Reviews of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (Zoo)

Penny Loomis

Great zoo! One of the top in the world! Have a little bit if something for everyone. Highly suggest. Could easily take 2 days to see, 1 for all the inside stuff and another for outside stuff. Lots of good food and sights.

Emily Campbell

Acres of fun! From the desert dome to the aquarium to the rainforest building to the gorilla and orangutan buildings, we loved it all! I would recommend going first thing in the morning, or on cooler days. The animals are definitely more active when it's not too hot outside! You can splurge for the extras, but we paid for the basic zoo entry to keep costs lower and still enjoyed every moment. This is one our favorite zoo's to visit (we're not local).

jennifer kozak

I highly recommend getting the Patron Pass if you plan on going to the zoo and safari a lot! It is more than worth it, plus it helps the animals so it is a win-win! I love this zoo and am so happy to live so close to it. They have so many different animals and they take such great care of them! I have been going to this zoo since I was a little girl and I enjoy taking my kids and grandchild now. If you are ever in the Omaha area, this is a MUST on your to do list!!

Andrew Doss

Great zoo, and the best one in the Midwest to go to! Took my family and had a blast all day. Get your running shoes ready as there is so much to see and do. Spent a good 6 hours here and saw about 75% of the zoo. Lots of different animals and exhibits from being underwater with fish swimming around you in a tunnel, to the Amazon rain forest, to the desert, and many more! Friendly staff too.

Tyler N Tarra Brandle

Of course this zoo is amazing! 17$adults 11$kids It’s the worlds best! And we even got to pet and feed stingrays for only 3$ worlds biggest desert dome! Inside jungle with no bars between you and animals! IMAX theatre and lots of food options. It’s top of the line

Jared Stuart

I absolutely adored this zoo! I was there for 3-4 hours and still did not have enough time to see everything. I definitely plan on visiting again.

Erik Snell

Quite possibly the best zoo in the United States. Sorry, it is the best zoo in the US. Located where? Omaha, Nebraska? Oh yeah, the same place they have played the college world series for the last 50 something years. I would recommend taking two days if you have little ones, lots of walking, and if you get to the splash pad at the end of day one, you may want a day two. BEST ZOO IN THE UNITED STATES! Come take a look.

Dustin Willett

I love zoos and aquariums and visit them whenever I'm near one. I've been to the San Diego zoo many times as well as the Wild Animal Park and the National Zoo in D.C. - after visiting dozens of zoos, I can honestly say that Henry Doorly is absolutely my favorite! If you like zoos, don't miss this one. There's not just one stand-out exhibit, but several. The dome (more particularly, the basement of the dome), the jungle (make sure you traverse the trail on the floor), and the aquarium are all fantastic. Just like any of the larger zoos, give yourself 2 days and be prepared to get some steps in with significant elevation change. I would recommend packing in plenty of water, however the restaurants are good. This zoo does not disappoint.

Penny Loomis

Great zoo! One of the top in the world! Have a little bit if something for everyone. Highly suggest. Could easily take 2 days to see, 1 for all the inside stuff and another for outside stuff. Lots of good food and sights.

Katelyn Strudthoff

So many different animals to see. I love the variety and the way they are trying to give the animals more realistic homes. The only draw back is now that they are trying to go with better environments for the animals, it makes it hard to see some of them at times. And a lot of the animals have the option to go to an indoor enclosure which can't be seen by patrons. Be sure to bring your own food and drinks if possible. The prices are very steep.

Rod Huether

This place was awesome. Nicest zoo I've been to. Well taken care of and certainly if you come to Omaha, you need to go to the zoo.

Linda Gocken

World class! So many well done exhibits and different options when visiting. All ages can enjoy. It was hot the day we went so enjoyed the indoor options like Dessert Dome and Aquarium.

Lindsey Pojar

This really is the best zoo around. So much to see and do. Try riding the train around the zoo! Plus, the splash pad is an awesome place to cool off after a hot day.

r n

The new Asian highlands exhibit is incredible. The zoo has options for people of all ages. I personally loved feeding the stingrays. The price is reasonable if you enjoy the whole zoo. It takes about four hours to go through each exhibit individually. I would definitely recommend this zoo to anyone in the Omaha area.

Jason Ramsey

Such a great experience. I took my whole family and we enjoyed it so much. I don’t even know where to start, you really can’t see it all in one day, but you have to go.

Matt Kenyon

Incredible place! The park as a whole was clean well laid out, animals are easy to see and seem to be well-cared-for with plenty of space. The play areas for the kids are off the charts! I highly recommend making a weekend trip to Omaha and visit the zoo.

Emily Campbell

Acres of fun! From the desert dome to the aquarium to the rainforest building to the gorilla and orangutan buildings, we loved it all! I would recommend going first thing in the morning, or on cooler days. The animals are definitely more active when it's not too hot outside! You can splurge for the extras, but we paid for the basic zoo entry to keep costs lower and still enjoyed every moment. This is one our favorite zoo's to visit (we're not local).

Anna

Such an amazing zoo! My kids loved it so much! A lot to do and see. Highly highly recommended it!

Sara Abington

I love this zoo! There is tons of activities and plenty of animals to look at! There is a huge splash park to cool off on our hot summer days! You can feed fish and giraffes! Ride elephants. Carousel rides. Train. So many attractions to mention in one review! I do recommend bringing snacks and water as the concession stands are pricey.

Dave Anderson

I have to admit this is a great zoo, it will physically kick your butt if you don't plan a path through it, but has a great assortment of exhibits and different views of animals. Also animals seem cared for, seemed very active and playful, highly recommend if in town on vacation. Pricey, expect to spend $50+ if eating / buying snacks / doing indoor activities (tram / lift)

Catherine Todd

They have made so many improvements and added so many new animals and exhibits, not only providing more opportunities for children's education on the world around us but helping more organizations protect endangered species through their breeding programs. The splash park and kids educational park were a good addition to the zoo. The children's educational park provides multiple opportunities for kids to learn and interact with the natural world around them, with a fun waterfall/creek area to play in for all ages. It's a wonderful way to keep the kids cool and occupied on hot summer days. And of course, the goats for kids to pet, brush, and play with are there. Highly recommend getting a zoo membership as it includes free tickets to all the IMAX movies.

George Almaraz

A great zoo for both adults and kids, it has activities for all ages. The stuff are very friendly and helpful. It's also great place to visit to educate oneself about all different kind of animals and view them.

J D

Always incredible. Plan accordingly. Eat the pretzel at the savanna. The aquarium is the best in the region. The zoo is one of the best in the country. Bring towels and a swimsuit for the kids in the summer. Do the splash park and adventure trails when it is warm!

Shane Boardman

So much to see and do. Very affordable. You can pack your own lunch and drinks. Before we knew it we had been there 6 hours. Love that animals aren't in cages, but big natural environments.

Timberly Krutz

Loved it except there were quite a few exhibits that were closed. Hopefully they get them opened back up soon. The aquarium and dome were great. The rainforest was incredible! Food and drink were pretty expensive. Free parking. Will definitely go back.

cdolphina2

Another cool zoo, lots of different animals and cool exhibits. The Desert Dome was my favorite place there. The zoo is pretty expansive so be prepared to walk a lot. Some of it was under construction so it wasn't as impressive as I thought it would be.

Kristin Cruise

I am a zoo keeper and like to plan a day everywhere I travel to visit a zoological facility. This is easily one of the best zoos I've ever been to (and I've been to quite a few!) The new Asia exhibit is great and I highly recommend making the time to stop and watch some of their schedules training and enrichment presentations! My family and I enjoyed it so much that we are going back for an unplanned second day to spend time in the areas we didn't get to look at in as much detail. And our first day we were there from open until they were closing everything up. Great place for animal lovers young and old!

Carla Chartran

Loved the fact that it wasn't so over packed with people. Down fall. I wanted a place to sit. I am struggling with breathing issues no where to sit as often as I needed. We had to cut our visit short. The animals were well kept.

Kenzie Moore

I love all things Zoo. Really brings out my inner kid from time to time. I’ve been to this zoo a total of 5 times, yesterday being my 5th time. I thoroughly enjoyed it as I always do which keeps me coming back, the reason for 3 stars is the fact that every time I come, the elephants are NEVER out. There’s some other various animals that are usually “off display” that creates a negative experience when coming. Other than that, I love the zoo. To couples with no kids I HIGHLY recommended not coming on weekends. Weekends are extremely packed with large family’s and kids and can really slow up some viewings and miss picture opportunities. Weekdays seem to be the better visits

Tony Staub

Simply put, the Henry Doorly Zoo is World Class. It is huge, but still filled with great detail. The price is a steal considering the quantity and quality it offers. A shining jewel of Omaha.

Cassandra Astle

We LOVE the zoo! The splash pad is always busy on hot days, but there's plenty to do. They limit the number of kids so you may have to wait to go in. We happened to show up just at the right time and didn't have to wait at all. We love everything else about the zoo and have been going for 8 years. They're always improving the zoo and making it world class!

Ren Lee

Love the new changes and options. I was not that happy about the food cost. Paying 17 for a burger. It is so expensive for family of five. But fun for kids.

Ben Porter

My family loves to go to zoos, and this is definitely the best we have ever been to. They have an amazing array of animals, and we saw many that we have never seen before. The Desert Dome has to be the coolest exhibit that I have ever seen! There are so many things to see that we could barely fit it into one day!

Natalie Adams

Have been going every few years for over 50 years & the zoo always amazes me! The new big cat exhibit was incredible and seeing elephants here again - and thriving in their new area just made our day. The baby sea lion was adorable. So many new & improved areas! Only 2 things kept visit at 4 stars - the new Alaska area has several new food vendors but they all sell the same food?? And we are at the Treetop Cafe.... I had 2 tacos, a small cup of fruit, & a souvenir drink.... for $17+ dollars??? That's beyond overpriced. Still the best zoo going - but I'd eat before you go.

Dirk Cummings

We had fun, and admittedly did go later in the day (arrived around 2pm), but weren't able to see all of the attractions we wanted to. The lines for the rides were too long and they actually don't drop you off at all the different sections of the park. We ended up taking the train from one end to the other, and then had to walk back towards the entrance of the park. There's a huge section from the train depot to the front that doesn't have anything to see so you spend a ton of time just walking around to get to things. It would be nice if they made stops to each of the different sections/themes of the Zoo.

Tara Scott

Great zoo with a lot to see and do for the family. Bring a suit for the Splash Park to cool off. I'd recommend bringing your own food and drinks since you can. The lines for concessions all took over 30 minutes to get through on a Saturday. Love it if they'd get add lines or a booth for drinks only!

Brainpasta

For being a wheelchair accessible zoo it is very difficult to push a wheelchair through the exhibits. The paths are textured and sloped in such a way as to prevent smooth controllable movement of the wheelchair along the path. There are drainage grooves cut into the path as well that the wheels get stuck in dumping my poor girlfriend out onto the ground as we came down the slopes. Also there should be more security protecting the well being of the animals / people being ejected from the zoo for not following guidelines or common sense. Witness park guests stealing feathers from the Macaw's tail while the zookeeper 3 feet away was too involved in her phone to notice. Guests banging on the glass of the exhibits without any disciplinary action on behalf of the zoo staff. Like come on. The animals are being subjected to abuse at that point because you allow park guests to be unruly in your establishment. On a positive note the exhibits are very well done and we will return to see the new exhibits in the future. Just maybe with crutches next time.

Ryan Nedela

No better way to spend either a Saturday or even just a quick trip to see the gorillas, amazing creatures. Sometimes if I have a early day from work the wife and I sneak over quick. Ha ha. Family memberships are well worth it. And includes theater also.

Joshua Monroe

Definitely an Omaha staple. If you don't have time for anything else, go here. The orangutans are not favorite, but there's not a part I don't like.

jennifer kozak

I highly recommend getting the Patron Pass if you plan on going to the zoo and safari a lot! It is more than worth it, plus it helps the animals so it is a win-win! I love this zoo and am so happy to live so close to it. They have so many different animals and they take such great care of them! I have been going to this zoo since I was a little girl and I enjoy taking my kids and grandchild now. If you are ever in the Omaha area, this is a MUST on your to do list!!

Brad VanKley

This zoo has just about every thing you could want to see. One animal I would like then to have is a panda "not that they haven't tried". From the jungle to the dome to the aquarium. The sky lifts are nice. Its so big its hard to get everything in.

James Reamer

The Ghouls and Glow event is very well put together. Everyone should see the kingdom of the night and jungle after the sun goes down at least once! We have a great time every time we go to the zoo.

Savanna Williams

Awesome zoo. It was pretty hot so some of the animal were tucked away in the shade but I can't really blame them for that. Brought our own water bottles and refilled them at the refill stations so you don't have to buy $5 water. We spent about 2 hours here but could have spent a lot longer. I think it was about $20 for an adult ticket during summer.

Michelle Yep thats me

An awesome experience! There are plenty of indoor attractions to get away from the outside heat, a lot of benches and resting areas. Also new is the stingray beach where you can pet the sting rays (you must purchase tickets). I drive 3 hours to visit this zoo and it's always worth it!

Andrew Doss

Great zoo, and the best one in the Midwest to go to! Took my family and had a blast all day. Get your running shoes ready as there is so much to see and do. Spent a good 6 hours here and saw about 75% of the zoo. Lots of different animals and exhibits from being underwater with fish swimming around you in a tunnel, to the Amazon rain forest, to the desert, and many more! Friendly staff too.

robert davis

Best zoo ever!!! It truly is. There is nothing like it. My 18 yr old daughter was telling her friends it's like Disney. Its clean, friendly n lots to see

Richard Snyder

The best zoological park in the country. Others touted as the best have nothing on Omaha's Henry Doorley Zoo. I have been to some nice ones and some bigger ones that were way too crowded. In summer HDZ can be a bit crowded, but you can see all you want to see in one day. Great facilities, educational opportunities and the exhibits are made to replicate the animals natural environment. Near constant renovation and expansion means that you will frequently see something new.

Danielle Alvarez

Such an amazing zoo! Every time we go there seems to be something new. Plan a full day if you want to take your time and see everything. This zoo is massive. The new food court is very nice as well.

Kaitlin

We love Henry Doorly Zoo!! Best zoo in the U.S.! Too many fun memories to count. The membership year passes are definitely worth it if you live in the area! My little one always requests to go to the zoo. The children’s area is phenomenal and I love all the bathrooms and nursing areas for moms and little ones!

Natalie Harber

You will probably need 2 to 3 days to see the whole zoo. Also consider bringing kids who can walk walk for a long time without getting upset. Cool zoo and you should go.

LauraLee Vande Werken

The Desert Dome had very interesting creatures in it. It was a little dark in a few places so that you couldn't see the animals in the habitats. And there were a couple screamers (kids) but it was a very good place. Our schedule for the day didn't allow us to see the larger animals like the elephants giraffes gorillas. I really wish we had had the chance to see them as in Illinois zoos there are no more elephants. All in all, it's a beautiful place to go to learn about God's amazing creatures.

Keith Christiansen

Best zoo ever. Hot or cold this zoo rocks. We did the 2 day pass and that worked best for us with 2 young kids. Amazing!

Christopher Hall

The zoo was bigger than I thought it would be. I sit here rubbing worn out feet because there was so much to see and do. My wife and I arrived at opening (9am) while it was pouring rain agreeing to enjoy whatever the zoo had opened. Happily it was all open,this zoo is not afraid of rain. The outdoor exhibits are nice but their inside enclosures are the best. They have spent lots of time and money building different ecosystems to make the animal's lives comfortable. We left around 4:30 and that wasn't enough time to see everything. If you are thinking of going it is worth it.

Jesse Pierson

Pros: Exceptional exhibits including; the aquarium, atrium, rainforest exhibit, and, my favorite "Kingdom of the Night," with a great and friendly staff. Amazing 3D theatre. Very clean and well kept. Great zoo! Cons: Not particularly easy to navigate. Most of the concessions close early. Steep hills for those with a hard time walking. Oh, and the further North entrance/exit, with quite the walk with absolutely no warning, closes before the rest of the park.

George Teachman

The Zoo has grown a lot since my last visit and it was great then. Y'all are doing a fantastic job. The only 'fault' I can see is that there are so many unique plantings (trees/shrubs/flowering/grasses) that aren't identified. While resting in the outdoor grill near the entrance my eyes went right to the Trembling Aspen. Having an id plaque with scientific and non-scientific names and embossed range maps would be great. Keep up the good work.

