tour bus at san diego zoo

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San Diego Zoo Bus Tour | The Ultimate Guide + Tour Video

The bus tour at the San Diego Zoo is a unique tour option that you won't find at many other zoos in the world! 

In this San Diego Zoo Bus Tour Guide, we'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions and share tips on how to make the most of your bus tour experience!

Questions We'll Answer About The San Diego Zoo Bus Tour:

Is the san diego zoo bus tour free, how long is the san diego zoo bus tour, where is the best place to sit on the bus tour, what can you expect to see on the san diego zoo bus tour, when is the best time to ride the bus tour, is the bus tour worth it.

• Bus Tour Point of View Video!

Yes, the San Diego Zoo bus tour is free!

Included in the price of your admission ticket is the San Diego Zoo bus tour which is an incredibly great value and awesome way to get off your feet while still seeing the zoo. 

While the San Diego Zoo might be more expensive than most zoos across the country , having access to a guided bus tour is one of the many reasons that make the zoo worth the price of admission. 

We can't recommend the bus tour enough - it's a must do at the San Diego Zoo!

The guided bus tour is just under 40 minutes long.  

The bus tour covers a lot of ground in this short amount of time and is the best and easiest way to see a large portion of the zoo! 

The bus tour really is a must-do experience at the San Diego Zoo not just because of everything you'll be able to see, but all of the information and fun facts you'll learn from the bus tour guides.

Anywhere on the Upper Deck of the tour bus is going to be a great place to sit. 

While you're going to be more exposed to the sun and heat, you'll get a better aerial view of the animal exhibits and will a lot more than those on the first level. 

On a very hot and sunny day the Upper Deck might be more difficult to enjoy, but otherwise we recommend heading upstairs for the best bus tour experience. 

Keep in mind that because there are separate queues for the Upper and Lower Decks, you might need to wait a little longer in line for the Upper Deck!

Because you can't predict what animals will be out and about during the tour, we don't suggest putting too much thought into what side of the bus is best.

If we had to pick one side though we'd say sit on the side opposite of the bus driver or the right side of the bus. 

Below are just some of the many animals you may get to see on the San Diego Zoo bus tour!

• Polar Bears
• Grizzly Bears
• Secretary Birds

We recommend riding the bus tour first thing in the morning for two huge reasons.

First, you'll likely find that the lines for the bus tour tend to be shortest early in the morning.

The bus tour can sometimes see a lengthy wait later in the day, so being able to avoid this line and potentially even riding twice if you enjoyed the tour is a great benefit! 

Second, the animals tend to be active in the morning or feeding which means you'll have a much better chance to see the animals.

Animals at the San Diego Zoo are fed throughout the day and their food is typically left in a place where guests can see them eating.

Not only will the animals likely be eating in the morning, many times they'll have a lot more energy in the morning rather than later in the day.

This is especially true on hot summer days when the animals will likely seek shelter from the sun in shady areas where your view of them can often be blocked by trees or bushes. 

You never know when animals will be out and about or easy to see, but mornings are typically a great time to hop on the bus tour. 

Yes! The bus tour is absolutely worth it. 

Not only is the tour included in the price of your admission ticket, it's one of the best and easiest ways to see a lot of animals. 

Out of all the experiences available at the San Diego Zoo the bus tour is #1 on our list and something we recommend all first time and repeat visitors of the zoo to experience. 

While you can still learn and see a lot by experiencing the San Diego Zoo on your feet, the amount of animals you'll see, and knowledge you'll gain from the tour guides is far beyond what you'll be able to do on your own! 

Bus Tour Point Of View Video!

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What’s the Best San Diego Zoo Tour? Prices Chart & Reviews

I’ve been on a few amazing San Diego Zoo tours and couldn’t resist diving deeper to find our next one! This friendly guide compares prices, lengths, and who they’re best for, spiced up with feedback from 40+ fellow zoo-goers. With this handy info, you’re all set to pick your ideal zoo adventure. Let’s go!

Here’s a quick summary:

The San Diego Zoo Guided Bus Tour (free for all ages) is the most popular. For those who want something extra, Inside Look guided cart tours ($92+, all ages) are the best choice, with 7 different types offered. The ultimate is the fully customizable 5-hour Exclusive VIP Experience ($710+, all ages).

If you make purchases through the links in this post, I may be compensated. Read my Advertising Disclosure for more info. Thanks! ~ Nancy

* Save with a secret promo code on each San Diego Zoo or Safari Park 1-Day Pass. Go any day. Go directly to the gate. Click  HERE  to get your code, instructions & discounted tickets by email. By clicking the link above you agree to receive an automated email message. Valid only at aRes Travel , San Diego’s local authorized ticket seller. Read my full privacy policy .

Prices are given as a range because the San Diego Zoo charges extra for tours on peak days. Prices and availability can change without notice.

• Least Expensive: non-holiday Mondays and Tuesdays thru Thursdays
• Mid-priced: most Fridays
• Peak prices: Some Fridays. Usually Saturdays, Sundays, and 3-day holidays (best time for aRes discount zoo tour deals )

You’ll need to purchase zoo admission in addition to your tour ticket. Take advantage of the best admission discount from aRes Travel , the San Diego-based authorized ticket seller.

Since San Diego Zoo is so large it’s easy to get overwhelmed by your choices, here’s what you don’t want to miss . That’s a page that I wrote that covers the must-see exhibits and attractions. And if you’re wondering where to eat, I’ve also written an article on where’s the zoo’s best food .

San Diego Zoo Guided Bus Tour: See What Others Miss

The San Diego Zoo Guided Bus Tour is free with admission.

In this 30-minute tour, you’ll see about 70% of the park. The tour bus guides love to talk about recent zoo baby births and additions to the collection. Taking this tour helps you plan which exhibits you may want to return to later. 

• How Long? 30 minutes
• Price: FREE. No extra fee in addition to your paid zoo admission.
• Age restrictions: All ages are welcome. But toddlers must be held in a responsible adult’s lap. Baby strollers are not allowed on the bus. Park them in the pram lot at the bus tour entrance. 

Tour Highlights: We’ve been on this tour many times. That’s because there’s always something new to see. And the drivers will let you in on the latest animal gossip like who’s new to the zoo, and who’s pregnant. It also has the best views of the tigers and hippos.

What’s the Best Side of the San Diego Zoo Tour Bus? Click the following link to my page on what you need to do at the zoo for advice on where to sit and when.

Inside Look Tours

• How Long? 90 minutes, 2 hours or 3.5 hours
• Price Range: $92 – 475 per person. Admission is separate for each person and required.
• Age restrictions: Most have no age restrictions. However, two of them are for ages 5+. For each there’s a maximum of two children per adult; children 15 years old and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult.
• Deals: Check HERE for discounted Inside Look tours for SanDiegoing readers from aRes Travel — San Diego’s local authorized ticket source.
• Click HERE to get a discount code for 1-day Zoo passes, instructions & discounted tickets by email.

