Kansas City Connect

Kansas City doesn’t just do barbecue and baseball. Along the rolling landscapes of Swope Park, a sprawling world of wild discovery has made 6800 Zoo Drive a must-see address. The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium welcomes visitors every day to connect with creatures from every corner of the globe, from the tiniest dart frog to ocean giants gliding through the new aquarium’s glassy realms.

A Day Among Rhinos, Penguins, and Sharks

Wake up your sense of adventure with a stroll beneath shady trees toward the entrance. The soundtrack? A symphony of flamingos, the distant trumpeting of elephants, and laughter echoing from the carousel. At the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, every moment invites a new thrill.

Start your journey with the African Sky Safari. Watch giraffes splay their graceful necks, and rhinos wallow under the sun. Step into the chilly air of the Penguin Plaza, where tuxedoed kings waddle and dive, putting on a show from behind crystal-clear windows. The chimpanzee habitat bustles with intelligence and mischief—pause a moment and see if anyone is sketching out an escape plan.

An Underwater Odyssey

The crown jewel for explorers of any age is the brand new Sobela Ocean Aquarium. Slip into a seascape right in the heart of Missouri. Wide-eyed children press their palms to the glass as moon jellies drift on hidden currents. Schools of fish flash neon as they flit among coral reefs, while gentle rays glide just inches away. Main tanks mimic ecosystems from the warm Caribbean to the chilly Pacific Northwest, featuring sea turtles, sharks, giant octopuses, and swirling clouds of silverfish.

Seven galleries create a journey across the planet’s oceans without leaving Kansas City. Try not to lose track of time in the immersive kelp forest or the electric blue of the open ocean tank. Between the sea turtles’ slow ballet and the clownfish’s darting patterns, photo and video ops pop up at every turn.

Wild Encounters and Daily Adventures

Don’t just watch. Get involved with the zookeepers’ daily schedule, filled with feedings, enrichment activities, and fun facts. Marvel at sea lions during their training presentation or learn about conservation efforts from passionate staff. The schedule changes often, so no two visits are the same. For families, this means every trip unlocks something new—even parents might end up captivated by the baby kangaroos.

Wander farther and you’ll find animal encounters designed to thrill the whole crew. Step close to sleepy river otters or watch majestic tigers lounging in the shade, their stripes dappled by sunlight. More than 1,700 animals call the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium home. From aviary flights overhead to the stealthy prowl of the Amur leopard, the view changes with every step.

Easy Hours and Helpful Tips

The zoo swings open its gates every day of the week. Visit Monday through Friday between 9:30 am and 4 pm, or stay an extra hour on weekends, when closing time hops to 5 pm. Parking is free, and the park is designed to be friendly both for strollers and for those with mobility needs.

Tickets are easy to buy online or at the gate. General admission comes with crisp maps and plenty of space to roam. Keep an eye out for discounted tickets and seasonal promotions that make a visit easier on the wallet. Think about picking up a membership if you want to come back again and again for close encounters and special events.

Fuel Up at Every Step

Wondering where to eat between panda sightings and piranha tanks? Refuel at one of several on-site cafes and snack stops. Try a picnic among the shaded gardens near KidZone, or unwind in the comforts of Tuxedo Grill with a view of penguins at play. Allergy-friendly and kid-approved options mean nobody leaves hungry or cranky—just happy and ready for the next adventure.

A Place With Heart

Every visit supports the zoo’s efforts to care for animals, both in Kansas City and around the globe. Conservation projects, education programs, and special exhibits thrive thanks to community support. If your heart’s as big as a hippo, you can join in with a donation or even adopt a zoo animal symbolically to help with their care.

Plan Your Visit

Check the daily event schedule before you arrive—feeding times, zookeeper chats, and shows fill the day with opportunities to learn and laugh. Bringing a group? Special rates are available for schools, clubs, and parties. Lost? Friendly staff are always happy to steer you toward animals you can’t wait to meet.

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
6800 Zoo Drive
Kansas City, MO 64132
Open Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 4 pm
Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 am to 5 pm
Phone: (816) 595-1234
Find tickets, pricing, and more info at kansascityzoo.org

Adventure is just a turnstile away at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Whether you crave splashy underwater marvels, a giraffe’s gentle eye, or the sing-song chatter of tropical birds, this landmark sprawls with moments you’ll never forget. See for yourself why Kansas City’s wild side is more colorful, lively, and full of surprises than you ever imagined