While there’s plenty of room to picnic under the Cottonwoods, there are dining opportunities throughout the Zoo grounds.

Cottonwood Café is centrally located near the band shell, duck pond and Cottonwood Park. Kid's meals, sandwiches, hamburgers/hotdogs, Mexican food, ice cream and snacks are all available cafeteria style, and you can choose to eat indoors or surrounded by peacocks on the outdoor patio. Cottonwood Cafe is open daily, year-round, from 9 am to 5 pm.

If treking through Africa finds you craving a snack, Matunda Cafe is open during the summer across from the Out of Africa gift shop and train depot. The outdoor seating area is colorfully arranged. Order hot and cold beverages, sandwiches, snacks, candies and ice cream. Matunda Cafe is open 9 am to 5 pm weekdays. Weekends, the Cafe stays open till 6 pm.

Sit down and enjoy a quick meal at The Phoenix Plaza Snack Bar, near the Raptor Roost exhibit. Hot dogs, Frito pies, snacks and beverages are all available with outdoor seating and the joy of nearby bird song. The Phonix Plaza Snack Bar is open daily from 10 am to 3 pm.