12 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Colorado

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Come to where the wild things thrive by visiting the best zoos, animal sanctuaries, and aquariums in Colorado.

Today, zoos display animals from the region and afar and emphasize educational opportunities and environmental awareness.

They take great care and responsibility for providing animal care and creating a home for the creatures entrusted to them.

Often located among the rustic beauty of Colorado, visiting a sanctuary, aquarium, or zoo is a captivating experience for individuals, couples, families, and groups.

From petting zoos that bring the joy of co-species play for children and introducing them to their new friends to refuges for wild horses, there is sure to be an interaction that inspires you!

Colorado’s Zoos, Sanctuaries, and Aquariums

Whether furred, finned, fanged, or hoofed, a wild and wonderful creature feature adventure awaits visitors!

Come to the stomping grounds of the finest zoos, sanctuaries, refuges, and aquariums in Colorado.

Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver

The Denver Botanic Gardens, a public botanical garden, is a 24-acre urban oasis with various greens, a conservatory, and a sunken theater, hosting summer concerts. 

Discover new plants and landscapes or stroll the art galleries to learn about the botanical specimens.

Tour Denver Botanic Gardens with a knowledgeable and fun guide to acquire a new understanding of gardens, greenery, art, and more.

Downtown Aquarium, Denver

Enjoy aquatic life at the Downtown Aquarium.

The entertainment and dining complex showcases a public aquarium featuring over a million gallons of underwater exhibits displaying unique ecosystems worldwide.

The Downtown Aquarium accommodates over 500 species of animals and numerous exhibitions, such as the interactive Stingray Reef touch tank.

Enjoy amenities including Aquarium Restaurant, Nautilus Ballroom, shopping, and Dive Lounge; there’s something for everyone and fun for the whole family!

Denver Zoo, Denver

Meet the animals, from the African Black-Footed Penguin to the Western Lowland Gorilla.

At Denver Zoo, conservation is an integral part of the environment.

Working with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Denver Zoo supports the animals under their care via programs such as the Species Survival Plan, research, and conservation work.

In addition, the Denver Zoo partners with other zoos and aquariums to raise awareness about worldwide threats to biodiversity through their onsite education.

The Wild Animal Sanctuary, Denver

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

Come and visit the over 750 tigers, lions, wolves, and bears.

And this is also where the big cats, jaguars, cheetahs, and leopards prowl.

Not to mention mustangs and camels, plus the many other species that make the Wild Animal Sanctuary their home.

The Wild Animal Sanctuary operates four facilities, three in Colorado (Keenesburg, Craig, and Springfield) and the fourth in Boyd, Texas.

Together, they provide over 33,000 acres of sanctuary for animals!

Each facility provides unique programs that rescue animals and rehabilitate them to live freely within significant natural habitats with others of their species.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is committed to sharing the wonders of the natural world from up-close experiences and animal demos with kids of all ages!

Open for family fun 365 days a year!

Explore creative exhibits, enjoy entertaining events and relish attractions. 

Some amenities and experiences include the Mountaineer Ride and Sky, where guests can enjoy soaring above the zoo, taking a spring with the Historic Carousel, or sashaying around the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun.

And there is the opportunity to shop at the Thundergod Gift Shop or enjoy classic yet contemporary cuisine at one of the onsite eateries. 

USA Today and Trip Advisor rank Cheyenne Mountain Zoo as one of the USA’s top zoos.

SeaQuest, Littleton

Discover “20,000 square feet of adventure” in Littleton, conveniently located an hour from Colorado Springs and under 30 minutes from Denver.

At SeaQuest, guests can interact, touch, and feed fascinating creatures from 5 continents!

An educational experience and a great entertainment venue for the whole family to enjoy events ranging from field trips to events and parties.

Are you interested in activities?

Event possibilities include Snorkel with Stingrays, Safari Adventures, and Sleep with the Sharks.

Shepperly Farm Petting Zoo, Cañon City

Visit a veteran and family-run petting zoo in Canon City.

Offering field trips, educational tours, and parties, Shepperly Farm Petting Zoo is delighted to offer dozens of animals at the petting zoo for guests to enjoy. 

Relish a classic farmhouse, rolling acreage, and magnificent mountains on your family fun day.

Share a unique experience where guests pet adorable creatures, including goats, sheep, pigs, ponies, rabbits, a steer, guinea pigs, and more.

Kids and adults alike will savor snuggling with fluffy goats, nuzzling with mini donkeys, or receiving a neck hug from a mini horse. 

Pueblo Zoo, Pueblo

Meet the animals, including mammals, reptiles, fish, birds, amphibians, arthropods, and invertebrates; discover the over 400 animals from around the world that make their home at the Pueblo Zoo.

Enjoy a variety of ways to engage, from Education, Events, and Experiences, including Behind the Scenes and Keeper Talks, where visitors can learn about the animal residents from local experts!

Keeper Talks occur throughout the day, and guests can enjoy feeding the animal residents, including the otters (summer), penguins (year-round), and ranch feedings.

In addition, Pueblo Zoo is available for private events and birthday parties.

Butterfly Pavilion, Westminster

The Butterfly Pavilion, located 15 minutes from downtown Denver, is the world’s first stand-alone Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited non-profit invertebrate zoo.

Every exhibition showcases a unique touch experience. 

Discover immersive presentations that aid visitors in uncovering the marvels of nature’s hidden heroes via interactive, hands-on experiences that are perfect for the entire family.

The Butterfly Pavilion offers educational opportunities and adventures for kids, families, school groups, adults, and professional development. 

As part of their mission, they metamorphose and provide a center for conservation and research.

Spread your wings and enjoy the Butterfly Pavilion for private events and birthday parties!

Colorado Gators Reptile Park, Mosca

Located 17 miles from Alamosa, the “Two Mile Creek Wildlife Habitat” allows guests to view alligators, reptiles, and birds in a natural environment and includes a bird sanctuary, reptile rescue, and biodome.

In addition, guests also have the opportunity to enjoy boating, fishing, and picnicking.

A geothermal well creates ponds and wetlands for the gators and a habitat for water birds.

Visitors can view rescued alligators, crocodiles, and caiman in addition to boas, pythons, rattlesnakes, iguanas, bearded dragons, monitor lizards, turtles, and tortoises.

And guests can pet, hold, and take pictures with a small alligator! 

Good Life Refuge, Longmont

With a mission to strengthen the bond between humans and animals and educate people on the benefits of a lifestyle centered around plants, Good Life Refuge specializes in aiding mistreated farm animals.

All animals will live the rest of their lives within the refuge.

The Good Life Refuge has approximately 60 animals of 12 species, from cows and goats, and ducks to alpacas.

In addition, the Good Life Refuge offers a “Kindness Tour,” privately or publicly booked.

During the 45-minute Kindness Tour, you’ll see all their residents in the flesh and discover the quirks and characteristics that make each animal special.

Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, Divide

The Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center houses animals in the canine family, including wolves, coyotes, and the wolf-dog hybrid.

These are beautiful and vital animals for our ecosystem.

The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center is committed to educating visitors via various tours.

The standard tour is one hour; this guided tour is education focused.

Other tours include a Meet and Greet and a Feeding Tour.

Everyone wants to howl with the big wolves; understanding this, every tour culminates with a group howl!

12 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Colorado – Summary Table

Colorado Safety Overview

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Safety Index:

82

• OVERALL RISK: LOW
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
• MUGGING RISK: LOW
• TERRORISM RISK: LOW
• SCAMS RISK: LOW
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW