The Denver Zoo – Fun and Adventure For All!
Ah… the Denver Zoo, one of my favorite places to visit in all of Colorado! Whether you are 2, 10, or 50 years old, the Denver Zoo is a wonderful place full of adventure and discovery. An afternoon spent walking around learning about all the different animals, while enjoying Colorado’s beautiful weather, is my idea of summer fun at its best. From the new Toyota Elephant Passage and their Primate Panorama, to the interactive exhibit and educational shows, the Denver Zoo is sure to be intriguing expedition!
The park has tons of amenities and offers a wide range of services, shops, and eateries. There is even an event center and several summer camp programs you can participate in. The best thing about going to the Denver Zoo is seeing the smiles on the faces of everyone around you while they experience the awe and beauty of Mother Nature’s most impressive creations.
The Denver Zoo is located in City Park, with its main entrance and parking facilities smack-dab in the middle of Colorado Boulevard and York Street on 23rd Avenue. Although parking is free, folks are encouraged to use the public transportation which operates frequently. Admission to the park is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, $10 for kids ages 3-10 years old, and free for kids 2 years and under. General admission will get you into every exhibit, however the carousel and train rides are an additional fee.
Open every day of the year, the Denver Zoo sees thousands of visitors each day. During the summer months, the zoo operates from 9am to 6pm and it is best to either get there early before the animals take their naps in the shade, or later in the early evening when they are out looking for food once again. I also suggest buying your tickets in advance online, or at your local King Soopers to avoid long ticket lines. You will definitely want to do this if you are planning on attending one of their special events like Boo at the Zoo, Date Night, or Zoo Lights, since lines are known to wrap around into the parking lots for these events.
The Denver Zoo is not just a fun place for kids to run around, it is also a valuable community resource for all of Colorado’s residents and visitors. This one of a kind, world class facility is actually a learning center, nature center and a recycling center too! They have programs ranging from 3 years old to teens, adults, and seniors. Offering opportunities like their Summer Safari Day Camp, the Keeper Experience, Photo Safari, and a variety of VIP tours; the general public has endless opportunities to experience and learn about zoo animals and their habitats. In addition, the zoo is also involved with extensive training, interning, and researching programs for people studying in the field. As if that was not enough, the Denver Zoo has also developed a program where they utilize the trash that is produced by visitors into recycled energy.
Although you are sure to be able to buy whatever you may need while there, you are allowed to bring whatever you want with you into the zoo excluding glass bottles and alcohol. I suggest packing a lunch, plenty of water (both to drink and some to splash on your face as you walk around), lots of sun block, a change of cloths for the kids so they can play in the stream and sandbox, some cash for souvenirs, a camera, and a wagon or stroller for the little one. The zoo is handicap accessible and there is also a trolley that runs around the facility, which is great for those who have a hard time walking.