Oakland Zoo Reviews

Delightful zoo. A bit hilly. Can't wait to go back. Wish I lived closer so I could go more often

ZooLights was great and it was cool to get into the exhibits even at night

Best place to learn about many different animals :)

Awesome zoo to take your kids to. Lots of walking/steps. The new gondola and playground up at the top has a great view of the bay area.

Best zoo in Bay Area!

The design of the exhibits makes it easier to spot animals more naturally. Although there are fences and glass and nets where required, but the experience is friendlier than other zoos I have visited. The size is perfect for completing the tour in a few hours satisfactorily, covering all exhibits.

First thing I would recommend is the Gondola ride, which takes you to the top level of the zoo. Complete that level exhibits and return to the lower level to enjoy the rest.

Food and drinks are allowed, which makes it easier for families to plan. There are plenty of benches and sheltered spots where you can relax and eat before moving on to the viewing.

Unfortunately, the petting zoo and a couple of exhibits were closed due to rainy weather.

This was our first time and it was nice. Not a lot of animals to be seen, but a lot of walking to be had. We took the gondola to the top of the zoo and the view was amazing. We had lunch at the cafe near the zoo entrance and it was decent. However our garlic fries came in a tub of oil and were inedible at the bottom. FYI, there s not much parking so if you arrive later in the day you ll be forced to park down a long, steep hill.

Smaller zoo and traffic getting in can be atrocious.

The oakland zoo has greatly improved since I was a kid! Unfortunately I went during boo at the zoo; way too busy to truly enjoy myself. Next time I'll go on a weekday.

It's okay. Lots of walking for not having many animals.

This is such an awesome zoo. So much to see for such a reasonable admission price.

It easy to park good activities for kids.
Many animals to see and also have a petting area.

During the pandemic, you are scheduled to come at a certain time slot. This is a great idea so you're not in a crowded area.

We were thrill! It was beautiful and fun to ride the gondolas the view was beautiful.

Cafe at gondola station was good but pricey. Baboons are amazing every time! Play area by bears is awesome

A great place to bring kids, you can stay here for a full day. Food is also great! Definitely would recommend a visit

Good place to go with family. The zoo is not too big. So kids won't tire out. Kids would love the gondola ride that comes free with the admission ticket. The Australian outback train ride is also a highlight.

A great day and a great way to escape the heat in San Joaquin County. The temps were in the 70s and the zoo was perfect in both sun and shade. It was a great 2-3 hour walk among the African and aisian animals.

Single word
EXCELLENT

The zoo is very clean but I like to see the animals in their natural habitat. The elephant seemed so miserable as well as the chimpanzees

Lovely little zoo. Easy to walk through and well set up to see the animals from multiple angles.

There are several picnic areas that you can sit with family or a date.

Plenty of paths, so even when it's crowded foot traffic can flow easily.

Havent been here for about 5 yra and its vastly improved with the gondola and the whole xonservation area above. Definitely my favorite of the zoos nearby

Love this Zoo so much and I can't wait for the expansion to finish

Over- selling tickets, over parking cars, bathrooms are horrid, none of the animals were visible... lots of walking for little to see. Very disappointed.

Check out the Lions, tigers, mountain lions and many many other exhibits

This zoo is pretty good. Nice size, the new California area is fun too. My only complaint is that the bathrooms lack maintenance. We were the when the park opens for members and the bathroom had not been cleaned from the day before. Pretty appalling if you ask me.

We became members because we LOVE Our Oakland Zoo!!! We live in Hayward and have had our Family go too!! We brag about your Zoo!! I saw on TV this morning something special you guys are doing. I was on the phone and couldn't get what was going on. I would Love to know So I can go with my Family. Thank YOU!!! and I Thank YOU for all the Animals you all Love and take Care of!!

Went for my daughters 11th Birthday. Beat birthday ever (her words). Pretty good prices, everything seems so new. Def6recomend the gondola ride. The wolves had just had pups, so we will def be back when they are old enough to view.

Nothing open inside. Very few attractions at this time

Great for younger children just alot of walking up hills. But amazing animals very up close and personal. Very clean and food is very expensive you should bring your own food. They have a petting zoo and rides for children to ride on.

The expanded terrain with it's additional animals, coupled with the views from the new airial transit make for an enriched experience..

Not maintained very well. Needs upgrade. Collection is good.

