Photo: Little Rock Zoo
Photo: Arkansas Tourism
Photo: Leslie Collins
Little Rock Zoo
★4.2(5,645 reviews)$$Zoo
🕑 3-4 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers adore the petting areas and splash pads, while elementary-aged kids engage deeply with the diverse animal exhibits and educational programs. Even teens interested in wildlife will appreciate the variety of species.🧡 Saved by 26 families
About
Little Rock Zoo offers an exciting animal adventure with over 500 creatures from around the world, perfect for curious young minds. The zoo combines traditional exhibits with hands-on interactive experiences and splash pads, making it ideal for both learning and cooling off on warm Arkansas days. Its beautiful riverside location adds scenic charm to your family outing.
Highlights
- ✓Interactive splash pad areas perfect for hot summer days
- ✓Hands-on animal encounters and feeding experiences
- ✓Over 500 animals including elephants, big cats, primates, and Arkansas natives
- ✓Scenic riverside trails and natural habitat exhibits
- ✓Educational keeper talks and wildlife demonstrations throughout the day
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right at 9:00 AM opening for the most active animals and smallest crowds,many animals are more playful in the cooler morning hours
- 2.Bring swimsuits and towels for the splash pad areas, especially during summer months when kids will want to cool off
- 3.Pack your own snacks and drinks to save money, as outside food is permitted throughout the zoo grounds
- 4.Download the zoo map ahead of time and prioritize must-see exhibits first, as little legs tire quickly in the afternoon
- 5.Visit on weekday mornings during the school year for the quietest experience and better animal viewing
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most comfortable weather for walking and active animals. Weekday mornings provide the best combination of smaller crowds and energetic wildlife, while avoiding hot summer afternoons when both kids and animals seek shade.
What to Know
Admission prices are family-friendly with discounts for children and members. The zoo offers stroller rentals, accessible pathways throughout, and on-site dining options, though bringing your own food is allowed and can help with picky eaters.
Seasonal Notes
The zoo is open year-round, but summer offers special extended hours and water play opportunities. Holiday events like Wildlights (winter light display) and Boo at the Zoo (October) provide seasonal magic. Some outdoor exhibits may have limited viewing during extreme weather.
Nearby Eats
War Memorial Park nearby has picnic areas perfect for a pre- or post-zoo lunch. For indoor dining, head to the nearby Heights neighborhood (10 minutes) for family favorites like US Pizza and Big Orange.
More Activities Near Little Rock
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Eureka Springs Safari Park
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Eureka Springs Safari Park offers an unforgettable drive-through safari adventure where kids can feed exotic animals right from your car window! This interactive wildlife experience lets families get up close with zebras, camels, bison, and more as they roam freely around your vehicle, making it perfect for children who love animals but might be intimidated by walking through traditional zoos.
Park
Macarthur Park
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Macarthur Park offers families a perfect blend of natural beauty and active play in the heart of Little Rock. Kids can cool off in the splash pad during summer months, explore scenic hiking trails along the Arkansas River, and burn energy at well-maintained playgrounds. The combination of water features, nature paths, and play equipment makes it an ideal spot for a morning or afternoon family outing without leaving the city.
Restaurant
Outdoor Soul Food Cafe
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Outdoor Soul Food Cafe brings family-friendly comfort food to Little Rock with a casual, no-fuss vibe that welcomes kids with open arms. This food truck-style spot serves up crispy fried chicken, BBQ favorites, and chicken wings at prices that won't break the family budget, making it a stress-free dining option where parents can relax while kids enjoy familiar flavors.
Adventure
Razorback Greenway Trail
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The Razorback Greenway Trail offers families 40+ miles of beautifully maintained paved pathways perfect for bikes, scooters, strollers, and rollerblades. This scenic trail winds through Northwest Arkansas with multiple access points, rest areas, and playgrounds along the route, making it ideal for families wanting outdoor exercise without the challenges of rough terrain or traffic concerns.