kids learn about ocean conservation while watching sea otters crack open shells with rocks.

Bronx Zoo

One of the world’s largest metropolitan zoos, the Bronx Zoo spans 265 acres — housing over 6,000 animals representing 700 species. The immersive JungleWorld exhibit transports families into a tropical rainforest complete with waterfalls, where kids spot tigers lurking behind vegetation and colorful birds calling from the canopy. Though the Children’s Zoo operates seasonally from April to October, it provides unforgettable experiences letting little ones pet and feed domestic animals. The Bug Carousel adds extra excitement, even if it requires a separate ticket.

Shedd Aquarium

Chicago’s premier aquarium combines education with entertainment through incredible animal encounters. The Abbott Oceanarium features Pacific white-sided dolphins, beluga whales, and California sea lions that kids observe from both underwater and above-water viewing areas. While the main exhibits captivate families, the Polar Play Zone creates an interactive Arctic experience where children ‘ride’ in a kid-sized submarine. For truly unforgettable moments — though at additional cost — families can book animal encounters with sharks, penguins, or playful sea otters.

Tennessee Aquarium

Chattanooga’s destination actually houses two connected aquariums that follow water’s journey from mountain streams to ocean depths. The River Journey building features three living forests with both terrestrial and aquatic animals, while Ocean Journey showcases marine life including massive sharks and graceful stingrays. Kids absolutely love the interactive animal encounter sessions with lemurs and river otters — plus the touch tank where they can safely handle rays. The nearby IMAX 3D theater adds another dimension with underwater documentaries that make children feel like they’re swimming alongside whales.

Lincoln Park Zoo

This Chicago institution holds the unique distinction of being America’s only free, privately managed zoo — making it accessible regardless of family budget. Home to over 1,000 animals from around 200 species, the zoo features polar bears, great apes, big cats, and a fantastic penguin habitat that kids never want to leave. The recently opened Pepper Family Wildlife Center showcases lions in a state-of-the-art habitat designed based on actual behavioral studies. Since it’s located in Lincoln Park, families can easily combine their visit with playground time — or lakefront activities.

Aquarium of the Pacific

Long Beach’s stunning aquarium features over 50 exhibits showcasing Pacific Ocean marine life in incredible detail. The Shark Lagoon houses more than 200 sharks yet includes touch pools where brave kids can gently pet bamboo sharks and rays. While the all-new frog exhibit displays colorful amphibians from around the world, the water-squirting squid playground sculpture adds playful fun that gets kids thoroughly soaked. Behind-the-scenes tours like the Seal and Sea Lion Encounter give older children deeper insights into animal care — though these require advance booking.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Ohio’s Columbus Zoo houses an impressive 10,000 animals — ensuring every visit brings new discoveries. The facility’s famous for its conservation work, yet it’s the educational programs that help kids understand wildlife protection’s importance. Pop-up zookeeper presentations happen throughout the day, giving children chances to learn directly from animal experts who share fascinating stories. Though the zoo’s commitment to conservation extends globally, families can learn about Central African programs during their visit.

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – December 11, 2015: Sign at the Aquarium of the Americas (Woldenberg Park)
— Photo by tornado1998

Located along the Mississippi River in New Orleans, this aquarium takes visitors on a journey through the aquatic ecosystems of the Americas. Kids love exploring the submerged Mayan City exhibit and walking through the Caribbean Reef tunnel while surrounded by sharks and tropical fish. The Animal Grossology exhibit appeals to school-aged children who enjoy learning about the fascinating yet ‘icky’ aspects of animal biology. The Backstage Penguin Pass offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at penguin care that absolutely captivates young visitors.

Zoo Atlanta

Once ranked among America’s worst zoos, this Atlanta institution underwent complete transformation and now stands as one of the country’s premier zoological facilities. The zoo houses one of the largest populations of great apes in the United States, including western lowland gorillas and orangutans that fascinate visitors of all ages. Kids enjoy the interactive exhibits and educational programs that emphasize conservation and animal protection. The zoo’s commitment to wildlife preservation extends far beyond Atlanta, with active conservation projects spanning the globe.

Oregon Coast Aquarium

Situated along Oregon’s dramatic coastline, this aquarium offers stunning ocean views alongside incredible marine exhibits. The facility features walk-through tunnels where kids can watch sharks, rays, and fish swimming overhead and around them. Interactive touch pools let children safely handle sea anemones, sea stars, and hermit crabs while learning about tidal ecosystems. The aquarium’s coastal location makes it perfect for combining with beach exploration and wildlife watching along the rugged Pacific shoreline.

Denver Zoo

This Colorado institution spans 84 acres and houses over 3,000 animals from around the world in naturalistic habitats. The zoo recently announced plans for a 570-acre wildlife preserve in Weld County, demonstrating its commitment to conservation and animal welfare beyond traditional zoo boundaries. Kids love the interactive exhibits and educational programs that make learning about wildlife both fun and memorable. The zoo’s high-altitude location provides stunning views of the Rocky Mountains as a dramatic backdrop to animal viewing.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Part of the renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography, this La Jolla aquarium combines cutting-edge marine science with family-friendly exhibits. The Tide Pool Plaza replicates San Diego’s natural tide pools, letting kids touch sea stars, sea anemones, and hermit crabs in a realistic coastal environment. Interactive technology allows children to design their own digital fish and watch them ‘swim’ in virtual tanks. The coral propagation area teaches kids about reef conservation while showcasing the beautiful, colorful world of tropical corals.

New York Aquarium

As America’s oldest continuously operating aquarium, this Coney Island institution has been delighting families since 1896. The state-of-the-art Aquatheater hosts daily California sea lion shows that combine entertainment with education about marine mammal behavior. The much-anticipated Ocean Wonders: Sharks! exhibit features over 115 species of aquatic creatures in immersive habitats. Despite taking damage from Hurricane Sandy, the aquarium has rebuilt with even better exhibits and continues to provide magical underwater experiences for children.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Perched high in the Colorado mountains, this unique zoo offers incredible views of Colorado Springs alongside amazing animal encounters. Named the fourth-best zoo in America, it’s famous for its hands-on experiences where kids can feed giraffes and budgerigars by hand. The mountainous setting creates natural habitats that many animals thrive in, making viewing experiences feel more authentic. The zoo’s scenic location means families can combine animal viewing with hiking and mountain exploration.

Where wonder meets the future

Puma, mountain lion, panther. Common in the Americas. Scientific name: Puma concolor
— Photo by HighCottonPicks

These remarkable institutions represent more than just places to see animals. They’re conservation centers, research facilities, and educational powerhouses working to protect wildlife for future generations. Many of the animals kids see today in these zoos and aquariums might not exist in the wild without these dedicated preservation efforts. As families create lasting memories watching dolphins play or touching a stingray for the first time, they’re also supporting crucial work that ensures these amazing creatures will be around for their own children to discover and love.