Photo: Mary Perkins
Photo: Steve Koskei
Photo: Levi Ervin
Amarillo Zoo
★3.9(1,563 reviews)$$Zoo
🕑 2-3 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers love spotting familiar animals like giraffes and monkeys, while elementary-aged kids enjoy reading the educational exhibits and learning about animal habitats and conservation.🧡 Saved by 25 families
About
The Amarillo Zoo offers an intimate wildlife experience where families can get up close to over 300 animals across 50 beautifully maintained acres. With shaded walkways throughout the grounds, it's a comfortable outing even on warm Texas days, featuring crowd favorites like giraffes, zebras, and majestic big cats that captivate children of all ages.
Highlights
- ✓Giraffe viewing platform where kids can see these gentle giants at eye level
- ✓Big cat exhibits featuring lions, tigers, and leopards
- ✓Playful monkey and primate areas that entertain young children
- ✓Zebras and other African savanna animals in spacious habitats
- ✓Educational signage throughout that teaches kids about wildlife conservation
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right when they open at 9:30 AM for the most active animals and smaller crowds, especially during summer months
- 2.Bring a wagon or stroller even for older kids,the 50-acre property involves quite a bit of walking
- 3.Pack sunscreen and refillable water bottles as Texas sun can be intense, though shaded areas are plentiful
- 4.Visit the giraffe exhibit early in your visit as it's a fan favorite and can get crowded by midday
- 5.Check the zoo's website before visiting for special feeding times and keeper talks that make the experience extra memorable
Best Time to Visit
Visit during spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) for the most pleasant weather and active animals. Weekday mornings are ideal for avoiding weekend crowds, and cooler morning hours mean animals are more likely to be visible rather than seeking shade.
What to Know
Admission is very affordable at around $7 for adults and $5 for children. Free parking is available on-site, and while there's a small snack area, you may want to pack snacks or plan to eat nearby after your visit.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round, but summer visits (June-August) can be extremely hot,plan for early morning visits during these months. The zoo may host special events during Halloween and Christmas seasons, so check their calendar for festive family activities.
Nearby Eats
Youngblood's Stockyard Cafe (classic American comfort food with a kid-friendly menu) and Torchy's Tacos are both within a short drive and offer casual dining perfect for hungry families after a morning at the zoo.
More Activities Near Amarillo
Zoo
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
★4.4$$❤️99
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch offers an unforgettable drive-through safari experience where kids can safely observe exotic animals from the comfort of your family vehicle. With over 500 animals from around the world, children will be thrilled as giraffes, zebras, and ostriches approach your car windows for up-close encounters that feel like a true African adventure right in Texas.
Restaurant
Big Moose Lodge
$$
Big Moose Lodge in Amarillo is a parent's dream for a stress-free dining experience. This casual family restaurant combines hearty comfort food with built-in entertainment, featuring an indoor playground and arcade games that keep kids happily occupied. It's the perfect spot where parents can actually enjoy their meal while children burn off energy in a safe, supervised environment.
Activity
Amarillo Parks and Recreation Splash Pads
Free
Amarillo's free splash pads scattered throughout city parks are a budget-friendly oasis for families during hot Texas summers. These safe, interactive water play areas feature ground-level sprays, fountains, and jets that keep little ones entertained for hours without the depth concerns of traditional pools. With multiple locations across the city, there's likely a convenient splash pad near wherever you're staying or exploring in Amarillo.
Park
Randall County
Free
Randall County offers families an abundance of outdoor space perfect for letting kids run wild and burn off energy. With well-maintained playgrounds, shaded picnic areas, and spacious pavilions, it's an ideal spot for everything from casual weekend outings to organized birthday celebrations and pickup sports games.