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The zoo is a wonderful place for families to go due to the wide walkways and large exhibits that are centerpieces of most. For a family trip, there is plenty for all parties to take on and enjoy. While we have already put together an overview on ideas for planning a trip to the zoo, we wanted to take one step further to help our community. The result? This guide on special needs accessibility for zoos across the United States.
Utilizing a wide range of efforts, including visiting websites, calling zoo staff and reviewing zoo directories on the internet, we have put together an extensive overview of zoos across the country and what we have found out about their accessibility. While each piece of information is subject to change, we have also provided contact information where available so that you can check into your opportunities before visiting. As a result, we hope your child, no matter what special need they have, can be well equipped to have a fantastic time at the zoo (even if it’s in another state!)
We should also note that we have included destinations like aquariums and ‘safari centers’ in order to cover the spectrum of options out there. If you are a zoo employee and find information in this guide to be inaccurate or incomplete, please don’t hesitate to contact us today!
So, without further ado, our comprehensive guide to United States zoos, complete with accessibility notes. We hope this overview is a great asset for your family and that you make some incredible memories the next time you visit!
| STATE | CITY | NAME | PHONE | WEBSITE | NOTES | |
| AL | Gulf Shores | Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo | 251.968.5732 | alabamagulfcoastzoo.com | [email protected] | Accessible parking; wheelchairs available; all exhibits are handicap accessible. There are 500 exotic animals, daily keeper talks, a petting zoo, and an aviary. |
| AL | Dauphin Island | Estuarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab | 251.861.2141 | disl.org/estuarium | [email protected] | The Estuarium is completely accessible and abides by the standards set forth in the ADA. Wheelchair available. There are 31 aquariums with more than 100 species on display. |
| AK | Anchorage | Alaska Zoo | 907.346.2133 | alaskazoo.org | [email protected] | Accessible parking and restrooms; no wheelchairs available. Exhibits are handicap accessible, but the Zoo paths are gravel and guests may have to use alternate routes (signs posted) to access all exhibits. Golf carts are available for handicap guests on two Wednesdays in May and September. Call for further information. The Alaska Zoo has provided a home for orphaned, injured and captive-born animals for over four decades. Polar bears, snow leopard, Artic fox, marmots (Alaska has a national holiday for them), Dall sheep, and many more. |
| AK | Palmer | Reindeer Farm | 907.745.4000 | reindeerfarm.com | [email protected] | Accessible parking; no wheelchair available and no accessible restroom (this is a rural facility). Wheelchair accessibility to exhibits (but not on rainy days; it gets too muddy). Visitors can feed and pet the reindeer, Elk and Bison. They have bunnies and chickens also. Closed from Jan.-April in 2017. |
| AR | Little Rock | Little Rock Zoo | 501.666.2406 | littlerockzoo.com | [email protected] | ADA accessible; a few areas have yet to be improved. Wheelchairs available. Elephants, gorillas, and about 700 more. |
| AR | Gentry | Wild Wilderness Drive Through Safari | 479.736.8383 | wildwildernessdrivethroughsafari.com | [email protected] | Basically a drive-thru park, but the walk-through area can also be accessed by vehicle. Restrooms are handicap accessible. No wheelchairs available. Bears, cougars, a hippopotamus and more. |
| AZ | Phoenix | Phoenix Zoo | 602.286.3800 | phoenixzoo.org | [email protected] | ADA compliant. Wheelchairs available. Lions and tigers and an elephant – plus lots more! |
| AZ | Litchfield Park | Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium, and Safari Park | 623.935.9453 | wildlifeworld.com | [email protected] | Zoo paths are hard-packed granite and wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are available. Rides that cost extra in zoo are not wheelchair accessible. Aquarium is all indoors and fully accessible. Restrooms are handicap accessible. More than 600 exotic and endangered species, and more than 6,000 individual animals. |
| CA | San Diego | San Diego Zoo and San Diego Wild Animal Park | 619.231.1575 760.747.8702 | zoo.sandiegozoo.org sdzsafaripark.org | [email protected] | The Zoo has reserved parking, restrooms, and access to shows, tour buses, and exhibits for guests with disabilities. Wheelchairs are available for rental. There are some steep grades in parts of the zoo. The Zoo and Safari Park have an ADA packet with information about assisted services, descriptions of exhibits, and show access. Pandas, gorillas, elephants, bears, zebras and more! |
| CA | San Diego | SeaWorld San Diego | 800.257.4268 | seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-sandiego | [email protected] | Park is accessible for guests with disabilities. Strollers and wheelchairs are available for rental. Their online Accessibility Guide has more details. Whales, polar bears, walruses and more. |
| CA | San Francisco | Steinhart Aquarium (California Academy of Sciences) | 415.379.8000 | calacademy.org/accessibility | [email protected] | The Academy is fully ADA accessible. See accessibility link for additional information. Wheelchairs are available for rental. It’s the only place on Earth to house an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum—all under one living roof. They have an albino alligator and an Africa penguin colony, plus more. |
| CO | Colorado Springs | Cheyenne Mountain Zoo | 719.424.7821 | cmzoo.org | [email protected] | ADA compliant. Shuttle service available for wheelchairs. Reserved parking for handicapped. Wheelchairs available for rent. Elephant, gorilla, Lion, and many more. |
| CO | Denver | Denver Zoological Gardens | 720.337.1400 | denverzoo.org | [email protected] | Handicap accessible; 95% of zoo area accessible by wheelchairs. Wheelchairs available for rent. They have BIG cats, an elephant, a hippo, an aquarium – and much more. |
