Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

The new sea lion exhibit is a great upgrade from the old one.

Awesome and what an amazing experience it was. No wonder they got the best zoo award once. Parking: Better to reach early at least half hour before opening as it tends to get crowded and you would have hard luck finding parking there. We visited on weekend both Sat and Sun and it was pretty crowded. Not sure about the weekdays. Food: We took our own food inside as a lot of people did. The zoo is huge and better to carry your own food and water. I think there are two cafeterias where they sell eateries. Kids: Infants won't have anything to do in the zoo. Toddlers would love it and so do small kids. Huge park for kids with a lot to play and also a small water park kind of section where they could just bathe and chill. Teenage onwards can enjoy what adults would. Two days is definitely the least you would need to explore the zoo. Anything less and you would miss sections.

This place is enormous. I spent five hours here multiple times and it seems like I've only seen about half of it. That being said, I'm a 'slow' zoo and museum-goer. I like to take my time and really reflect on and experience each exhibit. The variety is impressive here. I would say that it's comparable to the North Carolina Zoo in quality but very different in style. Whereas the North Carolina Zoo is fluid and organic in design, with the design of the zoo blending into the surrounding woods and habitat, the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo is almost colorful and almost corporate by comparison. It has more of the feel of a circus festival whereas the NC zoo makes you feel like you are hiking through the woods 'discovering' the flora and fauna.

Best zoo I've been to. Very family friendly. Walking straight through and seeing everything takes about 5 hours. They don't check bags at the gate that I've noticed. I'd recommend bringing in food and water if you're on a budget, it's theme park prices for food and drinks in the zoo. There's a lot to do indoors if the weather isn't the best.

It was a blast. All the animals were amazing to view. I love the improvements they are always making. Sting Ray Beach was fun. Lots of food stops and water refill spots and restrooms. The snow cones at the sweet shop are only $5 and can feed 4. The trams are running but are full fast. I had fun.