Saint Louis Zoo
add photos41 Reviews for Saint Louis Zoo
23
10 families found this helpful
"St. Louis Zoo"
This is one of the best zoos I have ever been to. It is located in Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri and is FREE! They have so many animals with large pathways for strollers and large groups to fit through. The food is decent, but overpriced as you find at most attractions. Parking can be a challenge, so get there early or be prepared to walk. But, did I mention...it's FREE!
Send a Message 
Send a Compliment
It's helpful
'11, '12
0 families found this helpful
"Awesome and FREE"
The zoo was clean and didn't smell! The kids had a lot of fun! And so did the parents! It was crowded, but everyone had kids so everyone was understanding and polite. The penguins were so used to human attention they seemed to enjoy showing off for the camera's! It was nice to cool off from the heat a humidity, but the kids got cold fast. The Cheetah's were not out, which was a HUGE disappointment for our 10 year old, her favorites. But over all it's a wonderful place. You can get free parking if you are lucky by finding an open spot along the road. But we felt the $12 parking fee was well worth the time saved finding a spot, and the zoo is funded by the parking. Well worth it!
1 family found this helpful
"BEST ZOO THERE IS!"
One word: free!! This zoo has SO many animals, you could easily make it a two-day trip. The zoo is extremely kid-friendly. Plenty of snack stands and restaurants, but we always save money by taking our own food. I recommend buying the zoo cups. You get $1 refills forever with the cups. The Children's Zoo and train rides each cost a little, but they are sooo worth it. If you get there early enough (before 9am), you get in to children's zoo free. If you're going to be in or around St. Louis, you can't miss the zoo!
0 families found this helpful
"The Best Zoo we have been to!"
We love our zoo in St. Louis, because it is free and has more animals than we have seen at other zoos around the country. Parking is expensive but you can find plenty of free spots if you are willing to walk. Make sure you have your walking shoes on because there is a lot of walking but well worth it for the selection of animals they have. My kids favorite is the Penguin house because they always get splashed by a penguin. It is also a great place to go cool off when it is a very hot day.
0 families found this helpful
"Fantastic for families"
The great thing about this zoo is that admission is free for everyone. Even so, it is know as one of the best free zoos in the country; and a pretty good zoo even when compared with those that charge admission. There are all types of great exhibits and some fun inside places to check out like the penguin and reptile houses. Lots of good places to eat and shop as well!
0 families found this helpful
"Awesome Zoo!"
This zoo is absolutely amazing!! I loved the train rides and the price was fair for parking. The people there were very nice and the animals looked happy! It does tend to get quite warm in St. Louis, so don't forget to stay hydrated! Hope you enjoy visiting it!I sure did!!
0 families found this helpful
"Amazing Zoo"
I went to this zoo and loved it! There were all different types of animals that I found so interesting. I loved the Bald Eagle. I will say to make sure you drink plenty of fluids if you go on a hot day! It's a zoo so I know your kids will love it so much!
1 family found this helpful
"My favorite zoo - hands down"
We have been to many zoos, including Omaha and San Diego and this is BY FAR my favorite, partly because it is free, but mostly because it is so well done. They do such a good job making the animals accessible (safely, of course) while also keeping them in a realistic habitat. All the zoo staff is friendly and helpful and there is more to do in a day that you could possibly do. Make a trip to St. Louis just to see it. Our family does!
0 families found this helpful
"Can't beat free. "
It was a fun place to visit. Tons of attractions and plenty to do. You do have to pay for extras like a train ride or certian exhibts. And don't forget about parking, but if you get there early enough you can generally find a spot in the park nearby and just walk over.
0 families found this helpful
"very nice place, hav to walk heavy"
very nice zoo . very big .have to walk very long long.. in between small trains also. but not or cant be seen or completed in one day that too with kids hmm bit difficult but they will have good fun by seeing all animals, birds and all. kids enjoy lot ,have food also there .dinosaurus, wild animals, crocodiles ,monkeys,butterflies ,fishes all.. nothing no like. good one.
0 families found this helpful
"Free Fun"
This is a great zoo. I love that it is free to walk around and watch the animals..There is an additional charge for the kids zoo and the train ride and couple other things. They are fun to do, but not necessary.
I like being able to walk and see animals...you don't have to walk forever to see one animal. It is set up awesome. I love the River Walk and the Penquin House. Amazing Zoo. To avoid parking fees, park by art museum or in Forest Park and walk...very walkable.
0 families found this helpful
"St. Louis Zoo"
The great thing about this zoo is its free. There are many exhibits and animals to see. The bad thing about the zoo is that it seems like the animals are hard to see or they aren't out alot. I have been to many other zoos where you get much closer to the animals.
