If you are looking for a zoo or aquarium in Kentucky, you’re in luck — the state is home to some of the best places to have a close-up animal encounter.
Most of these are open throughout the year, and some — such as the Louisville Zoo — are both zoo and aquarium in one.
It’s difficult to see all the attractions of these facilities in one day, so you may need to plan a second visit!
Contents
- Best Zoos & Aquariums In Kentucky
- 1. Louisville Zoo
- 2. Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo
- 3. Newport Aquarium
- 4. Kentucky Reptile Zoo
- 5. Ararat Ridge Zoo
- 6. Eden Animal Experience
- 7. Gallrein Farms
- 9. Salato Wildlife Center
- 9. Barnyard Buddies & Friends
- 10. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens
- 10 Best Zoos & Aquariums In Kentucky – Summary Table
- Kentucky Safety Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Are There Free Zoos In Kentucky?
- How Long Does It Take To Walk Through The Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo?
- What Animals Are At The Louisville Zoo?
- How Far Is The Cincinnati Zoo From Louisville?
- How Long Does It Take To Walk The Louisville Zoo?
- Are Zoos In Kentucky Open Year-Round?
- How Long Does It Take To See The Newport Aquarium?
Best Zoos & Aquariums In Kentucky
1. Louisville Zoo
The Louisville Zoo is one of the largest and most popular zoos not just in Kentucky but in the entire United States.
The zoo features a whopping 1,100 animals from around the world, including the Arctic.
You’ll find the zoo divided into regional exhibits, which include some of the world’s rarest and most fascinating animals.
It also includes the one-of-a-kind Herpequarium, where visitors can meet exotic reptiles, fish, and other creatures, including piranhas, vampire bats, and more.
The zoo’s award-winning Islands exhibit is a particular hit, featuring unique and rare island-dwelling animals such as tigers, crocodiles, and African penguins.
2. Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo
Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo is the leading Australian-themed animal park in the state of Kentucky.
But it’s not just any old zoo — it’s the chance to have an interactive, educational experience with animals such as kangaroos, emus, wallabies, and much more.
Visitors are invited to pet and feed the animals in a safe environment while learning all about the role they play in the animal kingdom.
You’ll also get to explore Mammoth Onyx Cave, one of the many caverns beneath the zoo.
The cave has been open to tourists since 1922 and features stunning natural stone formations.
3. Newport Aquarium
Newport Aquarium is located in Newport, Kentucky, where it draws visitors from both Kentucky and Ohio all year round.
The stunning facility features some of the most interesting and unique sea creatures on the planet, including two shark rays (some of the only ones in captivity in the world!).
Its 70 exhibits include more than 200 feet of underwater sea tunnels that let you view animals from all sides.
Among these are creatures from all over the world, including sharks, sea snakes, piranhas, amphibians, penguins, alligators, seahorses, and some incredibly deadly animals like the red lionfish and the electric eel.
4. Kentucky Reptile Zoo
If you love scaly animals of all kinds, you need to visit the Kentucky Reptile Zoo, located in the town of Slade.
This non-profit has a huge number of reptiles of all kinds and serves as both an educational facility and a conservation effort on behalf of these fascinating animals.
Visitors will get to see turtles, many kinds of lizards, alligators, and the world’s biggest assortment of venomous snakes.
The Kentucky Reptile Zoo is only open seasonally, so if you happen to be in the area during the warmer months, you’ll want to jump at the chance to visit.
5. Ararat Ridge Zoo
Ararat Ridge Zoo is located in Williamstown, Kentucky.
It is famously the site of the Ark Encounter, a Bible-themed attraction featuring a life-sized replica of Noah’s Ark.
However, you can also enjoy the animal exhibits, which include ring-tailed lemurs, giant tortoises, exotic birds, and much more.
Kids will enjoy the hands-on animal exhibits, which include a petting zoo, camel rides, and a section where you can pet and feed kangaroos.
Other animal exhibits include creatures from all over the world, and visitors are welcome to speak to the keepers and learn about the animals’ habitats and behavior.
6. Eden Animal Experience
Eden Animal Experience is a section of the famous Creation Museum, located in Petersburg, Kentucky.
Here, visitors can interact with a variety of animals both at the petting zoo and at the animal encounters.
You’ll find a herd of goats, tortoises, armadillos, snakes, and more, as well as a variety of exotic mammals throughout the year.
If you are looking for a fun animal experience on a smaller scale, this is a great choice.
Eden Animal Experience is located near Ararat Ridge Zoo and the two facilities often host cooperative events, exhibits, and other experiences.
7. Gallrein Farms
Gallrein Farms is the perfect place to enjoy interacting with farm animals both big and small.
This family farm, located in Shelbyville, offers visitors the chance to pet and feed animals of all kinds.
These include horses, cows, chickens, llamas, goats, donkeys, and many more.
Visitors will also get the chance to learn about these animals and the important roles they play in farming and agriculture.
The petting zoo opens every spring and is the farm’s biggest attraction.
There are other events at the farm throughout the year, all of which offer the chance to see the animals.
9. Salato Wildlife Center
The Salato Wildlife Center, located in Frankfort, Kentucky, isn’t just a zoo.
It is a wildlife refuge and a nature preserve where visitors can explore the outdoors while admiring the beauty of the local animal life.
