kansas city zoo african sky safari

Rides & Transportation

Ride All Day and Save

Gold Value Rides Wristband: unlimited rides on KCZoo Railroad, African Tram, and Endangered Species Carousel

Platinum Value Rides Wristband: unlimited rides on KCZoo Railroad, African Tram, African Sky Safari, Kenyan Cruise, and Endangered Species Carousel

African Sky Safari

Ride high above the African Plains on the African Sky Safari. Your toes will dangle just above zebras, ostriches, giraffes and rhinos, and you will land near one of the best chimpanzee exhibits in the world. The journey crosses approximately 1,500 feet at 40 feet above ground and lasts about seven minutes. Please note that the operation of the African Sky Safari is weather permitting.

Kenyan Cruise

Our relaxing boat ride offers a scenic cruise while enjoying the breathtaking views of the African Plains. Children age two and under are free with a paying adult.

ScooterPals

Your visit to the Zoo just got a little WILDER! ScooterPals are fuzzy and fun electric scooters that will make your Zoo adventure even more memorable. Stop by the stroller barn near the entrance of the Zoo and find your adorable animal ride!

African Tram

The tram runs daily from the train/tram station near the front entrance to Elephant Expedition and African Market and back. You can see flamingos and elephants from the tram. Children age two and under are free with a paying adult.

KCZoo Railroad

While aboard, you can see the sights. You might even spot a few animals, like kangaroos and camels, right along the railroad tracks. The train runs daily, weather permitting. Children age two and under are free with a paying adult.

Endangered Species Carousel

Our Endangered Species Carousel is one of the most beloved rides at the Zoo. Choose your favorite animal, take a spin and enjoy! Children age two and under are free with a paying adult. Children under 42″ tall must ride with an adult. Head to World Gate Train and Tram station to purchase or redeem your online ticket.

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Details here .

Kansas City Zoo: Exotic Animal Fun for the Whole Family

Luke Kimball

You probably don’t think of Missouri as a tropical paradise where you might spy Bornean orangutans, black rhinoceros and hippos, but the Kansas City Zoo is home to all those and more. From alligators to zebras, you can find almost any animal imaginable here – not to mention some fun rides and great dining options. It’s easy to make the zoo into an exciting and entertaining full day trip for yourself, a group of friends or family fun.

Kansas City Zoo Location

The zoo is conveniently located at 6800 Zoo Drive in Swope Park, Kansas City, Missouri. It’s just five minutes off both I-435 and State Highway 71, and only a few minutes away from even more fun downtown. The zoo’s phone number is (816) 595-1234 .

if you’re a huge zoo fan, the St. Louis Zoo is about 250 miles east. The KC Zoo’s bigger; you can decide which one’s better after visiting both!

SheBuysTravel Tip:  If you’re looking for a place to stay in the area, check out hotels in Country Club Plaza . There are tons of great options right near the zoo and everything else you’d want to see.

Top Attractions at the Kansas City Zoo

The zoo is well-known for several of its expansive and beautiful exhibits. Here are some of our top picks that you won’t want to miss when you make the trip.

Helzberg Penguin Plaza

The Helzberg Penguin Plaza is home to several different species of everyone’s favorite flightless, snow-loving birds. If you have some flexibility in your trip date, see if you can make it to the zoo to see the Penguin March on select weekends . You’ll also be right across from the sea lion exhibit, where you can see the Sea Lion Splash show daily.

Polar Bear Passage

Polar bear fans won’t want to miss Berlin and Nuniq, who live in the lap of luxury in their enclosure with a 140,000-gallon pool kept at a comfortable (for polar bears) 65 degrees. Visitors can see them splashing around, having fun and getting pampered with their pick of fish for lunch every day.

Stingray Bay

If you’re a sea animal lover, Stingray Bay is the place for you. Visitors can actually “pet” cownose rays, southern stingrays and even the bamboo shark. While stingrays might sound dangerous, they are friendly, and this fun experience is definitely one you’ll want to check out. Plus, their smooth skin has a unique feeling unlike any other animal.

The Asian section of the zoo is home to orangutans, red pandas, all sorts of monkeys and waterfowl, and even a Sumatran tiger named Thomas. Stop by and you might even catch him in the middle of his favorite activity – going for a swim!

In the land down under, visitors are in for a treat with all kinds of animals. See the wallaby, red kangaroo and even the endangered tree kangaroo. This area also houses camels, emu, dingoes and, for the bravest visitors, a whole pavilion of exotic snakes of various sizes from around the world.

