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 Kibongi Market Gift Shop, 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)
2. Stay Hydrated
Drinking Fountains
Drinking fountains are conveniently located throughout
Denver Zoo at the following locations:
Main Gate: Restrooms*
Gates Center: Restrooms*
Sheep Mountain*
Primate Panorama: Restrooms
Down Under
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 Denver Zoo Restaurants
All of Denver Zoo’s permanent restaurant facilities offer free water to guests year round, including:
Samburu Grille Restaurant
Brown Bear Restaurant
Kamala Café Restaurant
Café Costa Restaurant
Hydration Stations
Memorial Day to Labor Day, Denver Zoo offers supplemental hydration stations at the following locations:
Wildlife Plaza Concessions Cart
Brown Bear Restaurant
Food Truck
Kamala Café Concession Cart
Café Costa Restaurant
3. Cool Down
Misting Stations
Memorial Day to Labor Day, self-activated misting stations are available at the following locations:
Sheep Mountain
The Edge
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 indoor spaces for animal viewing, shade and AC, including Pahali ya Simba, Emerald Forest, Great Ape Building, Village Hall and Tropical Discovery.
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, Soft Serve Ice Cream at Cup and Cone or Hand Dipped Ice Cream at Brown Bear Restaurant. View all Food + Beverage.
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.
