19 of America's great wildlife collections.
America's best zoos and aquariums are world leaders in conservation as well as day-out destinations. This is a curated checklist of 19 of them — major metropolitan zoos, landmark aquariums, and specialty wildlife parks — grouped by type and region, with each one's location and what it's known for.
| Zoo or Aquarium | Location | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Bronx Zoo (Wildlife Conservation Society) | Bronx, NY | Founding U.S. zoo · 1899 |
| National Zoo (Smithsonian) | Washington, D.C. | Free admission · DC (Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute) |
| Philadelphia Zoo | Philadelphia, PA | Oldest zoo in U.S. · 1859 |
| North Carolina Zoo | Asheboro, NC | Asheboro · world's largest natural-habitat zoo |
| Zoo or Aquarium | Location | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego Zoo Safari Park + Zoo | San Diego, CA | Twin facilities |
| Saint Louis Zoo | St. Louis, MO | Free admission |
| Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago) | Chicago, IL | Free · in city park |
| Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium | Omaha, NE | Omaha · world-class biome |
| Zoo or Aquarium | Location | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Monterey Bay Aquarium | Monterey, CA | world's first kelp forest exhibit |
| Georgia Aquarium | Atlanta, GA | Atlanta · largest in Western Hemisphere |
| National Aquarium (Baltimore) | Baltimore, MD | Harborfront flagship |
| Shedd Aquarium | Chicago, IL | Chicago · 32,000 animals |
| New England Aquarium (Boston) | Boston, MA | Giant Ocean Tank |
| Seattle Aquarium | Seattle, WA | Pacific Northwest focus |
| Zoo or Aquarium | Location | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Brookfield Zoo Chicago | Brookfield, IL | Natural-habitat pioneer |
| Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park | Litchfield Park, AZ | largest collection in state |
| Audubon Zoo (New Orleans) | New Orleans, LA | Louisiana swamp + cypress |
| Memphis Zoo | Memphis, TN | Historic Overton Park zoo |
| Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden | Cincinnati, OH | 2nd-oldest zoo in U.S. |
Turn this list into a keepsake. The Triptyka Zoos & Aquariums Passport is a printable PDF with a curated checklist, a detail page for each, suggested routes, and achievement badges to earn.
Get the Printable Passport — $9.99 on Etsy →Get a reciprocal membership. Many zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums participate in a reciprocal program that gives members free or discounted admission at other participating institutions — a big saving if you visit several. Arrive at opening; animals are most active in the cool of the morning, and you'll beat the crowds. Look for member and evening hours, when many sites are quieter. Support accredited institutions — accreditation signals strong animal-care and conservation standards.
The Philadelphia Zoo, which opened in 1874, is generally recognized as America's first true zoo. The Bronx Zoo, opened in 1899, is one of the largest urban zoos in the country.
Often, yes. Many institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums take part in a reciprocal admissions program, giving members free or reduced entry at other participating zoos and aquariums.
Early morning, right at opening, is usually best — animals are most active before the midday heat, and crowds are thinnest. Cooler months can also mean more active animals at many zoos.
Accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums signals that an institution meets rigorous standards for animal welfare, conservation, and education — a good thing to look for when choosing where to visit.
A printable zoos and aquariums passport — a curated checklist, a detail page for each, suggested routes, and achievement badges — makes it easy to mark off each visit.