Alicia T

Amazing zoo!! Friendly staff. Definitely an all day event. So much to see and do. We always have an great time.

Jeff Ladegaard

Amazing, awesome, super fun. We have been to other zoos closer to home and none hold a candle to this zoo. It is so large already and they are adding even more attractions. Most of the animals are in a huge natural environment so they don't seem like they are just standing around doing nothing the whole time. The food prices are high which is I suppose to be expected. The in zoo water park where kids can go get wet and cool off is an amazing addition as well. If you want to see everything, and do more then just walk past everything and just glance at it, you will need two days, which makes it nice that you get the second consecutive days at a discount. Overall definitely worth seeing.

Shawna Rust

Love this place. The upgrades are fabulous and the employees are super friendly. Awesome place to visit

Sierra Rold

I've been to the Omaha Zoo probably close to 20 times and each time it just gets better! I grew up going here each summer with my grandparents, and it has come so far since then. The Kingdom of the Night is by far by favorite exhibit as it's spooky and dark, but the entire zoo is absolutely amazing. Best zoo in the world for sure!!!

Farmer Ted Jacobs

We really loved this zoo. While some exhibits are typical of any quality zoo, the jungle, desert, and butterfly exhibits are exceptional. We were awestruck by how well integrated and interactive those particular exhibits were, not to mention the fact that they were in climate controlled areas. Best advice, order tickets online and avoid the ticket lines!

sally bruce

We were in Omaha for only one day, visiting from the UK, on a stopover during a train trip across the States. We could have done the usual museum/church type of tourist activities but our Uber driver recommended the zoo and off we went and it was great! Heavily involved in species conservation and with happy birds, fish and animals living in carefully designed habitats which are perfect for them and make for an enjoyable visit for the humans who come to see them. We are an older couple but it was apparent that there's masses to do if you have children with you. The whole place was carefully thought out and offers several completely different environments (desert dome, jungle trail, aviary, Asian lands) which kept it interesting for visitors. We spent 5 or 6 hours walking round and were never bored for a minute.

Logan Paquin

This is our favorite zoo in the US! My son and I have been here a few times, and it gets better with each visit. There are so many unique animals and exhibits. The desert dome feels like desert, the swamp feels like you are walking through a dark, damp swamp, and the sea aquarium is top notch. Both the train and sky lift rides are a fun break from the heat, and the splash pad is so much fun. Worth the trip to Omaha just for the zoo!

House of Soul Food

I have been coming to the zoo for the past 20 plus years and each experience is always something different. My favorite part is the aquarium.I'm so happy that they brought the elephant's back and it's even more than it was before. The African grasslands makes me feel like I'm actually in Africa. Way2go Omaha

Allen Suhr

Great place to go with the family. Definitely will need more than one day to see the entire Zoo. If you have kids, bring them a swimsuit in the summer time so that they can play in the splash pad. Would also recommend taking the skyfari to the far end of the park and walking back. Will definitely save on the little ones legs

Melanie Grace

My mother, niece, and I took my 2-year-old to the zoo for the first time. He loved it. This is a beautiful zoo, with a lot to do and see. There is a lot of construction going on, but it did not interfere with any of the open exhibits and is safely blocked off. We loved the added mist stations on this HoT day. Be sure to bring extra clothes And a towel; there is a Splash Park area that the kids love.

Cassie Hull

A great zoo! I've been to about 15 different zoos in the US and this one is pretty close to becoming my favorite! Lots to do and see. Absolutely LOVE the children's area and the splash pad. We spent the day here and there was not enough time to see everything. We were able to see lots of animals, which is always a great thing (meaning, not as many animals sleeping or off exhibit).

Christine Morris

San Diego has got nothing on the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo. I love the animal interaction spots, you can feed giraffes and sting rays. The jungle and the aquarium are a must see! Several indoor exhibits which are great for super hot or cold days, it really helps break up the walking. Look for their Late Night at Zoo event, it is a very unique event to attend that allows you to roam the zoo after hours with a drink in hand!

Beth Rosenthal

This was a great place to spend our weekend. We especially enjoyed interacting with the stingrays at Stingray Beach. Even though it's being renovated, the aquarium was amazing. The new Asian Highlands exhibit was very impressive - we loved seeing the tiger. The African Grasslands is expansive and fabulous. There are helpful water bottle refilling spots around the zoo. We can't wait for the Coastal Shores to be done so we can visit again next summer!

Joy Jones

Amazing Zoo!!! When we lived in Omaha, we kept a yearly membership at the Henry Doorly Zoo. It was such an incredible bargain for the money. We went throughput the year and seasons. There are so many indoor animal habitats to go through...the Rainforest, the Desert Dome, and Creatures of the Night, are just a few of our favorites. Since moving to South Dakota, we have only been back to the zoo two times. I am amazed at all the work they have done. The new Asian and African Areas feel so much more like walking through a natural habitat than seeing an animal in a cage. I would encourage you to plan an entire day or a couple of days to take it all in. There is so much to see. It is truly one of the finest zoos in the country.

David Dzodzomenyo

Best zoo in the nation! The new Asian Highlands exhibit is exceptional! Everyone should go if they have a chance. Pro Tip: Go during the school year to avoid the massive crowds.

Tina Molina

The best place in the world to visit. Went back home to visit my Daughters best Friend and her son Henry.It was the best wished we could have moved back that would have made it better. We miss Bellevue Nebraska..

Cassie Hull

A great zoo! I've been to about 15 different zoos in the US and this one is pretty close to becoming my favorite! Lots to do and see. Absolutely LOVE the children's area and the splash pad. We spent the day here and there was not enough time to see everything. We were able to see lots of animals, which is always a great thing (meaning, not as many animals sleeping or off exhibit).

Larissa Morrison

The Zoo has underwent extensive renovation and flipped the layout of the zoo. The bear exhibit is no more however there is a children's adventure area and the new layout is situated perfectly to get people more steps in to be more active. Still handicap accessible and the train &trams still available. Shade and misting areas are scattered around to keep visitors cool on heated summer days. Voted the #1 zoo in the country...go visit the Henery Doorly today! You won't be disappointed.

Darren Richardson

A very large zoo that has almost every animal you could think of. This includes a dessert dome enclosure, an aquarium, the Asian highlands, the African plains, a seal pool, and a rather large ape/primate enclosure. Admission for an adult is about 21.95$ with kids being less and a child under 2 being free (senior citizen and veteran discounts are also available). All in all a splendid way to spend an after noon although it can be very crowded depending on time and date.

Alana Mitchell

The zoo really is my favorite place in the world. I come here SO often I've gotten a membership! The memberships last a FULL year and I can come everyday but christmas if I wanted! The staff is amazing and even on their busy days they try their best to give everyone a good experience. Their "rides" are a nice touch but I prefer just walking around observing the animals.

Lee Kron

The zoo itself is pretty amazing. Never go on a holiday weekend or when some kind of event is happening at the zoo. Parking at the zoo is atrocious during a busy weekend or event weekend. Just pay to park across the street in one of the many places that charge you to park on their property. Lines for food or anything else are VERY slow moving. Standing in line to get anything to eat was a 45 minute ordeal. That's really bad. The zoo was very crowded on our visit but the zoo itself is always impressive.

Palmer Turner

Fantastic zoo! A huge indoor desert dome, massive indoor jungle room, an aquarium, sky ride, and so much more. It's easy to see why it's rated as the best zoo in the country. It is absolutely worth going to if you're in Omaha.

Chris Austin

We love the zoo. They are always making improvements. The kids area with the big treehouse and waterfall area to splash in was a fun way to cool off. The butterfly exhibit was exquisite, love the tube of fish in the aquarium you can walk through (amazing! And it appears they are making improvements to the aquarium too), and the indoor area for the elephants and giraffes is so clean and a wonderful way to see the animals up close. We could not find the polar bears this time (but saw their old home being replaced with something new). We always love to catch a movie. The movie on dogs was very good. We love the zoo! Good walking shoes, snacks and water a must!

Dharma H

Food is like every single other zoo in the world and main dining area you can find inside a temperature controlled shelter. The splash park and kids educational park were a good addition to the zoo. If you have never been or it has been a long time, you will be excited at all the new exhibits. My personal favorite part of the zoo is the kingdoms of the dark! We spent 6 hours. We walked all over, and still didn't cover it all. The 4 year old loved the new Splash Pad, and then we rode on the train twice.

Tennille Atherton

We love going to the zoo! I would definitely recommend getting the yearly membership as it definitely pays for itself with multiple visits, discounts and member days! As a mom of 5, I like to bring our kiddos for a few hours of fun when I'm by myself and for a full day of fun when my husband can join us! We can go and do the zoo and look at all the animals or we can go to the adventure park and splash pad and make it an afternoon of wet and wild! I'm always looking forward to the completed projects they are constantly doing to improve the facilities for both their animals and their patrons! We will keep coming back!

Amy King

We attended comedy night and had a blast! Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald is so funny! The appetizer stations had good selections. The zoo staff were all friendly and helpful. It was a different experience at night with adults only. Pretty cool! I just have to mention, there were plenty of trash and recycling receptacles placed throughout the aquarium, yet some people would just leave their food trash wherever. Seriously, stop being a pig, have some manners, and think about the other guests that may want to use your table.

Anita Ballester

What a great place to spend the day...or two! Fabulous exhibits, reasonable prices for entry (but NOT the food or drinks), great staff who are friendly and knowledgeable, and a splash park for the kiddos that EVERY zoo should invest in! I do recommend you take your own food and drinks, as the food there isn't tasty at all and the prices are absolutely outrageous for food and drinks. The only thing I would say you should try is the frozen drinks in Glacier Bay. Overpriced, but really tasty. Overall, this is an amazing place to visit!

Christine Morris

San Diego has got nothing on the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo. I love the animal interaction spots, you can feed giraffes and sting rays. The jungle and the aquarium are a must see! Several indoor exhibits which are great for super hot or cold days, it really helps break up the walking. Look for their Late Night at Zoo event, it is a very unique event to attend that allows you to roam the zoo after hours with a drink in hand!

Amber Kuntz

Members for this attraction written every penny and more. Absolutely love coming here. Tonight was the halloween ghouls and glow, seeing everything at night was amazing!

Carmen L. Throckmorton

Needs more shaded areas if they expect people to walk up all those hills the misting spots are nice but if its really hot need more shade. Nashville zoo has foliage covering there walk ways and it's amazing. Don't get me wrong the Omaha zoo is the best for things to see and overall experience but hills are not fun and shaded areas are lacking.

Hannah Borst

Had a blast! All the animals seemed happy and well fed, we saw multiple caregivers giving animals snacks and special attention throughout the day. The only reason I'm giving 4 stars is because the good is SO PRICEY! However, you can bring in backpacks and coolers and could easily pack your own lunch to save money. Great experience and I'm sure that next time will be different because they are always adding on!

Bill Burke

One of the Midwest Marvels. A self-contained safari. An oasis of wonder. The dedicated staff here have produced a world-class bastion of learning, and conservationism.

brittany swee

Amazing zoo! Spent all day and still missed one exhibit, there's so much to see and do! Stingray beach was my favorite because you get to pet them and they are like little sea puppies! To be safe I'd say to try to go 2 days in order not to rush and be able to see everything. Had such a good time, would definitely go back again!

Jamie Olson

World class zoo at Midwest prices. Literally half the cost of the San Diego and Miami zoos with seemingly the same calibre. Well kept enclosures with nothing setting too small for the animals.

Shane Seegers

The best zoo I’ve been to by far! The experience is awesome! I liked how each area guides a person though with facts about the animals. They have it all here. Orangutan, gorillas, monkeys, tigers, lions, elephants, a neat aquarium, the list goes on! One thing I would recommend however is bring your own drinks and food. Prices are very high for food and beverages. The zoo allows coolers , no glass and no alcohol. My daughter loved it, and my wife and myself as well. We will definitely be back!

Austin Burke

The best part of omaha but definitely wear walking shoes. No doubt worth every penny. I visit numerous times a year and have my whole life.

Lee Volkens

A great place to go at any age. Plenty of animals and exhibits to see and learn about. Only advise is go right when it opens since the zoo is a really popular place

Kelsey Coleman

Absolutely loved my time here. It was great how little they charge in comparison to other zoos for add-on activities such as the skylift. I highly recommend getting to the Lied Jungle around 4 to walk with the bats!

Sarah George

Best zoo in the world! Lots to see. I wish some of the enclosures were a little bigger but the zoo is working towards getting rid of all of their outdated areas. They have recently opened 3 or 4 exhibits in the last 3 years. Im excited to see where it goes.

Katrina Schmidt

Absolutely beautiful zoo. So much to do for all ages, my daughter and I always have a wonderful time, even if it's just walking around. The staff cares so much for the animals and the zoo is kept clean, it makes the visit that much more enjoyable to know the animals are in a good place!

Katie Weibel

I am from Minnesota and this zoo is worth the price! They have interactive exhibits, real life wildlife habits and an amazing underground 'cave' for their below the roots species! I will return every chance I get!!

Jennifer N

I’ve been going to the Omaha Zoo for years. They’re always building new exhibits. It’s always a good fun time every time at the zoo. My family and I really enjoy the fruit bars that roam free in the jungle. We also enjoy the night kingdom for the alligators.

Beth Rosenthal

This was a great place to spend our weekend. We especially enjoyed interacting with the stingrays at Stingray Beach. Even though it's being renovated, the aquarium was amazing. The new Asian Highlands exhibit was very impressive - we loved seeing the tiger. The African Grasslands is expansive and fabulous. There are helpful water bottle refilling spots around the zoo. We can't wait for the Coastal Shores to be done so we can visit again next summer!

Nate Taylor

The Aquarium, Desert Dome, Kingdoms of the Night, the Jungle, it’s all so cool and fun. I loved going here as a kid and I still love going now. There’s so much to do you could spend the entire day here. Easily one of the best attractions in all of Omaha and in my biased opinion the best Zoo in the world.

kelsey Walton

Our trip to the Omaha Zoo. This is the best zoo I have been to in my opinion. Their prices on food and drinks are high but have other great adventures for the family. The water park, play area and animals are super cool. Their sky lift was amazing and long too. Gave you great advantages for photos. Wonderful zoo!

Scott Flamholtz

I had heard this was one of the best zoos in the country and now I know why. It did not fail to live up to that standard. A great zoo with happy and healthy animals.

Joe Zaza

Great for little and big kids. Too big and awesome for 1 day, we'll be back several times in the next few years to see more of the aquarium and other attractions. Splash park is nice in the summer, extra clothes and towels for kids, stroller is key for 5 and under. The Dark Kingdom is really dark and closed in, not for the claustrophobic.

Haydar Aljaafari

Best place to go during a weekend. We got a lot of fun over there and enjoyed the huge number of animals. This place worth your visit, and explore insects world in the butterfly and insects pavilion, exploring the wild animals in door and outdoor, riding on the skyfari. Tour the entire place by the train. Desert Dome and Kingdom of the night was our favorite. For sure will go back again.

Vanessa Hughes

Love this zoo! Very large layout filled with a variety of the aquatic kind and land mammals! My kids and I have enjoyed every trip so far. Never underestimate the heat in the summer (just like the state fairs I always stop at a dollar tree and pick up a few “paper fans” to wave the heat away) and wear your sneakers, when I wear flip flops I hate myself for days. Food is like every single other zoo in the world and main dining area you can find inside a temperature controlled shelter.

stuart charbonneau

I have been to a lot of zoos and this is one of the best. It is a lot of walking but well worth it. If you try to hit it all in one day you won't have the time to appreciate everything. My favorite exhibit was the Lied Forrest building. Parking was simple and easy the staff was very nice as well.

Joy Jones

Amazing Zoo!!! When we lived in Omaha, we kept a yearly membership at the Henry Doorly Zoo. It was such an incredible bargain for the money. We went throughput the year and seasons. There are so many indoor animal habitats to go through...the Rainforest, the Desert Dome, and Creatures of the Night, are just a few of our favorites. Since moving to South Dakota, we have only been back to the zoo two times. I am amazed at all the work they have done. The new Asian and African Areas feel so much more like walking through a natural habitat than seeing an animal in a cage. I would encourage you to plan an entire day or a couple of days to take it all in. There is so much to see. It is truly one of the finest zoos in the country.

Diana T

I took my 9month old for the first time and he loved the aquarium. I highly recommend making time to see everything, as we only went for a couple of hours and even then that wasn't enough time for us ! There's so much to see! We will be back once our son is older.

