Lincoln Children’s Zoo

About

Lincoln Children's Zoo sits on 10 acres in the heart of Lincoln, Nebraska, and it's designed from the ground up for young explorers. With over 40 animal species and more than 400 individual animals, this compact zoo packs a remarkable amount of wonder into a space that's easy to cover in a single visit.

What sets this zoo apart is its emphasis on direct animal encounters. Kids can feed giraffes by hand, pet stingrays in a touch tank, and walk through a free-flight aviary where colorful birds land just inches away. The zoo's philosophy is simple: the closer children get to animals, the more they'll care about protecting them.

Beyond the animal exhibits, families will find a vintage-style train ride that loops through the grounds, a splash pad for cooling off on hot Nebraska summers, and a nature-themed playground. The zoo also offers seasonal events throughout the year, from holiday light displays to summer camps packed with STEAM-based lessons and hands-on activities.

The grounds are thoughtfully laid out with paved pathways connecting exhibits, making it manageable even for families with very young children or those using strollers and wheelchairs. Most visits last two to three hours, giving you plenty of time to see everything without exhausting little legs.

Lincoln Children's Zoo is located at 1222 South 27th Street in Lincoln. It's open seasonally, typically from April through October, with special events during winter months. Memberships are available and offer great value for local families who want to visit multiple times. The zoo accepts credit cards and Apple Pay.

Whether you're a local family looking for a weekday outing or a traveler passing through Nebraska, this zoo delivers genuine connection between kids and the animal world in a way that larger facilities sometimes can't match. It's small enough to feel personal, yet packed with enough experiences to keep children engaged and asking to come back.

Accessibility

Lincoln Children's Zoo is wheelchair accessible, with paved pathways connecting exhibits throughout the 10-acre grounds. The zoo offers wheelchairs and motorized scooters on a first-come, first-served basis, so visitors who need mobility assistance can borrow equipment on-site. Strollers are also available for families who prefer not to bring their own.

The compact layout of the zoo works in favor of visitors with mobility considerations. Because the grounds cover a relatively small area, distances between exhibits are short, and the terrain is generally flat and manageable.

The zoo accepts credit cards and Apple Pay, reducing the need to carry cash. The facility is reviewed as family-friendly and welcoming to visitors of all ages and abilities.

For specific details about accessible restrooms, designated parking spaces, sensory accommodations, or service animal policies, contact Lincoln Children's Zoo directly before your visit. Their staff can provide current information about any accommodations that may be available for visitors with specific needs. You can reach them through their official website or by calling the zoo's main phone line.

If you plan to borrow a wheelchair or scooter, arriving early is recommended since these are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and availability can vary, especially on busy weekends and during special events.

More accessible places in Nebraska

• Museum of American Speed (Lincoln)
• University of Nebraska State Museum - Morrill Hall (Lincoln)
• Mahoney State Park Family Aquatic Center (Lincoln)
• Sunken Gardens (Lincoln)
• Haymarket Park (Lincoln)
• Joslyn Art Museum (Omaha)