BUffalo Zoo

We recently visited the Buffalo, New York area and were looking for some family-friendly things to do near the city.  The zoo is not far from downtown, and we had no problem finding it using Google Maps.

We arrived about 1pm on a Thursday, and the zoo parking lot was full.  For a weekday in the summer, it was surprisingly busy.  However, just as we were about to turn around, someone was leaving, so we were able to snag a spot in the paid lot (for $5).  Otherwise I believe you can find street parking in the area.

There were no lines at the ticket booth, and we headed into the zoo.  We paid $12.50 for adults and $9.25 for our kids.

Buffalo Zoo New York

This zoo is the nation’s third oldest zoo, built in 1875.  It is one of the smaller zoos we have visited, but it is a nice place to explore and is well kept.  It has a quaint feel, with some older buildings and a more unique feel to it.

Buffalo Zoo New York

One of the first things we did was check out the Sea Lion exhibit, since it is near the entrance.  When you pay for your admission, you get a schedule of things going on during the day, which includes a sea lion feeding.  It is fun to check out the different events.

Buffalo Zoo New York

Feeding the birds had to have been one of our favorite activities.  You can buy a stick with bird food on it for $2, and then go in the aviary.  It’s fun to hang out and feed the birds, and some will hop right on your stick to feed.

Buffalo Zoo New York

Buffalo Zoo New York

Some of the bigger animals included this polar bear and the gorilla exhibit.

Buffalo Zoo New York

We also saw a rhino and giraffes.

Buffalo Zoo Rhino

There are interactive activities around the park, from feeding the birds to a petting zoo, or this scavenger hunt.

Buffalo Zoo New York

The jungle exhibit is pretty neat, with a huge anteater, capybara, monkeys, and more.

Buffalo Zoo Jungle

We had fun watching the meerkats – they are so cute!

Buffalo Zoo meerkat

There is definitely no shortage of things for younger kids to do, from a carousel to play room, mini train ride, and petting zoo.

Buffalo Zoo Barn

We enjoyed visiting the zoo, and while it was smaller than some of the other zoos we have visited, it was clean and fun to explore.  This would be a wonderful place for younger children, as a lot of places aren’t always geared towards the littler kids.

Visit the Buffalo Zoo at https://buffalozoo.org/