You will find fascinating native animals such as elk, bald eagles, bison, and white-tailed deer here and will have the chance to learn more about these species and the importance of protecting them.
In addition to attending educational programs, visitors are also welcome to explore the grounds for a hike, boat trip, or fishing venture.
9. Barnyard Buddies & Friends
Located in Boaz, Kentucky, Barnyard Buddies & Friends is a petting zoo that is great for visitors of all ages.
The zoo is made to be accessible to all visitors, no matter their age or ability.
The animals here are gentle and friendly, from camels to llamas, goats, pigs, cows, chickens, sheep, rabbits, and much more.
If you’re looking for a place that is welcoming and accessible to all visitors, this quaint, small petting zoo in Boaz is an excellent choice.
Barnyard Buddies also offers mobile services for parties and other events.
10. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Wait a moment — isn’t Cincinnati in Ohio?
Yes, but with its unique location right on the Ohio River, which forms the border between Ohio and Kentucky, it is a short drive from downtown Louisville.
The Cincinnati Zoo is one of the most popular zoos in the area, even for Kentucky residents.
It has been in business since the 1870s and is now one of the biggest and best zoos in the United States.
It is famous for its young hippo, Fiona, but includes countless animal exhibits, from exotic birds to alligators and crocodiles, snakes, lions, elephants, monkeys, and much more.
10 Best Zoos & Aquariums In Kentucky – Summary Table
| Zoos & Aquariums | Address |
|---|---|
| Louisville Zoo | 1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY 40213, USA |
| Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo | at Exit 58, 3700 L and North Turnpike Road, I-65, Horse Cave, KY 42749, USA |
| Newport Aquarium | 1 Levee Wy, Newport, KY 41071, USA |
| Kentucky Reptile Zoo | 200 L&E Railroad Pl, Slade, KY 40376, United States |
| Ararat Ridge Zoo | 1 Ark Encounter Dr, Williamstown, KY 41097, United States |
| Eden Animal Experience | Creation Museum, 2800 Bullittsburg Church Rd, Petersburg, KY 41080, USA |
| Gallrein Farms | 1029 Vigo Rd, Shelbyville, KY 40065, United States |
| Salato Wildlife Center | 1 Sportsman's Ln, Frankfort, KY 40601, USA |
| Barnyard Buddies & Friends | 3710 McNeil Ln, Boaz, KY 42027, United States |
| Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens | 3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA |
Kentucky Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Kentucky Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Free Zoos In Kentucky?
While all the zoos in Kentucky charge admission, many of them regularly run specials and discount days.
The Louisville Zoo, for example, adults’ prices are based on factors such as weather, season, and demand.
Children under the age of two can enjoy the zoo for free all year.
You may also find other specials going on such as large group discounts or half-off days, so be sure to check the website before your visit.
How Long Does It Take To Walk Through The Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo?
The Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo is much smaller than many of the state’s major zoos.
It takes about half an hour to walk through it at a normal pace, making it a great place for small children who might not have the stamina to walk for hours.
What Animals Are At The Louisville Zoo?
There are more than 1,100 animals at the Louisville Zoo, so it is impossible to list all the species you can find.
The zoo is divided into zoogeographical areas.
Some of the most popular animal exhibits of each include giraffes, antelopes, rhinoceroses, monkeys, gorillas (Africa), wallabies, kangaroos, lorikeets (Australia), seals, sea lions, polar bears, and snow leopards (Glacier Run), and boa constrictors, Gila monsters, and vampire bats (Herpaquarium).
How Far Is The Cincinnati Zoo From Louisville?
Depending on where you are in Louisville, you can reach the Cincinnati Zoo in just over an hour and a half.
Both cities are located on the banks of the Ohio River, making it an easy day trip across the state line.
Many people in Kentucky go to the Cincinnati Zoo several times a year thanks to its easy-to-reach location and excellent exhibits.
How Long Does It Take To Walk The Louisville Zoo?
The Louisville Zoo has many attractions covering 134 acres, so it can take a while to view it all.
If you want to take all the animal exhibits, you will probably need at least two hours.
This factors in the time it takes to walk around the grounds, some of which are hilly.
Most people find that they spend two or three hours (or even longer) seeing all there is to see.
Are Zoos In Kentucky Open Year-Round?
The hours and seasons of zoos in Kentucky vary between establishments.
Some are open seasonally.
Others, such as the Louisville Zoo, are open throughout the year with the exception of a few major holidays.
Make sure you check the website of your preferred zoo before your visit to find out when it is open.
How Long Does It Take To See The Newport Aquarium?
It takes roughly two to four hours to enjoy all the exhibits at the Newport Aquarium.
The aquarium includes a whopping 14 galleries and 70 exhibits, so it takes some time to make your way through the long halls and tunnels to encounter all the animals.
In addition to the exhibits, there is a variety of activities for visitors in the aquarium, so you may want to block out a whole afternoon for your visit.
I’m especially intrigued by the Kentucky Reptile Zoo and the chance to see such a large variety of venomous snakes.
Kentucky is home to some of the best zoos and aquariums in the United States.
The Louisville Zoo’s Herpequarium is a must-see, with its exotic reptiles and fish providing an unforgettable experience.