The 10 Best U.S. Zoos To Visit in Winter

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

The first zoo on our list is the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York. The zoo has a surface area of about 43 acres and is home to over 900 animals. This zoo’s history is complicated but began in 1914 as a small, four-acre facility in Burnet Park. The zoo declined in the 1960s and it closed in 1982. The zoo reopened in 1986.

So, what exhibits are found here? At this zoo, you can see animals like Gila monsters, poison dart frogs, North American river otters, Chilean flamingos, Andean bears, and fennec foxes.

During winter, you can attend the Holiday Nights event. After hours, you can scroll through the enchanting and festive zoo. At this event, there are ice carving demonstrations, Christmas carolers, and delicious foods.

Address:

1 Conservation Place

Syracuse, NY 13204 

Hours:

10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day

Smithsonian National Zoological Park

Another great zoo to visit during winter in the U.S. is the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. It’s one of the oldest zoos in the country, first opening in 1889. The zoo is free to enter and is home to around 400 animal species. This exciting zoo is a great place to visit during winter! Some animal species you can find within the zoo include African clawed frogs, alligator lizards, pumpkinseed fish, tigers, and eastern newts.

In the winter, there are events, like ZooLights. During this event, guests can enjoy the zoo at night with festive lights from November 24 to December 30. Immersive lantern displays greet visitors throughout the event. However, the indoor exhibits are closed. Delicious winter treats, live music, and holiday shopping opportunities are available.

Address:

3001 Connecticut Ave NW

Washington, DC 20008

Hours:

Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Third on our list of the best zoos in the United States to visit during winter is the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Like the previous zoo, it’s very old. It was first founded in 1873 and opened to the public two years later. Currently, this zoo is home to over 500 animals and 3,000 plant species. It’s easy to spend the entire day exploring the zoo, especially during winter.

During winter, there are multiple events to enjoy at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. A popular event is the PNC Festival of Lights. Most zoos put together some kind of holiday lights show and this zoo is no exception. In 2023, the zoo welcomes visitors to marvel at over 4 million LED lights. The event runs from November 17 to January 7, 2023. Starting in January is another incredible winter event, Penguin Days. On these days (from January 8- March 8, 2024), guests can enjoy discounted zoo tickets. The year 2024, is the last year to see a Penguin Parade at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.

Address:

3400 Vine St,

Cincinnati, OH 45220

Hours:

 Hours may vary. This zoo is generally open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Detroit Zoo

Have you ever been to the Detroit Zoo? If you want less crowds and cool weather, winter is a great season to visit. Detroit Zoo is in Michigan. This 125-acre zoo first opened in 1928 and is home to over 200 species of animals. Some animals you can find in this zoo include African pygmy geese, Chinese alligators, chimpanzees, zebras, wolverines, and more.

So, why visit during the winter? What is so special about the Detroit Zoo during this snowy time? As you can imagine, Detroit Zoo turns into a winter wonderland filled with glittering lights. On select days from November 24 to January 7, you can stroll through stunning light displays. A favorite for 2023 is the Underwater Trail. While walking this trail, you won’t know where to look. Enjoy the zoo and the night with live entertainment and delicious seasonal foods. To warm up, head to the Wild Lights Lodge.

Address:

 8450 W. 10 Mile Road,

Royal Oak, MI 48067 

Hours:

From October through March, the zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dallas Zoo

Another zoo that is great to visit during winter is the Dallas Zoo. This Texas zoo is near downtown Dallas and has a surface area of 106 acres. The Dallas Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals and 400 species. Over a million people visit this zoo every year!

Within the zoo, you can find animals like giraffes, ring-tailed lemurs, Nile crocodiles, African lions, tigers, tortoises, and flamingos. There is so much to do at this zoo. Sometimes one day isn’t enough. If you need more than one day, the zoo offers a membership that comes with discounts on events hosted in the zoo.

During the winter, you can visit the zoo on select nights to view festive lights and enjoy holiday treats.

Address: 

650 S R.L. Thornton Fwy, 

Dallas, TX 75203

Hours:

The hours vary depending on the season.