There are two main types of Inside Look Tours. There are 4 different types of standard Inside Look Special Experiences at the San Diego Zoo focusing on different habitats or animal characteristics. And 3 are Deluxe tours that are longer in duration and offer some customization.

• Underwater Wonders
• World Famous Wildlife
• Wild Africa
• The Scoop on Poop
• Paws & Claws – Deluxe
• Crazy About Cats – Deluxe
• Elite Adventure – Deluxe

In each, you’ll ride in a motorized open cart for a behind-the-scenes peek at the zoo. There is usually some walking involved, so wear comfortable footwear.

Each Inside Look tour is entertaining, but also an educational experience. You’ll learn about how different species are cared for at the zoo. Your guide is full of stories about different species’ adaptations and the weird quirks of some of the zoo’s residents. 

Underwater Wonders Tour Review – First In, Best Views

• How Long? 90 minutes. Morning.
• Price: $92 – 115 per person. Cost depends upon peak admission days. Admission is separate for each person and required.
• Age restrictions: For all ages. Maximum 2 children per paid adult.
• Deals: Check for discounted Inside Look tours for SanDiegoing readers from aRes Travel — San Diego’s local authorized ticket source. Pick the number of tickets you want and a calendar will drop down. Click on the day that you’re going and that day’s tours will be revealed.

Tour Schedule: This tour is usually given at 8:30 AM, that’s before the zoo’s usual opening time at 9:00 AM. It feels as if you’re the only people there.

Featured Wildlife : During this segment, you may encounter a variety of wildlife, potentially including polar bears, penguins, or hippos. Your exact itinerary depends on how the animals are feeling that day. Don’t expect to see polar bears chasing each other across the rocks in the September heat. They’re likely to be asleep. However, if you’re lucky they’ll be taking a cooling swim in the water.

You’ll also learn about the above-and-beyond care provided to these splashing species and the Zoo’s efforts in supporting their survival globally. Did you know that the African penguins prefer to be hand-fed their sardines? Yep. Talk about first-rate service!

Zoo-wide Exploration : The adventure continues with a comprehensive tour around the Zoo. This may include the following areas:

• Northern Frontier’s Polar Bear Plunge
• Africa Rocks penguins and underwater viewing area
• Lost Forest Hippo habitats – Huge river hippos and the dainty dwarf hippos

Each area also has other animals that you’ll love to see wandering around in their well-designed habitats.

World Famous Wildlife Tour Review – Behind the Scenes at San Diego Zoo

• How Long? 90 minutes

Tour Schedule: The tour is typically conducted mid-morning or early afternoon.

Exclusive Access and Expert Guidance: The tour includes special experiences at two different habitats, highlighting the Zoo’s World Famous Wildlife. This includes special access to areas that are typically not open to the public, allowing for an intimate and up-close encounter with the wildlife.

One of these is often a behind-the-scenes look at the Hamadryas Baboons in the Africa Rocks section. If these animals are on your itinerary you’ll get access to a special viewing platform, which is normally reserved only for wildlife caretakers, offering a close-up look at these fascinating social animals.

Unique and Varied Experiences: Each tour is a one-of-a-kind experience, with no two tours being the same. This ensures a fresh and exciting adventure for repeat visitors.

The Scoop on Poop Tour Review – For the Kid in All of Us

Tour Schedule : The “Scoop on Poop” Tour typically runs once daily. They’re usually hosted in the early afternoons.

Why Choose the Poop Tour? Kids (of all ages) will love this tour because it allows them to say, “POOP!” often. And scatological jokes are almost a requirement. But you’ll enjoy this excursion even if you don’t have a slightly dirty sense of humor. Scat is a treasure trove of information for zookeepers and scientists.

Animal waste is like a daily health report for zookeepers. They can tell if the animals are eating right, digesting properly, and overall, how they’re doing health-wise. It’s a crucial part of ensuring these amazing creatures are healthy and thriving.

Don’t worry about getting your hands dirty ; this tour is completely hands-off. You’ll gain loads of knowledge without having to touch anything. It’s perfect for all ages and interests.

Which Animals Will You See : The habitats you will visit vary from tour to tour, depending upon animal activity and poop production. However, information from animal waste is particularly important in exhibits where breeding is being encouraged and also where several animals may occupy the same enclosures. Two of these are:

• Koalas in the Outback Habitat – Wildlife caretakers are working diligently to encourage koala babies in the largest koala colony outside of Australia.
• Lions in Elephant Odyssey – the zookeepers sometimes mix glitter into the lions’ food. This isn’t just for fun – it helps them monitor each lion’s health based on the glitter color in their poop. It’s a creative and effective way to keep track of their well-being.

Conservation Efforts : The zoo is using scat to study and protect wildlife globally. It’s incredible how something as simple as poop can play such a vital role in conservation efforts.

Paws & Claws Tour Review – Meet the Kings & Queens of the Jungle

• Price: $117 – 140 per person. Cost depends upon peak admission days. Admission is separate for each person and required.
• Deals : No discounts available. Purchase at the zoo’s website tour page .

Tour Schedule : The “Paws and Claws” Tour typically runs once daily in the late morning. They’re usually offered on weekends with Fridays added during peak days during the summer.

Why Choose the Paws & Claws Tour? In this 2-hour tour, you’ll get up close with the kings and queens of the animal kingdom — big cats and bears. Riding in the comfort of your deluxe cart will save your aching feet. You’ll be going up and down through some of the most hilly terrain in the zoo; Elephant Odyssey, upper Center Street (Bear Street), and on theTiger Trail.

The guides are very knowledgeable. I learned that the Sloth bears aren’t slow at all, but can run faster than humans. Your driver also knows stories about the individual animals. Ask them how Scout and Montana, the grizzly brothers, ended up living in San Diego.

Which Animals Will You See : The stars of this tour are the animals with the biggest claws and paws at the zoo; the top predators like lions, tigers. and bears. They can’t guarantee which animals you’ll see on any given day but the lineup is spectacular.

• Malayan Tigers – their Malayan nickname is “Pak Belang”, which means “Uncle Stripes”
• Sun Bears – smallest bear with an extra-big tongue
• Sloth Bears – have a V-shaped white patch on their chests
• Andean Bears – eat mostly plants
• Grizzlies – can eat up to 60,000 calories per day, that’s 88 Burger King Whoppers

San Diego Zoo Crazy About Cats Review – Feline Lovers No-Brainer

• How Long? 2 hours
• Age restrictions: Ages 5 and up. Maximum 2 children per paid adult.

Tour Schedule : The “Crazy About Cats” Tour runs once daily at 8:30 AM before the zoo opens.

Check-In Location: Meet at the HUGE lion statue (Rex’s Roar) in front of the main entrance to the zoo. Don’t worry. It’s easy to spot others who are taking the tour. That’s because they’re frantically looking around for their zoo guide, just like you are.

