The pre-Hispanic origins of this zoo date back to when the Aztec Nezahualcóyotl created this area for the population to enjoy the flora and fauna. It was meant not only for entertainment but also for medicinal, artistry, food provision and religious purposes. Today around 2,000 animals of some 260 species consider these 17 hectares (42 acres) their natural habitat. Different biospheres have been recreated to make these guests feel more at home. Temperate woods of conifer trees shield the bears, deer and wolves; there are pastures for herbivores and deserts of arid and semiarid regions for other creatures; the Arctic tundra for the polar bears and even a coastal shore for sea lions. This is also the home of the Russian pandas, which were the first to produce offspring in captivity.

At the end of each period of Xiuhmolpilli, every 52 years, the Aztecs celebrated the ritual of Fuego Nuevo or "New Fire", a sun renewal ceremony on the peak of Cerro de la Estrella. On the flanks of these rocky slopes, overlooking Lake Texococo, the city of Iztapalapa was founded. However, long before the Aztec colonization of the Valley of Mexico, the hill attracted other groups. The first agricultural communities date back to 1000 BCE, and around 900 BCE the first constructions of Teotihuacana influence appeared. The Chichmecan founded the capital of the Culhacán kingdom, which was finally swallowed by the Aztec empire. Since 1998, this fascinating archaeological area has been graced by an equally interesting museum and the Cerro de la Estrella is now classified as a National Park.

Focused on providing children with the tools they need to be successful in life through the guise of playing, Kidzania Cuicuilco is a one-of-a-kind establishment set up as its own independent nation. Kidzania Cuicuilco features various play activities from learning to drive a car and cooking, to being a firefighter or doctor. They even offer their own 'kid currency' in order to teach monetary responsibility. Birthday parties and private events can be arranged.