Lincoln Children's Zoo
4.7(4.3K)google
4.3(46)yelp
Family
Overview
The Lincoln Children's Zoo is a children's zoo located in Lincoln, Nebraska, United States. Designed specifically for children to experience interactive, up-close encounters with all of the zoo's animals, Lincoln Children's Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). With nearly 200,000 visitors each year, Lincoln Children's Zoo is the third most attended arts and science attraction in Nebraska.
Practical Info
Mon10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tue10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration2-3.5 hours
Best TimeThe warmer months from May to September are ideal. Arrive between 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM on a weekday when the morning air is cool; animals like red pandas and giraffes are active for feeding, and lines for the historic ZOOfari Railroad mini-train are short.
Getting ThereLocated adjacent to the Sunken Gardens at 1222 S 27th St. Drive east from downtown on A St and turn right onto 27th St to find the dedicated on-site parking lot. Alternatively, take StarTran Route 40 to the 27th & B stop and walk south for 2 minutes to the front gates.
Travel Tips
- The zoo operates under strict digital timed-entry allocations; purchasing online vouchers ahead of arrival is vital as onsite booths regularly report total sell-outs.
- The narrow-gauge ZOOFARI train features open-sided cars; keeping limbs and valuable recording devices inside the perimeter frame during active operations is a safety mandate.
- Disposable plastic straws, flexible storage bags, and metallic balloons are confiscated at security turnstiles to block fatal ingestion hazards by vulnerable species.
Reviews
Positive
- The size is perfectly manageable (no sore feet), designed to maximize proximity so kids can hand-feed red pandas, giraffes, and gentle alpacas.
- The vintage mini steam train (ZOOfari Express) weaving through lush woods and animal zones is an absolute star, rendering exceptional fun.
- Paths are wide and flat, with accessible ramps for every enclosure, and restrooms feature kid-sized toilets and sinks, highly thoughtful details.
- Staff and volunteers are exceptionally warm to kids; the interactive splash pad offers great summer cooling, making it a high-value family hub.
Heads up
- For visitors hoping to see giant African beasts like elephants, lions, tigers, or hippos, the animals here are generally smaller-sized.
- On sunny summer weekends, it becomes Lincoln's most crowded family hotspot; long lines plague popular activities like feeding giraffes.
- The fast food, popcorn, and souvenirs inside are quite heavily marked up, and finding an empty table at the dining area during lunch is a struggle.
- Certain open walkways lack mature tree shade, resulting in intense midday sun exposure and heat, requiring frequent sunscreen reapplication.