Why Choose the Crazy About Cats Tour? If you love cats pick this tour. This early morning excursion takes you by cart and feet to visit some of the San Diego Zoo’s finest felines. The early start time allows you to see the cats before they start their naps. You’ll also meet one special cat ambassador up close. 

You’ll be taken into areas not usually available to the public. There are no guarantees about which cats you’ll see. Hey, they’re cats, they do what they like. But jaguar, lion, tiger, mountain lion, fishing cat, leopard, ocelot, serval, or cheetah are all possibilities. 

Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking a bit. And there are some stairs to navigate.

Crazy About Cats Tour Highlights: 

This experience includes one close-up encounter with a fantastic feline. You’re most likely to meet a serval, ocelot, clouded leopard, serval, or cheetah. You never want to stare nose-to-nose with a lion, tiger, mountain lion, jaguar, or Amur leopard. They’re too large and unpredictable to mingle with the public. Even their wildlife care specialists have to have a barrier between them.

We got lucky and they brought out a cheetah as the climax of our tour.

The spotted sprinter was brought to us in the Wedgeworth Bowl with her dog companion. We were sitting about 3 feet behind the fence in the photo above. So we were about 6 feet from the cheetah and got some great shots.

The long-legged feline beauty spent almost half an hour snacking, exploring the stage and water feature while purring constantly. It was gratifying to see that she was so happy.

Elite Adventure Tour Review – Unforgettably Exclusive Animal Adventure

Ok. There will be no lions on top of your cart during this tour. But you will enjoy exclusive up-close animal viewing opportunities while exploring the zoo in a premium cart. Let me walk you through why this tour is so popular despite its high price tag.

• How Long?  3.5 hours
• Price: $425 – 475 per person. Cost depends upon peak admission days. Admission is separate for each person and required.
• Age restrictions: For ages 5+. Maximum 2 children per paid adult.
• A tasty snack stop

Tour Schedule : The “Elite Adventure” Tour runs daily at 10:00 AM.

Because there are few premium carts, certain days can sell out months in advance. If you’re planning a spring or summer vacation, get these tickets as soon as you finalize your travel plans. The same applies if you want to visit within a week of US national holidays and 3-day weekends. 

Why Choose the Elite Adventure Tour?

The “Elite Adventures” tour isn’t just any zoo visit; it’s a 3.5-hour journey that immerses you in the world of the animals at this world-famous attraction. You’ll experience behind-the-scenes access and special wildlife encounters are reserved exclusively for Elite guests. What sets this tour apart is the unique blend of adventure and education. You’ll be guided by experts who are passionate about their work.

And let’s not forget the cherry on top: a stop with some delicious munchies to keep your energy up!

Price: Many people pick this tour because although it is expensive, it is cheap in comparison to the Exclusive VIP Experience. Also, it does not take up an entire day.

Which Animals Will You See?

Each tour varies, but you’ll see a wide variety of wildlife, from majestic big cats and playful primates to exotic birds and rare reptiles. Your behind-the-scenes access means you might get to see this zoo’s residents in a more intimate setting, learning about their care, behavior, and conservation status. Each tour is a unique experience, reflecting the dynamic nature of the zoo and its inhabitants.

Restrictions and Cancellations

Before you book, there are a few important details to keep in mind. The tour is designed for guests aged 5 and up, ensuring that everyone in your party can fully enjoy the experience. If anyone needs wheelchair assistance, just give the zoo a heads-up at 619-718-3000 after booking to ensure everything’s smooth on the day.

With a cap on the number of children per adult and all participants needing a ticket, it’s best to plan accordingly. Also, keep in mind that the tour runs only on select dates and starts at $425 per person, not including zoo admission.

Life happens and sometimes plans change. If you need to adjust your booking, you can do so up to 5 days before your tour with a $15 administrative fee. Cancellations are a bit stricter, with a $25 fee if done 5 days in advance. Unfortunately, less than 5 days out, changes and refunds aren’t an option.

Lastly, the Elite Adventure goes on rain or shine, but the zoo reserves the right to modify or cancel the tour for reasons like weather or animal welfare. If your tour is canceled, they’ll do their best to reschedule you.

Animals in Action Experience

• Duration: 1 hour
• Price: $89 – 105 per person. Admission is separate for each person and required.
• Age restrictions: Children ages 5 – 15. Maximum 2 children per paid adult.
• Deals: Check for discounted Animals in Action tours for SanDiegoing readers from aRes Travel — San Diego’s local authorized ticket source. Pick the number of tickets you want and a calendar will drop down. Click on the day that you’re going and that day’s tours will be revealed.

The Animals in Action tour at the San Diego Zoo takes place in the Urban Jungle in the afternoons. You’ll get behind-the-scenes looks at some of the zoo’s animal ambassadors. You may also get a chance to feed or interact with them. There’s little or no walking on this tour. It takes place in a stage setting with audience seating.

Animals in Action Tour Highlights: People commenting on this tour talked to me about how close they got to the clouded leopard and the great photos they got. What you’ll see on this tour is dependent upon which animals are available. Guides tell me that sometimes you can feed rhinos here (when they’re in residence in the Urban Jungle. Click the following link for my article that has another rhino-snacking opportunity . But cheetahs and clouded leopards are frequent guests. And sloths have been known to put in a slow-motion appearance too.

Discovery Cart Tour

• How Long? 60 minutes
• Price: $60 – 80 per person. Admission is separate for each person and required.
• Age restrictions: All ages are welcome. A maximum of 2 children per paid adult. Children younger than age 15 must be accompanied by a paid adult. Ages 0-2 are free and do not require a ticket, but must sit on an adult’s lap. No more than 2 infants ages 0-2 are permitted per ticket, per cart
• Tickets: No discounts. Buy at the zoo’s website

The 60-minute Discovery Cart Tour is the least expensive guided cart experience at the San Diego Zoo. It covers not only the animals but also the park’s extensive plant collection. It’s the best option for families with younger, fidgety kids. That’s because it’s cheaper, and allows you to see much more of the zoo in a shorter period. 

Questions are encouraged. And if you see a favorite animal (or eye-catching plant), you can hop off to take photos. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees about which species you’ll be able to see. 

Discovery Cart Tour Highlights: These experiences vary depending on what animals are active and where you choose to stop and take photos. But people getting off this tour have shown me terrific photos of the jaguars and lions taken from the back of the exhibits where the general public is not allowed to go.

Spanish language-only tours are available too. Call 619-718-3000

Early Morning Explorers

The Early Morning Explorers experience at the San Diego Zoo allows you and your kids to discover Wildlife Explorers Basecamp before the zoo opens. Enjoy family-friendly guided activities and have exclusive access to the new exhibits and playgrounds. This is a wonderful opportunity for special needs kids.