African Plains

The African Plains exhibit transports zoo patrons to an authentic scene on the African savannah. Viewers can see four different species of African antelope – oryx, kudu, addax and eland – as well as ostriches, zebras, giraffes and even the black rhinoceros. For the best view, check out the Sky Safari ride, which takes passengers on a 40-foot-high cruise across the plains.

The exhibit is also surrounded by all kinds of other African-dwelling species, including lions, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, red-ruffed lemurs and a world-famous chimpanzee exhibit. There’s lots to see at the African section of the zoo, and none that you’ll want to skip.

Tropics Exhibits

At the tropics exhibit, you’ll find the acrobatic (and loud!) white-cheeked gibbons. Their impressive swinging and climbing abilities are sure to impress – as long as you don’t mind their shrieks! The tropics exhibit is also home to all sorts of monkey species, like the cotton-topped tamarin and the blue monkey. Kids are sure to love this area, where the monkeys’ funny antics and tons of personality are always on display.

The All-New Aquarium (Late 2023)

Scheduled to open Labor Day weekend, the new $75 million aquarium is poised to be the crown jewel of the KC Zoo experience. With 650,000 gallons of new tanks, the exhibits inside will be home to twice the number of animals the zoo already has. That means starting in September, the zoo will have three times as many creatures for visitors to come see and learn about in a state-of-the-art new facility.

Rides & Transportation

There are lots of ways to get around in the zoo. If you’re just not feeling like a walk, you can hop on the tram or train, but there are also fun and unique ways to experience all the zoo has to offer. Prices vary by mode of transportation, but each is usually only a few dollars per ride.

SheBuysTravel Tip: If you’re planning on doing multiple rides, it’s probably worth purchasing an unlimited wristband. The Gold option covers the tram, train and carousel for $9 per person, while the Platinum lets you ride the Sky Safari and Kenyan Cruise as well for $12 per person.

African Tram

The tram is probably the most useful option for guests. It stops near the main entrance and goes all the way to the African Plains exhibit. There aren’t any animals along most of this route, so you’re not really missing anything by taking advantage of a quick ride on the tram – and you can still see the large flamingo and elephant exhibits from the cars!

The tram is $2 per person for a one-way trip. Kids 2 and under are free with a paying adult.

KCZoo Railroad

The railroad is a fun option for all ages that takes passengers on a loop around the main area with the tropical exhibits and Discovery Barn, as well as through the Asian and Australian sections of the zoo. Lots of the animals are visible from the train cars. If you want to get more up close and personal with the animals, you can get off at the Australia stop to explore.

Rides on the train are $3 per person for a round trip. Kids 2 and under are free with a paying adult. All aboard!

African Sky Safari

For those who want to experience the zoo and see the sights just like one of the many high-flying birds they’ll encounter, the Sky Safari is the perfect option. Similar to a ski lift, riders sit in hanging gondolas and cruise from one end of the African Plains to the other, going directly over the zebra, ostrich, giraffe and rhino exhibits until touchdown near the chimps.

The Sky Safari is a bit more expensive at $7 per person for round trip and $4 for one-way. If you’re planning to do the Sky Safari, you might want to get an unlimited wristband and save yourself some hassle. Please note that this ride could be closed if the weather isn’t ideal.

Kenyan Cruise

The boat cruise is a leisurely ride through the waters of the African section of the zoo. Boat passengers will be able to enjoy calm sailing and great views of the park and some of the Plains animals. The cruise runs seasonally and was still closed at the time of publication – check the zoo’s website  for current info.

The Kenyan Cruise is $4 per person. Kids 2 and under are free with a paying adult.

Whether you’re looking for a full meal, a snack or just dessert, the zoo has something for you. If you only want to make a quick pit stop, the Beastro Café near the entrance and Safari Snacks in Africa both have small fare like pretzels, ice cream, popcorn and nachos.

If your appetite is more like a lion’s, there are options in most areas of the park. In the central section of the zoo, near the Penguin Plaza and the carousel, you’ll find the Tuxedo Grill, which has burgers, chicken sandwiches, pizza and kids’ meals – there’s something for everyone. If you’re up near the Australia section, you can grab a hot dog or loaded nachos at Bluey’s. And when visiting the African Plains, Rafiki’s Restaurant has most of the same offerings as the Tuxedo Grill, plus chicken tenders and loaded tater tots.

