Nothing spells family fun quite like a day at the zoo. Zoos in Texas abound – you can find one in practically every corner of the state. One of the most underrated is the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, which houses nearly 2,000 animals despite being a relatively small facility. It’s easily walkable, entertaining, and incredibly scenic. What’s not to love?

Everyone who visits the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco falls in love right away.

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At 52 acres, it’s certainly not the largest zoo in Texas, but the sheer variety of animals makes up for the size.

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The zoo houses a whopping 1,700+ animals that represent over 300 species from around the globe - and since it only takes a couple of hours to walk the grounds, you can easily see them all in one day.

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Enter a sunken pirate ship and discover a 50,000-gallon saltwater aquarium filled with all sorts of colorful fish…

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…then get up close and personal with big cats like cougars, jaguars, tigers, and lions.

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Feathered friends such as owls, bald eagles, vultures, and cranes encourage you to spread your wings…

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…while orangutans inspire laughter with their infectious sense of humor.

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Other animals include giraffes, Galapagos tortoises, elephants, rhinos, and many other incredible species.

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When it comes to the logistics of getting around the zoo, shaded walking paths allow visitors to view all of the exhibits with ease.

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Wooden boardwalks offer breathtaking waterfront views, with lush greenery extending far as the eye can see.

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Since the zoo is located within Waco’s popular Cameron Park, natural scenery abounds. Rushing waterfalls and towering cliffs are just a couple of the jaw-dropping sights you can expect to see.

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Fun photo-ops can be found everywhere you look, so put on a smile and strike a pose!

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Visit the zoo’s website or Facebook page for more information, including current hours and entrance fees.

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Have you ever been to the Cameron Park Zoo? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for another bucket list worthy Waco attraction where you can see the remains of ancient mammoths.

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Address: Cameron Park Zoo, 1701 N 4th St, Waco, TX 76707, USA