When asking yourself about something to do near me in Salt Lake City with a group of friends or family, consider
Utah's Hogle Zoo
Why Utah's Hogle Zoo is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Utah's Hogle Zoo, located at the mouth of Emigration Canyon in Salt Lake City, is an exceptional venue to meet up with friends and enjoy a rich wildlife experience. Spanning 42 acres of natural hillside terrain, the zoo houses over 800 animals representing 139 species. Accredited by both the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), it meets high standards for animal welfare and conservation. Founded originally in 1911 within Liberty Park, the zoo moved to its current location in 1931 on land generously donated by the Hogle family. Visitors benefit from a variety of immersive exhibits featuring animals from diverse habitats, making it an educational and fun outing for all ages. The zoo’s nonprofit status ensures community-focused conservation efforts and connects locals and tourists alike through engaging programs and events. Highlights include animal encounters, walking trails amid scenic natural surroundings, and special tours such as VIP guided experiences that offer in-depth insights. Open year-round with various seasonal activities, Utah's Hogle Zoo offers a memorable setting to relax, learn, and share quality time with friends in a unique environment that combines nature, wildlife, and education.
Here's what people think of Utah's Hogle Zoo
As of recent, Utah's Hogle Zoo holds a 4.5-star rating based on 13407 reviews.
User reviews of Utah's Hogle Zoo consistently highlight its interesting variety of animals and well-maintained exhibits, making it a worthwhile destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts. Positive feedback emphasizes the knowledgeable and friendly staff, who deepen guests' understanding of the animals through educational tours and interactions. Visitors appreciate the zoo’s manageable size for an outing of approximately two hours, as well as the affordability of admission. Many reviews specifically mention the VIP tour experience as a memorable highlight, noting the passionate care the staff shows toward the animals. On the other hand, some negative reviews touch on certain operational aspects such as pricing for extras during seasonal events or limitations on access to amenities, which can detract somewhat from the overall experience. A few guests have cited minor issues like wait times or accessibility concerns. Nevertheless, the general consensus remains strongly positive, with many reviewers expressing a desire to return. Overall, the reviews reflect a well-loved community resource dedicated to animal care, conservation, and education, providing a rewarding and enjoyable visit for people of all ages.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Zack Maron
What a zoo!! So much to see! It’s huge and the areas being split up makes it very fun and unique. We got to feed giraffes, see bears swimming, orangutans do amazing things, a seal show and so many stinkin cute baby desert cats. Lots more as well! It was worth every penny to visit this zoo and it’s so well maintained. Even the Bistro and the train were cool additions we took part in. If I’m ever in the state again I’ll be sure to go back here
DJ
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely loved our visit to Hogle Zoo! This zoo is a standout attraction nestled at the base of the mountains, offering not only incredible views but an amazing variety of animals. From big cats and bears to sea lions and giraffes, every exhibit is thoughtfully designed and easy to explore. The animals look well cared for, and you can really tell the staff is passionate about what they do. One thing that really stood out was the food—surprisingly delicious for a zoo! There were plenty of options, from classic favorites to healthier picks, and everything was fresh and reasonably priced. It made our visit even more enjoyable to be able to grab a great bite while relaxing in a beautiful setting. All in all, Hogle Zoo is clean, well laid out, and packed with fun for all ages. Highly recommend spending a day here!
anna blaser
Such a fun time at the zoo! I was so thankful the sheer amount of shaded areas and water fans for cooling down. That’s something you don’t see all the time. Fed the giraffes which was super fun. Food wasn’t extremely overpriced (still expensive but could have been worse), and animals were SO cute! Staff was super helpful and kind, and it’s a very family friendly activity.
Brinn H
We love visiting Hogle Zoo! We got a pass with the Black Friday deal, and we're trying to maximize it this year. The Wild Utah exhibit is a really cool new addition, and my kids loved watching the "flying squirrel training" the other day. I think the educational programs are great. The train is always a hit, although it's an extra $3 per person, and the carousel is the same. My kids like the playgrounds too. We prefer to go early, before it's too hot, and pack a lunch cooler. We also got to watch the dog show last time, and that was fun. We do miss the elephants, but the camels and Mongolian horses they brought in to replace them are fun to see as well.