If you’d rather save some money, have dietary restrictions or the zoo’s food options simply don’t catch your eye, the zoo encourages visitors to bring in their own snacks and meals. You can even leave them in the car until you’re hungry, so you don’t have to lug them around all day. Just make sure to get your hand stamped at the entrance when you go to grab your snacks. Small coolers are allowed too, but the zoo asks that you don’t bring in any alcoholic beverages. Beer is served at Bluey’s in the Australia section of the zoo.

2023 Kansas City Zoo Ticket Prices

Ticket prices are reasonable at the Kansas City Zoo. Standard tickets are $22 for adults and $20 for kids ages 3-11 (kids age 2 and under are free). If you buy tickets online  for a visit 3 or more days in the future, you can save $2 per adult ticket and $1 per child ticket.

Jackson & Clay County residents can get tickets for 50% off. Zip code validation is required.

Memberships are also available. If you’re planning on spending multiple days at the zoo or visiting again within one year, a membership could save you some money . If you are planning to visit with a large group, members also benefit from discounted tickets for guests (approximately 50% off).

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Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium

6800 Zoo Dr. , Kansas City , Missouri 64132

Buy Tickets

Explore the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, with nearly 10,000 animals on 202 acres, it's the most affordable family fun for kids of all ages! Travel all over the world without ever leaving Kansas City. Visit Polar Bear Passage, Helzberg Penguin Plaza, the Discovery Barn, Stingray Bay, and Sobela Ocean Aquarium. Stroll down Tiger Trail and get nose-to-nose with primates, orangutans, tigers, and more. Take a walkabout through a mob of kangaroos. Let your cubs run loose in the Tropics then catch the Sea Lion Splash and Animal Ambassadors LIVE shows. Take a spin on our Endangered Species Carousel, ride the train, then continue your journey on the tram to our award-winning Africa exhibit. Fly overhead to get a bird’s eye view of giraffes, zebras, and more on our African Sky Safari, landing at “one of America’s best chimpanzee exhibits” as proclaimed by renowned primatologist Jane Goodall. It’s always a new adventure at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium!

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Animal Encounters: Get Up-Close and Personal with These Kansas City Creatures

By Lysa Allman-Baldwin

Yes, Kansas City has a wild side. From creatures of the sea to the African plains, Missouri’s woodlands, the Australian Outback, the Kansas prairie and a great deal more, Kansas City offers a wealth of unique and exciting animal encounters that delight and inspire.

Continental Adventures

Situated on a 202-acre nature sanctuary in Swope Park, the Kansas City Zoo is an interactive, entertaining and educational adventure through diverse habitats representing the over 1,000 diverse creatures from Africa, Australia and Asia that thrive here. Attractions include an indoor rain forest, Helzberg Penguin Plaza, Polar Bear Passage, Discovery Barn, Tiger Trail exhibits, and an African Sky Safari, just to name a few.

Beyond Little House on the Prairie

Designed to depict a 1900s turn-of-the-century farm, the 12-acre Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead brings the “charm of the farm” to children and their families living in the big city. A one-room country schoolhouse, working dairy barn, historically accurate Kanza Indian village encampment, push-pedal tractor circle track, mining camp and horse-drawn hayrides are all part of the fun here. Nevertheless, one of the Farmstead’s biggest draws are the more than 200 animals including miniature horses, bison, goats, sheep, turkeys, pigs, donkeys and chickens, among others, some of which visitors can feed during their visit.

Under the Sea

SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium , located at Crown Center , is an amazing underwater world. Visitors here can experience and learn about the lifecycles of more than 5,000 creatures dispersed throughout the aquarium, including through an interactive rock pool experience, as well as in an underwater tunnel where Blacktip Reef Sharks, Cownose Stingrays, Clownfish and other creatures of the sea swim over your head.

Get Back to Nature

Hands-on exhibits emphasizing native Missouri wildlife and local conservation projects, coupled with meandering scenic trails, are the focus at Lakeside Nature Center , one of Missouri’s largest wildlife rehabilitation facilities. And in nearby Blue Springs at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center , visitors can enjoy family-friendly expeditions, conservation area trails, bird watching and other natural habitat oriented activities.

Located in Louisburg, approximately 20 miles south of Kansas City, Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary & Education Center is a non-profit organization devoted to the care and preservation of endangered large exotic felines, or “big cats.” Obtained from private breeders, zoos, nature preserves and other entities, the “family” here encompasses grey wolves, leopards, Coatis (members of the raccoon family) and of course lions, in a stress-free environment designed to educate the public on their habitats, behavior and physiology, as well as to the dangers and threats of extinction.  