• Price: $39 – 49 per person. Admission is separate for each person and required. There is no charge for children less than 2 years old.
• Age restrictions: Recommended for children ages 3 – 12. Maximum of 2 children per adult;  kids under 15 must be accompanied by a paid adult
• Tickets: No discounts. Purchase at the zoo’s website

Schedule : The “Early Morning Explorers” experience takes place on 5 or 6 Saturdays spread throughout the year.

Tour Highlights: People liked that the entire Wildlife Explorers Basecamp was almost empty of people. They didn’t have to worry that some big kid was going to accidentally knock over their little toddler. One parent said that her little girl finally had the confidence to walk the rope bridge because she wasn’t scared by other kids swinging it. 

Exclusive VIP Experience

• Duration: 5 hours
• Age restrictions: All ages are welcome. Ages 15 and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult.
• Price: $710+ per person. Admission is separate for each person and required. Call 619-718-3000 to arrange and customize your tour

Why Pick The Exclusive VIP Experience? It’s the very best San Diego Zoo tour because you create your own 5-hour San Diego Zoo adventure with your own personal tour guide. Get out your must-see bucket list and start checking off your animal wishes. 

Tour Tip: Zoo tour guides have told me to ask if there are new zoo babies you can see when you book this experience. Often VIP Experience participants are permitted to see and sometimes interact with animals that are not on exhibit to the general public yet. For instance, when Xena the sloth gave birth in 2022, the only zoo visitors allowed to get close to mom and baby were VIP participants. 

Change and Cancellation Policies For San Diego Zoo Tours

If you need to make changes to any tour arrangements at the zoo, check the instructions on your email ticket confirmation. You can also look at the Special Experiences page on the zoo’s website for each tour. I’ve summarized the policies below:

Tour Changes

• 5 or more days before reservation – changes allowed but a $15 Administrative Change Fee will be charged.
• Less than 5 days before reservation – changes not permitted

Cancellations

• 5 or more days before reservation – changes allowed but a $25 Cancellation Fee will be charged.
• Less than 5 days before reservation – payment not refundable.
• The tours are outdoor events. The zoo reserves the right to cancel or change the program due to weather, animal welfare, and guest safety concerns. If any event is canceled, the zoo will try to reschedule you for a future time. 

Are San Diego Zoo Tours Worth It?

Heck yes! Bob and I have had a wonderful time on every tour. We love getting unique, close-up views and feeding the animals (not on every tour). Giraffe slobber is a gooey mess, but it is still fun.

In my conversations with 42 tour attendees, I didn’t run into anyone who felt disappointed with their excursion. I was not able to talk with anyone who took the Inside Look Elite Adventure or VIP Experience.

Eight people wanted their excursions to be longer, but those were spread out between the 90-minute and 2-hour tours. It seemed to me that they were having a good time and just didn’t want their tours to end. I and my husband would have stayed with our guides all day if given the chance.

The cart tours are usually not crowded. We’ve been going to the zoo for years and have observed hundreds of carts loading and unloading on Front Street. Most have 6 to 9 people in a vehicle that could hold 13. The larger vehicles have 4 rows of seats plus one next to the driver. Their padded benches easily seat two adults plus a child or an adult plus two kids.

NOTE: I’ve been on more tours at Safari Park. Discover which ones are best HERE .

San Diego Zoo Best Tours Closing Thoughts

I hope that between my San Diego Zoo tours chart and the detailed explanations of each option, you’ve found your ideal special experience. If you have further questions or want to tell me about your experiences, you can find my contact information HERE . Now go and enjoy the best-ever San Diego Zoo tour!

Nancy Ulrich

I'm nuts...about animals, polymer clay, mixed media art & husband Bob. Happily planted in San Diego among good friends, family that I would have chosen if given the choice and optimism for a bountiful future for us all.

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San Diego Zoo Bus Tour & Admission

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• User Ages: All ages

Learn About Conservation and Wildlife

Located in Balboa Park, the 100-acre San Diego Zoo is home to over 4,000 rare and endangered animals from more than 800 different species. Mimicking indigenous habitats, these innovative animal exhibits provide visitors with the opportunity to view these exotic creatures up close. You also learn how conservation efforts are protecting the planet’s wildlife and their natural environments.

Walkways and bridges provide convenient access to the Africa Rocks, Asia Passage, Northern Frontier, Outback, and other exhibits. Animals on display include gorillas, elephants, big cats, and the largest collection of koala bears outside of Australia as well as numerous smaller animals, birds, and reptiles. The habitats depict a wide range of ecosystems from around the world, including the savannas, deserts, tropical rainforests, and ice-covered tundra. Included in the price of admission, the Children’s Zoo features 30 special exhibits and activities designed especially for younger visitors. Children love getting to know more than 40 specially trained gentle animal ambassadors.

The Giant Panda Research Station is one of four facilities of its kind in the country. In addition to housing these critically endangered animals, the facility has one of the most successful giant panda breeding programs in the world. The Panda Canyon exhibit enables visitors to climb into the den and interact with these beloved animals, which smell like wet bamboo and bleat like lambs.

The purchase of a One-Day Pass includes a 3-mile-long, 40-minute narrated bus tour as well as all-day access to the zoo’s express bus service that has five stops around the zoo grounds. You can travel around the zoo by open-air double-decker bus or get a bird’s-eye-view of Balboa Park from the Skyfari Aerial Tram that traverses the park 170 feet in the air. Obtain an eTicket today to enjoy all the exotic and fascinating creatures on display at the world-famous San Diego Zoo.

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• Skip-the-line admission to the Sand Diego Zoo
• A 35-minute fully narrated bus tour
• Free admission to the Children’s Zoo
• Unlimited use of San Diego Zoo’s Express Bus
• Unlimited use of San Diego Zoo’s Aerial Tram Ride

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Full Day San Diego Zoo Tour with Transportation

Explore the World Famous San Diego Zoo with Round Trip Transport, in Zoo Double Decker Bus Tour and More!

• • Central San Diego Pick Up and Drop Off
• • A Full Day Exploring the Renowned San Diego Zoo
• • Includes Giant Panda Admission, Shows and Safaris

Why We Love This Unique Experience

San Diego Experience Gifts: Frequently voted the best zoo in the USA, San Diego Zoo is the ultimate day out for animal lovers. With this package experience, you get comfortable, air-conditioned transportation and entrance to the Zoo, allowing you to explore at your own leisure and know your journey home is already sorted! You can visit the Urban Jungle and feed the giraffes, ride The Skyfari® aerial tram, marvel at the Giant Panda exhibit, and even hold baby animals if available. A trip to San Diego Zoo is an exciting day out for adults and children alike, and makes the ultimate experience gift!

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Experience overview:.

The San Diego Zoo is an experience in itself and is considered a world-class attraction!

It's one of the most prestigious and progressive zoo's in the world and is one of the largest in the USA. Since 1916 it has housed some of the most exotic animals and plants on the planet.

