There’s a few things you might expect from a day at the zoo: the laughter of children, the roar of lions, and enchanting colorful birds. But amidst the zoo’s wonders, a family activity could turn into a health mission.

It’s not all about marveling at exotic animals or enjoying the fresh air – it's also a fantastic way to get those steps in. Whether you're walking solo or pushing a stroller, every zoo step you take contributes to your overall fitness.

As part of a partnership with Denver Zoo, and with the help of Denver Zoo’s Amanda Seier, Corporate and Individual Giving Manager, and Erika Haase, Digital Content Manager, Intermountain Health is promoting a zoo day’s wellness benefits.

Walking through the basics

Forget the treadmill! At Denver Zoo, walking takes on a whole new meaning. With over 80 acres of exhibits and pathways, there’s endless amounts of routes to take. The average Denver Zoo visit is anywhere from one to five hours, which makes it a true choose-your-own-adventure.

According to the Hiking Project, a simple loop around Denver Zoo is 2.5 miles. This doesn’t include offshoot pathways and detours, but it’s a great place to start.

How many steps is 2.5 miles for various Denver Zoo animals?

• For a giraffe, walking 2.5 miles is about 880 steps.
• For an ostrich, walking 2.5 miles is about 1,320 steps.
• For an elephant, walking 2.5 miles is about 2,074 steps.
• For a tiger, 2.5 miles is about 2,682 steps.
• For a lion, walking 2.5 miles is about 3,960 steps.
• For a capuchin monkey, 2.5 miles is about 8,046 steps.  
• For a human, walking 2.5 miles is about 6,000 steps.

For all animals, including you, walking is one of the simplest yet most effective forms of exercise. It helps cardiovascular health by increasing your heart rate and improving circulation. The rhythmic motion of walking can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It's a low-impact exercise that's suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

The health benefits are even higher when stroller pushing is involved. When you're pushing a stroller, it adds an extra element of resistance, giving your muscles an even greater workout. So while little Johnny gawks at the monkeys, you can get your workout in.

Getting the most health benefits during your Denver Zoo visit

When planning your family’s day at Denver Zoo, consider the following:

• Know your mom/family support options – Denver Zoo offers stroller rentals and Mamava pods for private nursing. And for when you can’t take a stroller into an exhibit, Intermountain Health has sponsored stroller parking at a variety of locations around the zoo. See more Denver Zoo accessibility information here.
• Stay hydrated – Bring a reusable water bottle and take advantage of the free water stations throughout Denver Zoo. Denver Zoo also has water misters you can chill out with on hot days.
• Take breaks – Rest on benches, shady spots, or in the indoor habitats to cool off and recharge. "In Toyota Elephant Passage, there is a section by the elephant demo with large sycamore trees,” said Amanda. “It's a great picnic area.”
• Get your kids moving  – There's a lot of ways to help your kids get active at Denver Zoo, such as the brachiating play area, where they learn how to brachiate like various primates, and other nature play areas.
• Bring healthy snacks – Denver Zoo offers lots of concession options, but they also allow you to bring in food. Pack healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables to give you and your family boosts throughout the day.
• Engage with experts – Don't hesitate to ask any staff member for recommendations or questions about the exhibits. Expand your mind while you span your legs! "Our staff and volunteers are great and informative,” said Erika. “They can tell you animal names, birthdays, personalities, and fun facts.”

When it comes to planning out your day, Amanda advised to keep your schedule loose. “Be as flexible as you can be with the day because things pop up that are really exciting and unknown, and your family might get totally distracted,” she said.

Erika also shared that some animals are taken on walks throughout the park, such as pigs, llamas, and flamingos. These don’t occur on a set schedule, so they’re always a nice surprise.

For more help planning your Denver Zoo trip, visit Denver Zoo’s Visit page. This page also has an updated list of animal talks and demonstrations, so you can make a game plan for attending special events.

Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, nature lover, or family looking for a memorable outing, the zoo offers something for everyone. So lace up your walking shoes, grab your camera, and get ready for a day of discovery.

“There's always something new each visit,” said Erika. “It's special and magical, you just have to happen upon it.”