The Los Angeles Zoo with Kids: What to See, How Long to Stay and Griffith Park Next Door

The animals not to miss

• Flamingos: the pink flock greets you on the Entry Promenade, and the morning Flamingo Mingle talk is a gentle start.
• Gorillas and orangutans: the great apes share a central area; time your visit for a Gorilla Talk.
• Chimpanzees: a troop in the Africa area, by Mahale Terrace. Catch a Chimp Chat if you can.
• Animals of Africa: giraffes, plus Cape Vulture Plaza for bird fans.
• Animals of Asia: around Rhino Plaza, near the far end of the zoo.
• The LAIR: the reptile and amphibian house, with snakes, lizards and frogs. It's indoors, so it's a good break from the sun.
• Rainforest of the Americas and the Aviary: close to each other, near the Children's Zoo.
• Animals of Australia: kangaroos and more, near the carousel.

No elephants any more

The zoo's last two elephants, Billy and Tina, moved to the Tulsa Zoo in 2025. Today the great apes are the stars.

How long to stay

Most families need about half a day: three to four hours covers the main loop at a kids' pace. Animals start heading inside at 4 p.m., so a morning visit is best. Toddlers may be happy with the Children's Zoo, the flamingos and the carousel in two hours.

• Hills: the paths climb, especially out to Africa and Asia. Bring a stroller or rent one near the entrance (first come, first served).
• Safari Shuttle: a paid shuttle loops around the zoo with several stops, a big help for tired legs.
• Play breaks: Papiano Play Park sits at the far end beyond Asia, the Tom Mankiewicz Conservation Carousel is in the middle, and the World of Birds Show has its own amphitheatre.

Shade, water and food

• Go early: summer afternoons in this part of Los Angeles get hot, and much of the zoo is on open hillsides. Hats and sunscreen help.
• Refill bottles: there are hydration stations around the zoo, marked on the map.
• Bring a picnic: your own food is welcome (no glass, disposable straws or alcohol). The Rose Garden Picnic Area near the entrance and the Bird Show Picnic Area are handy.
• Eating at the zoo: Reggie's Bistro, the Zoo Grill and Pink's Hot Dogs are near the entrance and the Drylands, with Mahale Café in Africa; some spots open only at weekends.

Combine it with Griffith Park

Travel Town, the free open-air railway museum, is just down Zoo Drive: real locomotives to climb, closed on Mondays. Finish the day at Griffith Observatory for the city lights at sunset. Our Griffith Park guide has a full day plan.

Seasonal events

• Boo at the L.A. Zoo: trick-or-treating, keeper talks and pumpkin enrichment on the weekends around Halloween, included with admission (check the dates).
• L.A. Zoo Lights: an evening light show, November 20 to January 10, 6 to 10 p.m. Check the zoo's website for tickets.

Make it a game

A Play Your Trip book turns your zoo day into an adventure: every stop a quest with a coin to collect, every place one tap from the map. Make your Los Angeles book or play the demo.