Located inside Julia Davis Park at 355 Julia Davis Dr, Boise, Zoo Boise is a must-visit for families in the Treasure Valley. This AZA-accredited zoo blends education, conservation, and fun in a compact, walkable setting, making it ideal for kids and adults alike. Home to over 200 animals, including giraffes, lions, and sloths, the zoo offers an engaging experience without feeling overwhelming.

Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM (last admission at 4 PM), Zoo Boise provides plenty of time to explore.

In this blog, we’ll map out the ultimate family-friendly itinerary, covering must-see exhibits, animal feedings, and nearby dining options to ensure a stress-free, adventure-filled day. Whether you're a local or visiting Boise, get ready for a wild day of exploration!

Your Perfect Family Day at Zoo Boise: A Step-by-Step Itinerary

Start Your Adventure at the African Plains

What to Do: Arrive right when the gates open at 10 AM to beat the crowds and catch the animals at their most active. Head straight to the African Plains exhibit, home to giraffes, lions, and zebras. Don’t miss the giraffe feeding (typically around 10:30 AM—confirm at the entrance).

Why It’s Great for Families: The elevated viewing platform gives kids a perfect view of the giraffes, and the lion pride is always a big hit—especially if cubs are playing!

Tips: Bring binoculars for a closer look at the lions. March temperatures (50-60°F) are ideal for morning exploration, so snap a family selfie with the giraffes before it warms up!

Discover the Small Animal Kingdom

What to Do: Head to the Small Animal Kingdom, a shaded area featuring meerkats, red pandas (coming soon via the Heart of the Zoo campaign), and sloth bears. Meerkats are most active in the morning, standing on their hind legs and peeking around.

Why It’s Great for Families: Kid-friendly enclosures make it easy for little ones to see animals up close, and sloth bears’ playful climbing keeps them entertained.

Tips: Check for keeper talks (usually between 11 AM-1 PM) to hear fun facts about meerkats and sloth bears. Bring sunscreen—shade is limited in some areas.

Lunch Break: Picnic or Nearby Dining

What to Do: Take a break for lunch—Zoo Boise allows re-entry with a wristband, so you can step out for a bite.

Quick & Cozy: Big City Coffee (801 W Bannock St, 5-minute drive) – known for grilled cheese & fresh salads ($6-$10).
Outdoor & Gluten-Free Friendly: The Wylder (501 W Broad St, 4-minute drive) – great for pizza & kid-friendly meals ($10-$15).
Budget-Friendly: Pack a picnic and enjoy Julia Davis Park’s shaded tables near the zoo entrance.

Why It’s Great for Families: The Wylder’s outdoor seating lets kids move around, while Big City Coffee’s cozy vibe keeps lunch relaxing. Picnicking saves money and keeps you close to the zoo.

Tips: Call ahead for seating if dining out, and bring a blanket & hand sanitizer if picnicking.

Visit Gorongosa National Park Exhibit

What to Do: Return to the zoo and explore Gorongosa National Park, home to African wild dogs and vervet monkeys. The wild dog feeding (around 2 PM) is a must-see!

Why It’s Great for Families: Kids love watching the wild dogs dash for treats, and the monkeys’ playful antics keep them engaged.

Tips: Grab a bench while kids watch the monkeys. Bring a water bottle—there’s a refill station nearby!

Hands-On Fun at the Zoo Farm

What to Do: Head to the Zoo Farm, where kids can pet and feed goats & sheep. Feed bags cost $1 at the entrance.

Why It’s Great for Families: Hands-on interaction helps kids connect with animals, and benches nearby give parents a chance to relax.

Tips: Use the handwashing station after feeding. Avoid peak times (2-3 PM) for a quieter visit.

Birds of Prey Exhibit & Live Demonstration

What to Do: See majestic raptors like bald eagles and vultures at the Birds of Prey exhibit. A live flight demonstration (often at 3:30 PM) showcases their hunting skills.

Why It’s Great for Families: Watching birds swoop close to the audience is a thrilling experience!

Tips: Arrive 5 minutes early for a good seat. Bring a light jacket—the shaded seating can be cool in spring.

Wrap Up at the Gift Shop & Conservation Station

What to Do: End your day at the Zoo Boise Gift Shop, where kids can pick a souvenir ($5-$15). Stop by the Conservation Station to learn about zoo projects and get a zoo passport stamp.

Why It’s Great for Families: Affordable keepsakes and fun conservation lessons make it a perfect send-off.

Tips: Set a souvenir budget beforehand, and use your 10% member discount if applicable.

Why This Itinerary Works

This plan makes the most of your day at Zoo Boise, balancing animal encounters, hands-on activities, and educational moments—all with families in mind.

Start Early: Morning visits mean active animals (like giraffes and lions) before the afternoon lull.
Midday Break: A lunch stop prevents meltdowns and fatigue, with options for dining out or a relaxing picnic.
Engaging Experiences: The Zoo Farm and Birds of Prey exhibit provide interactive fun and exciting demonstrations.
Memorable Close: Wrapping up at the gift shop & Conservation Station ensures kids leave with a fun souvenir and newfound knowledge.

Some visitors mention the zoo’s small size or concerns about certain enclosures, but its compact layout is ideal for young kids. As an AZA-accredited facility, Zoo Boise follows ethical animal care standards—though it’s good to set expectations accordingly if you’re used to larger zoos.

Tips for a Fun & Stress-Free Visit

Timing: Arrive at 10 AM for fewer crowds and cooler temps (50-60°F in early March). Weekdays & early weekends are best—avoid peak spring break rush.
Tickets: Save time by buying online at zooboise.org ($9.50/adult, $6.50/kids). Watch for $3 Thursdays in February or consider an annual family membership ($60) for frequent visits.
What to Bring:
- Comfy shoes—expect some walking
- Water & sunscreen—refill stations available
- Strollers & wagons—great for little ones
- Layers—Boise’s spring weather is mild but breezy
Weather: Check forecasts! Some exhibits (like Zoo Farm) may close in rainy conditions.
Extras: Bring a camera for giraffe selfies & wild dog action shots. Download the zoo map online for easy navigation.
Make It a Full Day: Pair your zoo trip with a stroll through Julia Davis Park or a walk along the Greenbelt for even more family fun!

Make Memories at Zoo Boise

Make lasting memories at Zoo Boise, where wildlife, learning, and fun come together in an engaging family-friendly experience. From watching giraffes reach for leaves to feeding goats at the Zoo Farm, this itinerary covers the must-see highlights, including the African Plains, Small Animal Kingdom, and Birds of Prey, with time built in for a relaxing meal at Big City Coffee or The Wylder. While Zoo Boise may be smaller than some zoos, its manageable layout and affordable pricing make for a stress-free adventure that’s perfect for families.