1 family found this helpful
"Best Zoo Ever, and Free!"
This is by far the best zoo I have ever been too, and I have been to a lot. My children loved loved loved this zoo. It was pouring rain and we still enjoyed it and had tons of fun. It is giant with more animals than I ever even knew existed. This is definitely a must see in St. Louis and the kids will absolutely love it. My favorite? The penguin exhibit!
0 families found this helpful
"how can you beat free"
St. louis offers several free attractions, but the zoo is by far the winner! They have all typical zoo creatures plus a few bonus must-sees. There is a discovery center that runs on the hour with lots of hands-on activities for preschool to young elementary kids. They also have a special string-ray exhibits that allows you to pet them. Also, anything that is an additional charge (i.e. the carosuel, string-ray, etc.) is free the first hour they are open. Don't miss it!
0 families found this helpful
"Not Much to Compare it To"
We thoroughly enjoy taking our family to the Saint Louis Zoo every year. It is a great, inexpensive day out with the kids! Parking is free, admission is free, and though there are things you can pay to see (children's zoo, etc) they do a good job at offering a time during the day when families can experience these free as well! The zoo is kept incredibly clean and is set up in such a way that strollers and children get along very well.
There are also many places to eat at many different price ranges.
We recommend the penguin exhibit and the elephants! Our son can't get enough of them!
The zoo also offers special events during Christmas and throughout the year that are worth investing in. Kids can even trick or treat there on halloween!
0 families found this helpful
"One of the Best Zoos in the Country"
This is a big wonderful zoo, but be prepared to walk! The Children's Zoo inside is great with play areas and slides with the otter tanks. Great stroller and wheelchair accessiblity. Parking is available in lots ($) or street (free). Seating for dining may be very difficult at peak hours.
1 family found this helpful
"Free Fun for Families"
The St. Louis zoo is free for all ages. If you go during the first hour it is open the carosel, children's zoo (which has a goat petting area) and sting-ray touching area are all free. You pay for parking but if you get there within the first hour you can usually find parking on the street for free. The zoo has great monkey exhibits and the coolest penguin exhibit I have been to.
0 families found this helpful
"We LOVE this place!"
our family absolutely loves the St Louis Zoo! it is the best zoo we have ever been too. I have been here numerous times growing up in Missouri. My daughter is 11 and this past summer was her 5th trip to the Zoo with 3 happening in the past 2 years! My son is 2 1/2 and has also been there 3 times in his life already.
Our favorite exhibit at the zoo is the Penguins. If you haven't been in the Penguin house, you are missing out! We also love the Safari Passes because they allow our family to experience the best of the Zoo and save money!
I would recommend planning on spending the entire day there so that you have time to see everything that you want to and not feel rushed or like you are going to miss anything. Also if you are staying the day, plan on buying at least one of the Super Sipper cup deals. You get a cool collectible cup and refills are only $1 all day. And if you are coming back just remember your cup! Just be sure to tell them light on the ice!
If you are visiting St Louis you don't want to miss the Zoo!
1 family found this helpful
"Best Zoo ever!"
This zoo is great. Parking is close to $10 but zoo admission is free. There are tons of animal exhibits to see. Wear comfy shoes and clothes as there is a lot of walking up hilly areas. There is an additional charge for a train ride around the zoo. For just a few dollars, you can enjoy the Children's Zoo where you can see certain animals up close and personal. Pack a picnic lunch to eat at nearby Forest Park to complete the day!
0 families found this helpful
"One of the best zoos in the country"
Having been to many zoos, this is easily one of the best zoos in the nation. Plus, it's FREE! Pros and Cons listed below, and the pros heavily outweigh the cons.
PROS
-This zoo is fabulous for all ages. It's very enjoyable for adults as well.
-There are many exhibits - be prepared to walk. A stroller is a must if you have small children. They have some available to rent as well.
-You name an animal and I almost guarantee they have it. The exhibits are large and the animals are easily visible.
-The penguin house is relatively new and is a welcome break from the heat if you attend in the summer.
-The sea lion show was a HUGE hit with our 2 year old daughter. And my father loves it as well. :)
-For the train lovers, there is one that circles the entire zoo. A nice break from all the walking, too!
CONS
-Because it is free, it does get very crowded on the weekends. Also, summer is pretty crazy with camps and people on vacation.
-For those who don't like walking, this zoo may be a bit much.
-Parking costs if you can't find a free spot in the surrounding park (Forest Park). However, is this really a con if the zoo is free?
What's Nearby? Hotels » Activities »
Find Hotels near Saint Louis Zoo »
Find Activities near Saint Louis Zoo »
Find Restaurants near Saint Louis Zoo »
Get the inside scoop from parents who have been there!
