Columbian Park Zoo

This is a pretty nice zoo! It’s not a very big zoo with all the types of animals that the bigger zoos have, but I believe they are still in the works of expanding it. Oh, and did I mention… IT’S FREE! How awesome is that?!
Two of my favorite areas in the zoo are where they keep Bald Eagles and where they keep the Wallabies. The reason that I like the Bald Eagles area is because all that separates you and them is a wooden fence, not an enclosed cage like most zoos. The reason that I like the Wallabies area is because they have this enclosed pathway that you walk along with just a rope fence and you get so close to them that it feels like you could almost reach out to pet them, but I’m sure that’s not allowed.
Overall, this zoo has a nice setup with a decent assortment of animals. It’s also a great location because it’s in the park area that also includes a playground, a water park, and a small train that goes around the park.

Such an AMAZING zoo for such a (relatively) small city of Lafayette!
It’s FREE too!
I thoroughly enjoy it as an adult, & am certain that any child would find it just as enjoyable.
The butterfly garden is excellent, as well as the mini ‘barn animal’ petting zoo.
There are more exotic animals here as well, and it doesn’t seem like they are treated in any overtly inhumane manner.
Right in the middle of Colombian Park — so you can enjoy the playground before and/​or after!
Plus, if it’s the summer, you can hop down the street to Tropicanoe Cove!

It’s a nice little, free!, zoo. It was the perfect spot to get out of the car and stretch our legs after a long drive. The wallaby enclosure was pretty cool, allowing the patrons to walk through. There were some spider monkeys and other primates too.

We love the Columbian Park Zoo. I have two small children and my husband and I are always looking for inexpensive activities to keep them busy. It’s so easy to head to the zoo and let them run around for an hour or two and it’s free! The staff is so friendly and while it’s not the biggest zoo around there are lots of cute little animals and a petting zoo. I recommend it if you’re in Lafayette!