As an expert on all educational and fun things to do in San Francisco Bay Area I often get a question: which is the best zoo in Bay Area for a family outing? It is a great question! But before I answer it I need to address the elephant in the room (pun intended :-)).
There is a great divide when it comes to the matter of zoos: some people love them, other – hate them and insist they should be banned. On the one hand, I do agree with the notion that wild animals are better off in the wild, as nature intended it. On the other hand, I can’t deny the importance of conservation and educational work that a lot of zoos are doing. And, of course, some zoos are better than others. There, I said it.
Now back to our burning question: which is the best zoo in Bay Area ? There are three main zoos in San Francisco Bay Area: San Francisco Zoo, Oakland Zoo and Happy Hollow Park and Zoo in San Jose. My family have explored all three of them extensively. I have been thinking for a long time how to best answer this question about the potential winner. Finally, I decided to create a comparison chart that clearly shows you all important aspects about each Bay Area zoo (click on the image below to enlarge):
So the best answer to the question “which is the best zoo in Bay Area?” is: each of the three zoos best serves specific needs. Happy Hollow is best for younger kids. Oakland Zoo has the best Halloween Party, in my opinion, etc. Each of the zoos has its own unique exhibits and entertainment options.
To give you a detailed review of one of the 3 best zoos in Bay Area, below is my recent video that I filmed in San Francisco Zoo in July 2020 when it has just re-opened from quarantine. I think the animals in San Francisco Zoo were so starved for guests’ attention, they put on their best performances. I promise you the best and the funniest zoo video that you have ever seen – check it out:
One important thing to remember when you go to a zoo in Bay Area is weather. San Francisco Zoo can get foggy and cold, while Happy Hollow can get really hot in summer (10 F degrees difference compared to temperature mid-Peninsular).
We like all three zoos in the Bay Area. On the scale from 1 to 5, 5 being the best, I would rank all of them around 4. Why not 5? In my mind 5 is reserved for the absolute best zoos in the nation. San Diego Zoo definitely hits that mark. The facilities for the animals, the sheer diversity of wildlife, entertainment options – in all these areas San Diego Zoo surpasses all the rest I have been to. Check out my San Diego family trip itinerary including the famous zoo.
On the other side of the country, my favorite zoo is Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. Why we love it: location next to Lake Michigan, great exhibits, the best Zoo Lights Christmas event I have been to, easily manageable with small kids and… it is absolutely FREE of charge. For more information, check out my Chicago family vacation itinerary.
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