| CO | Denver | Downtown Aquarium | 303.561.4450 | aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariumdenver/visitorInfo.asp | [email protected] | ADA accessible. Wheelchairs available free of charge. Over 500 species of animals, an interactive Stingray Reef touch tank, Aquarium Restaurant, Dive Lounge, the Nautilus Ballroom and amusements for the entire family. |
| CT | Bridgeport | Beardsley Zoo | 203.394.6565 | beardsleyzoo.com | [email protected] | Free parking; wheelchairs available to rent. Zoo is handicap accessible. Anteaters, big cats, reptiles, a Madagascar Hissing Cockroach, and more. |
| CT | Stonington | Mystic Aquarium | 860.572.5955 | mysticaquarium.org | [email protected] | Handicap parking; accessible restrooms; wheelchairs available for rental; all exhibit are accessible by wheelchair. African penguins, Beluga whales, seals, sea lions, 30 species of frogs, and a Marine Theater (included in ticket price). |
| D.C. | Washington | National Zoological Park | 202.633.4888 | nationalzoo.si.edu | [email protected] | Handicap parking available – in 2016, parking fee is $22.00, but zoo admission is free. Accessible restrooms; all zoo exhibits are wheelchair accessible. Animals from A-Z, including panda bears and a Kids’ Farm. The Think Tank has an ongoing research project on orangutan memory. |
| DE | Wilmington | Brandywine Zoo | 302.571.7747 | brandywinezoo.org | [email protected] | Zoo is completely accessible for handicapped individuals. No wheelchairs currently available for rent. Animals and birds from North and South America, Asia and Africa. |
| DE | Clayton | 3 Palms Zoo | 302.715.1326 | palmszoo.org | [email protected] | Parking available, no wheelchairs available; no restrooms available onsite; the only exhibit not accessible to wheelchairs is the alligator exhibit. Zoo is “hidden in the woods” and a “little gem.” A Rescue Zoo and Education Center, it has lions, llamas, miniature pot-bellied pigs and a miniature Sicilian donkey, waterfowl and much more. |
| FL | Tampa | Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | 888.800.5447 | seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-tampa | [email protected] | Busch Gardens® strives to ensure all guests, including those with disabilities, have a safe and enjoyable experience. See the Accessibility Guide online for information regarding rides, shows, and exhibits. There is an accessible parking area and most restrooms are accessible. Wheelchairs are available to rent. More than 12,000 animals! |
| FL | Miami | Monkey Jungle Island | 305.235.1611 | monkeyjungle.com | [email protected] | Wheelchair accessible but park does not provide wheelchairs. Handicap parking is available. Visitors today are immediately welcomed by the Java monkey troop, now numbering over 90 individuals. |
| FL | Orlando | SeaWorld Orlando | 888.800.5447 | seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando | [email protected] | Handicap parking available. Wheelchairs are available for rent. Accessible restrooms. See Disability Guide on website for restrictions on individual rides. Whales, dolphins, sea lions, etc. |
| GA | Atlanta | Georgia Aquarium | 404.581.4000 | georgiaaquarium.org | [email protected] | ADA compliant. Handicap parking on each ramp level; wheelchairs are free and Aquarium is fully accessible. General admission tickets include admission to all galleries and AT&T Dolphin Celebration presentation, as well as any special exhibits when available |
| GA | Atlanta | Zoo Atlanta | 404.624.9453 | zooatlanta.org | [email protected] | Zoo reports that all areas, exhibits, and buildings can be accessed and designated parking is available in both lots. Wheel-chairs are available to rent. They also have an EMT onsite. This zoo has panda bears! |
| HI | Honolulu | Honolulu Zoo | 808.971.7171 | honoluluzoo.org | [email protected] | Accessible parking and restrooms. The Zoo exhibits are all accessible by wheelchairs. Home to 905 different animals from the tropics – Komodo Dragons, orangutans, elephants, primates, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and a variety of African animals (A-Z – aardvark to zebu). |
| HI | Honolulu | Waikiki Aquarium | 808.923.9741 | waikikiaquarium.org | [email protected] | Limited parking on street; passes for 2 hrs. available on busy days. Public parking nearby. Accessible restrooms; two wheelchairs to loan (first come-first served). All exhibits are on same level and handicap accessible, with an exception of some that are down 2-3 steps (and alternate ramps are available for wheelchairs). Free audio and text guides. Corals, sea turtles, ocean drifters (jellyfish), sharks and groupers, and Hawaiian monk seals are just a few of the marine life at the Aquarium. |
| IA | Des Moines | Blank Park Zoo | 515.285.4722 | blankparkzoo.com | [email protected] | Zoo is completely wheelchair accessible with the exception of carousel and camel ride. If wheelchair-bound individuals can be assisted to stand, they can sit in sleigh cars on carousel, but wheelchairs cannot be placed on ride. Wheelchairs available to rent. There are 104 different animal species, including lion, tiger, and giraffe. |
| IA | Dubuque | National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium | 800.226.3369 | rivermuseum.com | [email protected] | The Museum & Aquarium provides Accessible Parking, Entrances, Access to Goods and Services, Accessible Restrooms, Baby Changing Facilities, Family Restrooms, Limited Quantity of “Free to Borrow” Wheelchairs, and Elevators. Expect to see dozens of species of birds, turtles, otters, alligators, and fish. |
| ID | Boise | Zoo Boise | 208.608.7760 | zooboise.org | [email protected] | Handicap parking available and accessible restrooms. Wheelchairs available at no charge. All exhibits are wheelchair accessible. Zoo program activities include up-close animal encounters, zoo tours, nature walks, and more. A lion and tiger and penguins, oh, my! |
| ID | Rexburg | Yellowstone Bear World | 208.359.9688 | yellowstonebearworld.com | [email protected] | Mostly a drive-thru park. Average time spent is about 3 hours. Area around gift shop is wheelchair accessible; however, the Curator Tour requires guests to stand in an open air vehicle. No wheelchairs available for guests. |
