Best Zoo Orange Near Me

4worldlovers: The OC Zoo is located inside beautiful Irvine Regional Park in the city of Orange. The Zoo is nestled among the majestic 477 acre wilderness park.


The Zoo's focus is on animals and plants native to the southwestern United States. Many of our animals are injured, orphaned, confiscated, or not releasable into the wild. Animals on exhibit include black bear, mountain lion, bald eagle, kit fox, ocelot, beaver, great horned owl, porcupine, coyote, turkey vulture and more. The zoo also features a barnyard with domestic goats and sheep.

OC Zoo - Admission Fee: $2 per person ages 3 years and over; Ages 2 years and under are free

Entry Fee for Irvine Regional Park: $3 per vehicle weekdays and $5 per vehicle weekends (Major Holidays: $7 to $10 per entry as posted)

Please click on "Programs" & "Events & Programs" for a current listing of educational programs and special events offered at the Orange County Zoo.

4worldlovers:
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m.


Parking fees: $3 per vehicle entry Monday - Friday; $5 Saturday - Sunday; Higher for some holidays and events (Fee Information)


Due to higher numbers of visitors and picnicking parties on weekends, Irvine Regional Park has been closing to vehicle traffic due to reaching capacity. Closures typically take place between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Please plan your visit accordingly.

Irvine Regional Park is nestled among a grove of heritage Oak and Sycamore trees. The rolling foothills surrounding the park are filled with a variety of wildlife. Trees and shaded turf areas provide a serene setting for leisure activities. Santiago Creek bisects the park and a pond with stone-work waterfall and footbridge is located in the center of the park. The variety of landscapes greatly enhances the park's beauty. Remember to visit the OC Zoo inside the park. Irvine Regional Park celebrated its 125th anniversary in October of 2022.

Tables and barbecues are located throughout the 495-acre park with convenient parking and restroom facilities nearby. A paved bicycle/walking trail meanders through the central park providing easy access to six playgrounds, four softball fields, two horseshoe pits and lake.

A three-mile equestrian trail skirts the perimeter of the central park providing scenic views of the park and its natural scenery. Horse trailers can be parked on the north perimeter of the train station parking lot. A lookout trail is on the north slope of the natural area where a covered shelter, watering trough and water fountain are available.

Group Picnic Areas... Four group picnic areas are available for large group picnics of 155 or more. Most have built-in barbecues, sinks and permanent tables. All groups of 100 or more are required to obtain a group activity permit a minimum of 15 working days prior to the day of use. Rates for reserving group picnic areas are variable according to size and type of group. Parking fees not included with reservations.

Squirrel Square is located near the lake and boathouse. Maximum capacity is 200, minimum group size is 155. A nearby ball field and volleyball area may be used on a "first-come" basis.

Deer Den is located near the bandstand/stage. Maximum capacity is 200, minimum group size is 155. A nearby ball field and volleyball area may be used on a first-come, first-served basis.

Coyote Corner is located in the back of the park with a more secluded atmosphere. Maximum capacity is 250, minimum group size is 155. A playground is nearby, and the playing field is first-come, first-served.

Falcon Flats is located in the Villa Park Loop area. This area has a maximum capacity of 350 people and a minimum of 155. The nearby playground can be used on a first-come, first-served basis.

Concessions: Bicycle and aquacycle rentals are located adjacent to the historic boathouse. Rentals are available throughout the summer, weekends and holidays. For more information visit irvineparkrailroad.com.

The Lakeside Snack Bar is located adjacent to the historic boathouse. A variety of hot and cold food is available, as well as picnic supplies. Operating hours are seasonally variable.

Children's pony rides are offered year-round, daily except Mondays. Hours of operation are weekdays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekends and holidays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The operating schedule is subject to change, primarily due to weather conditions. For information about the pony rides only, please call (714) 559-9147.

4worldlovers: ** Due to ongoing construction and improvements , Pony Rides might not be available**

4worldlovers: If it hops, wiggles, crawls, or gives your mom the chills you'll find it at The Reptile Zoo

The Reptile Zoo provides the community with a unique educational entertainment facility which houses over 100 exotic species of reptiles, amphibians, and arachnids from around the world.

During this time we are taking every precaution to keep not only our team, but our animals safe and well cared for. Six months of closure have been difficult financially, but we are looking forward to fulling inviting guests back to enjoy our hands-on and interactive experience as soon as responsible.

4worldlovers:
Paddle Boat RentalsNow 50% off before noon Monday - Friday ONLY! Excludes holidays. The paddle boats are ideal for sightseeing, people watching, exercising, or simply enjoying the lake inside of Irvine Regional...


Wheel Fun Rentals at Irvine ParkNow 50% off before noon Monday - Friday ONLY! Excludes holidays. We offer fun and unique outdoor recreational vehicles that can be enjoyed by single riders or an entire family.


Irvine Park Railroad offers party sites that are available by reservation only. The sites are ideal for birthday parties, family reunions, fundraising events, and more.