Sight guide · Kansas City · United States
Visiting Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium
In Swope Park, one of the largest urban parks in the US, the zoo covers more than 200 acres with an African savanna section, a polar bear exhibit and the Sobela Ocean Aquarium, which opened in 2023.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Nightryder84, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium is a zoo in Swope Park, Kansas City. Allow half a day; it is mid-priced. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Zoo
- Area
- Swope Park
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- kids, outdoors and nature
- Best months
- April and September–October
About Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium
In Swope Park, one of the largest urban parks in the US, the zoo covers more than 200 acres with an African savanna section, a polar bear exhibit and the Sobela Ocean Aquarium, which opened in 2023. A train and a sky ride help with the distances.
Tip: Plan the African section first while children have energy; it is a long walk from the entrance.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: Half a day.
- Cost: Mid-priced.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Swope Park.
Best time to visit Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium
Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- September: 26°C (79°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, busy crowds.
- October: 20°C (68°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, busy crowds.
- April: 19°C (66°F) highs, about 10 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Kansas City has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen National WWI Museum and Memorial and Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
- No. 16 of the 17 sights in our Kansas City things-to-do list.
- A family favourite in Kansas City with kids.
Staying near Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium
Where to stay in Kansas City compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium?
Plan half a day.
+Is Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium free?
No, it is mid-priced. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium?
April and September–October for the most comfortable weather. Plan the African section first while children have energy; it is a long walk from the entrance.
+Do I need to book Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Kansas City. Kansas City works well with children: Science City and the Legoland and Sea Life attractions are under one connected roof at Crown Center, the zoo has a new aquarium, and barbecue restaurants are casual and noisy.