John Cutler
In July 2025, we visited the Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City, utah. Hogle Zoo is a fun place to visit and see the wild animals. We came on July 4th, which is one of Hogle Zoo's military appreciation days. Since I am a veteran, my guests and I received free admission. Hogle Zoo continues to improve and upgrade itself, and we enjoyed the new Wild Utah exhibit. The train ride is super fun, and the train operates smoothly. We also enjoyed the dog show called Canine Champions for Conservation. The weather was not too hot, and the animals moved around more. It was a fun day at Hogle Zoo, and thank you for covering our admission price for the 4th of July.
How to reach Utah's Hogle Zoo
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Why Utah's Hogle Zoo may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Utah's Hogle Zoo with your friends? Because this dynamic zoo offers a vibrant, immersive environment perfect for social gatherings that blend fun, education, and adventure. With a stellar 4.5-star rating worldwide by over 13,000 reviewers, the zoo consistently delivers a memorable experience for groups seeking a unique outing. Friends can connect over encounters with exotic and native wildlife, explore captivating exhibits, and share moments of awe in beautifully designed spaces that encourage exploration and discovery. The varied animal habitats and interactive zones promote engagement and lively conversation, making it an ideal venue for bonding and creating lasting memories. From the excitement of watching majestic African elephants to the charm of Utah’s native creatures in the new Wild Utah exhibit, the zoo balances entertainment with learning, enriching each visit. Beyond the animals, its accessible location and sprawling 42-acre layout provide ample room for attendees to spread out or regroup, catering to group flexibility. Utah’s Hogle Zoo offers the perfect combination of natural beauty, educational value, and fun, making it a top choice for meetups with friends or family.
What are the main activities and why is Utah’s Hogle Zoo perfect for group meetups?
Utah’s Hogle Zoo is a hotspot of diverse activities designed to captivate visitors of all ages, making it a rich setting for group events. Groups can start their adventure by touring the African Savanna exhibit, the largest at the zoo covering 4.5 acres, where guests experience the grandeur of East Africa through species like giraffes, lions, and elephants. This open and scenic space invites groups to stroll together while enjoying animal viewings and photo opportunities. The Eccles Express train ride loops around the African Savanna and the Wild Utah exhibits, offering a leisurely group activity that combines sightseeing with fun transportation around the zoo. For an interactive experience, the zoo’s Makers Space in the Wild Utah exhibit offers hands-on projects such as building birdhouses and assembling hummingbird feeders, activities that are excellent for collaborative creativity and take-home souvenirs. Additionally, the zoo offers behind-the-scenes tours where groups can learn about animal care and conservation efforts directly from experienced keepers, perfect for engaging curious minds and sparking meaningful discussions. The combination of large open areas for casual socialization, unique interactive zones, and opportunities for educational tours makes Hogle Zoo exceptionally suited for hosting groups seeking both fun and enrichment.
How does the Wild Utah exhibit enhance a group visit experience?
The Wild Utah exhibit is a standout attraction for groups at Utah’s Hogle Zoo, with expansive three-acre grounds dedicated to showcasing native Utah wildlife species. This exhibit was designed not only to display animals such as cougars, desert bighorn sheep, wild burros, bobcats, and black-billed magpies but also to foster hands-on conservation engagement. Groups can participate in activities like planting pollinators, assembling seed pods, or learning directly about native species’ habits and habitats, which encourages team participation in wildlife stewardship efforts. The exhibit’s design includes pathways that interconnect rotating habitats for species like gray foxes and striped skunks, offering ever-changing scenes to discover during a group stroll. This variety ensures that each visit feels fresh and interactive, ideal for groups that enjoy exploration. Furthermore, the Wild Utah exhibit makes environmental consciousness part of the experience by demonstrating the zoo’s use of solar energy and community renewable energy projects, tying in meaningful messages about sustainability that can inspire group conversations about conservation and responsible outdoor activities. For groups wanting an educational yet fun and hands-on visit, Wild Utah elevates the entire zoo experience.
What are the unique behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters offered for groups?
Utah’s Hogle Zoo offers exclusive behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters that provide unique interactive opportunities for groups interested in deeper engagement. These tours allow visitors to go beyond viewing animals from a distance and see how keepers care for creatures such as lions, giraffes, warthogs, and meerkats. Groups can enter spaces like a zebra’s bedroom or a giraffe’s living room, learning about diets, behaviors, and daily care routines while enjoying close proximity to the animals. These tours are especially rewarding for animal lovers and aspiring zookeepers, offering hands-on experiences that create lasting impressions. The private tours are tailored to teach about ecosystem connections, the nuances of animal personalities, and zoo conservation practices, which transform a fun outing into an educational adventure. Although the zoo enforces a no-refund policy for confirmed bookings to maintain operational efficiency, rescheduling is available for weather-related or other unforeseen cancellations, which means groups can plan with confidence. Having such immersive options enhances the appeal of Hogle Zoo as a meetup spot that combines leisure with real-world learning.
What makes Utah’s Hogle Zoo a sustainable and community-focused destination for gatherings?
Utah’s Hogle Zoo demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and community engagement, elements that resonate well with groups keen on supporting ethical and eco-friendly institutions. The zoo uses renewable energy sources, including solar power, to operate parts of its exhibits such as the Wild Utah area, reducing environmental impact and modeling sustainable practices for visitors. Its partnership with Rocky Mountain Power’s Blue Sky Program underscores this commitment, helping to fund ongoing solar and wind projects. This green ethos complements the zoo’s mission to inspire conservation, making group meetups here feel like a positive contribution toward protecting wildlife and ecosystems. Additionally, the zoo operates as a non-profit supported by a local tax and private donations, meaning groups contribute to the community and conservation efforts simply by visiting. Educational programs and hands-on conservation activities for groups foster environmental awareness and empowerment. These features position Utah’s Hogle Zoo as not only a fun venue but also a socially responsible destination, ideal for groups that value meaningful experiences with a community impact angle.
Why is Utah’s Hogle Zoo an excellent venue for family and friends seeking both education and entertainment?
The combination of engaging animal exhibits, interactive experiences, and educational programming at Utah’s Hogle Zoo creates a balanced atmosphere of entertainment and learning for families and friends. The diverse habitats—from the African Savanna to the Asian Highlands and the newly developed Wild Utah exhibit—offer broad exposure to the animal kingdom, satisfying curiosity and sparking discussions among visitors. Children and adults alike benefit from the zoo’s well-crafted educational signage, keeper talks, and themed play areas such as the prairie habitat near the Wild Utah playground, which encourage interactive learning. The zoo’s careful development of spaces that simulate natural environments fosters empathy and respect for wildlife. The inclusion of hands-on workshops and informative tours gives families and social groups the chance to engage at their own pace and according to their interests. Accessibility features and spacious layouts further accommodate groups, making it convenient to navigate with young children or elders. Whether celebrating special occasions or simply spending quality time, the zoo’s blend of fun and education guarantees a fulfilling group outing.
How does the large size and location of Utah’s Hogle Zoo contribute to its appeal for group visits?
Located at the mouth of Salt Lake City’s Emigration Canyon, Utah’s Hogle Zoo spans 42 acres, making it one of the largest zoos in the Intermountain West and allowing for extensive variety and room to roam. This large footprint is particularly advantageous for group gatherings, providing ample space for groups to visit together while avoiding overcrowding and allowing flexibility in pacing. The zoo’s layout supports different group interests simultaneously—some can explore specific exhibits like the elephants or great apes, while others enjoy the interactive areas or natural walking paths. The expansive terrain fosters a relaxed atmosphere where groups are not confined to tight spaces, making spontaneous meet-ups or breaks easier and more comfortable. Its scenic location offers natural beauty alongside the zoo’s attractions, enhancing the outdoor experience. Additionally, the zoo’s affiliation with major accreditation bodies like AZA and WAZA reflects a high standard of animal care and conservation, reassuring guests of the quality and ethics of their visit. These factors combine to make Utah’s Hogle Zoo a spacious, accessible, and top-rated destination for group outings.
In sum, Utah’s Hogle Zoo presents an outstanding venue to rally friends and family around wildlife, conservation, and shared experiences. Its diverse exhibits, interactive opportunities, sustainable operations, and spacious natural setting create a multi-layered experience that appeals to all ages and interests. Whether seeking a casual day of animal watching, a hands-on educational event, or an immersive behind-the-scenes adventure, groups will find the zoo’s offerings engaging and meaningful. Its commitment to community and environment adds an enriching dimension, making each visit not just fun but impactful. With a high rating and a wide variety of activities, Utah’s Hogle Zoo truly stands out as a premier meetup spot in Salt Lake City and beyond.