Zoo Boise
4.2(7.0K)google
3.2(214)yelp
WildlifeFamilyKidsEducational
Overview
Julia Davis Park is a municipal park in the western United States, located in the downtown region of Boise, Idaho. Created in 1907 with a land donation from Thomas Jefferson Davis, it is the first park in the "String of Pearls", a series of parks along the Boise River operated by the city's Parks and Recreation Department. The park contains several museums such as the Boise Art Museum, the Idaho State Historical Museum, and the Idaho Black History Museum, as well as other attractions like Zoo Boise, the Idaho Rose Society, the Gene Harris Band Shell, and Boise River Greenbelt, which runs through the park.
Practical Info
Mon9:00 AM –5:00 PM
Tue9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration2-3 hours
Best TimeSpring and early summer (April to June) offer the most pleasant weather for walking the outdoor exhibits. The golden hour is right at the 10:00 AM opening; animals are alert and being fed by handlers, making it easy to spot African lions and red pandas before they retreat to shaded dens during the hot afternoon hours.
Getting TherePerfectly placed on the east side of Julia Davis Park, an easy walk from downtown. Ride transit to Main Street Station, then walk south for 10 minutes through the park pathways. If driving, navigate to 355 Julia Davis Dr; metered municipal parking spaces sit directly outside the zoo gates, though they have strictly enforced time limits.
Travel Tips
- Discounted admission admission rates apply every Thursday, triggering extreme local crowding; schedule visits for Tuesdays or Wednesdays to bypass peak school groups.
- Giraffe feeding and the African boat safari require separate token purchases; these outdoor encounters terminate at 15:30 daily to allow animal rest.
- The zoo sits deep inside Julia Davis Park with no direct vehicular drop-off; route your GPS to the park's primary lot and access via the pedestrian bridges.
Reviews
Positive
- Perfectly located inside Julia Davis Park downtown; its manageable size makes it ideal for a relaxed visit with toddlers.
- The African Safari exhibit offers wonderful close encounters through interactive boat rides and giraffe feeding experiences.
- Admission fees are very cheap compared to major commercial zoos, with special discounted rates on Thursdays offering high value.
- Advanced management concepts allow visitors to directly support global wildlife conservation via 'conservation fees', adding educational value.
Heads up
- Compared to famous zoos like San Diego, the space feels cramped; some large animal enclosures for tigers or bears look a bit small.
- Because some structures are older, odors in certain legacy exhibits can become quite pungent during hot, humid summer days.
- The single fast-food joint inside gets bottlenecked at lunch peak, selling overpriced burgers and fries that taste very ordinary.
- Certain iconic animals frequently stay out of sight due to illness or weather; it's best to check online for temporary exhibit closures.