Sam Pilkenton

It’s expensive and the food is even more overpriced than most zoos and similar attractions, but it is a very good zoo. It has impressive exhibits and is very large. They’re always expanding and adding more (likely why it’s so pricey). It’s a must visit for me every time I’m in Omaha.

Swimbro Van Leeuwen

Truly an amazing zoo. What makes this is Zoo stand out from others is the habitat interaction they have built for the public. In the jungle exhibit you walk through the jungle and it feels natural to see the animals in what is hardly recognizable as an enclosure. The same can be said for most other exhibits. The swamp is very unique and very cool,located underneath the desert dome I definitely recommend going to see this. Not anyting I've seen in other zoos. Another benefit is many large indoor exhibits so you can go and have a good time at any time of year.

Paul Saporite

We went on a Monday, which was good and bad. Low foot traffic butt not all snack bars were open. Actually only your main attraction were. If you go, go early, head off to the right and see the giraffe elephants and then Africa to thai. You'll see the animals when they are out, the cool off last in the desert dome, night crawlers and aquarium. We did the opposite, missed a couple of the larger animals due to the heat. Their attractions were awesome, they did well showcasing the animals.

Raymond Widtfeldt

They say Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo is one of the top in the country. Well, in my eyes, it by is the best in the country. My wife and I took one of our older grandchildren and a 4yr. old neighbor boy. We spent 6 hours. We walked all over, and still didn't cover it all. The 4 year old loved the new Splash Pad, and then we rode on the train twice. He really loved the engineer, Chuck Sharp. Such a really great time. WE WILL BE GOING BACK. Ray W from Co. Bluffs, Ia.

Julie Woodhouse

An amazing zoo. I absolutely loved the aquarium and Leid Jungle exhibits. New construction all around so am looking forward to returning in a year or so to see what is added.

Liz Yvonne

This is the Disneyland of zoo’s!! Not only does it have a huge dome that just reminds me of Disney but the whole park is Huge! There is a train, skyfari, and tram to get around. Sure, they have a price but for $3-$4 a person it’s worth it to see the park in a different and faster way. We were there for about 4 hours and only got to see about 2/3 of the park if that! The zoo does offer a second day pass for half off if you don’t have enough time. If I was an Omaha resident I would get the membership no doubt! The kids favorite parts were the jungle with the howler monkeys and otters and bats! stingray beach and the water spray park were another! The aquarium was full of amazing and neat creatures. The penguins, sharks and jellyfish we’re beautiful. There were animals everywhere and sadly we didn’t even get to touch foot on the farthest back of the zoo with the cheetah etc! We are making plans to be back soon!! Necessary items to take are water, an umbrella, sunscreen and snacks! All the walking will make you hungry. The stroller for the babies are a given! Enjoy one of the best zoo’s in the country. Also one important thing to note is the animals were happy in their man made habitats! This is unlike anything I have seen at other zoo’s and the reason I don’t go to zoo’s often. It’s sad to see miserable creatures especially with children. The animals at this zoo were moving, engaged, and active! Great Job Henry Doorly Zoo!!!!!!!!

Kevin Keplar

Just went to their Ghouls and Glow Halloween event - totally awesome. A popular event, so pretty crowded, but totally worth it. Well done HDZ!

Martin Koehler

It is one of America's best zoos for a reason. They have added plenty of new attractions and great updates over the years. Every time I go I have to go visit the Cat house and aquarium. The Lead Jungle has been a favorite spot of mine since it opened when I was a kid. Food has always been great there. Also, you need to take the train at least once.

Kyle Mayor

So amazing!!! I can't begin to explain how amazing this zoo is and it gets better every year. They are constantly improving or adding something. This is the perfect place to spend a day be matter if you're single, a couple, a family, or a group of friends. There is so much to see and so much to do you will more then get your money's worth

Waldemar Rentas

A wonderful place i was very impressed at how clean and good the zoo looked. It has so many attractions and things to do you need more then a day to fully enjoy all this zoo has to offer.

Caitlin Curran

Love this place! Getting bigger all the time! Great for all ages! Need more than one day to do the park

Staci M

One of the best zoos! I travel several times from Kansas City to come here. You will be spending all day here there so much here to look at! The aquarium, rain forest, butterfly palace, desert done under neath is the lagoon, a lot of outside animals and inside as well. The place is huge! You won’t be disappointed!

Aundi Smith

So many indoor areas that are climate controlled. Made it nice to go even on a hot day! Was busy on the weekend but that is expected. Was clean, and the animals looked very well cared for. Will definitely be driving the 3 hours 1 way to visit again!

Jacob Grooms

Best zoo I’ve ever been to! You cannot see it all in one day. I highly recommend taking advantage of their highest package; then you can enjoy everything and save some money while doing it. Their sky-fari was awesome too! I was only in Omaha for a brief time, but would go back just for the zoo alone.

Dawn

Awesome exhibits that give you a close encounter with the animals. Some neat birds and animals running free and coming right up to you. Loved the giraffe and stingray feeding! Definite must if you're able to do it.

Jessica Queen

Always a great time any time of the year, snowy days are awesome because you have the zoo to yourself! Feeding the manta rays is pricey but was a really unique and memorable event for our family.

Amy Upchurch

World-class zoo with educational elements + sheer enjoyment. Animals appear to be well cared for. This is the perfect activity for multi-generational family outings. There are too many excellent exhibits to name them all here, but the ocean aquarium is particularly noteworthy. If you are bringing young children during the summer, don't forget to pack swimsuits and play in the Splash Pad.

Jason Puett

Affordable family fun, lots to see and do. We were on a short one day trip (not enough time to see it all). We visited the aquarium, the desert dome, the tropical rain forest, the seals, the gorillas, and rode the train around the park to try and see the rest. Exhausting to travel the entire park. They have trams(cost) to reduce your walking.

Wisco Simple

One of the best zoos I've ever been to. Rain or shine you will be able to spend a whole day here the indoor exhibits go on forever. everything is realy well done and clean

Andy R

Nothing but construction, hardly any animals. No attractions open like the train, sky lift and giraffe petting area etc. Only 3 food spots open with mile long lines. Looks more like an amuesment park with no rides than a zoo. I don't see how it's one of the top 3 zoos in the nation... I'm not surprised to see all the 1 and 2 star reviews, all about the same as mine after visiting this zoo. Make sure to get your money back like I did if you don't enjoy your visit to the zoo. Maybe the zoo will realize they aren't doing a good job with all the refund requests. 20 years ago the zoo was a great place to visit. Better animal displays for both the animals and visitors with a much better selection of animals. It's also too bad that the land where Rosenblatt Stadium was is nothing but parking spots now and weren't dedicated to nicer animal displays. I will end on a positive note, the different plants and vegetation were nicely kept up with a nice variety located throughout the zoo.

Marcus Lewis

My friends and I went to the 1st and 2nd Nighttime Zoo events. This is the best way to enjoy the zoo, save the humidity :p. I have lived here for 20+ years and the Zoo staff is always polite and not in your face like some entertainment events. Obviously Henry Doorly Zoo has the best display of animals. As long as there aren't any children or baking sun I ensure I will return.

David Nancy Kuhn

Great zoo for Midwest. Better than San Diego Zoo. Very clean and well maintained. Staff very helpful and informative on animals. Worth the time and price.

Jack Gillespie

This has to be the largest, most interesting zoo we have ever seen. The walking paths are easy to navigate and the exhibits are very nice. What an amazing collection of animals! Great place to bring kids. Lots of walking involved, so plan ahead. There are water features along the walkway to help with the summer heat.

Big Daddy Carr

I love going here and taking the babies. We purchase the membership and go several times a year. After the first trip the membership shows its worth. It's always a new experience. Even though we see the same exhibits, the animals are never doing the same thing. I really like the new additions and trails. It is a very enjoyable walk every time. We spend about 3-4 hours there each time we go. The only 'downside' is the cost of food. It is pretty high but we always bring our own food, snacks and drinks so the cost of the good doesn't matter to us. There are benches and tables all over to have a sit and eat.

Shelby Larsen

Great place to go with friends or family! The best zoo I've ever visited - so many things to see and do! I would highly recommend paying a little extra for stingray beach! Petting and feeding the stingrays is my favourite part!

