Make today a zoo day at the Austin Zoo!

Located on the city’s southwest edge, Austin Zoo sits on 15 acres of land and features more than 300 rescue animals. It’s a fun and educational outing for any animal lover. While tickets range from $11.95 to $14.95, and kids under 2 are free, we think a trip to the zoo – especially considering the humane work they do – is totally worth the price!

Now home to a handful of big cats, monkeys, lemurs, coatimundi, bears, birds, reptiles, and, of course, native Texas wildlife, the local nonprofit began as a goat ranch that took in pigs, deer, donkeys, and ponies. Eventually, more exotic animals began to call the zoo home as well. According to Austin Zoo’s website, they take in “animals from other facilities that are being retired due to age, health or other issues; animals that were seized in animal cruelty cases; retired laboratory research animals; and individuals’ exotic pets they needed to rehome due to changes in the owner’s lifestyle or the inability to provide appropriate care for these pets.”

The zoo also offers 20-minute train rides through Hill Country ($5 per person, free for kids under 2), but we suggest contacting the zoo to confirm on the day of your visit. 

As far as zoos go, Austin’s is considered small so visits last approximately one to two hours. This is a great option for a fun adventure before heading out to dinner at Pieous, which is just a short drive away, also on the outskirts of the city.