Tucked right next to the excitement of Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania, ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is a hidden gem that many families walk right past without realizing what they are missing. Spread across 11 acres, this walk-through zoo is home to fascinating North American wildlife like mountain lions, black bears, wolves, and great horned owls.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning fan, there is always something new to discover here. Keep reading to find out why animal lovers across Pennsylvania are calling ZooAmerica one of the most underrated family attractions in the entire state.
A Compact Zoo That Packs a Surprising Punch
Do not let the size fool you. ZooAmerica covers just 11 acres, but those acres are loaded with more than 200 animals representing over 65 species native to North America.
Families are often shocked by how much there is to see in such a manageable space.
Because the zoo is smaller than most, it is incredibly easy to navigate without wearing anyone out. Parents with toddlers, strollers, or kids who tire quickly will appreciate that you can explore the entire park without feeling overwhelmed.
There is even a clearly marked suggested route to help you avoid backtracking.
Visitors consistently mention that the zoo feels just right — not too big, not too small. It is the kind of place where you can slow down, take your time at each exhibit, and really connect with the animals rather than rushing from one end to the other.
North American Wildlife You Rarely Get to See Up Close
Most people never get a chance to stand just a few feet away from a mountain lion or a gray wolf in real life. At ZooAmerica, that kind of up-close encounter is part of the everyday experience.
The zoo focuses exclusively on animals native to North America, making it a one-of-a-kind educational stop.
Among the stars of the show are the wolves, which visitors describe as beautiful and peaceful even when they are lounging. The mountain lions are equally impressive, and spotting the black bear during feeding time is a moment families talk about for years.
Reindeer, bobcats, elk, and bald eagles round out the incredible lineup.
Because the collection is so focused on one continent, every animal feels purposeful and connected. Kids leave with a much deeper appreciation for the wild creatures that share their own backyard — and that is a lesson worth every penny of admission.
Hawk Walk Experience That Will Blow Your Mind
Imagine strolling through the woods with a golden eagle soaring overhead and a Harris’s Hawk landing directly on your gloved arm. That is exactly what the Hawk Walk at ZooAmerica offers, and guests who have tried it say it is one of the most unforgettable experiences they have ever had at any zoo.
Led by expert falconer Jack, who has spent decades mastering the ancient art of falconry, the Hawk Walk combines a short nature hike with hands-on bird interaction. Participants learn about the history of hunting with birds of prey and the deep bond that forms between a falconer and their bird.
The experience is intimate, educational, and genuinely thrilling.
Spots fill up fast, so booking ahead of time is strongly recommended. Whether you are a bird enthusiast or just looking for something completely different to do in Hershey, this experience delivers in every possible way.
Otter Feeding Sessions That Kids Absolutely Love
Few things in life are as joyful as watching a river otter zoom through the water and then pop up to snag a treat from your hand. ZooAmerica offers hands-on otter feeding experiences that have become a fan favorite among families visiting the park.
Iris and Link, two of the zoo’s resident otters, are known for their energetic personalities and entertaining antics. Zookeepers are warm, knowledgeable, and happy to share fun facts about otter behavior while guests participate in the feeding.
One visitor loved the experience so much they bought the giant otter stuffed animal from the gift shop on the way out.
Just like the Hawk Walk, otter feedings require advance booking since space is limited. Planning ahead ensures your family does not miss out on this interactive highlight.
It is the kind of memory that sticks with kids long after the trip is over.
Included With Hersheypark Admission — A Fantastic Value
One of the biggest reasons families call ZooAmerica underrated is that many visitors do not even realize it is included with a Hersheypark ticket. That means you can spend the morning riding roller coasters and then slip over to the zoo for a completely different kind of adventure — all without spending extra money.
For those who want to visit the zoo on its own, separate admission is also available. The zoo is open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM, giving families plenty of time to explore at a relaxed pace.
Visiting right when the zoo opens or about two hours before closing tends to be the least crowded and most rewarding time to go.
Getting this much quality wildlife experience bundled into a Hersheypark visit makes the overall trip feel like an incredible deal. Savvy families have been taking advantage of this combo for years, and the reviews speak for themselves.
Accessibility and Ease of Navigation for All Visitors
ZooAmerica is fully handicapped accessible, which makes it a welcoming destination for visitors of all ages and abilities. The pathways are smooth and easy to navigate, and the compact layout means no one has to trek exhausting distances between exhibits.
Families with strollers, wheelchairs, or elderly members will feel right at home.
The zoo also features a clearly posted suggested route that guides visitors through every exhibit in a logical order. This thoughtful design prevents the frustrating experience of doubling back or accidentally missing animals.
Even first-time visitors tend to feel confident and oriented almost immediately.
Staff members are consistently praised for being friendly, approachable, and genuinely helpful. Whether you have a question about an animal or need directions, the team is always nearby and happy to assist.
That welcoming atmosphere adds a layer of comfort that makes the whole visit feel easy and enjoyable for every member of the family.
The Monorail That Glides Right Through the Zoo
Here is something you probably did not expect — a monorail passes right through ZooAmerica as part of the Hersheypark experience. Kids absolutely love watching the sleek cars glide through the treetops above the animal exhibits, and it adds a surprisingly fun visual element to the zoo visit.
