Photo: Lincoln Children's Zoo
Photo: T K Hess
Photo: Sam Newman
Lincoln Children's Zoo
★4.7(4,218 reviews)$$Farm
🕑 2-3 hours👶 Best for ages 1-10. Toddlers and preschoolers especially love the approachable size and hands-on petting opportunities, while elementary-aged kids enjoy learning about the diverse animal species and participating in keeper talks and feeding experiences.🧡 Saved by 250+ families
About
Lincoln Children's Zoo offers an intimate, interactive zoo experience perfect for young families seeking hands-on animal encounters. Beyond the petting farm area with goats and sheep, this beloved local attraction features a variety of exhibits scaled perfectly for little ones, making it far less overwhelming than larger zoos while still delivering memorable wildlife experiences.
Highlights
- ✓Hands-on petting zoo area where kids can touch and brush goats, sheep, and other friendly farm animals
- ✓Giraffe feeding station allowing up-close encounters with these gentle giants
- ✓Interactive splash pad and water play features for cooling off on hot days
- ✓Conservation Carousel and miniature train ride that delight younger children
- ✓Compact, walkable layout perfect for toddlers without exhausting little legs
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right at opening (10 AM) for the most active animals and smallest crowds, plus cooler temperatures in summer months
- 2.Bring quarters for the animal feed dispensers throughout the zoo,kids love feeding the goats, giraffes, and other friendly creatures
- 3.Pack a change of clothes for toddlers, as the interactive water play areas can be irresistible on warm days
- 4.Visit the Conservation Carousel early in your trip as a reward motivator for little ones who might tire quickly
- 5.Check the daily schedule at the entrance for animal feeding times and keeper talks to maximize educational opportunities
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings during spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) offer the best experience with pleasant weather, active animals, and thinner crowds. Summer weekdays work well if you arrive right at opening before afternoon heat sets in.
What to Know
Admission prices are reasonable (typically under $15 for adults, less for children 2-12, with babies free), and membership pays for itself in just 2-3 visits. The zoo has stroller-friendly paved paths, shaded areas, and food available on-site, though many families pack snacks.
Seasonal Notes
The zoo operates year-round with adjusted hours in winter months (typically shorter days November-March). Spring brings baby animals and blooming gardens, while fall offers comfortable temperatures and special Halloween events. Some outdoor water features close during colder months.
Nearby Eats
The Oven (Indian restaurant with mild options kids enjoy) and Chipotle are both within a 5-minute drive on 27th Street, or head to Haymarket District downtown (10 minutes away) for more variety including Lazlo's Brewery & Grill with a dedicated kids' menu.
More Activities Near Lincoln
Activity
Lincoln City Library Hdqs
Free
Lincoln City Library Headquarters is a fantastic free resource for families, offering an extensive children's section filled with books, educational materials, and interactive spaces. The library system regularly hosts engaging story times, seasonal programs, and year-round activities designed to spark young imaginations and foster a love of reading.
Park
Holmes Lake Park
$
Holmes Lake Park is a 230-acre outdoor paradise offering something for every family member. With its sandy swimming beach, calm waters perfect for paddle boating, and miles of scenic trails winding around the lake, it's Lincoln's go-to destination for families wanting to combine water fun with nature exploration. The park's variety means you can easily fill a whole day with activities from fishing off the dock to spotting wildlife along the wooded paths.
Park
Antelope Park
Free
Antelope Park is Lincoln's premier outdoor destination for families, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational activities across its expansive grounds. With serene ponds teeming with ducks and geese, shaded picnic areas ideal for family lunches, and winding trails perfect for little explorers, this urban oasis provides endless opportunities for kids to connect with nature without leaving the city.
Park
Capitol Beach
Free
Capitol Beach is a beloved Lincoln neighborhood park that transforms into a summer playground paradise with its refreshing splash pad, beach volleyball courts, and expansive sandy areas perfect for castle-building. This multi-generational destination offers something for everyone, from toddlers splashing in the water features to older kids enjoying active sports and families relaxing in the sand.