| IL | Chicago | Brookfield Zoo | 708.688.8000 708.688.8338 | czs.org/Brookfield-ZOO | [email protected] | Brookfield Zoo makes a concerted effort to make its grounds, pathways, buildings, exhibits and programs accessible to all visitors. Accessible parking in two lots. “We strive to present inclusive recreational programs….” Wheelchairs available to rent. Big cats, polar bears, primates, and lots more. |
| IL | Chicago | Lincoln Park Zoo | 312.742.2000 | lpzoo.org | [email protected] | Reserved parking area for people in wheelchairs. All exhibits in the zoo are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs available for loan. Accessible restrooms in lower level of Park Place Café via elevator; ground-level restrooms in Macaque Forest exhibit, Children’s Zoo, and Farm in the Zoo. All cafes, gift shops, and concessions are accessible by wheelchair. Birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians. New babies include zebra, snow monkey, camel and leopard. |
| IL | Chicago | Shedd Aquarium | 312.939.2438 | sheddaquarium.org | [email protected] | Reserved accessible parking. Accessible entrance is located on the southwest side (behind man with fish statue). Ticket line can be long; guests are advised to buy tickets ahead of visit. Shedd Aquarium is entirely accessible by a wheelchair. Wheelchairs available. 32,000 animals (fish, sharks, otters, and penguins). |
| IN | Fort Wayne | Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo | 260.427.6800 | kidszoo.org | [email protected] | All parking is free and within easy walk to Zoo entrance. Guests with wheelchairs can be dropped off at the Zoo entrance. Wheelchairs available. All areas of the Zoo are wheelchair accessible. Mammals, fish, and reptiles – lions, wildebeests, monkeys, snakes, reptiles and insects – to name a few. |
| IN | Indianapolis | Indianapolis Zoo/ Aquarium | 317.630.2001 | indianapoliszoo.com | [email protected] | Handicap parking available; wheelchairs available and accessible restrooms. All exhibits are wheelchair accessible. See Plains exhibit first because animals go inside at night; Dolphin Presentation is included in ticket price; Splash Park in summer (bring extra clothes). Exhibits include deserts, forests, oceans and plains, plus see website for new babies born during the year. |
| IN | Michigan City | Washington Park Zoo | 219.873.1510 | washingtonparkzoo.com | [email protected] | Most of Zoo is wheelchair accessible although it is located on hilly terrain which can be steep in some areas. Restricted parking spaces available in main parking lot. Two restrooms are ADA accessible. No wheelchairs available for rental. Approximately 200 mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and amphibians. |
| KS | Goddard | Tanganyika Wildlife Park | 316.794.8954 | twpark.com | [email protected] | Majority of park is wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are available for rental. Interactive Experiences have attendants that can help facilitate interaction between guests and certain animals. Over 300 animals, from black-footed penguins to white Bengal tigers. |
| KS | Kansas City | Kansas City Zoo | 816.595.1234 | kansascityzoo.org | [email protected] | Parking is free; handicapped areas in all parking lots. Wheelchair rental available; accessible restrooms. Most but not all exhibits are accessible by wheelchair. New baby gorilla, lions, tigers, elephants and more. |
| KS | Salina | Rolling Hills Wildlife Adventure | 785-827-9488 | rollinghillswildlife.com | [email protected] | Rolling Hills Zoo and the Museum are completely ADA accessible. Wheel-chairs are available for rental. See a rare white camel, an Indian rhino, a curious orangutan, an ornery aardvark or many of the other animals of the 100+ species of wildlife in the zoo. |
| KY | Horse Cave | Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo | 270.786.1010 | kentuckydownunder.com | [email protected] | Wheelchairs are welcome, but there are gravel paths and some steep hills in the park. Laughing kookaburra, dingoes, kangaroos, and white bison, just to name a few. |
| KY | Louisville | Louisville Zoo | 502.459.2181 | louisvillezoo.org | [email protected] | Wheelchair accessible, but some steep hills in park. Wheelchairs available to rent. Tram shuttle inside park. Splash park. Over 1500 mammals, reptiles, birds and more. |
| KY/OH | Newport - Cincinnati | Newport Aquarium | 800.406.3474 | newportaquarium.com | [email protected] | ADA compliant; handicap parking in parking garage; take elevator to Aquarium. Also street-metered parking or outlying parking lots. Limited number of wheelchairs available to loan. Accessible restrooms. Aquarium is generally wheelchair accessible, but a few exhibits are not. Thousands of animals from around the world in a million gallons of water – seahorses, penguins, shark rays, sharks, alligators, and more. Special events also offered. |
| LA | New Orleans | Audubon Zoo | 800.774.7394 | audubonnatureinstitute.org | [email protected] | Reserved parking and accessible restrooms. Wheelchair accessibility throughout the Zoo. Wheelchairs available for rent. Aquarium and Butterfly Garden/Insectarium has wheelchairs to loan at no cost. Elephants, orangutans, and a rare white tiger, among many animal, bird, insect, and marine exhibits. |
| LA | Alexandria | Alexandria Zoo | 318.441.6810 | thealexandriazoo.com | [email protected] | All major facilities are wheelchair accessible. The restrooms by the Main Entrance and Playground area are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs available at no charge. Assorted animals, birds, reptiles, and fish. |
| MA | Boston | Franklin Park Zoo a/k/a Zoo New England | 617.541.5466 | zoonewengland.org/franklin-park-zoo | [email protected] | Handicap parking; accessible restrooms; wheelchairs available; all exhibits accessible by wheelchairs. Baby gorilla born in October 2015; giraffe encounters, and more. |
| MA | Boston | New England Aquarium | 617.973.5200 | neaq.org | [email protected]/ | Visitors using wheelchairs are welcome at the Aquarium free of charge. Virtually every part of the Aquarium is open to visitors with wheelchairs or strollers. Wheelchairs are available free of charge (but photo ID required to be held by Aquarium during use). There are 18 penguin species; Little Blue Penguins are thought by some to be the first penguins that evolved from flying birds. Plus a Giant Pacific Octopus, sea turtles and much more. |
| MA | Mendon | Southwick’s Zoo | 800.258.9182 | southwickszoo.com | [email protected] | Zoo is completely accessible. Parking is free. Wheelchairs available to rent. Home to 850 exotic animals, including giraffes, lions, tigers, white rhinos, and chimpanzees. |
| MD | Baltimore | Maryland Zoo | 410.396.7102 | marylandzoo.org | [email protected] | Zoo parking shuttles are free, handicap accessible, and accommodate wheelchairs. Wheelchair rental available. Restrooms are accessible. Carousel and train are wheelchair accessible. Zoo features a herd of elephants. Penguin Encounters are available for an extra fee. |
| MD | Baltimore | National Aquarium | 410.576.3800 | aqua.org | [email protected] | Early entrance available to special needs (see website); some designated and some discounted parking options (see website). The Aquarium is fully accessible to visitors using wheelchairs, including all entrances, exhibits, theaters, restrooms, and elevators. Wheelchairs available at no charge with deposit of a driver’s license. Close to 20,000 animals, including birds, fish, reptiles and mammals. |
| ME | Gray | Maine Wildlife Park | 207.657.4977 | maine.gov/ifw/education/wildlifepark/accessibility.htm | [email protected] | Ramps and/or wheelchair access to all park buildings (excluding the fish hatchery). The path to/from the fish hatchery is paved, but difficult to wheel up the hill. 3/4 of the park is accessible by asphalt path, stone dust path, or cross country on hard packed sand. Accessible restrooms. Wheelchairs available to rent. Some Nature Trails are accessible. Wheelchair accessible picnic tables. All kinds of animals are here for their protection and healing. |
| ME | York Beach | York’s Wild Kingdom | 207.363.4911 | yorkswildkingdom.com | [email protected] | Handicap parking at front of parking lot. Park and restrooms are handicap accessible. Wheelchairs available for rental. A variety of family rides, paddle boats, miniature golf course, a petting zoo, scenic picnic grounds, concession stands, two gift shops, and even a Haunted House. |
| MI | Battle Creek | Binder Park Zoo | 269.979.1351 | binderparkzoo.org | [email protected] | Zoo is ADA compliant with parking, exhibits, and restrooms. Wheelchairs available for rental. All exhibits are accessible to wheelchairs although Zoo recommends transport to Africa exhibit via Tram system since path is mostly uphill. Approximately 600 specimens of over 140 species including one of the largest giraffe herds in the country; 32 rare and exotic animal exhibits plus 19 domestic animal exhibits. |
| MI | Detroit | Detroit Zoological Society | 248.541.5717 | detroitzoo.org | [email protected] [email protected] | Wheelchairs available for rental. All restrooms are accessible. All exhibits are handicap accessible. Animals from A to Z, including aardvarks and zebras and hundreds of other species in between. More than 2,500 animals representing over 270 species of amphibians, mammals, birds and reptiles |
| MI | Grand Rapids | John Ball Zoo | 616.336.4301 | jbzoo.org | [email protected] | Generally ADA accessible. Reserved parking. All exhibits are accessible for special needs guests. Wheelchair rental (ID required). Animals from around the world, including a 40,000 gallon aquarium, penguins, petting zoo, and much more. |
| MI | Lansing | Potter Park | 517.342.2710 | potterparkzoo.org | [email protected] | Handicap parking available; accessible restrooms; wheelchairs available for rental. Zoo is mostly ADA accessible with wheelchair access to all exhibits. Moose exhibit can be accessed through backyard garden area. Lions and tigers and a black rhinoceros – among others. |
| MN | St. Paul | Como Park Zoo and Conservatory | 651.487.8201 | comozooconservatory.org | [email protected] | Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Free shuttle service to zoo is recommended as parking is extremely limited. Wheelchair rental available. Zoo and gardens are handicap accessible. Animals A-Z (anaconda to zebra) plus theme gardens. |
| MN | Bloomington | Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium | 952.853.0612 | visitsealife.com/minnesota | [email protected] | Parking is on Level One. Located on the east side of the Mall of America, the Aquarium is wheelchair accessible. No wheelchairs available at Aquarium, but Mall of America rents chairs (guest service counter near entrance to Aquarium). Please call to make arrangements for individuals with special needs. There is a 1.3 million gallon aquarium, with sea horses, stingrays, sea turtles and sharks – plus much more. |
| MO | Kansas City | Kansas City Zoo | 816.595.1234 | kansascityzoo.org | [email protected] | Zoo reports handicap parking, accessible restrooms, and pathways wide enough for wheelchairs. Wheelchairs available. Bears, cheetahs, rhino, chimps, elephant, and much much more. |
| MO | Saint Louis | Saint Louis Zoological Park | 314.781.0900 | stlzoo.org | [email protected] | From Director of the Zoo: General admission is free; some attractions have additional fee. Children’s Zoo, Carousel and Stingrays are free during the first hour the Zoo is open. All exhibits, attractions, and parking meet accessibility guides. ADA restrooms available. Wheelchairs available for rental. Some paths may be difficult for wheelchairs but are passable. More than 18,000 wild animals. |
| MS | Jackson | Jackson Zoological Zoo | 601.352.2580 | jacksonzoo.org | [email protected] | Handicap parking; accessible restrooms; wheelchairs available. All exhibits are viewable by wheelchair. Splash pad included in admission (footwear required; towels can be purchased in gift shop). Carousel and train rides available during summer only. Exhibits include animals, birds, and reptiles. |
| MS | Gulfport | Institute for Marine Mammal Studies | 228.896.9182 | imms.org | [email protected] [email protected] (PR Director) | RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: Mississippi’s premier marine education and conservation center. Reserved parking and complete accessibility to facility. Wheelchairs available with ID deposit. Dolphins are featured but there is much more to see and explore. |
