Cameron Park Zoo
About
Texas's Top Mid-Size Zoo
Cameron Park Zoo spreads over 52 acres along the Brazos River as part of Cameron Park's 416-acre complex. The zoo houses 1,700+ animals - lions, giraffes, Sumatran tigers, Komodo dragons, otters, and African elephants - across naturalistic habitats with waterfalls, shade trees, and stream paths.
What Kids Can Do
The African Plains exhibit lets kids walk a boardwalk above giraffes, zebras, and warthogs. The Brazos River Country section recreates Texas habitats with bobcats, otters, and bald eagles. Penguin Encounters let kids meet African penguins behind-the-scenes. Splash pad and playground built into the zoo grounds give younger siblings a break. Zoo Camp, Wild Nights, Story Time, and Birthday Party packages bookable year-round [marked: Penguin Encounters and Behind-the-Scenes Tours require advance booking - call ahead].
What's Included
General admission covers all habitats, splash pad, playground, and daily keeper talks. Zoo Camp, Penguin Encounters, Wild Nights, and field trips priced separately. Membership covers year-round visits.
Experience
Plan 3-4 hours. Mostly outdoor with shade and indoor reptile house. Bring water and sun protection - summer afternoons get brutal in central Texas. Stroller and wheelchair accessible throughout. Free parking on-site. Open daily 9am-5pm.