Fisher Family Children’s Zoo
A six-acre park within a park, the Fisher Family Children’s Zoo has been a beloved part of the San Francisco Zoo for more than 60 years. For generations, it has provided children and families with a place to explore, play, discover, and experience the wonder of animals up close.
About the Children's Zoo
The area began in 1959 as Storyland, a whimsical playground featuring life-sized scenes inspired by nursery rhymes and fairy tales. In 1964, the Zoological Society took over operation of Storyland and transformed it into the Children’s Zoo, creating a place where children could experience animals through up-close encounters. Early exhibits included domestic animals, a hatchery, a nursery for young animals, and even demonstrations featuring penguins.
Over the years, Storyland gradually gave way to animal habitats and interactive learning experiences. Areas such as the Nature Trail, Insect Zoo, Prairie Dog, and Meerkat habitats expanded the Children’s Zoo beyond entertainment, creating a place where children and families could learn about animals and the natural world through exploration and discovery.
Today, the Fisher Family Children’s Zoo brings together animals, hands-on experiences, education, and conservation, encouraging visitors of all ages to connect with the natural world. Explore the many ways to get up close with animals throughout the Exploration Zone:
- Meet our herd of goats and sheep at the Family Farm and discover what it takes to care for domestic animals.
- Discover the Yosemite Toads, one of the few zoos to feature this rare California amphibian.
- Look up into the trees at the Red Panda Treehouse and observe these unique animals in their habitat.
- Explore like a prairie dog or meerkat by crawling through our interactive burrowing tunnels.
- Discover colorful and charismatic birds in our Parrot Aviaries.
- Explore ponds and habitats where you can encounter turtles, fish, and other fascinating animals.
Many experiences throughout the Children’s Zoo invite visitors to go beyond simply observing animals. Grooming a goat, learning about animal care, watching a keeper demonstration, or exploring any of our interactive stations can create meaningful connections and spark curiosity about the animals we share our world with. At the heart of the Children’s Zoo is the idea of people and animals living together. From the domestic animals in our care to the wildlife found in our own backyards and beyond, the Exploration Zone encourages visitors to better understand animals, appreciate their role in our world, and discover how we can all help protect them.
Continuing a tradition
The Fisher Family Children’s Zoo continues a tradition that began more than six decades ago: creating a special place where children can learn through curiosity, connect with animals in positive and meaningful ways, and develop a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.
Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning as your family grows, there is always something new to explore and discover.
Children’s Zoo Volunteers
Become a volunteer and make a difference!
For ages 18+