| MS | Tupelo | Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo | 662.844.8709 | tupelobuffalopark.com | [email protected] | Reserved parking in front and zoo is handicap accessible. They have a tour bus that can accommodate wheelchairs. Wheelchairs are not available. Buffalos, giraffes, zebras, Capuchin monkeys, and more. |
| MT | West Yellowstone | Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center | 800.257.2570 | grizzlydiscoveryctr.org | [email protected] | Reserved parking; wheelchairs available; handicap restroom; park is accessible to all guests. Bears, wolves, and birds of prey. To name a few. |
| MT | Billings | Zoo Montana | 406.652.8100 | zoomontana.org | [email protected] | Handicap parking available; accessible restrooms. All of Zoo grounds and exhibits are wheelchair accessible. Exhibits include tiger, wolf, and deer habitats, a free-flight aviary and children's zoo. |
| NC | Roanoke Island | North Carolina Aquarium | 252.475.2300 | ncaquariums.com/roanoke-island | [email protected] | Handicap parking; accessible restrooms; wheelchairs available. All exhibits accessible via wheelchair. Marvel at the largest collection of sharks in the state. Interact with SCUBA divers. Touch the stingrays. Wonder at the playful river otters. |
| NC | Asheboro | North Carolina Zoological Park | 800.488.0444 | nczoo.org | [email protected] | Parking available. All entrances, exits, exhibits and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. One of the largest "natural habitat" zoos in the United States; you won't find cages made of steel and concrete here. Elephants, giraffes, rhinos, ostriches, seabirds, harbor seals, and an aviary. |
| ND | Bismarck | Dakota Zoo | 701.223.7543 | dakotazoo.org | [email protected] | The Zoo and restrooms are fully accessible to special needs individuals. Wheelchairs available. Trains can take one wheelchair at a time. There are 600 animals, birds, reptiles and fish representing 125 species. Special events are scheduled year round. |
| ND | Minot | Roosevelt Park Zoo | 701.857.4166 | rpzoo.com | [email protected] | Handicap parking and accessible restrooms. Wheelchairs available at no charge. Wheelchair access to all zoo buildings and areas. Giraffes, kangaroos, big cats, birds – much more. |
| NE | Lincoln | Lincoln Children’s Zoo | 402.475.6741 | lincolnzoo.org | [email protected] | Handicap parking; accessible restrooms; wheelchairs available. Most exhibits accessible by wheelchair except possibly the nature trail. Train ride has small fee. Lincoln Children's Zoo is home to over 350 animals, more than 40 of which are endangered. Inside Animals (smaller sizes), Animal Kingdom (larger animals), and an Aviary. the third most attended arts and science attraction in Nebraska. |
| NE | Omaha | Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium | 402.733-8401 | omahazoo.com | [email protected] | Parking is free (see website for access points); wheelchairs available for rental; accessible restrooms; most exhibits accessible by wheelchair except lower part of jungle; special care must be taken in butterfly exhibits. World’s largest indoor desert exhibit; gorillas, monkeys, pigmy hippos; 500 birds in world’s second largest aviary; big cat complex is largest in North America; Red Barn Park (children’s area) and so much more. |
| NH | Hampton | Explore the Ocean World with Oceanarium and school programs (in winter) | 603.758.7998 | exploretheoceanworld.com | [email protected] | Open from July 1 through Labor Day. No wheelchair ramp, but only three small steps at entrance, and wheelchairs have been carried up by caregivers. No onsite parking. No wheelchairs available. No public restroom onsite but available at nearby State Park and handicap accessible. Although open a very limited time in summer, this facility has received glowing praise. A 1‑hour tour is available with a biologist, deep-water invertebrate Aquarium, hands-on displays, marine mammal artifacts and touch tank. |
| NH | Candia | Charmingfare Farm | 603.483.5623 | visitthefarm.com | [email protected] | Parking available; accessible restroom; no wheelchairs available. Most of the farm is wheelchair accessible, but road is gravel. They try to accommodate all visitors. A real working farm. Everything from farm animals to pet and feed, or natural American wildlife, including black bears, a Bactrian camel, cougar, eagle owl, grey fox, lynx, porcupine, raccoon, red-tailed hawk, fallow deer and skunks. |
| NJ | Camden | Adventure Aquarium | 856.365.3300 | adventureaquarium.com | [email protected] | Reserved parking and accessible restrooms. Wheelchairs available with refundable deposit. Aquarium is wheelchair accessible, except for Shark Bridge. Shark Shack is provided as an alternative. Sharks, hippos, and penguins – plus! |
| NJ | West Orange | Turtle Back Zoo | 973-731-5800 | turtlebackzoo.com | [email protected] | Reserved parking; wheelchairs available, accessible restrooms. Zoo exhibits are accessible to handicapped. Sea lions, an Amur leopard, a red panda, penguins, wolves, and more. |
| NM | Albuquerque | Albuquerque Biological Park Zoo | 505.768.2000 | cabq.gov/culturalservices/biopark | [email protected] [email protected] | Handicap parking available for Zoo in North Parking Lot. Two family bathrooms available. Zoo is handicap accessible. Lions and elephants, kangaroos and koalas, toucans and tamarins! |
| NM | Albuquerque | ABQ Bio Park Aquarium | 505.768.2000 | cabq.gov/culturalservices/biopark/aquarium | [email protected] [email protected] | Handicap parking available for Aquarium/Garden in Tingle Lot and New York Lot. Handicap stall in each restroom at Aquarium and main plaza area. Aquarium/Garden is handicap accessible, but some gravel and dirt paths in Botanic Gardens. Coral reefs, jellyfish, sea turtles, fish, birds and many other animals. |
| NV | Reno | Animal Ark | 775.970.3111 | animalark.org | [email protected] | Mostly ADA compliant; accessible parking and restrooms; golf carts available. Terrain is in mountains and wheelchairs are not advised. The Ark has an Artic fox, wolves, big cats, tortoises, bears, raptors, etc. |
