The Memphis Zoo is a great destination for families looking for an educational and enjoyable day out together. With a variety of animal exhibits and interactive experiences, parents can help kids explore the natural world up close. Begin your visit at the Zambezi River Hippo Camp, where kids can peer through an underwater viewing window to see hippos and Nile crocodiles swimming just inches away. The Teton Trek exhibit, designed to resemble Yellowstone’s wilderness, features towering wolves and playful grizzly bears, while the China Exhibit offers a rare chance to observe giant pandas munching on bamboo in beautifully designed enclosures.

Parents of younger children might want to head over to Primate Canyon, where the chimps’ lively antics will capture little ones’ attention. When everyone needs a break, check out the Teton Trek Lodge Play Area or let the kids cool off at the splash park. Don’t miss the opportunity to feed the giraffes or gently touch the stingrays at Stingray Bay—these experiences, while having a small fee, create lasting memories and foster curiosity about wildlife.

Check schedules and look out for zoo keeper chats occurring around the zoo, where staff provide insights into animal behavior and conservation efforts. These short sessions are perfect for sparking questions and deeper discussions with curious kids. If you have toddlers in tow, the farmyard area, “Once Upon a Farm,” offers a more relaxed pace where little ones can safely interact with friendly goats and sheep. Throughout the year, the zoo also hosts family-friendly events like Zoo Boo for Halloween and Zoo Lights during the winter season, making it a fun destination no matter when you visit.