Kansas City Zoo

about the zoo

Kansas City Zoo…The Most Affordable Family Fun In Kansas City!

What is 1000+ pounds, makes a big splash, and loves crowds?  The star of the Kansas City Zoo, Nikita! 

Visit Nikita, the polar bear, at Polar Bear Passage today!  Marvel as Nikita, three year-old male, explores his home and swims in his140,000 gallon 65 degree pool as you beat the heat in the climate-controlled viewing area.  Thanks to Jackson and Clay County voters who passed the Zoological District, a dedicated sales tax that supports the Zoo. 

The Kansas City Zoo is nestled in over 200 acres within Swope Park and is home to more than 1,000 animals.

Take a seat on the tram to view elephants and flamingos; board the boat to get a guided tour of our African plains; hop on the train to view kangaroos and camels; and take the children for a ride on our endangered species carousel.

Voted best African exhibit and best place to see chimpanzees and kangaroos, the Kansas City Zoo is sure to entertain and educate every member of your family.

Become a Friends of the Zoo member and receive perks such as free unlimited admission, discounts at over 150 zoos and aquariums in the U.S. and Canada, invitations to members only events, discounts on camps, birthday parties, at gift shops and much more!

Open 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. weekends; closed only Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Admission: $11.50 (*$5) for Adults ; $8.50 (*$4) for Children (ages 3 -11) and $10.50 (*$4.50) for Seniors. (*prices for Jackson & Clay Residents are in parenthesis)

All of these attractions and more are waiting for you at the Kansas City Zoo!