Experience · El Paso
El Paso Zoo Family Day Outing
Treat the family to an unhurried, full-day outing centered on the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Washington Park. Refuel nearby over hearty brisket and burgers at West Texas Chophouse, then wind down the afternoon beneath the shade trees of Memorial Park.
A 5.5-hour El Paso full_day plan for families — El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens, West Texas Chophouse, Memorial Park.
- Duration
- 5h 30m
- Cost
- $40–$90
- Stops
- 3 stops
- Area
- Washington Park + 1 more
- Walking
- Light walking · Total 7-mile driving route
- Ideal for
- Families · Kids
The plan
The plan
- 1El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens(3 hrs)→
- 2West Texas Chophouse(1 hr 30 min)→
- 3Memorial Park(1 hr)
Why this plan works
The stops span roughly 7 miles across El Paso, so plan on driving — the order below keeps that driving in one direction. El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Memorial Park — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to families and families with kids who want a planned El Paso outing without improvising between stops.
The story
Overview
Treat the family to an unhurried, full-day outing centered on the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Washington Park. Refuel nearby over hearty brisket and burgers at West Texas Chophouse, then wind down the afternoon beneath the shade trees of Memorial Park.
The itinerary
3 stops, one great day
- 13 hrsEl Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Family · Washington Park
220 African, American & Asian species residing in facsimiles of natural habitats in a 35-acre park.
What to do — Enter right after morning opening to explore the Americas and Asian wildlife exhibits while animals are active.
Scout Side QuestSilently mimic the expression of the last animal you saw until someone in your group guesses which one it is.
Book it · El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens
3.2 mi · 10 min drive
Then Drive 12 minutes north and east toward Airway Boulevard.
21h 30mWest Texas ChophouseFood & Drink
Warm steakhouse with contemporary decor, offering prime meats, burgers & seafood options.
What to do — Ask for a spacious booth and order a satisfying family lunch to recharge after walking the zoo.
3.8 mi · 11 min drive
Then Drive 10 minutes west along Interstate 10 toward Manhattan Heights.
3Optional 1 hrMemorial ParkOutdoors · Manhattan Heights
Community park with trails, lighted softball field, tennis courts, playground & a swimming pool.
What to do — Claim a shaded park bench while the children play on the park equipment before packing up for home.
Scout Side QuestScan the clouds or tree branches and find the shape that looks most like an escaped zoo animal.
Scout Stories
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The route
On the map
Common questions
Planning this outing
- Is this a good El Paso itinerary for families?
- Yes. It's built for families and families with kids and runs about 5 hr 30 min across 3 stops, starting at El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
- How long does this outing take?
- Plan on 5 hr 30 min door to door, including time between stops.
- How much does this El Paso itinerary cost?
- Roughly $40–$90 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 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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