Going to the zoo with your kids is a great way to enjoy a family outing while learning about wonderful creatures from around the world!
If you are looking for the perfect zoo experience in Indiana, you’re in luck — the state is home to a few of the most popular and acclaimed zoos and animal sanctuaries in the country.
Though there is only one aquarium within state lines, you will find several more options available within easy driving distance.
Best Zoos In Indiana
Looking for the best zoo in Indiana for your next family outing?
These top options have something for everyone, no matter where you are or what you’re looking for.
1. Indianapolis Zoo
The Indianapolis Zoo is one of the most popular zoos in the state.
Notably, it is also the site of the only aquarium in the state.
The 64-acre zoo houses more than 1,400 animals of 235 species.
Visitors can explore the exhibits divided by zoogeographical habitats, including “Deserts”, “Flights of Fancy”, “Forests”, “Oceans”, and “Plains”.
It also includes the adjoining botanical gardens, which feature more than 3,000 plant species.
One of the most popular parts is “Zoo Babies”, where visitors can view the zoo’s smallest members from all over the world, from tiger cubs to baby orangutans.
2. Columbian Park Zoo
Located in Lafayette, Indiana, Columbian Park Zoo is one of the most interesting and family-friendly zoos in the state.
It is smaller than the Louisville Zoo, housing roughly 90 species of animal.
However, it is a popular attraction thanks to its engaging animal exhibits as well as its other offerings for all ages, including playgrounds, hiking trails, butterfly gardens, and even a baseball stadium.
Though the official exhibits feature exotic species from around the world, there is also a petting zoo with farm animals such as a potbellied pig, cows, goats, a llama, chickens, and rabbits.
3. Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo has been one of the most beloved zoos in the state since it opened its doors in 1965.
In fact, it has been voted among the top 10 zoos in the entire United States.
Located on the grounds of Franke Park in Fort Wayne, the zoo houses roughly 1,000 animals and is an important site for animal research.
Visitors can enjoy four biome-themed exhibits that feature animals from Africa, Australia, the Americas, and the Indonesian Rainforest.
The zoo also has themed train and carousel rides suitable for small children.
4. Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden
When you visit Mesker Park Zoo & Botanical Garden in Evansville, Indiana, you’re enjoying a zoo that has hosted visitors since 1928!
This 50-acre zoo houses roughly 700 animals of 200 species from around the world.
Along with the historic exhibits, the zoo continues to open new and exciting features — their most recent development was the Penguins of Patagonia exhibit, which opened in 2021.
One of the zoo’s most popular attractions is “Amazonia”, the tropical rainforest exhibit, which showcases both plants and animals from the jungles of South America, including howler monkeys, tapirs, and jaguars.
5. Black Pine Animal Sanctuary
Located in Albion, Indiana is the fascinating Black Pine Animal Sanctuary.
Here, visitors can view exotic animals from around the world who have retired after being raised in captivity.
The 18-acre sanctuary cares for and protects the animals, many of whom were displaced during their youth.
With this in mind, the sanctuary aims to educate visitors on the needs of these animals and raise awareness of the keeping of exotic animals, many of which are endangered.
Animal exhibits include big cats, primates, reptiles, wolves, rare birds, and field and farm animals such as deer and donkeys.
6. Exotic Feline Rescue Center
Located in Center Point, Indiana, the Exotic Feline Rescue Center is a rescue and rehabilitation sanctuary for big cats who have been displaced.
The center now includes more than 100 exotic cats of 10 species, including tigers, lions, servals, bobcats, cheetahs, jaguars, panthers, and more.
Visitors are welcome to come for walking tours, during which they will learn about the species as well as the individual animals, each of whom has its own fascinating story.
The Exotic Feline Rescue Center serves to educate and spread awareness about the needs of exotic animals and the danger humans pose to them.
7. Potawatomi Zoo
Located in South Bend, Indiana, Potawatomi Zoo is one of the oldest continuously-operating zoos in the state!
Founded in 1921, it now houses more than 500 animals and welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.
The largest section is the Africa exhibit, which features fascinating creatures from giraffes to lions, wild dogs, rhinoceroses, and various monkeys.
Another popular attraction is the Cat House, where visitors can view exotic cats such as snow leopards.
The on-site Zoo Farm includes a petting zoo where you can interact with and feed alpacas, sheep, cows, potbellied pigs, chickens, turkeys, and more.
8. TPA Park
TPA Park is a public park located in Frankfort, Indiana.
However, for part of every year, it is also home to the TPA Park Aviary and Petting Zoo.
During this time, visitors are welcome to come to interact with and learn about fascinating creatures such as peacocks, goats, pigs, llamas, sheep, donkeys, pheasants, and even sloths!