| NV | Las Vegas | Shark Reef Aquarium | 702.632.4555 | sharkreef.com | [email protected] | Aquarium has reserved parking, accessible restrooms and wheelchair accessibility throughout. Wheelchairs are available. Nearly 1.6 million gallons of water in 14 exhibits, including rare Golden Crocodiles, Piranha, a Touch Pool Experience, and over 30 sharks in our 1.3 million gallon Shark Exhibit. |
| NY | Bronx | Bronx Zoo (The Wildlife Conservation Society) | 718.220.5100 | bronxzoo.com | [email protected] | Rides have specific boarding requirements (see online details). Some steep hills and rough terrain. Wheelchairs are available. Restrooms are accessible. More than 4,000 animals, including a Children’s Zoo, Mouse House, big cats, gorillas, birds of prey, and much more. |
| NY | Bronx | New York Aquarium | 718.220.5100 | nyaquarium.com | [email protected] | Handicap parking; wheelchairs available. All aquarium buildings, exhibits, and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. As of 2016, part of Aquarium is under reconstruction. Aqua Theater, Conservation Hall, Elephant Origami Challenge, Sharks/Rays/Turtles and more. |
| OH | Cincinnati | Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden | 513.281.4700 | cincinnatizoo.org | [email protected] | Handicap parking; wheelchairs available for rental; and accessible restrooms. All exhibits are accessible by wheelchair. The Zoo features more than 500 animal and 3,000 plant species, making it one of the largest Zoo collections in the country. A Pokémon Go site! |
| OH | Cleveland | Cleveland Metroparks Zoo | 216.661.6500 | clevelandmetroparks.com/Zoo/Zoo.aspx | [email protected] | Zoo is ADA accessible, including all buildings, restrooms, trams, Train Ride and Carousel. Wheelchairs available for rental. More than 3,000 animals representing 600 species, including elephants, tigers, ape exhibit, just to name a few. |
| OH | Powell | Columbus Zoo and Aquarium | 614.645.3400 | columbuszoo.org | [email protected] | Reserved parking available. All exhibits and restrooms in the Zoo are accessible. Wheelchairs available for rental. Big cats, gorillas, penguins, more mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, etc. |
| OH/KY | Cincinnati/ Newport | Newport Aquarium | 800.406.3474 | newportaquarium.com | [email protected] | ADA compliant; handicap parking in parking garage; take elevator to Aquarium. Also street-metered parking or outlying parking lots. Limited number of wheelchairs available to loan. Accessible restrooms. Aquarium is generally wheelchair accessible, but a few exhibits are not. Thousands of animals from around the world in a million gallons of water – seahorses, penguins, shark rays, sharks, alligators, and more. Special events also offered. |
| OK | Oklahoma City | Oklahoma City Zoological Park | 405.424.3344 | okczoo.org | [email protected] | Park is ADA compliant. Handicap parking available and handicap accessible restrooms. Wheelchairs available for rental. The Park includes a living museum and a botanical garden with world-class habitats; a diverse animal collection of 1,900 species. |
| OK | Oklahoma | Oklahoma Aquarium | 918.296.3474 | okaquarium.org | [email protected] | Parking and restrooms accessible. Wheelchairs available for rental. All exhibits accessible by wheelchairs. More than 100 exhibits and thousands of animals; you are sure to discover amazing aquatic creatures of all kinds. Fun shark tunnel to walk/ride under. |
| OR | Portland | Oregon Zoo | 503.226.1561 | oregonzoo.org | [email protected] | Handicap parking available. Wheelchairs available for rental. Pathways, exhibits, restaurants, restrooms and drinking fountains are ADA accessible. Elephants, rhinos, monkeys, reptiles, birds, etc. New habitats coming in the future! |
| OR | Bandon | West Coast Game Park Safari | 541.347.3106 | westcoastgameparksafari.com | [email protected] | Handicap parking; accessible restrooms. Park is wheelchair accessible, but does not provide wheelchairs. Tigers, lions, leopards, caracals, elk, reindeer, bison, camels, wallabies, lemurs, chimpanzees, and many more! |
| PA | Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium | 412.665.3640 | pittsburghzoo.org | [email protected] | All Zoo facilities can accommodate guests in compliance with ADA standards. Wheelchairs are available. Tropical Forest (monkeys, gorillas); African Savannah (elephants, rhinos, giraffes); Aquarium (penguins, stingrays, seahorses); Asian Forest (Snow Leopard, Amur Tiger, red panda, Komodo Dragon); Water’s Edge (polar bear, sharks, otters); The Islands (Clouded Leopard and more); and Kids Kingdom, one of the best children’s zoos in the country. |
| PA | Pittsburgh | Philadelphia Zoo | 215.243.1100 | philadelphiazoo.org | [email protected] | Handicap spaces available in Tiger Lot and Parking Garage. Wheelchairs available to rent. Most restrooms are accessible. All indoor exhibits are handicap accessible. KidZooU/Children’s Zoo is inclusive. Over 1,300 rare and endangered animals, including cheetahs, hippos, giraffes and much more |
| RI | Providence | Roger Williams Park Zoo | 401.785.3510 | rwpzoo.org | [email protected] | Complimentary parking with handicap spots available (first-come, first served). Accessible restrooms; wheelchairs available to rent. Elephant, giraffe, and zebra to name a few, plus birds, amphibians and insects. |
| RI | North Kingstown | Biomes Marine Biology Center | 401.885.4690 | biomescenter.com | [email protected] | Accessible parking and restrooms; wheelchair accessibility on SIDE entrance. 90% of facility handicap accessible (possibly some of the touch tanks would be difficult to reach from wheelchair). Fish, sharks, octopus and more. |
| SC | Columbia | Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens | 803.779.8717 | riverbanks.org | [email protected] | Handicap parking available with official state sticker. Wheelchairs available for rent. Accessible restrooms. All exhibits, restrooms, trams, restaurants and gift shops are wheelchair accessible; however, the upper portion of the Woodlands Walk nature trail is not accessible. More than 2,000 magnificent and fascinating animals; one of the nation's most beautiful botanical gardens. Giraffes, zebras, elephants and more, plus an aquarium reptile complex and a birdhouse. |
