Zoos
Missouri Down Under Adventure Zoo
📍 11698 US-60, Van Buren, MO 63965🕐 Hours
| Monday | 10 AM–5 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–5 PM |
About Missouri Down Under Adventure Zoo
Missouri Down Under Adventure Zoo is a zoo in Van Buren, MO. Missouri Down Under Adventure Zoo features a rare kangaroo petting enclosure with 6-10 friendly kangaroos that visitors can interact with directly—an experience uncommon in most zoos, previously only found at Renaissance fairs with child-only restrictions. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 318 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Zoo
- Best For
- All ages, families, couples
- Highlights
- Kangaroo petting and feeding, self-guided Onyx Cave tour, reptile house, unique animals like coati and serval
- Admission
- $20 adults (Groupon discounts available ~$10); Veterans discount
- Pro Tip
- Wear sturdy shoes and helmet for cave tour; budget about 15 minutes for kangaroo interactions
💡 Did You Know?
- Missouri Down Under Adventure Zoo features a rare kangaroo petting enclosure with 6-10 friendly kangaroos that visitors can interact with directly—an experience uncommon in most zoos, previously only found at Renaissance fairs with child-only restrictions
- The zoo offers a self-guided cave tour of Onyx Cave with hard hats and flashlights, requiring visitors to duck-walk through narrow sections—an unusually intimate spelunking experience that combines geological education with adventure without formal guides
- The attraction houses unusual animal species including coati, serval, and Patagonian mara alongside traditional zoo animals, providing visitors exposure to lesser-known fauna rarely seen outside major metropolitan zoos
- Interactive experiences include camel feeding, prairie dog holding, and gem mining activities in addition to animal encounters, creating a multi-experience attraction combining zoo, geology museum, and adventure elements
💬 What Visitors Say
- Check Groupon before visiting to reduce admission from $20 to approximately $10 per adult ticket—this is consistently recommended by visitors and represents a 50% savings
- Prioritize the kangaroo petting enclosure as your must-see attraction, but plan for only 15 minutes as visitors find the experience satisfying but time-limited; staff don't restrict your time but the novelty plateaus quickly
- Wear closed-toe sturdy shoes and prepare for wet feet during the cave tour, as it features slick, narrow passages requiring duck-walking through much of the route; safety helmets and flashlights are provided
- The cave tour is not accessible for visitors with mobility limitations or those unable to bend over significantly—it's a self-guided, intimate experience requiring substantial physical flexibility and duck-walking ability
- Don't overlook the lesser-known animals like coati and serval that differentiate this small zoo from larger urban zoos; combine the kangaroo petting, cave tour, and unusual animal collection for a surprisingly comprehensive experience in 1-2 hours
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