Columbian Park Zoo Mom Tips

Our experts tell you what you need to know in our Columbian Park Zoo Mom Tips.

Parking – The zoo has a main parking lot, but it is quite small; we ended up parking on the opposite side of the zoo near picnic pavilions in the large park that surrounds the zoo. This was perfect, and still within walking distance.
Cost – This zoo is free to everyone!
Strollers – Leave the stroller at home. This zoo is very small, and you are absolutely fine without it. If you have an infant, the zoo is stroller accessible, so you might want it for the larger park that surrounds the zoo.
Bathrooms – There are nice bathrooms (including a family bathroom) outside the main zoo entrance. There are also bathrooms upon entry, and then there are bathrooms in the back of the zoo in the Education Building – these are the best, with animal murals on them!
Food – You are not allowed to bring food into this zoo. However, there is a large park with picnic pavilions outside the zoo.
Playground – This park/playground outside this zoo is amazing! They have multiple playgrounds, each labeled with the appropriate age (i.e. 2-5, 5-8; they even have one for teens!).
Splash Pad – There is a small fountain near the front entrance. It’s not quite a splash pad, but a nice spot for kids to get wet. Bring sandals instead of shoes so they can slip them on and off for this.
Gift Shop – This gift shop is small, but since it is a free zoo shopping at the gift shop to get a small stuffed-animal is a great way to help support them.
Animal Encounters – This is the zoo where you need to schedule an animal encounter! They are $45 for 3 people, and last 20-30 minutes. You can schedule an encounter with animals such as the tamandua, sloth, wallaby, and many more! We strongly recommend this! Check them out here!
Exhibits – Although this zoo is small, the exhibits are done really well! Be sure to stop through the butterfly house, as there are a lot in the small space. The prairie dog and otter exhibit have interactive opportunities for the kids. The prairie dog exhibit even has room for adults to partake!
Farm – Normally we skip the petting zoo in favor of seeing larger animals, but our kids always enjoy walking through to pet the farm animals. At this zoo, the farm is a highlight of the visit. As of late June, there are 18 baby goats here! Don’t leave without seeing them!
Train – there is a train that trips around the entire zoo and park. You don’t see zoo animals from it, but it looks to be fun for kids.

Read our full review of exhibits here!