San Diego Zoo – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

San Diego Zoo

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

app2018

75%

WISE Score

4.9

App Store

Navigation tool for the San Diego Zoo that works better in theory than practice—bring a paper map as backup.

San Diego Zoo

app

Everyone, 2018

75%

WISE Score

4.9

App Store

Navigation tool for the San Diego Zoo that works better in theory than practice—bring a paper map as backup.

Jump to

Also rated on

Where to Find

App Store

Google Play

Screenwise Verdict

This is a companion app for a zoo visit, not entertainment or education on its own. It's safe and well-intentioned, but user reviews consistently point out that the search and navigation features—you know, the core purpose—are frustratingly limited.

The app won't harm anyone, but it also might not help much. Many families report just using the paper map instead, which is probably the move. If you're visiting the San Diego Zoo, download it as a backup, but keep expectations low and your phone charged for photos instead.

The real magic is the zoo itself—this app is just trying (and somewhat failing) to get you there efficiently.

Age Fit

Appropriate for anyone visiting the San Diego Zoo, though kids under 8 will need adult help with navigation. Teens and adults can use it independently, assuming it actually works as intended.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A utility app designed to enhance family visits to one of the world's most respected zoos. Focused on navigation, animal information, and planning—no social features, no chat, no content that could be problematic. It's straightforward and family-friendly by design.

Imaginative

This is a navigation and planning tool, not an exploratory or creative experience. It helps you find animals and plan routes, which is practical but not particularly imaginative. The real-world zoo visit is where the curiosity and wonder happen—the app is just the map.

Safe

No ads, no social features, no in-app purchases mentioned in reviews or store listings. It's a straightforward utility app with kids mode available. The main 'risk' is that the app itself has usability issues (poor search, navigation complaints), but nothing manipulative or inappropriate.

Enriching

Supports educational zoo visits by helping families navigate efficiently and find specific animals. The enrichment comes from the zoo experience itself, not the app—this is just infrastructure. That said, making the most of a zoo visit is genuinely enriching for kids learning about animals and conservation.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Helps families plan their zoo day and find specific animals without wandering aimlessly
Offers preset walking paths for different interests and energy levels
No ads, no purchases, no social features—just a straightforward utility
Kids mode available for little ones who want to help navigate

⚠

What to Watch For

Multiple reviews cite poor search functionality and confusing directions—the app may frustrate more than help
Some users with visual impairments note lack of accessibility features like dark mode
You might end up using the paper map anyway, which honestly works fine

Conversation Starters

"Which animal do you want to see first? Let's look it up on the map."
"Should we follow one of the preset paths or make our own route?"
"What's the coolest thing you learned about [animal] today?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic