Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
Park Large zoo and aquarium in Kansas City
Located southwest of downtown Kansas City, the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium houses large mammal exhibits, an aquarium pavilion and seasonal conservation programs. Families visit for animal exhibits, keeper talks and the butterfly garden.
Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is a large zoological park and aquarium complex located in Kansas City, Missouri, within Swope Park. It functions as the city’s primary zoo facility, offering both animal exhibits and aquarium habitats.
Major draws include mixed indoor and outdoor exhibits that house a wide range of mammals, birds, reptiles and fish as well as species-focused areas designed for public education and conservation programming. The grounds and exhibit design support seasonal visiting patterns common to midwestern U.S. zoos.
The zoo has operated as the city’s main zoological institution since the early 20th century, evolving through successive exhibit additions and modernisation to expand animal care and visitor facilities.
The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium sits in Swope Park in Kansas City, Missouri, southeast of downtown Kansas City at the coordinates provided.
- Size and location: The facility is located inside Swope Park in southeastern Kansas City and covers over 200 acres of land with both outdoor exhibits and indoor aquarium spaces.
How to Get to Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium #
The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is reachable by car via I-435 and US-71; follow signage to 6800 Zoo Drive. Public transit options include local bus routes with stops near the zoo; check the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority for current routes and schedules.
Tips for Visiting Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium #
- Arrive at opening to avoid school groups and to see more active animals in cooler morning hours.
- Plan for a full day-exhibits are spread across a large site and the aquarium requires extra time to do it justice.
- Check the animal encounter schedule in advance if interested in feedings or keeper talks; these add context that many visitors miss.
Best Time to Visit Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium #
Spring and autumn are ideal for comfortable weather and fewer crowds; arrive early on summer days.
Weather & Climate near Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium #
Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1004 mm/year), wettest in May.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (131 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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