Visiting the Little Rock Zoo with Kids
We’ve been going to the Little Rock Zoo with kids our whole lives, and honestly, it just keeps getting better! Living 20 minutes from the zoo means we’ve had a ton of zoo days — birthday parties, summer trips, play dates, weekend adventures — you name it. The Little Rock Zoo is a small zoo, but there’s always something new to see or do. We never get tired of it!
Why Visit the Little Rock Zoo with Kids
The Little Rock Zoo with kids is awesome because it’s not too huge like some big-city zoos, but it’s still packed with amazing animals and fun things to do. You can walk the whole zoo in a few hours without feeling like your feet are going to fall off (yay!), but there’s still enough to keep you busy all day if you want. Plus, it’s super family-friendly with tons of shady spots, a splash pad in the summer, and even a train you can ride!
Our Favorite Animal Exhibits
The Big Cats
One of the coolest parts of the Little Rock Zoo with kids is the big cats! We always head straight for the lions and tigers first. Seeing them lounge around or hear them roar (which is SO loud, by the way) is epic. Sometimes they even walk right up to the glass, and it feels like you’re on a real-life safari.
The Elephants and Rhinos
We love checking out the elephants and rhinos too. The elephants are massive and super smart — we’ve seen them painting with their trunks before, which is wild. The rhinos are usually chilling in the mud, and it’s hilarious to watch them flop around trying to cool off.
The Penguins
The penguin exhibit is one of the newer ones, and it’s a must-see. They are SO cute waddling around and diving into the water like tiny rockets. Plus, inside the penguin house it’s nice and cool, which is a total lifesaver on hot Arkansas days.
Fun Extras You Can’t Miss
Ride the Train with Kids at the Little Rock Zoo
You can’t visit the Little Rock Zoo with kids and not ride the train. It’s super fun and gives your feet a break after walking all over. Plus, the train ride loops around a part of the zoo you can’t really see on foot.
The Carousel
The old-fashioned carousel is another one of our favorite stops. You can ride a tiger, a zebra, or even a dragon! It’s definitely one of those “you’re never too old” things we always do.
The Splash Pad (Summer Only)
In the summer, the splash pad is the best thing ever. After walking around in the heat, being able to cool off by running through the water sprays is just what you need to feel like a human again. Don’t forget to bring a towel and maybe an extra pair of shorts.
Pro Tips for Visiting the Little Rock Zoo with Kids
- Get there early. It’s cooler in the morning, and the animals are usually more active.
- Pack snacks and water. There’s food at the zoo, but the lines can get super long during weekends and holidays. There are food booths and one nice cafe.
- Wear comfy shoes. Even though the zoo isn’t huge, you’ll still be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring swimsuits and towels in the summer for the splash pad!
- Check the daily schedule. Sometimes there are cool animal chats or feedings you don’t want to miss.
- Don’t skip the bird house. It’s quieter, and you can see some gorgeous birds up close!
- Have a plan but be ready to explore. Some of the best parts are just wandering and seeing what animals are active that day.
- Bring a camera or phone. You’re going to want pics of the penguins, big cats, and definitely your carousel ride.
- People, this is Arkansas. Chances are it will be HOT when you visit – for probably 2/3s of the year! Be prepared to take some cool down times – maybe at one of the playgrounds or under the covered pavilion spot.
- Be sure to visit the petting zoo! The animals are pretty interactive.
- Fun attractions come to the zoo throughout the year – such as during the dinosaur exhibit that came through recently.
Why We Love Growing Up with the Little Rock Zoo
We feel so lucky to have the Little Rock Zoo practically in our backyard. It’s been a huge part of our childhood, and even now, we still get excited every time we go. Whether it’s feeding the goats, riding the train, or just sitting by the penguins and chilling out, every trip is full of memories. If you’re anywhere near Little Rock, you have to make a trip — and who knows, you might love it as much as we do!
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