At the world-famous San Diego Zoo you will see all kind of animals such as reptiles, birds, insects, amphibians and mammals and we bet there are some that you’ve never seen before. The San Diego Zoo is one of the biggest in America with more than 3,700 animals, and one of the few zoos in the world that houses the Giant Panda. It is a must-see when it comes to visiting San Diego.

There are different zones in the San Diego Zoo, such as the Lost Forest where you can see monkeys, hippos, tigers, and many more. At the Urban Jungle you will see and be able to feed the giraffes which is a fun and unforgettable experience. Also check out the gigantic elephant habitat, the camels, koalas, and the Children’s Zoo at Discovery Outpost.

It’s not just watching the animals that make the San Diego Zoo a fun place, there are also shows and tours. For example, you can watch the Dr. Zoolittle Children’s show or get an ultimate 4-D experience at the 4-D Theatre to see Ice Age™ Dawn of the Dinosaurs. The Skyfari® aerial tram, included in our tour, is a unique shortcut above the treetops to get to the other side of the Zoo.

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Over 35 Fun Things to do in San Diego with Kids

T here are so many amazing things to do in San Diego with kids! It is hard not to fall in love with this waterfront city known for its fabulous year-round weather, great beaches, and world-class animal attractions.

A  San Diego family vacation should be near the top of every family bucket list.  Here are our picks for the best things to do in San Diego with kids. As locals, we know all the best places to visit with kids becuase we have actually taken our kids there! We also share some “can’t miss” dining, lodging, and day trip recommendations.

Want more kid-friendly fun in California? Check out  the best things to do in California with kids  !  Ready to head south of San Diego? Here is an intinerary for a  Baja road trip .

The Best Things to do in San Diego with Kids

Tour balboa park.

Nearly 50% larger than New York’s Central Park,  Balboa Park  serves as San Diego’s natural and cultural oasis.  Home to fifteen museums, over a dozen gardens, a carousel, miniature railroad, International cottages representing many nations, and the world famous San Diego Zoo, this park is one of our nation’s best.

Fleet Science Center

Fleet Science Center is one of Balboa Park’s museums that is especially popular with families. They have a deisgn zone where you can create a skate park or video game, a space gallery, a planetarium, live science demonstrations, and so much more.

Little kids love the Kid City area which is filled with hand-on exhibits directed at little ones aged five and under. Everyone seems to love Studio X where you can create marble runs, kinetic sculptures, cardboard mazes, and more. As if all that wasn’t enough, there is also an Imax theater with rotating films highlighting several fascinating subjects.

San Diego Natural History Museum

My kids love the San Diego Natural History Museum because of its wonderful exhibits on the dinosaurs and other extinct creatures that once lived in the San Diego area. There are also exhibits on the various environments in Southern California and impressive display of skulls from all sort of creatures.

Little ones tend to spend a good chunk of their time in The Backyard, where they can experience nature and science concepts through play.

Of course, the museum offers much more and has a regular rotation of temporary exhibits to enjoy, so there is always something new to experience no matter how many times we visit this Balboa Park museum.

San Diego Model Railroad Museum

If you have train enthusiasts in your family, you definitely don’t want to miss the San Diego Model Railroad Museum , another Balboa Park treasure. Kids 12 and under get into the museum for free!

The museum has 27,000 square feet of trains and tracks in various scales from the smallest “Z” scale to the larger “G” scale. The scenes are meticulously detailed, featuring landscapes, buildings, and miniatures that bring the trains to life. Some of the scenes are among the largest in the world.

San Diego Air and Space Museum

Have a plane fanatic in your family? Balboa Park has a museum for them as well. The San Diego Air and Space Museum has a collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft, spanning the early days of aviation to modern space exploration.

Planes include everything from biplanes to fighter jets, as well as a reproduction of the Wright Brothers glider and aircraft from both World Wars.

They also display artifacts from NASA missions, including spacecraft and equipment used in space travel.

San Diego Zoo

With its lush botanical gardens, typically sunny skies, and a collection of over 3,700 incredible creatures from the around the globe, it’s no wonder Trekaroo named the  San Diego Zoo  the best in the country.

The 35-minute guided bus tour is a great way to get an overview of the zoo and form your family’s plan to attack this hilly landscape filled with creatures big and small.

Whether you walk through time at Elephant Odyssey, spot a playful troop of baboons in Africa Rocks, or join the crowd in letting out a collective “aww” while watching the animals at Polar Bear Plunge, your family is sure to have a memorable time.

Splurge on the  Animals in Action tour  which takes families behind the scenes and give tourgoers the chance to interact with a variety of animals. On my families tour we got to feed a rhino and flamingos, pet a zebra, and sit within feet of a leopard and cheetah. It was amazing!

Book your tickets for the San Diego Zoo 

Watch a Puppet Show in the Hitchcock Puppet Theater in Balboa Park

The Hitchcock Puppet Theater was originally part of the California Pacific International Exposition in Balboa Park in 1935 and has been delighting generations of children ever since. Shows take place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm and are just $5.

Visit the Tide Pools at Cabrillo National Monument

Rugged cliffs and edge of the earth views on one side, spectacular vistas of the San Diego skyline on the other.  Cabrillo National Monument  is most definitely a destination with multiple identities.

Stretching out into the Pacific on Point Loma, Cabrillo National Monument marks the very spot in 1542 where Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo made landfall, making him the very first European to set foot on the West Coast.

Visiting families will love the history, tide pools, shoreline strolls, visiting the lighthouse, and, if they are lucky, spotting a grey whale migrating to Mexico. We like to pack a picnic and eat our lunch while enjoying the incredible views.

See which locations made our list of the best  tide pools in California . 

Tour Old Town San Diego

It wasn’t so long ago that California was part of Mexico and Mexican culture is still integral to San Diego’s identit y. Old Town San Diego, the self-proclaimed “birthplace of California” gives visitors a glimpse at what life was like in San Diego in 1850  through historic adobes, living history demonstrations, museums, and even the first ever schoolhouse in San Diego County.

Old Town is also a desirable stop to dine (there are several popular Mexican restaurants in Old Town), shop for a wide variety of goods from neighboring Mexico, and even watch traditional Folklorico dancers put on a show.

See San Diego by Boat

San Diego probably would have never become a thriving metropolis if it weren’t for its large, natural harbor. You really haven’t seen all that San Diego has to offer until you get out on the water and explore.

This  San Diego Harbor Cruise  includes city views, as well as views of the famed Coronado Bridge and and the naval station. There are also dinner cruises, narrated tours, and even pirate adventures.

If you prefer to get behind the wheel yourself, there is also a tour where you can  drive a high speed power boat  yourself, while a guide in an adjacent point points out the highlights via two-way radio. Like the speed but prefer to leave the driving to someone else? There is a  tour for that , too!

