Experience · Amarillo
Amarillo Zoo Adventure & Park Play
Embark on an exciting afternoon at the Amarillo Zoo, where the whole family can meet bison, big cats, and more. Afterwards, refuel with a satisfying casual meal before heading to a local park for some open-air fun and relaxation.
A 3.5-hour Amarillo afternoon plan for families — Amarillo Zoo & Sanctuary, Bubba's 33, Thompson Memorial Park.
- Duration
- 3h 30m
- Cost
- $25–$60
- Stops
- 3 stops
- Walking
- Light walking · Total 7.3-mile driving route
- Best time
- 12:00 – 5:00 PM
- Ideal for
- Families · Kids · Solo · Adults
The plan
The plan
- 1Amarillo Zoo & Sanctuary(1 hr 30 min)→
- 2Bubba's 33(1 hr)→
- 3Thompson Memorial Park(1 hr)
Why this plan works
The stops span roughly 7.3 miles across Amarillo, so plan on driving — the order below keeps that driving in one direction. Amarillo Zoo & Sanctuary is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Thompson Memorial Park — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to families, families with kids, solo, and adults who want a planned Amarillo outing without improvising between stops.
The story
Overview
Embark on an exciting afternoon at the Amarillo Zoo, where the whole family can meet bison, big cats, and more. Afterwards, refuel with a satisfying casual meal before heading to a local park for some open-air fun and relaxation.
The itinerary
3 stops, one great day
- 11h 30mAmarillo Zoo & Sanctuary
Family
Bison & big cats, reptiles, birds & amphibians all can be found in this compact park.
What to do — Encounter a variety of animals, from bison and big cats to reptiles and birds, in a compact and engaging zoo setting.
3.7 mi · 11 min drive
Then Drive a short distance to the nearby casual eatery for lunch.
21 hrBubba's 33Food & Drink
Burgers, pizza & beer served alongside many large-screen TVs showing sports & music videos.
What to do — Grab a table and order from their menu of burgers, pizza, and other American favorites, suitable for all ages.
3.6 mi · 11 min drive
Then A quick drive will take you to Thompson Memorial Park for some outdoor fun.
3Optional 1 hrThompson Memorial ParkOutdoors
Urban green space offering a disc-golf course, a dog park, picnic areas & a children's playground.
What to do — Spend some time at Thompson Memorial Park. Let the kids run around on the playground or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the green space.
The route
On the map
Common questions
Planning this outing
- Is this a good Amarillo itinerary for families?
- Yes. It's built for families, families with kids, solo, and adults and runs about 3 hr 30 min across 3 stops, starting at Amarillo Zoo & Sanctuary.
- How long does this outing take?
- Plan on 3 hr 30 min door to door, including time between stops.
- How much does this Amarillo itinerary cost?
- Roughly $25–$60 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
- Is this itinerary walkable?
- Not entirely. The stops cover about 7.3 miles, so you'll drive or rideshare between at least one pair.
- Do I need reservations?
- No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.
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