10 Things you Need to Do at the Hogle Zoo

While on our trip to Utah for my little brother’s wedding we were able to spend a little time exploring the Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake.

Growing up in Utah we went to the zoo a number of times. Since my last visit to the zoo 7+ years ago the Zoo has undergone some major changes. With the updates and renovations that have been done at the Salt Lake Zoo, it has become so easy to navigate and explore.

The new exhibits allow you to see the animals up close. Most of the exhibits have a couple different viewing areas, making it easy to see your favorite animals.

Though the Hogle Zoo is substantially smaller than both the San Diego Zoo and the National Zoo in Washington DC there is plenty to see and do for everyone. The smaller size of the Zoo makes it so much easier to slow down and enjoy making memories at the zoo. You can easily see everything in a day and take your time.

10 Things You Need To Do at the Hogle Zoo

#1 Drink from the Mouth of a Lion

The Lion drinking fountain is something I remember from my childhood visits to the Hogle Zoo. It’s still working through it has changed locations in the past few years. Taking a picture drinking from the mouth of a lion is a must during your day at the zoo.

#2 Watch the Bird Show

The Hogle Zoo’s Bird Show is truly amazing. It’s a free-flight bird demonstration that is done during the summer. The includes eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, and parrots. The show is about 25- minutes long and totally worth it! If you’re lucky you might be able to catch the show twice!

#3 Feed a Giraffe

Did you know that a Giraffe’s tongue is purple and 22″ long? At the Zoo, during the warmer months, you can purchase tickets for $5 to get up close and feed the giraffes.

#4 Take a Picture with an Eagle

At the end of the bird show, you have the chance to talk to the trainers and meet some of the birds up close. If you make a certain donation to the zoo you can even get your picture taken with an Eagle.

#5 Watch the Elephant Show

This Pachyderm Program highlights different talents that Elephants have. Did you know they can paint a picture? or stand perfectly still when needed?

#6 Play with the Globe 

The rotating globe just inside the zoo is seriously a kid magnet. As soon as we walked into the zoo the kids ran to try and turn the globe.

#7 Have a Picnic

Inside the zoo, there are a number of different areas perfect for a picnic, or if you don’t want to haul in the cooler you can always go have a picnic by the car and then go back into the zoo for more fun.

 

#8 Ride the Carousel

The highlight of our day at the zoo for the little man was being able to ride the giraffe. For days after our visit to the zoo, he talked about riding the giraffe and grandpa riding a monkey.

#9 Explore the Creekside Area

Over in the Creekside area, there are some fun paths and bridges for the kids to run around and explore. In the trees around the creek, there are a few birdhouses that my little brother built and installed for his Eagle Scout Project.

#10 Make Memories

There are so many more things that I haven’t mentioned that you can do at the Hogle Zoo, but no matter what activities you decide to try or animal shows you watch. Making memories with family and friends is the best part of a trip to the Hogle Zoo.