Michelle stream

We went there as part of our family vacation, it was a great experience! We definitely could have made this a 2 day trip, if we had known! We opted for the the higher priced passes to be able to do the rides and it was so well worth it. The sky ride gave some fantastic views and by far the best "ride" there. Of course some animals we didn't get to see but there are so many it really wasn't a huge issue. The aquarium was under construction but it still seemed fine. The Jungle Building was a huge hit as was the nocternal exhibit. It was pretty quiet towards the end of the night so we were one of the only people in that exhibit. We got there about 10 and stayed all day. We brought in snacks and water so we didn't have to spend much on food. Staff we interacted with were very friendly. It was great that they had misters and sunscreen throughout the Zoo. Overall it was a wonderful experience and we definitely will try to make it back someday!!

DJ Weber

I really liked the zoo. The weather held out for us so the animals pretty much came out to say hello. The food is way overpriced and the portions are too small. The grounds around the zoo were very clean as well as the bathrooms. The staff I came in contact with were all very pleasant and professional. It was a great day. The website for pricing needs to be updated because when we got there it was more than advertised. All in all it was a nice place to visit and the three teenagers I took with me enjoyed it.

Nur Murni

Best zoo ever! We always go from open to close and still never see everything! So we always discover something new, and always enjoy our favorite exhibits. The price is well worth what you get to experience!

Linda Williams

Truly a great zoo. Even older children will love this zoo. It is just exceptional in many respects. The parking is easy. The walking is not unreasonable or taxing. The animals look well cared for and have plenty of room.

Alicia Hoffman

This is a classic summertime visit for anyone in the Nebraska area. I LOVE the sky-fari! I wish they would make it a longer ride to see more though, like if it were to go over the Asian and African animal exhibits. The movies they have are always cool too. They also have a grill next to the jungle where you can order burgers and chips. The gift shop brings back memories as a little kid with the soft stuffed animals- (I still sometimes get stuffed animals when I go there)- the cool t shirts, jewelry and statues you can buy are also really cool. The aquarium has always been one of the main attractions too. They even have some sharks in there, and a sea turtle or two. If you have kids, they can take summer zoo classes provided by some of the workers who can show you behind the scenes, or can show you how to feed some of the animals. This zoo will forever hold a special place in my heart and I highly suggest you visit it.

Kelly Santos

Make sure to prepare yourself with water and snacks a pair of shorts and sneakers even an umbrella for shade or hat. It’s about 6 miles you walk in total and there’s hills on the Asain part. There were some animals not on display due to heat, except we weren’t able to see the elephants outside or the lions which is the main reason I go to the zoo. Vending machines need a bit more supervision since some people were having trouble getting money back or even getting a drink. Overall a really nice zoo

Kristi Holley

Fantastic zoo and aquarium. Disappointed that the stingray exhibit and ride across on chairs was extra considering the high ticket prices though. Also alot of areas closed but still paid full price. Super nice but super pricey for families.

Terri Russell

Enjoyed ourselves very much. Animals and exhibits were very educational. The food service needs to be more available and enough help to move people along speedily.

Andrew Botkin

One of the best zoos in the world... Right here in Omaha. If you're not a single person, spring for the pass early -- you'll have broken even after 2 or 3 trips. This isn't a single day zoo... pace yourself if you want to see it all, or check a map out and plan your day if you're a fun hater or efficiency expert. They DO allow outside food and drink, so pack a lunch if you're on a budget, have picky eaters, or become easily enraged at amusement park food prices. During the summer, enter through the bottom gate to be close to the splash park and adventure zone if your kids are younger than tweens.

Rosemary Carney

I took the Union Pacific train ride first as I wanted to see the " big picture " of what I wanted to visit. Besides my dad worked for them. After taking the round trip ride. I decided to start at the geodesic dome which housed a lot of different species. The displays and the contents of the dome were well planned out. I have to come back next year to see what I didn't get to see. The gift shop was really big and prices were very reasonable with a superb selection of gift items/souvenirs.

Chance Keso

Hands down the most incredible Zoo I have ever been to. I arrived shortly after opening and finished my walk through the zoo just before closing. Going when all the kids are back in school is the best time to go!

Bailey Lawson

We’ve been to zoos all over the country but this one was the best! The animals have spacious habitats and you can tell they are being cared for well and the benefits of conservation are everywhere. So many activities to do other than looking at the animals too. Sting ray beach was so much fun. This zoo is amazing!

Emily McInerney

So much fun! If you get a chance to go to one of their excellent zoo brews or one of the very fun sleepovers, I highly suggest it! The sleepover was an incredible experience and worth every penny!! I can’t wait to see what new and fun experiences they have in store!! I can’t wait to come back!! My personal favorite part of the zoo is the kingdoms of the dark!

Hayley Campbell

Hands down the BEST zoo I've ever been to! Between the extensive amounts of exhibits; the open, spacious habitats; and the strategically placed fountains and mist stations, this makes for a perfect toddler day trip. We only got to see the African Grasslands and the Aquarium too, so there's still lot to see.

Larry Fain

An amazing experience so glad we came. We love the zoo at home but this place blows it out of the park. The dome alone is amazing to be in, and the rest of the zoo's big exhibits are a great sight. Would totally come back again!

Michael Haworth

One of the best zoo's I've visited. Check out the "Skyfari" ride for a great view of the park, the bayou, and desert dome. You can actually feed the giraffes! I can't say enough positive things about this zoo!

Jo B

We were at the zoo on October 26, 2019. The weather was great and my grandson was looking forward to seeing the animals. Unfortunately some of the animals weren't out and we couldn't find the buildings that they must have been in, so that was very disappointing. Also, they only had one tram running so I wasted money on the tram. When I bought our tram tickets I was told it stopped at several locations and you could get off and walk around and see the animals and then another tram would come along and you could ride it to the next stop. Unfortunately since there was just one tram running the wait for the tram was over 45 minutes. We finally gave up and started walking to the next area and then the tram came up the sidewalk. They had to stop and wait for a gate to open so they could drive on the tram path, but the driver wouldn't let us get on the tram even though it was stopped and I told him we'd waited 45 minutes at the tram stop. It's a nice zoo, but not worth our 3 hour drive.

Tamara Dunn

This place never disappoints, it is one if the best zoos!!!! I love the sky ride you can see so much from there. And the new walk ways are so much easier to navigate.

Jenni Davis

We enjoyed some of the exhibits but overall, just a mediocre experience compared to other zoos. Cons: Ultimately, difficult feeling part of the environment due to the layout, some of the enclosures were in poor or outdated condition, the animals appeared depressed and some in areas that seemed too small for their needs, and the list goes on. I just left feeling like I wanted to free all of the animals from their prison. Pros: some nice photos, lovely garden/flowers/path, clean, friendly staff, you can bring your own food/drinks, some noteworthy exhibits as well.

Vijay Murugesan

Big zoo.... Be prepared to walk miles and better take some healthy snacks and water for the energy. The dome, jungle and aquarium are the main attractions!

Ethan Frankamp

Awesome exhibits, helpful staff, and probably one of the biggest (and cleanest) zoos I have ever been to! The aquarium is AWESOME. If you and the family are in the area, I highly recommend it.

Sharon Collins

A really nice large zoo. We spent 5 hours wondering around. We're from out of town so we were trying to see it all. It was great.

Bill MacKenzie

Omaha’s Zoo and Aquarium is probably the best tourist attraction in the city. If you wanted to see everything, including all of the indoor exhibits, ride the train and catch a film you could easily spend the entire day there. Definitely plan on spending at least 3 hours just to hit a few highlights, and be sure to wear weather appropriate clothing and especially comfortable shoes. Even in rainy or oppressive weather many larger exhibits (Desert Dome, Kingdoms of the Night, Jungle, Aquarium, Mutual of Omaha insect building, Butterfly center and others) are all indoors. The grounds are beautifully landscaped, and there are apt to be hundreds of butterflies fluttering about as you walk from area to area during the summer or autumn. There are many opportunities to rest your legs at the numerous food concessions as well as benches in other areas. Parking is free. Be sure to bring a hat and wear sunscreen on sunny days.

Justina Mitchell

I love this place! You could spend the entire day here and not get bored. My favorites are seeing the alligators in the kingdom of the night exhibit, exploring the lead jungle, and feeding the giraffes.

