DinerTown Zoo

Cute but superficial sim encourages in-app purchases.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
DinerTown Zoo
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that DinerTown Zoo is a casual sim in which players run an ever-expanding zoo by purchasing habitats, animals, concessions stands, and other decorations. The game is free to download and play, but players are encouraged to spend real-world cash to unlock content more quickly. Users can share high scores via the Game Center social network, but participation is optional.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
Is It Any Good?
You'll run out of things to do pretty quickly in DINERTOWN ZOO once your supply of coins and hearts run out, at which point the choice is either to wait around to harvest more (a process that takes minutes or hours depending on the type of animal), or pay real-world cash to instantly refill your supply. Packages start at $.99 and go up to $19.99 for coins and $99.99 for hearts -- parents may want to disable in-app purchases to avoid unwanted charges.
On the positive side, the graphics are quite cute, and kids will learn a little bit about different animal habitats (such as outback, savannah, arctic, and rainforest). There are even a few whimsical habitats and creatures that you'd never see in any real-life zoo.
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
- Pricing structure: Free
- Release date: June 6, 2011
- Category: Simulation Games
- Publisher: PlayFirst, Inc.
- Version: 1.1
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 3.0 or later
- Last updated: August 22, 2016
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love simulation apps
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate