The Best Zoos and Aquariums in Orange County

Orange County’s zoos and aquariums offer visitors many opportunities to have fun, learn, and be entertained.

Zoomars Petting Zoo

This zoo is a great option for kids, it allows them to play and have fun with many farm animals including llamas. Not only that as it also offers them the chance to ride trains and gold mine. Keep an eye on its calendar and don’t worry about rainy days as the staff in Zoomars Petting Zoo is always ready for any these situations.

31791 Los Rios St.
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 831-6550
Web: zoomars.com

Ocean Institute

The Ocean Institute is located in Dana Point and it’s popular by the environmental and maritime history programs it has to offer. With more than 100k visitors per year, the Ocean Institute it a must-visit place for ocean-life lovers to learn, have fun, and discover the wonders it has to offer. The aquarium includes activities that visitors will find fun and interesting no matter how old they might be. If you have a kid and you want them to grow a passion and an interest in science, this is one of the places to take them to.

24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr.
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 496-2274
Web: ocean-institute.org

The Reptile Zoo

This is a unique zoo where you can see scaly crawlies of different kinds and shapes. This is an indoor zoo so it will be the best choice if the day you picked to go out gets rainy. The Reptile Zoo enables kids to interact with the animals it hosts; feed turtles and see rare snakes. Another special detail about the Reptile Zoo is that it hosts a double-headed snake, a giant snake (150-pound) with no eyes, tortoises, and many more.

18822 Brookhurst St.
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 964-3525
Web: thereptilezoo.com

Santa Ana Zoo

Santa Ana Zoo is the best place for kids to see and learn more about monkeys. The Zoo hosts a huge number of different kinds of monkeys one of which is the tiny pygmy marmoset. This zoo is not only about animals but there are many ways to have fun; from exhibits to carousel rides. One final stop would be the science maze to have an unforgettable experience and buy something from the Treetop Toys gift.

1801 E. Chestnut Ave.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 647-6575
Web: santaanazoo.org

Orange County Zoo

With a wide range of animals and species, this zoo is one of the biggest fun zones for families. At Orange County Zoo, visitors can see animals from the southwest of the United States such as; black bears, hawks, and lions. The fun in this zoo isn’t exclusive to animal-related activities, there are also spaces for families and pony rides for children and hiking and bike ride rentals for adults. In addition to paddle boat and animal exhibitions.

1 Irvine Park Rd.
Orange, CA 92869
(714) 997-3968
Web: irvineparkrailroad.com