| SC | Myrtle Beach | Ripley’s Aquarium | 843.916.0888 | ripleyaquariums.com/myrtlebeach | [email protected] | Free parking. If lot is full, adjacent lots have wheelchair accessible parking spaces. Wheelchairs available; accessible restrooms. Aquarium is wheelchair accessible. A green sea turtle, giant stingrays, sawfish, and very large sharks! – to name a few. |
| SD | Sioux Falls | Butterfly House and Marine Cove | 605.334.9466 | butterflyhousemarinecove.org | [email protected] | Handicap parking; wheelchair accessible restrooms. "Special needs individuals are able to access every aspect of our building." Over 800 free-flying butterflies from around the world; hundreds of vibrant marine fishes and corals in more than 10,000 gallons of aquariums. |
| SD | Sioux Falls | Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History | 605.367.7003 | greatzoo.org | [email protected] | Handicap parking available. Accessible restrooms; wheelchairs available at no charge. Zoo is mostly accessible, including train ride and Merry-Go-Round. Black rhinos, Amur Tigers, Siamang Gibbons, giraffes, zebras, birds, bugs, and amphibians. |
| TN | Memphis | Memphis Zoo | 901.333.6500 | memphiszoo.org | [email protected] | Handicap parking; accessible restrooms; wheelchairs available for rental. Zoo is accessible to all exhibits. More than 3500 animals, including elephants, gorillas, big cats, penguins, hippos, an aquarium and a herpetarium. |
| TN | Chattanooga | Tennessee Aquarium | 800.262.0695 | tnaqua.org | [email protected] | Handicap parking available in various lots around the Aquarium. Aquarium is handicap accessible. All exhibit galleries are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair rental is available. River otters, turtles, sharks, beautiful butterflies, playful penguins, mesmerizing jellyfish and thousands of colorful reef fish. |
| TX | Dallas | Dallas Zoo | 469.554.7500 | dallaszoo.com | [email protected] | Handicap parking is available; wheelchairs available for rental; accessible restrooms. All exhibits are accessible, including Wilds of Africa Adventure Safari. Koalas, big cats, elephants, birds and a Children’s Zoo. Zoo is a Pokémon Go site. |
| TX | Fort Worth | Fort Worth Zoo | 817.759.7555 | fortworthzoo.org | [email protected] | Parking available; accessible restrooms; wheelchairs available; all exhibits accessible by wheelchair. A nationally ranked facility, housing more than 7,000 native and exotic animals – elephants, gorillas, amphibians, reptiles and more. |
| TX | Corpus Christi | Texas State Aquarium | 800.477.4853 | texasstateaquarium.org | [email protected] | Facility is ADA compliant. Handicapped parking and building access offered to those with special needs. Wheelchairs available for rental; accessible restrooms. Entire facility is accessible (in 2016) except for observation deck. Dolphins, eagles, otters, alligators, and much more! |
| TX | San Antonio | SeaWorld San Antonio | 800.700.7786 | seaworldparks.com | [email protected] | Handicap parking (Samu’s Preferred Parking); accessible restrooms. All exhibits are accessible. Wheelchairs available for rental. Beluga whales, dolphins, killer whales, penguins, sea lions, harbor seals, sharks and more! |
| UT | Salt Lake City | Hogle Zoo | 801.584.1700 | hoglezoo.org/utahs-hogle-zoo-accessibility-information/. | The Zoo does not have an email address for publication. | Parking available; accessible restrooms; wheelchairs available for rental. All exhibits have a wheelchair accessible entrance. Zoofari Express and Conservation Carousel have ramps upon request. All pathways at the Zoo are paved, but due to the slope of the landscape, some paths are more accessible than others. Elephants, giraffes, gorillas, rhinos, polar bears, big cats, birds, fish, spiders and more. |
| UT | Draper | The Loveland Living Planet | 801.355.3474 | thelivingplanet.com | [email protected] | Handicap parking available but early arrival is best to get a space. They have wheelchairs available for rental (but there is a walk to the entrance so a caretaker would have to go get a chair and take it to the car). Restrooms are accessible. All exhibits are accessible, but the touch pool may be difficult to reach by certain special needs individuals. Otters, penguins, zebra sharks, jellyfish, Toucans, and more! |
| VA | Natural Bridge | Virginia Safari Park | 540.291.3205 | virginiasafaripark.com | [email protected] | Handicap parking available. Wheelchairs are not available for rental. Service dogs are not permitted on property. Accessible restrooms and trails through the Walk-Thru section. Over 1,000 animals. Safari Drive-Thru – Drive your vehicle over 3 miles of maintained gravel road and feed the animals through your windows! Safari Village Walk-Thru – A wheel-chair accessible ramp leads to the covered platform, bringing you to eye level with the giraffes! Feed them directly out of your hands! Visitors can participate in Animal Encounters with one of our friendly mammals or reptiles. |
| VA | Virginia Beach | Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center | 757.385.3474 | virginiaaquarium.com | [email protected] | The Aquarium complies with ADA regulations, which include a requirement that the Aquarium provide equal access to exhibits, programs, and services to individuals with disabilities. Over 800,000 gallons of aquariums; over 300 species of sharks, rays, seals, turtles, otters, and more. |
| VT | Burlington | Echo Lake Aquarium and Science Center | 802.864.1848 | echovermont.org | [email protected] | Accessible parking and restrooms. All exhibits accessible by wheelchair. One wheelchair available at no charge (first come, first served). Fish, reptiles, amphibians, and sea tank (star fish, anemones, hermit crabs and urchins) |
| WA | Tacoma | Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium | 253.591.5337 | pdza.org | [email protected] | ADA parking is located in parking lot A. Ramps lead to the Zoo admission area from the parking lots. An accessible passenger unload and load zone is available near the front entrance. All exhibit areas, restaurants, gift shop and main restrooms are ADA accessible. You'll see sharks and seahorses, polar bears and peacocks, walruses and wolves, all in one place! |