Briseyda Garcia-Ticas

The zoo itself is great, it's pretty spacious for most animals. My family enjoyed the orangutans and the giraffes. However, we couldn't help but notice some animals just looked terribly sad, I can't imagine how many years they've spent in captivity. I understand that most of them are safer in the zoo than in the wild, but I was heartbroken by the sadness in some of their eyes. Either way, the zoo has done an awesome job in creating an environment that seems like their own nature. I don't blame the zoo at all for the animals sadness, that's why i'm giving five stars.

seemel8er creek

Our family's first visit went very well! There was so much to see and do that we couldn't fit it all in one day. We will be planning another trip soon! The animals were generally more available and closer than other zoos we've visited. Kids loved checking out the helicopter, safari trucks, and "headquarters" and using the radios to communicate between them. We were so glad the aquarium was open during remodeling. So cool! Wear comfortable shoes, drink lots of water, and wear sunscreen!

Flash

The biggest zoo I've visited so far in my life and I was pleasantly surprised. The highlight was the desert dome and the kingdom of the night. All in all I loved it.

John Smith

Best in the west no other zoo compares. Come on out for great fun and a day loaded with excitement. Good for the whole family.

Bryan Wenger

Over the past fifteen years we have been here perhaps five times and more recently with the revamped pricing and other additions and changes it could seem that there is a gradual shift from being a world class zoo with the focus on the animals to a little the flavor of a theme park/tourist attraction. The Desert Dome, Kingdoms of the Night, rain forest and penguin feeding continue to be highlights but be aware that the two outstanding features of this zoo are its size and the crowds. At any time but especially on a hot day this place will exhaust you.

Kassie Hanson

We absolutely love the zoo! Buying a pass is 100% worth it! Great for when it's nice out, but they truly have enough indoor areas to come on rainy or cold days, too!

random viewer

This zoo is amazing. Crazy amazing. Better than Sacramento, San francisco, Los Angeles, and Washington DC. Comparable to Moscow and San Diego. These r all the zoos I have been to. Saw the aviary and and the bio domes many years ago. Today we saw the big animals. The skyfari was incredible and gave us great views. I walked my behind off! Love this place!

Andrea Jewett

So we expected a lot more considering the hype, Top 5 best zoos to visit. Wasn't a whole lot to see, there were a ton of hills to walk, be for warned. The nighttime thing was awesome, the elephants and giraffes have a huge space which is awesome. The penguins in the aquarium are well worth it, and they actually have ice that comes from the ceiling to keep it super Cold. All in all a great place to get some exercise and see some animals

Jeralee Hahn

Beautiful and so much to see. You can't get through it all in one day, so do your research ahead of time. As of July 2019, renovations are being done to the food area outside of the aquarium, so the wait to get into the aquarium can be long. Children's play area and splash park are fantastic.

Brandy Imlay

While slightly disappointed from past visit, is still an excellent zoo. Elephants and zebras were not out due to pen maintenance and one elephant looked fairly thin. The concession stands weren't open for the first 3 hours of the day, (90degrees) so heat was a serious problem. Skylyft is excellent and gives an amazing view of animals I couldn't otherwise see. New exhibits look amazing.

Colleen Dustin

We have a beautiful and expansive amazing zoo that local Omahans take for granted. I drove around with college students not from here and hearing their comments of our zoo made me aware of how truly blessed and lucky I have been to grow up here. The enclosures are spacious and made to feel like the animals natural environment. The additions they do to the zoo are always in the animals and the visitors best interest and experience. If you've never been to the Omaha Zoo, please take a chance and visit it once. But plan to spend the ENTIRE day there...there is so much to see!

Nathan K

I love my Zoo! Whether it's Late Night at the Zoo or just a regular day I feel at home here. They're always there to help you learn new things and lend a helping hand. No question is left unanswered here because they're all so knowledgeable and caring. The butterfly garden is a must see! Bring bright colored clothing to attract a new friend. Go see the penguins and then walk through the jungle. The Skyfari is so fun, check that out for sure. And then hang out with the Lions or let your kids (or kids at heart) pretend to fly the helicopter! You're going to have a blast here!

Tim Fleener

World class zoo. Good to see new exhibits in the works. Nice to see animals from different continents. Staff knowledgeable and told great facts on animals.

April Freeman

We only had a short period of time to visit so we opted to do the train, the tram, and visit the aquarium and the Wild Kingdom! We did not walk around very much, but we did see lots of animals! The aquarium was my favorite part! The fish were beautiful and very colorful! Very friendly tram attendants! Would return when I have more time to spend! I love coming here with my family! We get to see everything and we love the train ride! We always have so much fun here! Just make sure if you have young kids to bring lots of waters it gets very hot walking around!

Neekster Man

Omaha has a lot to offer especially for people wanting something within a few hours for a weekend. You can easily make a day out of only the things near the entrance. The desert dome is warm (oh, you guessed that?) and surprisingly quiet and not packed. The jungle is really cool. The food there is above average as well and having an aquarium even if it isn’t the best on I have seen, being built into the zoo is really cool.

Mark Hammel

We stayed the night in the Orangutan exhibit and got a private tour! I highly recommend camping at the zoo. You will create priceless memories.

Taby Perez

Had a great time visiting the zoo and Nebraska. We really enjoyed the way the zoo was designed. One is able to view the different sections indoors and outdoors. I have visited several zoo's, but none laid out in this manner. Visitors are allowed to carry in beverages. They have a train ride, a tram ride, and a sky ride. Each ride costs extra.

Jessica Davenport

We travel a little under 3 hours every summer to go to Omaha's zoo!!! First of all for those who do not know if you have a zoo membership elsewhere that may get you a discount for their daily prices!! ***Worth checking into!!*** such a great time every year we come. We love that they allow you to bring in your own food and beverages so we typically pack our lunches. Our daughter has Celiac disease and although they may have options (I've never checked) we feel more comfortable packing lunches, so thank you!! Clean bathrooms which are amazing for such a large facility. Our kids love the splash park and the new adventure park that opened last year. We love that there are new things to see almost every year. Thank you for the amazing family traditions we create because of your facility!! ❤

C Gengler

Just left the ghouls and glows Halloween event. Really disappointed in the lack of kids activities. Tons of people dressed up and absolutely no trick or treating. Very limited exhibits (most of which are closed early) and one concession area open for the whole park. Overall dud considering you pay 66 bucks for a family of four

Tim H

Excellent zoo, but absurdly disorganized food service. Everything takes ultra-long. It was a busy day, but we waited around 45 minutes in line for some food. The problem was that the cashier was also preparing some of the food!!! One family ahead of us each got ice cream cones. Rather than having a separate person to make them, it took forever. Same with dispensing the drinks into each cup...the cashier did it. Not only did this create a lousy experience for us and others, it must have cost thousands of $$$ in lost revenue from people that avoided the lines or dropped out of the lines in frustration. Again, great zoo. Absolutely terrible organization and staffing.

Renee Ginal

The best zoo! Constantly improving animal exhibits. I love all of the events offered, such as Late Night at the zoo.

Seven Se7en

To begin, I need to make it known that I do not support zoo's at all. I have a disconnect with them being captured and to never be set free again. I feel some kind of way seeing the animals cage that way. I have no true knowledge about how they are treated or their mental state. I am only sharing my thoughts and feelings. Why did I go? Because in order to truly give thoughts and share about it, I had to go for myself. Despite my personal feelings the zoo was actually clean, well organized, many staff members all over and eager to help and or assist. So for that I give a great job. The animals? Again I feel a certain way, but to pull my disconnect away from what I seen. Note I walked the entire zoo and was happy that I got a chance to see every animal that day but not but one elephant. My only negative is the high price to enjoy a snack or even lunch. That needs to come down because its way to expensive.

Andrew LaCroix

The zoo has a wonderful collection of animals from around the world. We loved seeing the animals outside in "native" habitats. The landscaping added to the feeling of a safari. The aquarium is under construction but still great. Our favorite part was adventuring under the desert some to creatures of the night (bats, snakes, and alligators).

Kevin McCash

This is the best zoo ever. Lots of exhibits, continual improvement and a top notch staff. Great place for kids not just because of the animals but also because of the splash pad and HUGE playground (Adventure Trails). Always a great time every time.

Josh Yarbrough

Amazing zoo and aquarium. Plenty to see and do. Definitely an all day adventure. Exhibits are all well maintained, though some are undergoing renovations for next year. The Ghouls and Glow event was definitely a great event as well. The lantern area in the Children's Maze was awesome.

