Lincoln Children's Zoo
A charming and interactive zoo perfect for families, featuring up-close animal encounters and engaging play areas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active animals
Lincoln Children's Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active animals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming and interactive zoo perfect for families, featuring up-close animal encounters and engaging play areas.
"Love this zoo!! It's perfectly-sized to get around in a reasonable amount of time and there's so many fun places to play and explore!"
🎟️ Book Feeding Tickets
Giraffe and goat feeding tickets can sell out; book in advance online or upon arrival.
💧 Bring a Towel!
The water play area is a hit on warm days. Don't forget a towel for the kids to dry off.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Giraffe Feeding
Giraffe Exhibit
Get up close and personal to feed these gentle giants. A truly memorable experience for all ages.
Penguin Feeding
Penguin Exhibit
Watch the adorable Humboldt penguins dive and play as they're fed. Learn about their unique adaptations.
Red Panda
Red Panda Exhibit
Marvel at the cuteness of the red panda, a highlight for many visitors. Their playful antics are captivating.
Zoo Train Ride
Zoo Entrance
A charming train ride that circles the zoo, offering a different perspective and a fun break for little legs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Little Ones
Interactive Animal Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Feeding Tickets
Giraffe and goat feeding tickets can sell out; book in advance online or upon arrival.
💧 Bring a Towel!
The water play area is a hit on warm days. Don't forget a towel for the kids to dry off.
⏰ Check Feeding Times
Plan your visit around animal feeding schedules for the most engaging experiences.
🚶♀️ Stroller Friendly
The zoo is well-maintained and easy to navigate with strollers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Feeding Tickets
Giraffe and goat feeding tickets can sell out; book in advance online or upon arrival.
💧 Bring a Towel!
The water play area is a hit on warm days. Don't forget a towel for the kids to dry off.
⏰ Check Feeding Times
Plan your visit around animal feeding schedules for the most engaging experiences.
🚶♀️ Stroller Friendly
The zoo is well-maintained and easy to navigate with strollers.
🎁 Gift Shop Finds
The gift shop offers a good variety of items, and prices are reasonable.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Lincoln Children's Zoo for its perfectly sized layout, making it ideal for families. The interactive animal encounters, especially giraffe and goat feeding, are highlights, alongside the charming train ride and engaging play areas. While generally well-maintained, occasional exhibit closures can be a minor disappointment.
"We had a great time at this zoo. Nearly all the animals were on exhibit and active. We especially loved the animal kingdom and secret jungle. The gift shop had a lot of variety and things weren’t insanely expensive! With a 6 year old and baby, it took us about 3 hours to get through. We did the giraffe and goat feeding, watched the penguins get fed and played quite a bit!"
Samantha Brobst
"This was the first time I ever went to the Lincoln children's zoo, honestly I had no idea there was a zoo in Lincoln, Nebraska. It's a small zoo, meant for small children. Don't get me wrong they have a few giraffes some camels and some tigers That's your big animals The rest are smaller animals, and there are quite a few different things to see at the zoo. It's not very big, so it doesn't take long at all to go through the entire zoo. You can go through the whole zoo and see everything and ride the train in a half a day. The train cost $3 a person and you get to go around the zoo twice, takes about 10 minutes at best to do so. Some attractions were down or closed, which was kind of disappointing since the zoo was small, so everything counts. Overall it was fun , they also have a play area for kids in the zoo."
Brian Kelley
"Love this zoo!! It's perfectly-sized to get around in a reasonable amount of time and there's so many fun places to play and explore! Very interactive and so many fun critters!! Especially love that there is water play! Bring a towel and enjoy the water feature!"
Laci Fitch
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Lincoln Children's Zoo is located in Lincoln, Nebraska. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transportation options may also be available depending on your starting point.
Yes, there is parking available at the Lincoln Children's Zoo. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on busy days, to secure a spot.
Information on public transport routes to the zoo can be found on the local transit authority's website. It's always a good idea to check schedules in advance.
The zoo is generally accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, with paved paths throughout most of the grounds.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Lincoln Children's Zoo website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary. Check the Lincoln Children's Zoo website for current ticket prices and any potential discounts.
The zoo may offer discounts for children, seniors, or military personnel. Look for information on special promotions or membership options on their website.