| WA | Seattle | Woodland Park Zoo | zoo.org | [email protected] | Handicapped parking available at all Zoo visitor lots (state issued parking sticker needed); wheelchairs available for rental; accessible restrooms; free of most physical barriers and obstacles, but fairly steep grade to exit Elephant Forest; gravel path in Family Farm area. The largest live animal collection in Washington state, with 1,000 animals – a home for 40 endangered and 17 threatened or vulnerable animal species. Birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and plants, including bears, gorilla, hippos, and monkeys. | |
| WI | Milwaukee | Milwaukee County Zoo | 414.256.5412 | milwaukeezoo.org | Jennifer.Diliberti-Shea@ milwaukeecountywi.gov | Handicap parking available. Zoo is considered ADA accessible – restrooms, animal buildings, pathways, etc. Wheelchairs available at no charge (with deposit of driver’s license). Visit over 2,000 mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles in specialized habitats. Lots of activities planned through the year. |
| WI | Madison | Henry Vilas Zoo | 608.266.4732 | vilaszoo.org | [email protected] | No charge for parking or admission, but donations are greatly appreciated. Wheelchairs available for rental (with driver’s license deposit). The Zoo is wheelchair accessible with a few steep paths (wheelchairs advised to avoid these). Conservation Carousel in Children’s Zoo is wheelchair accessible. Rain Forest Aviary, big cats, Primate House, and many other exhibits. |
| WV | Wheeling | Oglebay Park Good Zoo | 800.624.6988 | oglebay-resort.com/goodzoo | [email protected] | Accessible parking and restroom. Terrain is very hilly so wheelchairs only available inside the zoo (miniature train and small animals). Larger animals are outside so wheelchair use would depend on individual guests (who provide their own wheelchair). Over 50 species, 20 that are rare or endangered. African wild dogs, meerkats, spectacled bears, lemurs, red pandas, river otters and the Wonders of the Wetlands area where visitors can observe a bald eagle and various other plants and animals that call these fragile areas home. Newer exhibits include the Outback Exhibit and Lorikeet Landing. |
| WV | Kingwood | Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo | 304.329.3122 | westvirginiazoo.com | Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo does not wish to provide an email address for publication. | Parking nearby; no wheelchairs available; accessible restroom. Wheelchair access to exhibits is not offered, but they have a vehicle in which handicapped visitors can ride. Home to over 30 different species of native and exotic animals, the Zoo is now a menagerie containing a chimp, Grizzly Bear, tiger, black leopard, baboon, and other species. |
| WY | Response from Wyoming State Parks representative: Unfortunately, Wyoming does not have zoos, aquariums or any large structured activities. Wyoming is full of fun with outdoor adventures and all have ADA accessible features. Please look for State Parks and National Parks for fun in Wyoming! | |||||
| CA | Los Angeles | Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens | (323) 644-4200 | www.lazoo.org | An email form is provided on the website. |
Although some pathways feature some grades that are steeper than others, the Los Angeles Zoo is wheelchair accessible. The Zoo offers its wheelchair accessible Safari Shuttle for an additional fee. However, employees are neither trained nor permitted to lift guests in or out of his/her mobility device/wheelchair. Lions, tigers, elephants, gorilla, giraffes and so much more! The Los Angeles Zoo welcomes all guests. We are happy to help make your visit to the Los Angeles Zoo a safe, memorable, and enjoyable one. |
| CA | Los Angeles | Los Angeles Aquarium | (562) 590-3100 | aquariumofpacific.org/visit/discounts/aquariumzoocombo www.facebook.com/AquariumofthePacific/ |
[email protected] | The Aquarium of the Pacific is the fourth most-attended aquarium in the nation. The Aquarium of the Pacific and its exhibits are wheelchair accessible. It displays over 11,000 animals in more than 50 exhibits that represent the diversity of the Pacific Ocean. For an extra fee, animal encounters offer guests a chance to feed a sea otter, train a sea lion, wade with sharks, or waddle up to a penguin! The public is invited to get up close with the ocean’s ultimate predators at the Aquarium of the Pacific for FREE during Shark Lagoon Nights on Fridays. Guests will have the opportunity to touch bamboo sharks and see large sharks such as sandtigers as well as rays in the Aquarium’s Shark Lagoon. There’s not enough room on our guide to mention all of the activities or animals available for viewing at the Los Angeles Aquarium! |
| TX | Houston | Houston Zoo | (713) 533-6500 | www.houstonzoo.org/ | For general questions, the Zoo has provided an email form on its website. | The zoo has become a popular place to visit. Free parking in Hermann Park is limited. Our Hours & Directions webpage has the latest information on your parking options. All exhibits and restaurants are wheelchair accessible. Our giraffes are among the most beloved animals for their charm and curiosity about their visitors. See website for feeding times ($7 fee for giraffe food). Watch elephants being bathed in the morning. The Children’s Zoo takes you through forty exhibits and features many native Texas animals. If the kids need to burn off a little energy, visit the playground so they can jump, slide, and climb. We have animals, bats, butterflies and more, plus an aquarium! Come see us! |
| TX | Houston | Downtown Aquarium | (713) -223-3474 | www.aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariumhouston www.facebook.com/AquariumHouston |
According to an operator at the facility, they have no email address available. | Downtown Aquarium is a 500,000-gallon aquatic wonderland, home to over 200 species of aquatic life from around the globe, with aquatic and geographic exhibits, shopping, and a variety of amusements. All of the exhibits are wheelchair accessible. A few of the exhibits are (1) a shipwreck, (2) a sunken temple, (3) an education room, and (4) White Tigers of the Maharajah’s Temple. Downtown Aquarium has it all! |
We hope this overview is a great asset for your family and that you make some incredible memories the next time you visit!