Zoos & Animal Parks in KC

Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary & Education Center

Phone: (913) 837-5515

Get Directions

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium

Region: South KC, Swope Park

Phone: (816) 595-1234

SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium

Region: Crown Center, Downtown

Phone: (816) 471-4FUN (4386)

Jackson County Parks + Rec

Region: East, South KC

Phone: (816) 503-4800

Kemper Outdoor Education Center

Region: East, South KC, Westport

Phone: (816) 229-8980

Yaya's Alpaca Farm

Phone: (816) 213-7555

Kansas City Parks & Recreation

Region: South KC

Phone: (816) 513-7500

All about ski lifts, tramways and gondolas

African sky safari – kansas city zoo, mo.

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2 thoughts on “ african sky safari – kansas city zoo, mo ”.

This seems more Poma than CTEC to me, although those chairs are definitly CTEC. SkyTrans, perhaps?

Picture 5. Isn’t this supposed to be a double?

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5 Tips for Visiting the Kansas City Zoo

The kansas city zoo is not your average zoo ..

The variety of animals and well kept exhibits within the Kansas City Zoo is outstanding! They not only have animals they have rides as well! There is a safari styled boat ride, an African Sky Safari sky ride, a train and a tram that take you through different parts of the zoo showing different unique perspectives of their amazing animals .

The zoo was well staffed and there were many employees that we’re glad to point us in any direction and teach us about the animals. They were truly passionate about their animals and we learned a lot.

A photo posted by Family Travel Go-Myers Family (@familytravelgo) on Aug 24, 2016 at 7:11am PDT

Explore Africa and Australia!

You get to explore Australia, Africa and more. You simultaneously learn about the animals and their natural habitats around the world. The kid zone is also awesome! There is a fun playground, a Discovery Barn and many fun things for kids and parents to have fun doing while learning!

Here are 5 tips to make your visit even better!

5. plan to spend a full day at the zoo there is a bunch to see and do so its important to have enough time. , 4. look over the map for feeding times and shows, there are some very intelligent and friendly zoo keepers and entertaining shows., 3. bring some money for the rides, there is not only a merry-go-round carousal but there is also a train, boat ride, sky ride and tram., 2. try to see the polar bear when you first arrive, if he is not out check back on your way to the exit. (at our visit he was far back resting when we arrived but when we walked by when leaving he was out taking a swim), 1. bring a stroller even if you have a older toddler, there is a lot of walking and even the “big kids”  will get tired. ,  here is our snapchat story from our day at the kc zoo.

Here is a map of the KC Zoo!

For more information on the kansas city zoo visit the  official kc zoo website , for more fun around kansas city check out our worlds of fun post , have you visited kansas city zoo, what was you experience like, please let us know in the comments below, 13 comments.

I´m no big friend of zoo in general. i always think about the animals being stuck there. but this ones seems quite freindly and nice.

Nice looking zoo! It’s been ages since I’ve been to one.

Never visited the KC zoo. When I saw the post, it made me think of ROCKY, lol. I have been to Kansas City, but when I was there, I mainly focused on the historical sites.

Sounds like a great zoo! The shows are usually my favorite part of visiting zoos. I’ve been to Kansas City before but never the zoo there.

Wow. Would love to try this one of these days. Boating all through the trip would be totally amazing! 🙂 🙂 : )

I love visiting the zoo every time we go to a new place! Looks like a lot of fun. Thanks for sharing!

Nice zoo.. Sounds like a must visit place with kids..

My family loves to visit various zoo and this one looks really nice and fun. Thanks for sharing.

Looks like a great place to visit with kids. Loved the idea that rides show you through the different perspective of animals. Would love to see the polar bear.

Great post. I love the zoo especially for kids! As a teacher I think its so important to educate kids about animals and how some just aren’t pets. Good on you for checking back on the polar bear! He was always my favorite at the Bronx Zoo when I was younger.

I am not a fan of zoo, but I understand why some people might like it. Your tips make sense and helpful for everyone who may want to visit this zoo, especially with kids. It is interesting to see that this zoo can also “bring” you to Africa and Australia. Ah, and Polar bears!

Good tips. But I would personally prefer to see the animals and birds in their natural habitats.

It is good that there were many activities and places helping you to actually learn while having fun. I usually have mixed feelings when it comes to zoos but it is great to hear that the employees are passionate about their work and taking care of the animals 🙂

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Kc zoo: sky safari safe despite latest breakdown, popular attraction doesn't need state inspections.

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The Kansas City Zoo said its popular Sky Safari attraction is safe, despite breaking down for the second time in a month.