Pretty awesome day at OZ, even in heavy rain. View from the cafe at the top of the gondola is awesome. Young bears play-wrestling was cute/disturbing. Wolves, condors, and jaguar were awesome. Fruit bats were surreal!

It was a great experience and my daughter loved it. The only drawback was the young lady who was operating the airplane ride was extremely rude. One of the planes wasn't working properly. When the stick is pulled back on, the plane is supposed to go up in the air. This little girl was pulling on the stick and the plane wasn't rising. The little girl was visibly upset, she was crying but the young lady operating the ride refused to admit that the ride was malfunctioning. She refused to let the little girl ride again on a different plane. Plus, she was extremely rude to three parents standing in line with their children. Other than that, the rest of our experience was rather pleasant. All the other employees were very courteous and kind.

Amazing location and settings for the wildlife... the Holiday Fair setting was amazing!

I always liked Oakland zoo.They have all of different animals to see.Im going to take my grandson there. His 2yrs he would love it.

Have elephant, giraph, zebra crocodile, yak, wolf, etc. Built on a hill therefore it is a little tiring

The zoo lots were full as it was a warm clear day. Parking could have been regulated better
We enjoyed the exhibits.

We love taking the kids here. It's not to expensive and it's a good way to get the kids out side and tired. Bring your walking shoes as I like to say it is up hill both ways. Cant wait to see the new additions.

I love the Oakland Zoo. They have a wide variety of animals. The new California Trail is amazing! Today I saw the two adult wolves and one of the wolf pups. The food in the restaurant at the top of the zoo is expensive though good. The view from the top is worth the high price of food.

We love being members of the Oakland Zoo. We went to the opening of the California Trail, it is a great addition.

Great place had my neice baby shower there in one of their venue

Great place for kids. They just opened the gondola and the cafe at the top. At the time, they are still renovating. Food was decent but overpriced. Animal selection isn't huge but they have the 'main attractions'.

They are remodeling only in one part and is too careless

Great place to spend a day with a toddler. Plan for 2-3 hours inside. Open during COVID - not crowded, clean, well organized, everyone wearing masks.

A Zoo that actually gives animals ample space to roam in an environment that resembles their natural habitat! A beautiful well thought out Zoo!

Great experience. They have elephants at this zoo and the gondola provides a great view.

Zoo lights were great. Beautiful views from the gondola ride at night.

Now it's biger.they open a restaurant. Like future place

We have always loved the Oakland zoo and are very happy about the new California exhibits with the new gondola and restaurant.

This is a large and spacious zoo. They have many great animals that look relaxed as if they were at home. we loved the gondola ride, nice and friendly workers, clean restrooms. My daughter love it, we will definitely go back. I would recommend everyone, arrive early so you can see everything!

It was my 5 yr old 1st trip to the Oakland zoo and he had a blast. Zoo is very well maintained, has very friendly staff and tons of activities for the kids. We we're thrilled with the new gondola ride and absolutely loved the Bay view from upper deck and the animal enclosure. It's a a fun, knowledgeable place to spend a day with friends and family.

Don't take sky ridw. I have lost 30 minutes of my life there. It's pathetic wastage of time and cynically slow.

It was good to bring my children to the zoo. It wasnt too busy so there wasnt a feeling of feeling crowded. Of course the petting zoo, the play stuctures and reptile exhibt were close. But otherwise had a great time.

My daughter absolutely love this place she had so much fun!!!!

A place that really cares about animals and their safe presentation.

Always a great experience, expanded hours would be great but I understand that that might not be feasible.

Oakland zoo is fun. They have really stepped it up over the last few years. The zoo is clean and tidy. Food is surprisingly good. Fun for the whole family.

This place is very beautiful and the gondola and the top part is wonderful

Sweet zoo. It was our first time to this zoo and we loved it. Lots of hills to climb, you have to pay $10 for parking, and food is expensive (small coffee was $4.50!), But the animals are neat to look at and they have pretty big enclosures. Worth it if you have kids!

So much fun!!! I am 28 years old and still love going to the zoo " especially by myself" dont hate, love life and how amazing it really is!!!

Great place for a family outing. The gondola ride up the hill gives a spectacular view of the bay area. There are lots of playgrounds, activities and exhibits to entertain and educate the little ones - and adults. Food on the cafeteria on top of the hill was better than expected. Lines can get long for food or rides on weekends. Oh yeah...and the animals are also lots of fun in this place. :)