Is Orange County Zoo (Irvine Regional Park) worth visiting?

The Orange County Zoo is nestled within the beautiful 495-acre Irvine Regional Park and primarily features animals and plants indigenous to the southwestern United States. Many animals at the zoo have been rescued and cannot be released back into the wild.

What are the best things to see and do at Orange County Zoo (Irvine Regional Park)?

Visitors can see black bears, mountain lions, bald eagles, and other animals native to the southwestern United States. The zoo also offers a barnyard area with domestic goats and sheep, opportunities to interact with animals, and an audio tour providing facts from keepers and staff.

How much do tickets to Orange County Zoo (Irvine Regional Park) cost?

Admission prices start from 2 USD. Please check the official site for current pricing.

What are the opening hours at Orange County Zoo (Irvine Regional Park)?

Please check the official site for date-specific operating hours.

Is Orange County Zoo (Irvine Regional Park) suitable for young children, and what ages is it best for?

The Orange County Zoo is suitable for all ages, with a focus on children. It includes a children's zoo, interpretive programs center, and a storytime area.

Orange County Zoo (Irvine Regional Park)

Write a Review Orange, California All ages, with a focus on children Verified•Zoo & Wildlife

Published October 2026. Editorial oversight by James Morgan. AI-assisted, human-edited. Our editorial standards

Image credits

Photo by Steve D via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-3.0
Photo by Tracie Hall from Orange County, us via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-2.0

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About Orange County Zoo (Irvine Regional Park)

A small, kid-focused zoo of southwestern wildlife set inside 495-acre Irvine Regional Park.

Many residents here were injured, orphaned, or confiscated, giving this Orange County zoo a gentle, native-focused character.

What you'll see and do - Meet animals indigenous to the southwestern US, including black bears, mountain lions, bald eagles, kit foxes, ocelots, beavers, owls, porcupines, coyotes, and turkey vultures. - Visit the barnyard area to get close to domestic goats and sheep. - Follow the cell-phone audio tour for keeper facts, and let kids enjoy the children's zoo and storytime area.

Attraction Details

Facilities

Childrens Zoo
Interpretive Programs Center
Storytime Area

Events at Orange County Zoo (Irvine Regional Park)

Animal Art I Preschool Program
May 28, 2026
Galaxy Day
June 6, 2026
Under the Sea Preschool Program
June 19, 2026
Animal Art II Preschool Program
June 25, 2026
Enrichment Explorers Program
June 26, 2026
Animals In My Backyard Preschool Program
June 30, 2026

Plan Your Visit

Family-tested advice for a smoother day at Orange County Zoo (Irvine Regional Park).

Who it's for

All ages, with a focus on children

Getting there

Orange County Zoo (Irvine Regional Park) is at 1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, CA 92869. Check the operator's site for parking and transit options.

Pro tip

Pack snacks, refillable water bottles and a portable charger to keep the day running smoothly.

Directions

Orange County Zoo (Irvine Regional Park)

1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, CA 92869

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This attraction has been claimed and verified.

Last updated 10/17/2026