Review of the Oakland Zoo

The Oakland Zoo is located on Golf Links Road just off of 580 in Oakland, California. The zoo is open every day from 10:00 to 4:00, and only closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. There's a children's ride area right out front as well. The ride area opens at 11:00. Children under 2 years old get into the zoo for free, and children 2 to 14, as well as seniors over 55 receive a discounted price. Current admission prices are listed on the zoo's website at http://www.oaklandzoo.org/. There is also a small parking fee.

The Oakland Zoo is probably our family's favorite Bay Area zoo. We've been members for several years. It is easy to get to, with plenty of parking. It's large enough to fill up a whole day, but not so huge that we need to rush to see everything we want. Most of the animal exhibits are well designed, updated, and maintained. The animals generally appear active and content whenever we visit.

There isn't too much consistent organization to the placement of the different animal exhibits. The primates are all in the same area with a few exceptions. There is also a 'savannah' area that houses different exhibits for animals that all live in the African savannah, like meerkats, Savannah Monitor lizards, Zebra, and Vervet monkeys. The rest of the animals are mixed in with no apparent theme that we could tell. A zoo map is available at the entrance that can help in finding any specific animal you may want to see.

The New Children's Zoo

Completely rebuilt a few years ago, then new Children's Zoo area of the Oakland Zoo isn't just for kids. The giant tortoises, alligator, fruit bat, otter, ring tailed lemurs, insect house, and reptile and amphibian house are all located in the Children's Zoo area. All are just beautiful exhibits that adults visiting without children still shouldn't miss.

For the kids, there are many climbing statues and play areas sprinkled throughout this section of the zoo. They can crawl into a tortoise shell, climb on a spider web, and hop across a pond on lily pads. As a mom to young children, one of my favorite features of the Children's Zoo is that all of the restrooms are family restrooms and include changing tables. If you like to bring a stroller, be warned that they are not allowed into the buildings.

The petting zoo is small and located at the back of the Children's Zoo. There are only a handful of sheep and goats, but every time we've visited, at least a few of them are out and willing to be pet and brushed. There is no feeding allowed. In my opinion this keeps the goats calmer, and allows the children to enjoy petting easier. Instead of food, the zoo provides brushes for the children. They also thoughtfully offer hand sanitizer and a sink for washing up on the way out.

The small wildlife theater show is also located in the Children's Zoo. Keepers show off and discuss several small animals. The show is interesting and they do a good job of involving the audience. It's also a great chance to sit and rest for a bit.

The Ride Area

The rides are located just outside the Oakland Zoo's front entrance. We usually visit after we're done with the zoo, before going home. The ticket prices are reasonable, and most rides only require one ticket. An exception is the train ride that requires two tickets. If you only ride one ride though, the train is the one to pick. Adults and children both can ride the train. The route takes you up around the top edge of one side of the zoo, giving a different perspective and view into many of the animal exhibits. Along the hill is an impressive view of Oakland too. There are also many artificial animal statues places along the route that kids love to spot.