To make it even more appealing, there is no cost of admission — visitors are welcome to enjoy the animals free of charge.
If you are looking for a low-cost, family-friendly zoo that is perfect for all ages, TPA Park could be a perfect choice.
9. Washington Park Zoo
Washington Park Zoo is located in Michigan City, Indiana, on the shores of Lake Michigan.
This small, 15-acre facility is widely considered one of the hidden gems of Indiana.
Today, Washington Park Zoo houses more than 90 animal species.
These include unique exhibits such as “Monkey Island” (today home to ring-tailed lemurs) and the “Castle”, where visitors can observe an inhabited beehive and small mammals and reptiles.
The zoo also features an aviary and an on-site farm where visitors can feed animals such as horses, pigs, donkeys, and goats.
Come for a tour, join an animal encounter, or just enjoy the zoo on your own.
10. Wolf Park
Wolf Park might not be a traditional zoo, but it is still a fascinating place to learn about and observe some of the most fascinating local wildlife in the country.
This nonprofit exists to conserve and educate about native wolf species and other animals in the northern United States.
Throughout the year, you will find a variety of offerings such as guided tours, nighttime wolf pack observations, photography tours, and feeding encounters.
Animals in the park include not only wolves, but also wild foxes, bison, and more.
This is one of the most amazing and unique ways to learn about wildlife in Indiana.
10 Best Zoos & Aquariums In Indiana – Summary Table
| Zoos & Aquariums | Address |
|---|---|
| Indianapolis Zoo | 1200 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46222, USA |
| Columbian Park Zoo | 1915 Scott St, Lafayette, IN 47904, United States |
| Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo | 3411 Sherman Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46808, United States |
| Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden | 1545 Mesker Park Dr, Evansville, IN 47720, USA |
| Black Pine Animal Sanctuary | 1426 W 300 N, Albion, IN 46701, USA |
| Exotic Feline Rescue Center | 2221 E Ashboro Rd, Center Point, IN 47840, USA |
| Potawatomi Zoo | 500 S Greenlawn Ave, South Bend, IN 46615, United States |
| TPA Park | 1 Adrian Marks Dr, Frankfort, IN 46041, USA |
| Washington Park Zoo | 115 Lake Shore Dr, Michigan City, IN 46360, United States |
| Wolf Park | 4004 E 800 N, Battle Ground, IN 47920, USA |
Indiana Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Indiana Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Indiana Have An Aquarium?
The only aquarium in the state of Indiana is at the Indianapolis Zoo.
However, there are several others that are accessible just over state lines.
Shedd Aquarium is one great choice, located across the border in Chicago.
Another popular one is the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium, located in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
What Is The Biggest Zoo In Indiana?
The Indianapolis Zoo is the biggest zoo in the state.
Spread across 64 acres, the facility houses more than 1,400 animals.
Between the zoo, aquarium, and botanical gardens, it may take some time to enjoy and explore all the offerings of this one-of-a-kind animal sanctuary.
Most visitors say that they spend roughly four hours walking through the exhibits, though it may take longer depending on how much time you spend observing each one.
Which Indiana Zoos Offer Free Days?
Having a free admission day once or twice a year is common practice among zoos, and there are several facilities in Indiana that have adopted this tradition.
Most notably, the Indianapolis Zoo has free days throughout the year; this schedule usually changes annually but includes certain federal holidays such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Make sure to check the schedule of your nearest zoo to find out when they offer free admission throughout the year.
How Many Botanical Gardens Are In Indiana?
Several zoos in Indiana have botanical gardens as part of their facility.
Most notable are the Indianapolis Zoo and Mesker Park & Botanic Gardens.
The White River Gardens at the Indianapolis Zoo include the DeHaan Tiergarten and the Hilbert Conservatory, where you can enjoy tropical flowers at any time of the year.
Mesker Park, meanwhile, features a series of themed gardens totaling hundreds of plants both native and tropical.
How Long Does It Take To Walk Through The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo?
Visiting the zoo with your kids can mean getting in a serious workout — especially if you’re pushing a stroller or dragging increasingly tired kids behind you.
The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo takes between three and four hours to walk through, depending on how long you want to spend at each exhibit.
However, it’s worth noting that there are other activities at the zoo, such as rides, that can offer a break from being on your feet.
What Is The Cost Of Admission At The Indianapolis Zoo?
The cost of admission at the Indianapolis Zoo ranges between $15.75 and $25.75 for adults and $11.75 and $21.75 for kids above the age of two.
Seniors can get in for a discounted admission price, while children under the age of two can get in for free.
It is also worth bearing in mind that the Indianapolis Zoo, like most other similar facilities, offers discounts and deals throughout the year, so do some research before your visit.