The Sky Safari, a refitted ski lift, gives passengers an aerial view of the zoo's Africa exhibit for the cost of a $4 ticket.

"Being able to see the giraffes and the rhinoceros and all the animals from above," said zoo visitor Todd Nurnberg of Blue Springs. "It's really a great way to see a lot of animals in a short amount of time."

KMBC 9’s Brian Johnson was at the zoo to work on a story about the Sky Safari’s safety history and inspection process on Saturday when it broke down and stayed closed for several hours. The Sky Safari was also closed May 2 after problems with a motor and the backup motor left people stranded over the animal exhibit for 45 minutes.

The zoo said the Sky Safari is inspected daily. It’s also disassembled once a year by a team of specialists to make sure it is operating safely.

To resolve the problem from the previous shutdown, the zoo purchased a new backup motor last week.

Zoo Director Randy Wisthoff said safety is a priority.

“We are here. We’re part of the fabric of this town. We have been in business for 100 years,” he said. “Making sure that our visitors are safe, our animals are safe and our employees are safe, it’s just of the utmost importance to us. We want everyone to feel comfortable and come out to the zoo to have a good time and not worry about anything.”

He said the company that insures Sky Safari also makes sure it has no worries about safety.

"The zoo is fully insured by one of the leading insurance companies in this city and their people look at everything we do here and the liability," Wisthoff said. "This is a major ride."

But by legal definition, it isn't a ride at all.

In a letter that KMBC 9 News obtained, Wisthoff said in 2011 that Sky Safari was a "mode of transportation, not an amusement ride." He said it saved zoo guests approximately one mile of round-trip walking.

As a mode of transportation, Sky Safari does not have to have to submit to state inspections or inspection verifications that it would need if it were classified as a ride. Unlike the zoo's train and carousel, responsibility for making sure Sky Safari is safe lies entirely in the hands of the Kansas City Zoo employees.

Wisthoff said the zoo does a good job of that.

"We feel we go a step beyond -- above and beyond, probably -- what the state would do in inspecting this ride," he said.

Sherry Needham of Cameron, Missouri, said the two shutdowns do cause her some concern, but it's a small matter in the overall progress the zoo has made.

"The zoo is so great right now," she said. "I feel like they must be doing a pretty fantastic job with taking care of things, because everything that I have seen has been so impressive."

Plan Your Party

Dates/Times: Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am - 12 pm or 2 - 4 pm

Cost: $400 (8 tickets included) (children 2 and under are free) (FOTZ members receive a $40 discount)

Location: Sunroom in the Zoo Learning Center.

Capacity: Maximum 30 party guests (including adults and children 2+)

Things to Know

• Room Rental Only and 8 tickets. Additional tickets can be purchased at group rate.
• Purchaser will be responsible for setting up before and cleaning up after your party all within your 2-hour party time frame. We will sanitize the room before & after the birthday party.
• Purchaser may bring their own tablecloths, cupcakes, cake, and non-alcoholic beverages. No glass containers, balloons, streamers, glitter, streamers, balls, frisbees, or confetti.
• Outside catering is prohibited.
• Storage for coolers and party items are not available before or after your party time.
• FOTZ members receive $40 off the birthday room rental.
• All guests require an admission ticket. FOTZ memberships accepted.
• Animal encounter is only available when purchased through a birthday party package. Specific animals cannot be requested.
• Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is a rain-or-shine event. No refunds or exchanges.

Birthday Party Checklist

Catering information, birthday party add-ons, little wonders.

These small but mighty animals will bring extra pizzaz to your birthday party. Zoo staff will provide a 20-minute up-close animal experience with two of our small species of ambassador animals in their presentation habitats. These small species include a mixture of the following: bugs, frogs, reptiles such as small tortoises or small snakes, and mammals such as sugar gliders or a hedgehog.

Memory Makers

These medium-sized ambassador animals will elicit smiles and excitement from your birthday party guests. Zoo staff will provide a 20-minute presentation with two of our medium species of ambassador animals while your birthday party guests observe what makes each of the animals unique. These medium species include a mixture of the following: medium snakes, medium tortoises, birds such as pigeons or parrots, and mammals such as chinchillas or armadillos.

Additional Birthday Party Add-ons

Gold rides pass.

$7 per pass; unlimited rides on KC Zoo Railroad, Endangered Species Carousel, and African Tram. Children 2 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.

Platinum Rides Pass

$10 per pass - unlimited rides on KC Zoo Railroad, Endangered Species Carousel, African Tram, African Sky Safari, and Kenyan Cruise. Children 2 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.