Have a Wild Time at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo

*I received complimentary admission to facilitate this review.  

All views and opinions shared are my own.*

A trip to Omaha isn't complete without a visit to the Henry Doorly Zoo.  With over 17,000 animals from around the world over 130 acres, it is no wonder it is the top attraction in Omaha and is also known as the "World's Best Zoo".

After stepping through the entrance it can almost be a little overwhelming on how to start.  For our family the easiest thing to do was decide which animals we wanted to see and go from there.  First up were monkeys.

There are several species of monkeys at the Lied Jungle, North America's largest indoor rainforest.  A one-way trail brings you through the entire exhibit that showcases animals from three continents.  Our family loved seeing all the monkeys, birds and hippos freely roaming and swinging through the rainforest.  It was a favorite location at the zoo for the entire family, especially our daughter Miss L, our monkey fan.

Miss L in amazement and awe
watching the monkeys at the Lied Jungle

The next animal on the must-see list were penguins requested by our son Mr. K, so we headed to the Scott Aquarium, the largest zoo aquarium in the country.  Our family enjoyed seeing the wide variety of fish and ocean-life, including the different species of penguins.  The highlight of the aquarium was the 70 foot shark tunnel, where you literally walked through an aquarium with fish, sea turtles and sharks swimming all-around and above you.

Walking through the Shark Tunnel in the Scott Aquarium

The final animal we had to see were elephants.  We visited the African Grasslands to not only check out Miss A's request of elephants, but also to see giraffes, rhinos, and wild cats.  We also hopped on the zoo train in this area, which was the perfect way for our family to see even more places we wanted to see, as well as kick up our feet and sit down.

While on the zoo train one area that the kids added to the must see list after glancing at it from the train was the Alaskan Adventure splashgrounds.  This was the perfect way to cool down at the end of the day.  I have never seen such a large splashpad before.  In the splash area is an 18 foot high humpback whale, orcas, sea lions, puffins, salmon and brown bears, all animals that the zoo doesn't currently have, but allows the kids to learn about some animals in Alaska.  Our kids had a blast.  Be sure to bring your swimsuit!

Mr K posing next to some puffins in the Alaskan Adventure splashgrounds

There was literally so much to see and do at the zoo that our family wasn't able to see it all in one day!  I guess that just means we'll have to make a return visit! 😉 What are your must-sees on a zoo visit?  Have you ever been to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo before?  Make sure to plan a visit and Comment for a Cause!

Also, be sure to check out my other Omaha Weekend posts:

• Fun at the Omaha Children's Museum
• Climb Aboard History at The Durham Museum