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Location
Parking
Parking available
Best time
Visit on a weekday instead of weekends to avoid crowds, as reviewers noted the zoo gets very busy on nice days. Weekday visits provide a more leisurely experience.
Visitor tip
Catch the giraffe feeding experience on weekends at 11am, 1pm, or 3pm (through Memorial Day) — this is a signature interactive highlight that shouldn't be missed. Note that feedings are subject to availability.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Zoo
- Location
- Des Moines, Iowa
- Highlights
- 70+ animal species, giraffe feeding, Kids Kingdom, carousel, train rides
- Admission
- Children $15+, Adults $20+, Seniors $19+
What visitors say
A little busy today, but it was such a nice day. Not too hot. Drinks in the vending machines were $4.00. Some things cost money to do inside the zoo, however, all we visited were card and cash-friendly.
The zoo is a good 2.5/3 hours to get through. Plenty of places to sit. Great place for little ones. The have a few snack stands. 18.00 for adults, 12 for children. Small gift shop.
Great place. My wife and I went. It was a good, but small zoo. We walked it at a moderate pace and it took about 2.5 hours to go through it. I definitely recommend. If you can go during the week. It was very busy.
From 147 Google reviews
Did You Know?
- Great Cats features 70+ animal species including rare animals such as Amur Tigers, Snow Leopards, and Eastern Black Rhinoceros
- The zoo offers interactive giraffe feeding experiences available at scheduled times (11am, 1pm, 3pm) on weekends through Memorial Day
- Great Cats membership pays for itself in a single visit according to visitor tips, suggesting competitive pricing for the admission cost
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