The monorail is operated by Hersheypark and offers riders an aerial perspective of the zoo grounds. For families spending the day at both the theme park and the zoo, catching a glimpse of the animals from above while riding the monorail is one of those unexpected moments that makes the whole trip feel extra special.
Parents who have visited multiple times mention that their kids always get excited when the monorail rolls through. It bridges the two experiences in a way that feels seamless and magical.
It is a small detail that adds a whole lot of charm to ZooAmerica’s already unique character.
Best Times to Visit for Maximum Animal Action
Timing your visit to ZooAmerica can make a huge difference in what you actually get to see. Experienced visitors swear by arriving right when the zoo opens at 10 AM or stopping by about two hours before closing.
Both windows tend to align with animal feeding times, which is when the creatures are most active and visible.
One family recalled arriving just as the zoo opened and catching feeding time for nearly every animal on the property. Seeing a black bear up and moving, wolves pacing their habitat, and birds swooping around their enclosures made for an entirely different experience than a midday visit when animals are often resting in the shade.
Cooler days also seem to bring out more animal activity, according to multiple reviewers. If you have flexibility in your schedule, a weekday morning visit on a mild or slightly overcast day might just be the sweet spot for the best possible ZooAmerica experience.
Five Distinct Regional Habitats to Explore
ZooAmerica is cleverly organized into five geographic regions of North America, each designed to represent a different ecosystem. From the Big Sky Country of the Great Plains to the lush wetlands of the Southeast, every section of the zoo tells a different environmental story.
Walking through feels like a mini cross-country road trip.
Each habitat zone features animals that actually live in that region in the wild, which gives the whole experience an educational coherence that larger, more chaotic zoos sometimes lack. Informational signs throughout the exhibits help visitors of all ages understand what they are looking at and why it matters.
Kids who might not normally be interested in nature often find themselves genuinely curious when the information is presented in such an engaging, place-based way. Teachers and homeschooling parents especially appreciate how naturally the zoo weaves science and geography into a fun, hands-on outdoor classroom that feels nothing like sitting at a desk.
A Gift Shop and Souvenirs Worth Checking Out
After spending time with the animals, the ZooAmerica gift shop is a fun final stop that families genuinely enjoy. Stocked with wildlife-themed plush animals, books, and nature souvenirs, it gives kids a chance to bring a little piece of their experience home with them.
One visitor loved the giant otter stuffed animal so much after the otter feeding session that buying it felt like a no-brainer.
The shop is described as cute and well-curated, with items that feel relevant to the animals and habitats visitors just explored. It is not a generic tourist trap — the selection actually reflects the zoo’s North American wildlife focus.
One heads-up worth mentioning: ZooAmerica operates as a cashless venue, so make sure to bring a card rather than cash. The penny souvenir machines have also been updated to a card-based system, which is something to know before you arrive so there are no surprises at the register.
Healthy, Happy Animals in Thoughtfully Designed Exhibits
Visitors consistently comment on how well-fed and healthy the animals at ZooAmerica appear. The zoo’s staff clearly takes animal care seriously, and it shows in the condition and behavior of the creatures on display.
From the wolves lounging peacefully in their wooded habitat to the otters zipping around their aquatic enclosure, the animals look like they are living well.
The exhibits are designed to reflect each species’ natural environment as closely as possible. Wooded areas, rocky outcroppings, and water features give the animals space to behave naturally rather than simply pacing in barren cages.
That commitment to naturalistic design makes a real difference in the overall atmosphere of the zoo.
The zoo’s social media presence also keeps fans connected between visits. Regular updates about animal milestones, seasonal changes, and behind-the-scenes moments help build a genuine community of supporters who feel personally invested in the well-being of ZooAmerica’s remarkable residents.
Perfect for Young Children and Families With Babies
ZooAmerica has quietly earned a reputation as one of the most toddler-friendly wildlife parks in Pennsylvania. The compact size means little legs do not give out before you finish the loop, and the easy-to-follow pathways keep strollers rolling smoothly throughout the entire visit.
Families with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers consistently rate the experience as highly enjoyable.
One mom who visited with children aged ten, two, and nine months described it as a perfect outing — manageable, exciting for the older kids, and calm enough not to overwhelm the baby. That balance of stimulation and ease is genuinely hard to find at bigger, more sprawling attractions.
The zoo is also educational in a way that even very young children can absorb. Seeing a real elk or a live snake makes a lasting impression at any age.
For many kids, ZooAmerica is where their lifelong love of animals and nature first takes root, and that is pretty special.
A Local Gem That Keeps Bringing Families Back Year After Year
There is something about ZooAmerica that turns first-time visitors into loyal regulars. Many families have been making the trip to Hershey specifically to visit the zoo for nearly a decade, and they say it never gets old.
Each season brings something different — new animal behaviors, seasonal programming, and changing landscapes that keep the experience feeling fresh.
The zoo holds a 4.3-star rating across nearly 8,000 reviews on Google, which speaks to how consistently it delivers a positive experience. That kind of sustained community love is rare, especially for a smaller attraction competing for attention alongside a major theme park next door.
Whether you live close enough to walk over like some lucky Hershey residents or you are making the drive from across the state, ZooAmerica rewards every visit with something memorable. It is the kind of place that makes you feel good — about nature, about family time, and about the wild, wonderful world right outside your door.
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