Zoos in Nebraska

You can find some of the best American zoos in Nebraska. This state has four cities where you can enjoy a weekend marveling at and learning about exotic animal species. Each zoo features unique environments and facilities that guarantee fun for your entire family.

Apart from living attractions, some Nebraska zoos host exciting events such as summer camps and game nights. These activities are great ways to maximize your stay in the city, especially if you come from out of town. This article highlights the top features of Nebraska zoos and what you can do if you intend to visit one. Prepare to experience the magical world that the best zoos in Nebraska offer for children and adults alike.

Cities With Zoos in Nebraska

Four cities in Nebraska have a zoo you can enjoy with your family and friends. Plan your next visit around these areas and enjoy your time with exotic animals from around the world.

Omaha

Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

Nebraska’s largest zoo is the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, encompassing over 130 acres of land area. After all, this city is the largest in the state so it’s only appropriate that it hosts the biggest zoo. Many travel blogs rank this zoo among the best in the country, hosting over 15 exhibits that feature over 16,000 animals. Among these animals are large cats living in North America’s largest cat complex. This zoo also has some of the largest indoor swamp and desert exhibits.

Other exciting events to look forward to in the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium include trivia nights and summer camps. There are unique attractions designed to give you enhance your experience of seeing the animals, including a carousel, train, tram, movie theater, and even a chairlift for breathtaking views. Adults and children can expect something to enjoy any time they visit this establishment. Whenever you’re in the area and are itching for adventure, consider going to see the different animal exhibits at Nebraska’s largest zoo.

Ashland

Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari

Visit the Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari in Ashland for an exciting adventure in the south metro region. This zoo takes you on a four-mile drive through North American wildlife, as if you were on a true safari adventure. Witness native animals, including white-tailed deer, pronghorn antelopes, elk, bison, wolves, and waterfowl.
This establishment is ideal for group visits, offering group-friendly amenities. Such amenities include special group rates to fully enjoy nature trails and picnic areas. Just be sure to get a reservation for every member of your group to secure your entry.

This zoo also offers fun activities for anyone interested in wildlife and nature. On some weekends, there are photography workshops to help you fully capture the beauty of animals in their natural habitat. Experience an authentic North American expedition with the Wildlife Safari in Ashland!

Lincoln

Lincoln Children’s Zoo

Lincoln City has a privately funded zoo that stays open year-round. Visit the Lincoln Children’s Zoo and enjoy its 10-acre wildlife exhibition, featuring over 400 animals. This zoo holds approximately 40 endangered species, including the Matschie’s tree-kangaroo and Sumatran tiger. Take your kids to this zoo for unforgettable experiences with some of the world’s most amazing creatures. At the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, your kids can expect to see the world’s smallest monkeys, known as the pygmy marmoset.

Other animals in the zoo include ring-tailed lemurs, red pandas, meerkats, and cheetahs. They may also spot animals they have never seen before, such as fossa, which are close relatives of mongoose and resemble cats. This zoo also offers a variety of interactive events for the entire family. Kids can feed the giraffes in the zoo, while adults can enjoy the animal demonstrations that change themes every week. Being open all year round, you can surely plan a visit to this zoo at your most convenient time.

Scottsbluff

Riverside Discovery Center

Finally, you can find the Riverside Discovery Center in Scottsbluff City. Formerly known as the Riverside Park and Zoo, this establishment is home to at least 125 animals. This zoo features various exhibits to properly feature the animals in their collection. In the grassland exhibits, you can find American bison roaming. Meanwhile, they have a garden walk where you can find different turtles and tortoises. This zoo also has a collection of various raptors, including bald eagles, turkey vultures, and red-tailed hawks.

As it displays various species, know that the Riverside Discovery Center is actively involved in the Survival Species Program. Should you decide to visit this zoo, you would be supporting their initiatives for imperiled species. Discover over 50 different species in various exhibits in the Riverside Discovery Center in Scottsbluff, Nebraska!

Guide to Visiting Zoos in Nebraska

Here are some reminders when planning a trip to a zoo in Nebraska:

• Secure Your Transportation: Be sure to have a concrete idea of how you will get to the zoo. While you can drive to the nearest zoo in a private vehicle, consider the possibility of limited parking spaces. Meanwhile, you can easily reach a zoo by commuting.
• Come in Early: You may secure a better parking spot if you travel early in the morning. Likewise, you can avoid long lines and queues when you arrive at the zoo early. In addition, you just might arrive early enough for feeding time to witness animals in action.
• Buy Tickets Online: Consider getting your zoo tickets in advance to avoid queues altogether. Once you buy a ticket online, you just need to scan to enter. Essentially, you bypass the ticket booth so you can maximize your time in the zoo.
• Plan Around Events: Look up the zoo you intend to visit and see if there are any scheduled exhibits. Zoo exhibits and demonstrations usually depend on the season. Adjust your visit according to the date and time of the event to fully enjoy your visit.
• Pack a Lunch: Although some zoos have restaurants and dining facilities, nothing compares to homemade pack lunch. Zoos tend to have picnic areas where you can enjoy outdoor time with your family and friends.

Nebraska zoos have unlimited fun in store for locals and tourists alike. Witness spectacular sights and exciting activities as you go on a trip to one of these fine establishments. Kids and adults will enjoy exploring countless exhibits featuring land, air, and aquatic animals.

Prepare for your trip to the zoo to fully enjoy your visit. Review our suggestions above before you plan a day or weekend at one of the best zoos in Nebraska.

Best Zoos in Nebraska Recap

You don’t have to go overseas to experience a wildlife adventure featuring some of the world’s exciting creatures. Consider the attractions that zoos in Nebraska offer locals and tourists for your next adventure when visiting the state.

All zoos featured above surely have activities suited for all ages. Children especially have many opportunities to discover the wonders nature has to offer. At the same time, adults can enjoy a relaxing time away from their regular busy schedules. When in Nebraska and itching for adventure, get a ticket to one of the state’s zoos! No visitor will leave unsatisfied, especially when each establishment guarantees exciting events and facilities for everyone. Reserve a spot in the zoo that caught your eye now!

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