Go Whale Watching

During the winter months, the waters off San Diego’s coast are a prime grey whale watching territory  and a  whale watching cruise  will take you out into the coastal waters so that your family might get a glimpse of the gentle giants for yourselves.

These whales are on their way to or from the birthing grounds in Baja California and witnessing their sheer size and gentle demeanor in person is something you won’t ever forget. Sea lion and dolphin sightings are near guaranteed on whale watching cruises.

Have Beach Day

Without a doubt, San Diego is one of the best beach destinations in the country. As long as it isn’t raining (which doesn’t happen much), a beach day is always a great day. The water may be chilly in the winter, but the scenery is always top notch and it is fun to build a sand castle, watch a sunset, or explore a tide pool no matter the temperature.

Of course, most of the year, San Diego’s weather is near perfect, and splashing and playing in the water is a blast. La Jolla Shores is a great place for wading, swimming, and boogie boarding. Pacific Beach has great stretches of sand plus Crystal Pier and the boardwalk which are great for walking as you stop into local shops and restaurants.

Coronado Beach has been voted one of thetop beaches in the country because of it’s gorgeous white sand and pristine beaches! But there’s more! Here are our picks for the 12 best beaches near San Diego for families .

Visit SeaWorld San Diego

It is no surprise that a trip to SeaWorld is one of the most popular things to do in San Diego with kids. Acrobatic dolphins, playful penguins, silly sea lions, and splashtacular rides have made  SeaWorld  one of San Diego’s most visited attractions.

Where else can you learn about marine ecology, get kissed by a beluga whale, and ride thrill rides all in the same day? The have several special experiences including in-water dolphin encounters, sloth encounters, beluga encounters, walrus encounters, on-ice penguin experiences, and more!

Spend the Day at Sesame Place

Sesame Place is San Diego’s newest theme park. It is geared towards young kids and there are several rides, water slides and splash areas, and even parades featuring Bird Bird, Elmo, and all their pals.

There are also opportunities to meet and take picture with beloved characters like Bert & Ernie, Oscar the Grouch, Telly, and Julia. They even have special holiday driven events like including  The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular  and  A Very Furry Christmas .

Hike in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

The nation’s rarest pine trees cling to the sea cliffs of northern San Diego inside the  Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.   It’s a great place to enjoy the rugged and wild beauty of the Southern California coastline.

Take a hike among the pines while enjoying sprawling views of the Pacific from atop the reserve’s bluffs. Then reward yourselves for your physical efforts with some time on  Torrey Pines State Beach  which beckons you from below.

Watch the Seals at La Jolla’s Children’s Pool

The Children’s Pool in La Jolla was originally intended as a swimming area for children protected by a sea wall, but then the seals showed up. Within several years it became a favorite spot for harbor seals and California sea lions, so kids got kicked out of the ocean pool.

Harbor seals give birth to their pups typically from mid-December to May. Obviously, this is the most adorable time of the year to visit but it’s important to give the animals plenty of space and as a result, the Children’s Pool Beach is closed to public access December 15th through May 15th. You can still view the seals and their pups from above.

Kayak to Sea Caves

In addition to being a great stretch of sand with a playground and mild surf for families, La Jolla Shores Beach is also the launching spot for guided kayak tours which paddle out to nearby sea caves.

Book your guided kayak tour  on TripAdvisor and get the lowest rates guaranteed.

Wildlife abounds in the rich marine habitat of La Jolla Cove where families can  snorkel alongside harmless leopard sharks  which use the cove as their nursery. Some kayaking tours allow you to snorkel and paddle into the sea caves on the same trip!

See which San Diego beaches made our list of the  best Southern California beaches for families . 

See what else there is  to do in La Jolla .

Learn to Surf in San Diego

San DIego is a big surf destination and some beaches are better than others for newbies. Once again, La Jolla Shores shows off its family friendliness with typically gentle waves that are great for beginners. There are several surf schools and rental shops in the area offering lessons and equipment.

Pacific Beach and Mission Beach are right next to each other and there are surf schools and rental shops along the boardwalk to help you achieve that ever-important goal of riding those Southern California waves. Tourmaline Surfing Park in Pacific Beach is a designated surfing park popular for learners.

Watch the Hang Gliders Take offf at the Torrey Pines Gliderport

One of my favorite places to take out of town visitors is the Torrey Pines Gliderport . It is such a fun and unique San Diego experience and the views are always incredible.

Sure, you can sign up to go tandem gliding and check out the ocean and city views the way a bird does, but if you are a chicken like me, staying on the ground and enjoying the free show is plenty fun.

Watching the brave hang gliders and paragliders run off the cliff 350 feet above the Pacific and soar is always impressive. Grab an ice cream from the Cliffhanger Cafe and really, what more do you need?

Try Falconry on the Cliffs of La Jolla

While my family hasn’t tried paragliding at the Torrey Pines Gliderport, you better believe we have booked the falconry experience held there by Total Raptor Experience . We learned how to release trained falcons and watched them soar in the skies above the Pacific before landing on our hands (protected by a falconry glove) with total precision.

This is an ideal experience for any family that loves animals and is interested in learning about the ancient practice of falconry. You will also get to watch the falcons perform acrobatic feats in the sky while working on hunting exercises. We were also able to hold some other birds of prey that weren’t ready or able to free fly.

Tour the USS Midway

Much of San Diego’s history revolves around the military and the sea.  A tour of the  USS Midway , one of America’s longest serving aircraft carriers, gives families a fun and educational glimpse at what Navy life on-board one of the cities of the sea is actually like.

Go down below and get a glimpse at just how tight living quarters are for sailors before heading up to the deck to check out of some of the incredible Navy aircraft. They have a great audio tour especially designed for kids. 

Maritime Museum of San Diego

A short walk from the Midway, the  Maritime Museum of San Diego  gives folks a chance to explore six different ocean vessels

The Star of India , the crown jewel of the museum’s fleet, is a three-masted boat that has sailed around the world multiple times and is the oldest active sailing ship in the world. This ship has been in San Diego for so long that I remember taking a field trip to visit it as a kid!

They also have the sailing ships The Californian , HMS Surprise , and San Salvador as well as the steam ferry Berkeley , the steam yacht Medea , and submarine 555 USS Dolphin .

They offer a variety of on the water experiences including a 90-minute pirate adventure. 45-minute historic bay cruises, four-hour tall ship cruises, and even a swift boat naval history tour.

Spend the Day on Coronado Island

A quick ferry ride from downtown San Diego takes you to Coronado Island, home to the world famous  Hotel Del Coronado  and a stretch of sand that is consistently ranked as one of the top beaches in the US for families.  Spending a day here is one of my favorite things to do in San Diego with kids and should be a “must” for your San Diego family vacation. 

The best way to explore this seaside retreat is by beach cruiser, and rental stands can be found on the island. If you happen to visit during the holiday season, be sure to make time to ice skate on the  Hotel Del’s beachfront ice skating rink . Where else can you ice skate within view of the sandcastle your kids just made?

Watch the Padres Play at Petco Park

Petco Park, home to the San Diego Padres, is located in the heart of downtown in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. Watching a game here is always fun because you can combine it with dining or checking out the multitude of attractions within walking distance of the ballpark.

If you visit when the Padres aren’t playing, you can still visit the park and take a behind-the-scenes tour . This 80-minute tour is a great option for anyone who loves baseball.

Visit the First Mission

If you have kids that went to 4th grade public school in California, they are surely familiar with our state’s missions. Some of us may have even stayed up into the wee hours of the night trying to build a model of them out of sugar cubes or salt dough as a child.

The very first mission to be built in California is Mission San Diego de Alcala . It was orginally built in the area that is now Old Town, but was moved to Mission Valley and rebuilt in 1774. You can tour this beautiful mission which still holds mass today.

Play in the Fountains at Waterfront Park

San Diego’s Waterfront Park is the perfect place to hang out when the weather is warm. There are tons of water fountains and splash areas for kids to play in and run about. Some of the jets shoot water 14 feet into the air. There is also a large grassy area that is great for picnics and often home to a variety of events.

Since this spot is located downtown, it provides a nice break from touring some of the more educational experiences where kids have to be less wiggly. Visit the USS Midway or Maritime Museum and then let the kids run around and play. Bring a change of clothes because they are sure to get soaked!

The New Children’s Museum

The New Children’s Museum is locate dowtown and is an art-based childrens museum. There are various art installations, some rotating and some permanent, that kids are invited to explore. Kids 10 and under are the best fit for this space but all are welcome.

Favorites include Whammock which is a 3D hammock-style installation that is fun to climb in and The Wonder Sound which is a labyrinth of ropes, rooms, and nooks to explore. It connects to the Wonder Sound Garden that is on the museum’s upper patio.

Fling an Ax at Throw It San Diego

Located near Petco Park in the Gaslamp, Throwit San Diego is a great place to take your teens and tweens. In addition to having axe throwing lanes, they also have arcade games, giant board games, and a Tetris-themed snack bar.

Best of all, as long as a child is with their parent or legal guardian, they are allowed to come in and throw axes!

Belmont Park

Belmont Park is an iconic waterfront amusement park located in Mission Beach. The park’s most famous attractions is the Giant Dipper, a historic wooden roller coaster that has been keeping families thrilled for decades.

Other rides include bumper cars, a carousel, and the tilt-a-whirl. There is also mini golf, laser tag, and a rockwall. The park has a classic arcade with a variety of video games, pinball machines, and carnival-style games where you can turn in tickets and win prizes.

The park is also home to The Plunge , one of the largest indoor pools in Southern California. Originally opened in 1925, The Plunge has been beautifully restored and offers visitors a chance to enjoy swimming in a historic setting.

Seaport Village

Located on San Diego’s waterfront, Seaport Village is a touristy shopping and entertainment area known for its kitschy shops and restaurants with lovely views. This is a great place to pick up souvenirs, ride the historic carousel, or fly a kite while watching the boats go by.

This is also a good place to pick up the San Diego Trolley or one of the many bike cabs in the area.

San Diego Botanic Garden

If you have “plant people ” in your group, a visit to the San Diego Botanic Gardens in Encinitas is a must. We love visiting during the Christmas holiday season when the gardens are lit with millions of beautiful lights at night.

In the spring through early fall, the garden is especially lush. There are a wide variety of habitats to enjoy including California native plants, a subtropical fruit garden, desert plants, a tropical rainforest, and even groves of towering bamboo.

This botanic garden is also home to the world’s largest children’s garden which has lots of hands-on activities, a treehouse, a mini train, and a natural trail which encourages kids to balance, jump, and play.

Birch Aquarium

The Birch Aquarium is located at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla. It is a small but well-done aqaurium that is perfect for exploring before heading too one of the area beaches.

There are dozens of tanks filled with fish and invertebrates in the Pacific from north in the Pacific Northwest to south in Mexico. Highlights include the Little Blue Penguins Exhibit (which happen to tbe the world’s smallest penguins) to the tide pool area out on the back patio where families have the opportunity to gently touch some sealife.

Go for a Hike

San Diego has beautiful weather and diverse scenery, so get out there and explore on foot! Here are some of my favorite hikes for families in San Diego:

• The Guy Fleming Trail at Torrey Pines in short, mostly flat, and big on “wow” factor with sprawling ocean views.
• Annie’s Canyon Trail is an awesome hike for families who like to climb. There is a slot canyon with some ladders to tackle on this 2.3-mile hoop near San Elijo Lagoon.
• Mission Trails Regional Park has several trails of varying difficulty. And easy one is the Oak Canyon Trail.
• Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve has an easy trail that follows a creek lush with towering sycamore and oaks.There is even a small waterfall that makes its way through volcanic rock.

Del Mar Fairgrounds

The Del Mar Fairgrounds are home to two great experiences for families- the San Diego County Fair and horse races. Best of all, it is basically across the street from the beach so you can easily combine time here with a beach day.

The 2024 San Diego County Fair will take place June 12th – July 7th and has everything you are looking for in a county fair experience including lots of farm animls, fattening fair food, and plenty of fun rides.

Horse racing is always great family fun. While kids may not be able to place real bets, they can definitely pick their favorite horses and root for them as they race around the track. There are two waves of horse racing at Del Mar. The first is July – September 8, 2024 and the second runs October 31 – December 1, 2024. You can even take the Amtrak Surfliner train from downtown San Diego to the fairgrounds. Easy peasy!

Take a Day Trip to Legoland

LEGOLAND  in Carlsbad is extremely popular with the toddler to tween set. Kids love the LEGO-themed rides (complete with LEGO building stations for kids to play at in the queues), colorful waterpark, and cute aquarium with special viewing areas set up at “kid height.”

Parents will find themselves blown away by the incredible recreations of cities, animals, and even Star Wars fighter planes built entirely out of LEGO bricks. You might walk away deciding to switch career paths entirely and become a LEGO architect!  We have an entire article filled with  LEGOLAND tips .

Book your LEGOLAND tickets  ahead of time to save money and skip the ticket lines.

Carlsbad Flower Fields

The Carlsbad Flower Fields  have long been one of the favorite things to do in the San Diego area, especially when the fields are in full bloom! Plan to visit the flower fields in spring.  April is the best month to get the best pictures.  There is also a strawberry field nearby where you can pick your own fruit.

Over summer, the flower fields add a giant American Flag in red, white, and blue flowers – making June also a great time to stop by with the family!

San Diego Safari Park in Escondido

The  San Diego Safari Park  in Escondido is known for its open air tram which allows visitors to see animals roaming free on their version of an African savannah, but that incredible experience is just a small piece of what this unique park has to offer guests.

