This weekend we took our toddler to Hogle Zoo for the very first time, and it was such a fun family outing! For the three of us (two adults and one child), admission came to about $60. Not bad for a few hours of adventure and animal encounters.
Safari Train & Feeding Giraffes
One of the highlights was hopping on the train ride through the safari animals. It’s such a nice way to see them up close without too much walking, which is perfect when you’ve got little legs tagging along. We also got to watch the giraffes being fed lettuce. If you want to try it yourself, it’s $5 per person. Honestly, I was happy just watching—those long giraffe tongues reach right out and would’ve been all over our hands!
Monkeys, Gorillas & Orangutans
The primates were another family favorite. We saw gorillas, spider monkeys, and even baby monkeys clinging tightly to their moms—it was adorable. An orangutan stole the show, lounging in its hammock with blankets draped over its head like it was having the ultimate lazy day.
A Walk Through the Zoo
Be prepared: the zoo has some long pathways and inclines, so bring comfy shoes and maybe a stroller if you’ve got a toddler in tow. Along the way we spotted rattlesnakes, lizards, and a striking green snake wrapped around a branch with its head resting perfectly in the coils.
The sea otters were by far the most playful animals of the day, splashing around, swimming, and floating on their backs like they were putting on a show. On the other hand, the alligator was just lying still in shallow water, and the polar bear looked a little restless, pacing in circles. It had a water hole in the enclosure, but in the hot sun, he didn’t seem too thrilled.
Food, Drinks & Breaks
We skipped buying food at the zoo (ate beforehand), but we did treat ourselves to some fresh-squeezed orange juice—so refreshing! In total, our trip lasted about three and a half hours, which was just the right amount of time before our toddler was ready for a nap.
Final Thoughts
The zoo wasn’t too crowded, and most of the visitors were families with young kids, which made it feel relaxed and family-friendly. Some exhibits did feel a bit quieter than I remember—no bird show, and fewer animals than in past years. A lot of the animals were resting during the day, which is expected (it was nap time for them too!).
Even so, it was a fun family outing and a great way to spend the morning together. For toddlers, it’s the perfect mix of excitement and manageable walking before nap time sets in.
👉 Would I recommend Hogle Zoo? Yes—for young families looking for a few hours of affordable fun, it’s a solid choice.