Lincoln Children’s Zoo

Nebraska is well known for its massive Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, but that is not the only noteworthy place to see your favorite wild animals. The Lincoln Children’s Zoo is a hidden gem right here in town that is only 10 minutes from Union. Now, I know you might be thinking that it is a place only kids could enjoy because of its name, but don’t let that fool you. This zoo offers plenty to make it worth a visit — even for college “kids.”

This zoo is home to around 400 animals that range from foxes to giraffes to penguins. They are bound to have some of your favorites roaming around the property. If you want to check out some of the individual animals before you head over, they have a really cool feature on their website called Keeper Corner. This allows potential visitors to view recent videos of most of their animals and even get a sneak peek into how handlers care for them on a daily basis. They started this in response to the COVID-19 pandemic when they had to close their doors to visitors for a while. Luckily, they are back open and ready to welcome you in person.

There are a couple of unique experiences available if you are willing to pay a few extra dollars or plan accordingly. For only $5, you can feed the giraffes two bundles of their favorite snack! Or if you get tired during your visit, hop on the train for $3 and let it take you around the entire zoo. They also offer scheduled interactive penguin feedings and wild safari experiences with the zookeepers. If you manage to get to the zoo early, you will also have the chance to be a part of the morning cheetah run, which is an experience only a few zoos nationwide offer.

If you plan to visit anytime soon, wearing a mask is required in all indoor exhibits. Tickets are about $14 each, which is not bad compared to the pricey entrance fee for the bigger zoo in Omaha. So if you want to save some money and gas but feel like taking a trip to the zoo, definitely check out the Lincoln Children’s Zoo. It never hurts to embrace your inner child for an afternoon. 

By Kelina Rodgers