Utah’s Hogle Zoo is a family favorite year-round, but most people visit only when the weather is warm and sunny. The zoo is every bit as amazing during winter months, and here are 10 reasons to bundle up and visit right now:

1. The zoo receives fewer visitors during winter months, and it can use your support!
Marcus Smauldon/Google
The 800+ animals who call Utah's Hogle Zoo home still require food, medical care, and enrichment, even when it's cold outside. Your admission during the low season can help support the zoo.
2. The big cats are much more active when the weather is chilly.
Management/Tripadvisor
During the dog days of summer, the beautiful lions and tigers at Hogle often laze about in the shade. During the Utah winter months, they're more active, and a little more exciting to watch.
3. Some of Hogle's animals were born for cold weather, and they're even happier this time of year.
Utah’s Hogle Zoo Facebook Page
How about those polar bears! They love the cold Utah weather. If you want to see a very happy bear, head to the polar bear exhibit. Don't forget to go down below to see them swimming, too!
4. The zoo is more peaceful and quiet during the winter.
Utah’s Hogle Zoo Facebook Page
5. As long as you're bundled up, you'll have plenty of fun.
Utah's Hogle Zoo/Facebook
Like many animals in Utah, this bear has a thick coat, and you'll want to wear your warmest winter gear too. As long as you're properly dressed, you'll enjoy the fresh air, and still have plenty to see and do here.

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6. It's cheaper to visit during the winter.
Utah’s Hogle Zoo Facebook Page
You'll save a few bucks when you visit the Hogle Zoo from October 1 through April 30. That will leave you more cash to buy some hot chocolate!
7. The indoor exhibits will warm you right up.
hsu130/Tripadvisor
The Small Animal Building is always a favorite, and it's kept toasty warm and humid year-round. It's kind of hot and sweaty inside on hot afternoons in the summer months, but a visit to see the tropical birds, snakes, spiders, and frogs will warm you right up in the winter.
8. You'll still meet brand-new baby animals, even during the winter.
Utah's Hogle Zoo/Facebook
You might think that Hogle only welcomes baby animals during the spring, but that's not the case at all. This is Zion, a cute little baby zebra that was born here on January 15, 2021.
9. BooLights is a fabulous Halloween light show.
Utah's Hogle Zoo/Facebook
Have some Halloween fun every evening during the month of October when you stroll through the zoo after dark. The Halloween lights are fun and not too spooky - perfect for visitors of every age.
10. ZooLights is a holiday tradition.
Utah's Hogle Zoo/Facebook
If you like to enjoy sparkling holiday lights, ZooLights is another great winter holiday event. It typically runs from the beginning of December through New Year's Day, and it features some beautiful zoo animal-shaped, life-sized lanterns.

Check out Utah’s Hogle Zoo website to learn more and reserve your tickets online. You’ll also want to follow Utah’s Hogle Zoo Facebook page so that you can see what the animals are up to, and get first views of the baby animals when they’re born!

Have you ever been to the Hogle Zoo in Utah? If so, what was your favorite part? Can you suggest some other fun things to do during the winter in Utah? Are there any other zoos in Utah that you like to visit? We’d love to read about your experiences in the comments section below!

And be sure to read A Trip Inside Utah’s Frozen Cave Is Positively Surreal.

Speaking of winter, for those who love winter hiking, you can find some great trails in and around the area by going to the AllTrails website.

If you’re still in the mood for more Utah adventures, take a look at this video about beautiful Arches National Park:

 

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More to Explore

Out and About in The Beehive State

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | January 17, 2024

What are some great Utah day trips?

  • Capitol Reef National Park offers all the outdoor wonders you would expect, including hiking, rock climbing, wildlife sightings, camping, and more.
  • Thanksgiving Point in Lehi is where visitors come to enjoy the annual spring tulip bloom, visit a butterfly biosphere, and play with farm animals.
  • The Hardware Ranch Wildlife Viewing Area in Hyrum is where you can watch the annual elk migration during the winter.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other great Utah day trips.

Where can we find the best ice cream shops in Utah?

  • Eli’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream and Soda Shop in Payson is a vintage ice cream and soda shop scooping up some of the most interesting flavors.
  • Aggie Ice Cream in Logan is located on the campus of Utah State University and is a favorite for its over two dozen flavors of ice cream.
  • Casper’s Ice Cream in Richmond has been in business since 1925 and crafts what they call “the world's smoothest, most delicious ice cream.”

Read on to learn more about some of the many other scrumptious ice cream shops in Utah.

What are some fun family activities in Utah?

  • Hogle Zoo – In addition to the wide array of animals that make their home at the Hogle Zoo, there is also a carousel, train, and Elephant Encounter exhibit, among other highlights.
  • Soldier Hollow – In the winter, Soldier Hollow is the perfect place to take the family for an exciting holiday sleigh ride.
  • Bear Lake – A popular vacation spot, recreational activity opportunities here include the beach, an adventure park, boating, swimming, and more.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other fun family activities in Utah.

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Featured Addresses
Utah's Hogle Zoo, 2600 Sunnyside Ave S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA