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1. Be Prepared
When visiting the Zoo on hot days, we recommend bringing the following items with you to ensure the best visit possible. Forgot something? All of the items below may all be purchased in the DZCA Store, located at the Zoo’s main gate.
- Water Bottle
- Sunscreen
- Wide-Brim Hat
- Sunglasses
- Light-Colored, Loose-Fitting Clothing
- Light Rain Jacket (for the occasional afternoon thunderstorm)
- Download the DZCA app for day of updates
2. Stay Hydrated
Drinking Fountains
Drinking fountains are conveniently located throughout
the Zoo at the following locations:
Main Gate: Restrooms
Gates Center: Restrooms
Sheep Mountain
Primate Panorama: Restrooms
Down Under: Restrooms
Toyota Elephant Passage: Village Hall
Kamala Café: Restrooms
Giraffe Building
The Edge
Tropical Discovery: Restrooms
*Drinking fountain includes water bottle filling station.
Complimentary Water Services at Our Restaurants
All of our permanent restaurant facilities offer free cups of water to guests year round, including:
Samburu Grille Restaurant
Kamala Café Restaurant
Café Costa Restaurant
3. Cool Down
Go Inside:
During hot days, some of the Zoo’s animal residents may go inside to cool down and find additional shade—and you should do the same! Visit our climate-controlled, indoor spaces to stay cool while enjoying the Zoo all day.
Chill Zone, Zoo Gardens
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m
Covered, climate-controlled pavilion
Up-close animal encounters
Yard games
Colorado Lounge featuring live local music (11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m) and local beverages, including Second Dawn exclusive brews.
Wild Tales Theatre, 4D Theatre
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Guests can cool off indoors while enjoying a collection of memorable animal births, exhibit openings, conservation successes, wildlife rescue stories and many more incredible moments celebrating DZCA’s 130th anniversary.
Grab a Cool Treat
Stop by restaurants and kiosks to enjoy your favorite frozen treat or ice-cold beverage. Guest favorites include Dippin’ Dots at Kamala Café or Primate Panorama, Dole Whip at Café Costa, or Soft Serve Ice Cream at Cup and Cone.
4. Experience Stingray Cove™
When we’re hot, they’re hot! On days with extreme heat, some animal viewing and activities may be limited. Stop by this shaded open-air interactive experience to dip your hands and arms in a 15,000 gallon pool—touching and feeding gentle stingrays as they swoop and glide freely around their watery habitat.