Here families can watch cheetahs run at full sprint, walk amongst kangaroos and wallabies, zip line over animal enclosures, take intimate caravan tours into enclosures where they can get close to rhinos and giraffes, and even “sleep over” at one of their Roar and Snore events.

Save time and money by  purchasing your San Diego Safari Park tickets  ahead of time.  

Where to Stay in San Diego with Kids

There are many great family-friendly accommodations all over San Diego and Trekaroo has put together an entire post dedicated to our picks for  top kid-friendly hotels in San Diego . We highlight the best values  and best splurge as well as the best hotels in specific neighborhoods of the city.

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23 Virtual Zoo Field Trips, Tours, and Zoo Cams That Get You Up Close to the Animals

Bring the zoo to you.

We love field trips, but sometimes organizing an excursion just can’t happen. Fortunately, we live in a time when technology can bring the excitement to us. The pandemic encouraged many zoos and aquariums to put in the effort to bridge the gap for visitors at home. As such, we’re able to share this list of fantastic virtual zoo field trips, virtual zoo tours, and zoo cams you can enjoy from anywhere.

Best Virtual Zoo Field Trips, Virtual Zoo Tours, and Zoo Cams

San diego zoo.

The San Diego Zoo has a “Watch and Learn” section on its website. Here, students can check out the fantastic zoo cams including the burrowing-owl cam, giraffe cam, elephant cam, and many more.

Atlanta Zoo

While the Atlanta Zoo’s zoo cam is dedicated to pandas, they offer many videos and activities that feature bird watching, sloths, lemurs, monkeys, and more.

Reid Park Zoo

Located in Tucson, Arizona, this zoo features a variety of delightful zoo cams designed to give kids a virtual zoo tour of the elephants, giraffes, grizzly bears, lions, and more.

Tembe Elephant Park

Tembe Elephant Park is located in a remote area of South Africa. Renowned for having the largest elephants in the world, these zoo cams offer sights such as sand forests and wetlands, leopards, rhinos, and, of course, elephants.

GRACE Gorilla Forest Corridor

This extensive cam takes us inside the gorilla forest corridor in the Democratic Republic of Congo while connecting the habitat with the night quarters at the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center (GRACE).

Houston Zoo

Take a virtual zoo tour down to Texas and enjoy the live zoo cams set up by the Houston Zoo, allowing you to peer into the lives of giraffes, gorillas, elephants, and flamingos.

Explore the Arctic

Head to Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, to witness the annual polar bear migration. Discovery Education has teamed up with Polar Bears International to host a series that explores some of the biggest questions about the Arctic.

Bring your virtual classroom to life with animals from the Oregon Zoo. The Wildlife Live videos are aligned to different subject content areas, which are listed on the page. New videos are also posted regularly on the zoo’s social media channels. A few times every week, they go behind the scenes for a live interview with animal-care staff. Each live video is accompanied by a kid-approved activity related to the featured animal .

PBS Zoo Field Trip

Let’s all go to the zoo with PBS LearningMedia! At Zoo Miami, Penny and the KidVision VPK kids wash rhinos, feed giraffes, study a zebra’s stripes, and ride a camel. Lions and tigers and apes, oh my!

International Wolf Center

The cool wolf-pack cam live-broadcasts the adventures of four ambassador wolves: Denali, Boltz, Axel, and Grayson. The exhibit stretches across 1.25 acres and includes two dens, a filtered pond, and a forested area.

San Antonio Zoo

While San Antonio Zoo virtual field trips aren’t free, they’re very engaging. Enjoy virtual encounters with okapis, hippos, rhinos, and more.

From a virtual zoo tour and chats with staff to showing what the animals are up to and posting activity ideas from their education and conservation teams, the Dallas Zoo’s Bring the Zoo to You web series is perfect for a virtual field trip.

Australia Zoo

Australia Zoo was the home of the late Steve Irwin, best known as the Crocodile Hunter. His wife, Terri, and children, Bindi and Bob, have continued his legacy. This fantastic YouTube channel offers captivating videos of some of the world’s most fascinating animals.

Smithsonian’s National Zoo

This virtual zoo field trip takes us to the nation’s capital. Check out animal zoo cams that share a glimpse into the daily lives of black-footed ferrets, naked mole rats, giant pandas, and more.

Chester Zoo

This British zoo has been going live on Facebook and YouTube to offer a fun and engaging virtual zoo tour packed full of fantastic facts and adorable animal antics.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium has created virtual zoo tour resources to support children’s learning for grades pre-K through 12. The site offers online courses, family-friendly science activities, crafts and printables, and fantastic video lessons (in English and en español) to help young learners who are excited about ocean animals.

Georgia Aquarium at Home

These wonderful guided virtual tours through Georgia Aquarium’s galleries allow you to explore the chilly unknown in Cold Water Quest , be immersed in a world of colors as a tropical diver , and more.

New England Aquarium Virtual Tour

Enjoy a virtual zoo tour of the New England Aquarium and check out the projects and activities available to both educators and families. New zoo cam videos premiere on Facebook , YouTube , and Instagram .

Folly Farm Sloth Cam

Witness the serene existence of Tuppee and Lightcap, two charming two-toed sloths residing in Sloth Forest, a habitat created as a comfortable “sloth retirement home.”

Aquarium of the Pacific Webcams

Peek into the lives of playful penguins, sleek sharks in the Shark Lagoon, the graceful sea nettles, the bustling Tropical Reef, the serene Honda Blue Cavern, and the intriguing coral predators. These webcams, complemented by resource kits, offer a vibrant, educational experience for all ages.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Giraffe Cams

Tune into the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s giraffe cams for a live peek into the lives of giraffes in the African Rift Valley exhibit. These cameras capture the giraffes as they roam, mingle, and interact with visitors hand-feeding them lettuce. It’s a “Way Beyond Watching” experience that brings you up close with these majestic animals from anywhere in the world.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Webcams

Dive virtually into the world of marine rescue at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Their live webcams offer glimpses into the new Ruth & J.O. Stone Dolphin Complex, home to rescued bottlenose dolphins in a sprawling 1.5 million gallons of Clearwater Bay’s filtered water. Additionally, explore more live cams like the Otter Cam, Pelican Cam, and Mavis’s Rescue Hideaway Cam for a closer look at other rescued marine animals.

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Webcams

Catch a glimpse into the daily lives of Beardsley Zoo’s beloved animals with their live webcams. Be sure to switch between the Indoor and Outdoor Red Panda Cams, the Spider Monkey Cams, and the River Otter Cam to see these creatures exploring their habitats.

Did we miss one of your favorite virtual zoo field trips, virtual zoo tours, or zoo cams? Share it with us in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook!

Also, check out the best field trip ideas for every age and interest (virtual options too).

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40 Amazing Educational Virtual Field Trips

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Rusmania • Deep into Russia

Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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