A Wild Day at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: What to See and Do with Kids
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Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of the most unique zoos in the country, situated at an elevation of 6,714 feet above sea level, (being the highest zoo in the country!) and perched on a mountainside with amazing views of Colorado Springs at just about every turn.
Packed with unforgettable encounters, hands on learning, and family fun around every turn. Whether you’re feeding lettuce to towering giraffes, or hopping aboard the Mountaineer Sky Ride, this zoo delivers a day full of excitement for kids (and their grown ups!)
In this post, I’ll walk you through exhibits and activities for children, tips for families, and little extras that makes this zoo experience stand out from the rest. Grab your walking shoes, sunscreen, and your camera and lets head to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo!
Heads up before your zoo adventure!
Before you head to the zoo, make sure to buy your tickets online—you can’t just show up and expect to get in. It’s a timed entry system, so if your ticket says 11:00 AM, you’ll need to arrive between 11:00 and 11:30 AM to be let in. Once you're inside, you’re free to stay as long as you like—but that entry window is firm!
Important note: Tickets are non-refundable, even if it rains or the weather isn’t great, so plan accordingly.
Parking can be... a bit of a jungle.
The parking lot is small, tight, and can get very congested—especially when school or tour buses are around. Delivery trucks also use the same lot and entrance/exit, so don't be surprised if they're blocking things for a bit.
Pro tip: Aim to park toward the back of the lot. Yes, it's a bit more walking, but you'll have a better chance of finding a spot and way less awkward reversing.
A few construction quirks to know:
The zoo is currently under construction, so the main gate is closed. But—you’ll still need to stop there first to check in, confirm your tickets, and get your stamp.
After checking in, head back toward the parking lot—look for the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo sign. That’s the current entrance! This path conveniently takes you right by the gift shop and the restrooms.
Trust me—use the restrooms before diving into the zoo. You’ll thank yourself later!
It’s not your average zoo—literally. 🐘🌄
Since the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is built on the side of a mountain, it’s not laid out like your typical zoo. Instead of looping paths, most trails end in a dead end, so expect a lot of walking—and a bit of backtracking.
For example, when you head to see the elephants, you’ll follow a long path past their outdoor habitat and eventually reach their indoor area at the very end. After that? You’ll have to walk the same route back. But don’t worry—it’s worth it! One side gives you an incredible up-close view of the elephants, and the other side offers breathtaking views of Colorado Springs. 🌄🐘
Just a heads-up: be prepared for lots of walking (and some hills!)—but also lots of unforgettable views and experiences.
Map courtesy Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Animals You Can Feed at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Feeding the animals is one of the most memorable parts of visiting this zoo! Here are the animals you can feed (with food provided by the zoo):
Giraffes (fan favorite!)
Birds
Goats
Elephants
Rhinos
Some feedings are available all day, while others happen at scheduled times—so be sure to check the zoo’s website or signage for current feeding times and availability.
Giraffe feeding: the star of the show!
One of the biggest highlights—if not the main attraction—at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is feeding the giraffes. It’s a must-do experience for all ages!
The zoo provides the lettuce (so no need to bring your own!), and you can buy a bundle right there:
$3 for one small bunch
$5 for two
The giraffes are absolute pros at this—they’ll stroll right up and gently take the lettuce from your hand, all while charming you with those long lashes and even longer tongues. It’s a super fun, up-close experience that never gets old.
Not up for feeding? No worries! There are plenty of spots around the enclosure where you can just watch them eat, stroll, and mingle with guests. It’s a peaceful and memorable moment either way.
Kid-Friendly Play Areas
Need a break? Let your little ones burn off some extra energy at these fun play spots around the zoo:
Nature’s Play Trail
Location: Water’s Edge: AfricaPlay Hills
Location: Near the Asiatic Bear & TapirSlides
Location: Rocky Mountain WildAustralia Walkabout
(Open space, fun paths, and animal encounters!)
There are also plenty of shaded benches and quiet corners for resting or having a snack.
Zoo Day Tips: What to Pack & Know
Make your trip more enjoyable with these handy tips:
What to Bring:
Reusable water bottle (there are refill stations!)
Sunscreen
Hat and sunglasses
Comfortable walking shoes
Stroller or wagon (compact is best—some paths are narrow)
Cooler with your own food and drinks (just don’t feed the animals or bring your food into zoo restaurants)
Food tip:
If you don’t pack your own food, the Grizzly Grill is a solid option with a variety of choices—just be prepared for high prices.
Animal Encounters & Highlights at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is home to over 750 animals representing nearly 170 different species—and around 30 of those are endangered. It’s a fantastic mix of conservation, education, and adventure all in one scenic mountain-side location.
We made our way through the entire zoo, but even then, we didn’t see every animal—many were napping, hiding, or tucked away in a cool shady spot.
Hippos, Lemurs & Nature Play
One of our favorite spots was the area with the hippos and lemurs—they share a beautifully designed space that’s also perfect for kids. There's plenty of room for little ones to run and explore.
In that same area, the guinea pigs have an adorable enclosure complete with walkways and tunnels that connect both sides. It’s surprisingly fun to watch them scurry around like they’re on a mission!
Take a few steps behind the guinea pig area and you’ll discover a hidden nature trail—a total hit with our crew. It’s full of tree stumps, rocks to climb, and even leads to a rope bridge with a great view of the lemurs and hippos from above. Highly recommend letting kids roam a bit here (and yes, it’s fun for grown-ups too!).
A Little Zoo Drama: Porcupine on the Loose!
While we were strolling through the nature trail, we noticed a few zookeepers carefully scanning the ground—and the trees. Naturally, we were curious and asked what they were looking for.
Turns out... a porcupine had escaped its enclosure!
Apparently, this particular little guy is quite the climber—and with all the trees in that area, he was probably having the time of his life on his grand adventure. We didn’t spot him ourselves, but the idea of a porcupine just casually hanging out in the treetops definitely added an unexpected bit of excitement to our visit!
Close Encounters with Penguins (Sort of!)
The penguins were out swimming and putting on a show when we walked by. If you're lucky, one might even waddle up to the fence—so close you could almost touch them.
But don't.
For two very good reasons:
The zookeeper is right there, watching.
One of the penguins is apparently a little feisty—the keeper said it's been known to get nippy. And honestly? I have no desire to find out what a penguin bite feels like.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is anything but your typical zoo visit—it's an unforgettable mix of up-close animal encounters, mountain views, and playful surprises (like runaway porcupines and penguins with attitude).
Whether you're feeding giraffes, crossing a rope bridge, or just soaking in the scenery, there’s something magical about this place that sticks with you long after you leave. If you're planning a visit to Colorado Springs, make sure this wild mountaintop adventure is on your list—you won't regret it!
Elevation:
Photo courtesy Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Elevation Alert: Take It Easy!
Don’t underestimate the altitude!
If you’re visiting from a lower elevation, you might feel the difference pretty quickly. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo sits at 6,714 feet above sea level at the front gate—and climbs to nearly 7,000 feet at its highest points.
That’s a big change, especially if you’re not used to it.
A few tips to help you adjust:
Drink plenty of water—hydration is key at high altitudes.
Take breaks often and don’t be afraid to sit and catch your breath.
Use the Guest Shuttle to help navigate the zoo’s hilly terrain—it’s a lifesaver if you start feeling tired.
Go slow and steady—this isn’t the place to power walk. Enjoy the views and pace yourself!
