Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has great opportunities to interact with the animals with a range of programs designed for kids.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is well worth the visit...and feeding the giraffes is just the tip of the iceburg! While not as in depth as bigger zoos, they have a nice collection of animals and many in very natural environments. A sky ride gives you a unique view of the landscape -- there's even a little playground at the top to burn off some nervous energy. Our girls loved the carousel and we're looking forward to investigating the big play space next time we visit as well.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's playground is filled with whimsy. As far as I'm concerned, the whole zoo is a play area with animals to view and facts to learn. Discover the play area near the Grizzly Grill under the Mountaineer Sky Ride . . . smack in the middle of all the action.
The playground is great for little explorers. The green snake tunnel by far the favorite of kids young and old. Giant stone mushrooms, a small green slide, and ant sculptures are great for climbing. Giant flowers, cattails, the Old Gnarly hollow tree, and even a watering can accent the outdoorsy/nature theme.
My Big Backyard (above the play area) has limited hours during the winter months.
-Parking free in the zoo parking lot.
-Recycled rubber play surface.
-Bathrooms in the nearby Grizzly Grill.
-Definitely shade on the playground or in hollow tree.
-Easy to watch kids play, only one exit (might lose sight of them when they run up path to what used to be a rope spiderweb - but they can't get out that way).
-Limited to food at gift shop restaurant near entrance during winter months (Thundergod Snack and Gift Shop).
-If you live in the Springs and have kids, I highly recommend getting the zoo membership.
They have a lot of up close and personal types of exhibits. You can actually feed the giraffes, which the kids love. And they had huge turtoius on the sidewalk that the kids can touch. It is a steep walk though. But well worth it. We go there every time we are in those parts.
Great zoo, built right in to the mountain. I think this is the only one like it in the nation. The zoo is able to give the animals a more natural habitat. It is a work out though, because it is not flat. Private zoo. Average animals. 4/5 stars due to it being a great smaller town zoo, but not the best zoo that we have ever been to.
Kids and families alike will love this zoo, with its compact format and up-close animal encounters. Right at the start, you walk through the giraffe enclosure, one of the best in the US, where you can hand-feed giraffes. Zoo staff frequently have other animals out for educational opportunities, too, such as the new wallabies. There is a fun playground in the middle of the zoo when you need a break. The downside of the zoo is that it is situated on the side of the mountain, so the terrain is pretty steep. It can be difficult for large strollers or wheelchairs. If you have the chance, take advantage of the drive up the the Will Rogers Memorial Shrine, as it's included in your daily ticket.
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, CO is one of the best zoo's I've been to. It's relatively small compared to some (like the one in Minneapolis or Omaha for instance), which normally would count against it, however... it's on the side of the mountain and is just gorgeous. Plus right after you go in there are lots of giraffes that walk right up to you and want to be fed. It's the best! They have a nice rotation of different animals throughout the year and they offer a really nice priced yearly pass for the family. And even though it's mostly outdoors... with an average of 300+ days of sunshine a year in good ol' CO... you can't beat it!
This is one of the best zoos I have been to. Make sure that you are wear comfortable shoes though, for there is a lot of hiking, as the zoo is mostly on an uphill path. They are best known for their giraffe exhibit, where you can purchase snacks and have the giraffes eat right out of your hand. It's a lot of fun!
My family visited this zoo during a family vacation to Colorado. My two year old daughter loved feeding the giraffes. They are the first big exhibit you encounter and she was in awe! The only downside is that the zoo is built into the side of a mountain, so it's a pretty steep walk up. However, I have since heard the tip to ride the tram to the top and then work your way down. Overall, it's a fabulous zoo and I would definitely visit again!
This zoo is located on the mountain which not only makes it unique but it also boasts wonderful views of the city. The giraffe area is the favorite by far! Not only can you get up close to them but you can feed them as well. There is something for everyone!
My son & every kid I talk to around here LOVES the zoo. Cheyenne Mtn Zoo runs completely off donations which is unbelievable because it is so nice and so relaxing! Giraffes are definitely a family favorite!! You can feed them & occassionally pet them if they will be still for you. There are so many animals to see it is definitely an ALL DAY kind of thing. The carousel is fun for kids & a nice way to get a little shade for a little bit. You can also drive up through the zoo to the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun. The ski lift is also a fun & neat way to see a sky view of the zoo. I have to say by far the best zoo ever!
This is by far the best zoo that we have been to! Beautiful views and great location. Some information about the zoo: kiddos will get tired as the zoo is located on the side of the mountain, so be sure to bring a stroller. Lots of uphill walking, but there is a tram you can ride all day for $1. They also have a small train ride, pony rides, sky ride, etc. but they cost extra (about $2-$10). All these extras only take cash.
I used to take a child that I was a nanny for to the Preschool classes at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. She had so much fun doing the arts and crafts projects, having the stories read to her, and interacting with the animals. Another favorite was walking in through parts of the zoo to the class. She got to see some of her favorite animals each time and thought of them as her own pets! :)
We love this zoo. We live about an hour away and have a membership.
There's nothing better than feeding giraffes!
This zoo gains 1000 ft in elevation from bottom to top. As another reviewer commented: Ride the tram (a reasonable $1 for all day riding) to the top and work your way down. There are about 10 trams stop through the zoo.
We went last Friday and the tram driver was very nice and informative. Best way to cover the zoo!
We loved this zoo..especially since it has a kick butt military discount in August. It's really big nice and hilly. We've gone 2-3 times. Bring picnic and own water cause it's expensive. Has awesome views of Colorado Springs and a children's area that has a fun mister for cooling off.
I love rubbing noses w/ the giraffes! It's the best giraffe setup I've ever seen.. kids love it too, especially feeding them the giraffe biscuits! The meerkat exhibit is also a fave in this family! How cute! The ONLY complaint I have is the uphill climb (because of the location (mountains). I recommend taking the train to the top.. start there, and hike your way down through all the exhibits. Those who have weak joints or cardio will thank me for that tip! :)
My family loves this zoo. We drive down from Denver a few times a year to walk around this zoo. There are some hills to walk up and down so wear your comfy shoes. They do have a free shuttle that will take you around the zoo as well which is great when the kids need a little break. The giraffe area is awesome and allows you to get really close and feed them as well. The aerial tram is an additional fee but worth the couple bucks. Best zoo ever!
I've been to lots of zoos across the US, and this is definitely one of my favorites! I think the coolest attraction is definitely the giraffes. You can purchase crackers (3/$1) to feed the giraffes out of your hand. There's also a really neat sky chair ride that my son and hubby went on.
This zoo is great for everyone. You get to feed the giraffes and see lots of animals. They have a reptile house where you can touch a turtle. It is huge and you can spend hours. We took our young toddler and she was intrigued the whole time. Many things on her level.
As a family that has been to many zoos, we were very pleased to discover this wonderful zoo in our own backyard! One of the most unique and memorable exhibits is also one of the first you will see as you enter the zoo, the giraffe terrace. On the terrace you can purchase crackers and feed the giraffes! Be sure to bring your walking shoes and be prepared to hike a bit, as there is quite a bit of altitude gained as you walk the zoo! Remember, it isn't called the Mountain zoo for nothing! The new attractions added in the last 3 years have all been wonderful additions to the zoo, including the Skyride and the Rocky Mountain animals. Evening visits are especially fun, and the Christmas lights are beautiful!