From Sept. 1, 2023 to Feb. 29, 2024, the zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

From March 1 – Sept. 30, 2024, the zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Next on our list of the best zoos in the U.S. to visit during winter is the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This wonderful zoo is the highest in the United States and has a surface area of 140 acres. Within these acres are over 750 animals. Some of the most iconic animals within the zoological park are giraffes, penguins, elephants, and otters.

Like many of the zoos on this list, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo hosts a light event. The light event is called Electric Safari and runs on select days from December 1 2023 to January 1, 2024.

You don’t have to visit the lights event though to have a good time. Visitors can also spend a day, bundled up and viewing zoo animals. There are also many animal demonstrations at this zoo including penguin feeding, barn owl training, skunk training, and a chance to meet the hippos. For a list of events, check out the zoo’s website.

Address: 

4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd,

Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Hours:

Unless there is an event, the zoo is open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Zoo Atlanta

Did you know that there is also a zoo in Atlanta, Georgia? Zoo Atlanta has a long history. It was founded in 1889. The zoo is in Grant Park and has been since it opened. There are many habitats throughout the 40-acre zoo that welcomes over a million people every year. Habitats within this zoo include the Asian Forest, African Savanah, Scaly Slimy Spectacular: The Amphibian and Reptile Experience, and Orkin Children’s Zoo. In the Orkin Children’s Zoo, visitors can pet and interact with different types of goats, pigs, and sheep.

You don’t have to leave the comfort of your home either to see animals in Zoo Atlanta. The zoo also features a live Panda Cam to see giant pandas in real time. 

For a chance to explore the zoo at night (although most animals are asleep and away), you can visit the zoo’s IllumiNights: A Chinese Lantern Festival.

Address: 

800 Cherokee Ave SE,

Atlanta, GA 30315

Hours:

The hours vary depending on the season.

Generally, the zoo is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ZooTampa

Winter is a great time to visit the zoo in Florida. The weather is mild and you don’t have to worry about snow! ZooTampa sits on around 63 acres of land. It’s at Lowry Park and was formerly known as Lowry Park Zoo and Lowry Park Zoological Garden.

There are so many exhibits to explore during the day. Guests can walk through areas like the Asian Gardens, Florida Wildlife Center, Safari Africa, Primate World, Main Aviary, and more. At the many exhibits, you can see animals like American alligators, red wolves, striped skunks, and Malayan tigers.

Not only can you enjoy the zoo during the day, but also at night. A popular winter event at ZooTampa is Christmas in the Wild operating on select nights in November and December.

Address:

1101 W. Sligh Ave.

Tampa, FL 33604

Hours:

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Audubon Zoo (New Orleans)

Did you know that there is a zoo in New Orleans? The Audubon Zoo is a favorite during winter. This gorgeous zoo has over one hundred years of history. It first opened in 1914 and contains over 2,000 animals. 

So, what can you see at this Louisiana zoo? The exhibits you can walk through include the Bambu Village, Cool Zoo, Jaguar Jungle, Sea Lion Exhibit, and Louisiana Swamp. Apart from these exhibits, visitors can also purchase wild encounters to get up, close, and personal with animals. A favorite wild encounter is to interact with orangutans.

Interested in visiting an aquarium? There is also an Audobon Aquarium. It’s on the Mississippi River and houses over 3,600 animals.

Address:

6500 Magazine St,

New Orleans, LA 70118

Hours:

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

The last spot on our list of the 10 best U.S. zoos to visit in winter is Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Nebraska. There is so much to do and see here, like the Desert Dome, Lied Jungle, Bay Family Children’s Adventure Trails, Berniece Grewcock Butterfly and Insect Pavilion, and more.

In November and December, visitors can go to the Zoolightful event. This event features stunning lights. Guests can also rent an igloo to enjoy this light event.

Address:

3701 S 10th St,

Omaha, NE 68107

Hours:

General zoo admission hours vary. 

From April 1 to October 31 the zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

From November 1 to March 31 the zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.