The Kansas City Zoo houses more than 1,700 animals and is open Monday–Friday 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. (summer weekday hours are also 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m.). Located in Swope Park, the zoo covers 202 acres — twice the size of New York’s Central Park.
Kansas City Zoo first opened to the public in December 1909 with 4 lions, 3 monkeys, a wolf, a fox and a few other animals. Today, it is home to more than 1,700 animals from all over the world.
In this guide to Kansas City Zoo, you will find the main attractions and animals, where to eat, parking information, ticket and admission fees, opening hours and a few other must-dos for your next visit.
Kansas City Zoo Main Attractions
African Sky Safari
The African Sky Safari is a cable lift that takes you 40ft above the African plains, home to rhinos, zebras, giraffes, ostriches and other animals. The ride lasts 7 minutes and offers a panoramic view of this part of the zoo.
Stingray feeding
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If you want to get face to face with stingrays, head to Sting Ray Bay to take part in feeding activities. Two sessions run daily, one at 10 am and the second at 1pm.
Helzberg Penguin Plaza
Another must-see is the Helzberg Penguin Plaza, home to the King Penguin, native to Antarctica, with its prominent golden yellow chest. Not many zoos house penguins, so stop at this attraction located next to the endangered species carousel and Sting Ray Bay.
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Kansas City Zoo's Most Popular Animals
Black Rhino
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This native to African Savanna, once thought extinct, is slowly recovering in protected sanctuaries but is already extinct in the wild. Learn more about black rhinos at the African Plains exhibition near the sky safari chimpanzee station.
Lowland Gorilla
Gorillas live around 35 years and can weigh up to 440 pounds. The largest living ape can be found across the swinging bridge in the African Plains attraction.
Sumatran Tiger
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A critically endangered species, with numbers as low as 400 Sumatran tigers worldwide according to WWF reports. In the wild, this species is found only in the forests and swamps of the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Learn more in the Asian section of Kansas City Zoo.
Dining Options At Kansas City Zoo
Kansas City Zoo has a choice of restaurants and cafes serving food to every taste and pocket, including outdoor dining options.
Tuxedo Grill: Serves char-grilled burgers, kids meals, sandwiches and salads. Located between the Helzberg Penguin Plaza and the Sea Lion exhibition.
Bluey’s: Located in the Australia section, serving Kansas City BBQ.
Rafiki Restaurant: A step from the African Plains, Rafiki Restaurant offers a menu with peri peri chicken, kabobs, burgers, hot dogs and more.
Boathouse Bar: Serves adult-only drinks with a view over the lagoon.
Safari Snacks: In the African Market, serving soft-serve ice cream cones and funnel cakes.
Kansas City Zoo Opening Hours
| SEASONS | Nov-Feb | March-Oct (MON-FRI) | March-Oct (SAT-SUN) |
| HOURS | 9.30am - 4pm | 9.30am-4pm | 9.30am-5pm |
Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Kansas City Zoo Ticket Prices
| AGE | Under 2’s | 3-11 children | 12+ adults | 55+ seniors |
| PRICE | Free | $13 | $16 | $15 |
Groups rates available if booked in advance via email.
Available carparks at Kansas City Zoo
Parking is free. There are three main parking lots:
- Mane Parking Lot
- Zebra and Cheetah Parking Lot
- Admissions Area drop off zone
Hotels Near Kansas City Zoo
Kansas City Zoo points out partner hotels where you could stay to explore Kansas City for a few more days.
- 816 Hotel: 3-star hotel in Old Westport, convenient for both the zoo and KC downtown.
- Adam’s Mark Hotel at the Sports Stadium Complex: Further from downtown and the zoo, but offers a waterpark for kids at the Coco Key Water Resort.
Tourist Attractions Near Kansas City Zoo
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- Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art: For grown-ups who love modern art; this museum has national and international modern art collections with frequent pop-up exhibitions.
- Science City: A place to take kids for family-friendly science exhibitions and hands-on activities.
- National WW1 Museum: Holds one of the largest collections of photos and weapons from WW1 in the US.
Related travel guides: Everything You Need To Know About Detroit Zoo, Everything You Need to Know About Toledo Zoo, and Everything You Need To Know About Pittsburgh Zoo.