Andrea Jewett

So we expected a lot more considering the hype, Top 5 best zoos to visit. Wasn't a whole lot to see, there were a ton of hills to walk, be for warned. The nighttime thing was awesome, the elephants and giraffes have a huge space which is awesome. The penguins in the aquarium are well worth it, and they actually have ice that comes from the ceiling to keep it super Cold. All in all a great place to get some exercise and see some animals

Bill Bradley

1st time visiting the zoo since we moved here. I would have to say the best zoo we have ever visited. Lovely experience. It was busy was the only complaint but it didn't take away from the overall visit. Loved!

Maggie Momeyer

Amazing zoo with so many exhibits and more coming. Easy to walk and follow the map or signs. We completed the zoo and aquarium in 3 hours but did not have any children with us.

Julia Elizabeth

Such a cool zoo. We went during the week on a cloudy cool day and it seemed that the animals were more vs when we came a couple months ago during busy season (and it was hot). We enjoyed seeing the gorillas & the aquarium the most!

shiona ford

Such an amazing zoo, prices are good. Lots of animals to see, very clean and staff is friendly. Perfect place to spend time with the family. The new aquarium is definitely a fun addition. By far the best zoo ever

Barb Clement

There have been many positive changes since my last visit years ago. The elephant enclosure is better, although it is still an enclosure. The aquarium is still great. The whole zoo has really grown. We didn't get to anywhere near the whole thing. It was hot and humid, and the worst part of the visit was waiting in line for the snail-speed food service people. We waited in line for 15 min just to get water. And there were only 6 people in front of us; there were more early on but people just gave up. No reason for that kind of wait. No water fountains were to be found.

Ashlee Kriegel

We absolutely love the zoo, our oldest goes to the preschool and we plan on sending our youngest. The teachers are really committed to the kids and the things our son brings home knowledge wise are indescribable. He's grown so much socially and is so excited about school.

Sean Davenport

One of the best zoos in the world, no question. The zoo is never finished, as it is always be updated. The aquarium is awesome as well as the desert dome. Buy an annual pass if you are in the area, way better deal than a one day pass. If you have never been or it has been a long time, you will be excited at all the new exhibits. Much better than the San Diego zoo of which I also have been many times.

Marcy Woodruff

This zoo is huge and totally worth spending the day there going through all the exhibits. Bring comfortable shoes, a water bottle, and maybe even a lunch so you can take a break while walking. I'm impressed by how many water stations they have throughout the park. There's also a sky lift that's cool and a train that goes throughout the park. The Asian Highlands exhibit is newer and so beautiful and the animals are pretty active. The butterfly house is underrated and I always like to walk through it. The Jungle house is my favorite and I always save it for the last. It's amazing how much detail and hard work is put into creating habitats specially for each groups of animals. Try to get there in the morning and get a map. If you come to Omaha make this part of your trip!

Julie M

Great zoo, and the best one in the Midwest to go to!Love this zoo! Very large layout filled with a variety of the aquatic kind and land mammals! They have made so many improvements and added so many new animals and exhibits.

elizabeth janssen

Amazing zoo and hospitality! We drive 6 hours every other year because its so much fun. Beatiful animals and clean. Plus the splash pad is an added bonus... also you can bring in your own lunch and water bottles :)

Mike Ramsey

Arguably the best zoo in the country. Super, high-quality exhibits. Food service personnel could use some extra training to prepare and fulfil orders more quickly. But that's a minor gripe - you'll have a great time!

Jenna McDaniel

This zoo is rated 5 stars for a reason. There is something for everybody there, its beyond kid friendly. They have anything and everything you could want to. We have seasonal passes there and they are worth every penny. Its our favorite place to go for adventure and fun! If it gets to hot they have cooling stations and air conditioned buildings, my kids have basically grown up there! If you are even considering going to this zoo just do it, you will not regret it and will make a ton of memories!

Charles Sim

Beautiful! The penguin exhibit and the shark tunnel were my favorite parts of the aquarium. I loved seeing the sharks overhead! The jelly fish were mesmerizing. This zoo and this aquarium are amazing.

Heather Brandon

Great place to take the kids, friends, or just yourself. A relaxing stroll, sunshine, and maybe popcorn or an ice cream. Treat yourself to outdoor learning fun. I personally recommend the membership so you can come and go.

Sabra Rodriguez

Best zoo ever! We always go from open to close and still never see everything! So we always discover something new, and always enjoy our favorite exhibits. The price is well worth what you get to experience!

Scott Etzenhouser

This zoo was easy to navigate and had nice wide paths to accommodate the many patrons. You are able to see the animals up close. The jungle area was very cool, especially when you venture down to the bottom floor.

Caleb Sommerville

A fantastic zoo. Much of it is under construction, but you can't fault a place for improving. And seeing the recent additions of the Asian Highlands exhibit, whatever is coming is bound to be fantastic. The animals are widely varied, the landscaping fresh and inviting, and the overall layout, while spread out (we walked eight miles here in a day), is quite conducive to a long day of walking. The highlights for our group were the wonderful (if a bit crowded) aquarium, the Desert Dome, and the Kingdom of the Night exhibit under the Desert Dome.

Christina Whalen

While the zoo has many great attractions, be ready for it to be busy all the time every day. The amount of people can make buildings and areas warm and difficult to navigate. However, if you put that aside and prepare yourself for it it is a good experience and the zoo has lots of hands on activities and picture opportunities.

Ed Breitenstein

Like always had a great time! Best advise I could give is to make it a weekend event rather than trying to see the whole place in one day. Zoo pass is a good deal even if you only go 2x a year!

Jffar

Amazing place to visit. You might want to plan for more than one day, especially with children. The play areas for kids is simply an entire day by itself. Also, we saw tons of animals. Even when they were sleeping we saw then. Try have free roaming animals as well. My daughter loved the experience and we will be going back.

Lisa Maguire

My favorite zoo and I've been twice. Can't wait until early summer next year for our family trip. The package price is the best way to navigate without all the waking. My favorite area was stingray beach.

Lee Ann Nielsen

Love this place. Chased a five year old to most locations and almost saw it all. Lunch overlooking the forest, fun but very pricey. A definite go to zoo.

Jake Maguire

Went to the zoo about 4 times a month in the summer as a kid. In the teen years this meant the zoo was super boring. Always had things under construction. Just went for the first time in over a year or two and MY GOD. Beautiful renovations and the staff here really care about the place. Friend worked there for a few years and leaving was one of the toughest things he had to do because he loved the job so much!

Alexander Peichl

World class zoo. Food and drink prices are a little steep but that's to be expected. The variety of animals they have is incredible. The IMAX theatre is great. I've been going here since I was a little kid and it has only gotten better. I wish they had enough funding to update some of the buildings.

Abby Walling

Was a top 10 day! Not crowded, weather was sunny and 72°. Lots of things to see for all ages. Loved that the aquarium had stroller height viewings for kids in strollers.

Devin Golden

The animal exhibits are amazing and there is good parking here. My friends and I are in love with this zoo and are making it a yearly tradition. Cant wait to come again next year. It does get pretty busy but what can you expect at a zoo this amazing.

Trent BAM Brownrigg

Loved this place. First time ever going and it did NOT disappoint. My daughter loved it, and so did my wife and me. Will definitely be coming back. Best zoo I've ever been to.

A. Faroque

Over of the largest and interesting zoo I've ever visited. The indoor rainforest and desert environment was mesmerizing and extensively detailed. A lot of exhibits were closed due to construction. I only wished staff would've posted area that were closed at the entrance and offered discounted tickets. I'd recommend everyone who's near Omaha to take a while day and visit this zoo.

Jane Olson

We had a blast. Love that there is a water pad for the kids to cool down. There are many interactive areas. Fun for everyone!

Shirley MacKay

The animal exhibits are amazing! They don't just have one or two at an exhibit, but a whole family. The swamp is an experience that you should do at least once. I've been to San Diego Zoo and this zoo is in the same class. The kids were so excited throughout the entire time.

Susanne Anderson

Hands down, the best zoo. I don't live in Omaha anymore but each summer we bring the grandkids on a trip to visit family. And a day is always set aside especially for the zoo. We see and learn about new things every year and the exhibits truly bring you to the animals in what looks like their natural habitats. A must see for animal lovers!