Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, Oklahoma

What is Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden?

This is a full-size city zoo paired with a botanical garden, so the walk between animal areas doubles as a stroll through planted grounds. With around 130 acres and hundreds of species, it is far bigger than a quick roadside animal stop.

It holds two accreditations, one from the American Alliance of Museums and one from AZA, the national association of zoos and aquariums. It draws more than a million visitors a year, which gives a sense of its scale and popularity with local families.

History of Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden

The zoo traces its start to 1902, which makes it older than Route 66 itself by more than two decades. Over the years it grew into the large, accredited zoo and garden that fills its site in the Adventure District today.

Visiting Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden: tips

Plan on at least half a day; the grounds are large and there is a lot of walking between exhibits. Comfortable shoes, a hat and plenty of water make the day easier, since most of the visit is outdoors. The site is listed as wheelchair accessible.

The zoo is about 2.5 miles off the old road, so it fits well into a night or two in Oklahoma City. Two other big attractions sit close by: the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is about 1.2 miles away, and the Hambrick Botanical Gardens, on that museum's grounds, are about the same distance. The Oklahoma History Center is about 2.4 miles away, handy for a rainy afternoon.