Yes, you can typically purchase tickets at the zoo's entrance. However, for popular events or peak times, buying online in advance is recommended.
Yes, there is an additional fee for the giraffe feeding experience. It's advisable to purchase these tickets in advance as they can sell out.
Many zoos offer membership programs that provide unlimited visits and other perks. Inquire at the zoo or check their website for details.
🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience
Visitors rave about the giraffes (especially feeding time!), penguins, red pandas, and the animal kingdom and secret jungle exhibits. +1
Absolutely! The zoo features a play area, water play (bring a towel!), and interactive exhibits. The train ride is also a big hit.
The zoo train offers a scenic loop around the grounds, providing a different perspective of the exhibits. It's a short, enjoyable ride for all ages.
Yes, you can feed the giraffes and goats for an additional fee. It's a highly recommended interactive experience.
The zoo is perfectly sized for a half-day visit. Wear comfortable shoes and plan to spend about 3 hours to see everything and enjoy the play areas. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the zoo typically has concessions or a cafe offering snacks and light meals. You can also bring your own food to enjoy in designated areas.
Picnics are generally welcome at the zoo. Look for designated picnic areas to enjoy your own packed lunch.
Expect typical zoo fare like hot dogs, popcorn, ice cream, and beverages. Check their website for current menu offerings.
While options may be limited, it's worth checking the concession stands for salads or fruit cups. Bringing your own vegetarian/vegan snacks is a good backup.
There is usually a cafe or snack bar within the zoo premises, offering convenient food options during your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The giraffe feeding area, the penguin exhibit, and the red panda enclosure offer fantastic photo opportunities. The zoo also has several fall photo ops during seasonal events.
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged! Be mindful of flash photography, as it can disturb some animals.
Always check for specific signage regarding photography restrictions, especially in sensitive areas or during animal presentations.
A camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing animal details. However, most smartphones can take great photos of the zoo's exhibits.
The zoo's commitment to conservation means you might capture unique shots of animals involved in breeding programs, like the Humboldt penguins. 
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Plan your visit for weekday mornings to avoid the biggest crowds and ensure the animals are active.
Consider attending special events like 'Boo at the Zoo' for extra themed fun. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The giraffe feeding sessions provide dynamic shots, and the red panda is an undeniably cute subject. +1While most areas are great for photos, be mindful of flash photography, as it can disturb the animals.
A good zoom lens will be beneficial for capturing details from a distance, but even smartphone cameras can yield great results. Look out for seasonal events like Fall Fest, which often feature decorative setups perfect for festive photos. 🌱 Conservation-Minded Visitors
Their involvement with initiatives like the Photo Ark, spearheaded by Nat Geo Explorer Joel Sartore, highlights their dedication to documenting and protecting endangered species. Observing animals like the Humboldt penguins, which are part of conservation programs, offers a chance to learn about their wild counterparts and the challenges they face. By visiting the zoo, you directly contribute to these conservation goals through your admission and any donations.
The zoo's educational programs aim to foster a sense of responsibility towards wildlife, inspiring visitors to become advocates for conservation in their own lives. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Animal Encounters & Welfare
The zoo's commitment to animal welfare is evident in its efforts to provide enriching environments. For instance, renovations are often underway to improve animal habitats, reflecting a dedication to the well-being of its residents.
Beyond the direct animal interactions, the zoo offers educational programs and conservation work, aiming to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for wildlife.
This dual approach of engaging visitors while championing conservation makes Lincoln Children's Zoo a valuable destination for both entertainment and education. +1Family Fun & Activities
Beyond the animal exhibits, the zoo boasts a popular train ride that circles the park, providing a delightful way to see the sights and give tired legs a rest.
These events transform the zoo into a festive wonderland, adding an extra layer of excitement for young visitors. The zoo's layout is also very stroller-friendly, ensuring that parents can easily navigate the grounds with their youngest children.
With a mix of interactive exhibits, play areas, and special events, Lincoln Children's Zoo consistently delivers a memorable and enjoyable experience for the entire family. Seasonal Events & Festivities
For the holiday season, 'ZooLights' and 'Christmas Magic' bring a dazzling display of lights and festive cheer, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere.
These seasonal celebrations, combined with the zoo's regular offerings, ensure that there's always something new and exciting happening, making Lincoln Children's Zoo a dynamic destination year-round.
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