Zoo Atlanta (also called Atlanta Zoo) was founded in 1889, making it one of the oldest zoos in the world.
Atlanta Zoo has an interesting history. It started when businessman George V. Gress bought a bankrupt circus and donated all the animals to the city of Atlanta.
Over the years, the zoo underwent multiple renovations, and it is now home to 1500+ animal species, attracting more than a million tourists annually.
This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for the Atlanta Zoo.
Top Atlanta Zoo Tickets
# Atlanta: Zoo Atlanta General Admission Ticket
# Atlanta: A City in a Forest Private Nature Tour
# Zoo Atlanta + Fun Spot America Atlanta
What to expect at Atlanta Zoo
Connect with wildlife and nature in Georgia’s best zoo.
Meet pandas, tigers, elephants, giraffes, and thousands of other animals on your Zoo Atlanta tour.
Discover a brand-new amphibian and reptile complex with over 100 unique species.
Step into the African Savanna habitat, Scaly Slimy Spectacular, Sloth Exhibit, and Gorilla Habitat and take a sneak peek into their natural habitat.
Take your kids to the KIDZone and Naked Mole Rat Playgrounds and let them go wild as they jump, run, and play.
Participate in various educational discussions with animal experts, many of which involve the chance to observe animals while they are being fed.
You can also attend wildlife presentations.
Where to buy Atlanta Zoo tickets
Tickets to the Atlanta Zoo are available online and at the ticket booth at the zoo
We strongly suggest you purchase online tickets to save money and time.
Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.
Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, during peak days they may sell out. Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.
How online tickets work
Go to the Atlanta Zoo ticket booking page, select the number of tickets and the date you wish to visit and book your tickets right away!
Once you purchase Atlanta Zoo tickets, they get delivered to your email address.
There is no need to get printouts of the ticket.
You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone when you visit the attraction.
Remember to bring your official IDs.
Atlanta Zoo ticket prices
Tickets for Atlanta Zoo are priced at US$36 for all guests aged 12 to 64 years.
Tickets for seniors over 65 years are discounted and are available at US$34.
Children between three to 11 years receive a US$8 discount and pay only US$28 to secure admission.
Infants up to two years of age get free admission.
Atlanta Zoo admission tickets
This Atlanta Zoo ticket gives guests access to all 65 exhibits, animal feeding sessions, Zoo Seekers, KIDZone, Naked Mole Rat Playgrounds, and Splash Fountain.
If you select the “All Day Wristband option,” you’ll get unlimited access to rides.
Take advantage of the complimentary wildlife presentations included with this ticket and learn amazing facts from the zoo keepers.
Avail a discount of 10% at the zoo’s Gift Shop by showing your e-ticket.
Treetop Trail, Safari Slide, Rock Wall, Petting Zoo, Endangered Species Carousel, Giraffe Feeding, and the Zoo Train are NOT included in the admission ticket.
However, you can enjoy them at an additional cost by purchasing tickets on-site.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (12 to 64 years): US$36
Senior Ticket (65+ years): US$34
Child Ticket (3 to 11 years): US$28
Infant Ticket (up to 2 years): Free
Save time & money! Buy Atlanta CityPASS and visit iconic attractions of Atlanta – Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Zoo Atlanta, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and many more. Book now and get up to 44% discount!
Atlanta: A City in a Forest Private Nature Tour tickets
Atlanta has a lush green urban landscape, and we want you to experience this with professional tour guides who give an insider view of the city’s parks, trails, and gardens.
This is both a walking and driving tour (whenever needed) and offers a hotel pick-up and drop-off facility.
You’ll navigate Piedmont Park, Ansley Park, Olmsted Linear Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden, and Grant Park, home to the famous Atlanta Zoo.
Ticket Cost: US$155
Combo ticket: Zoo Atlanta + Fun Spot America Atlanta
Distance: 21 miles (34 km approx)
Time taken: 30 minutes by car
Combo tickets are the best way to explore two attractions on the same day, as they are available at a reduced price.
Fun Spot America Atlanta is an amusement park near Atlanta Zoo. Both these attractions are easily accessible by public transport or car.
Grab this Zoo Atlanta + Fun Spot America Atlanta combo ticket that undoubtedly will escalate fun and entertainment.
At Atlanta Zoo, spend time with tigers, elephants, and giraffes, and at Fun Spot America Atlanta, hurtle along amazing rides, a few of which will make you scream.
Ticket Cost: US$75
How to reach Atlanta Zoo
Atlanta Zoo is located in Grant Park.
Address: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315, United States. Get Directions
You can get to the Atlanta via public transport or personal vehicle.
By Subway
The West End Station and the King Memorial Station are the nearest subway stations to the Atlanta Zoo.
By Bus
Cherokee Ave SE & Bass St SE is just within a 3-minute walking distance.
By Car
Turn on Google Maps if you’re going by car to Zoo Atlanta.
There are a few car parking lots around the zoo to park vehicles.
Opening hours of Atlanta Zoo
Zoo Atlanta runs from 9 am to 5 pm daily, with the last entry allowed at 3.30 pm.
It remains closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
How long does the Atlanta zoo take
Considering its geographical spread and the number of animals, a minimum of 4 hours is needed to explore Atlanta Zoo.
If you halt for a drink or snack break, your stay may extend by an hour.
However, it has been observed that families tend to stay longer with their kids, who love the company of wild animals and try to experience all activities and rides offered by the zoo.
Best time to visit Atlanta Zoo
The best time to visit Atlanta Zoo is when it opens at 9 am.
There are four benefits of starting early – the animals are most active early in the morning, the temperatures are still moderate, the crowd is yet to get in, and you have the whole day to spend at the attraction.
As the day gets hotter, animals prefer staying inside their shelters. As a result, you may get disappointed when you don’t see them in the exhibit.
Weekdays are better for a peaceful visit because the zoo gets crowded on weekends and school holidays.
The zoo is most crowded on weekends between 10 am and 2 pm.
If you are on a short holiday in Atlanta, starting early also allows you to add another attraction to the day’s itinerary.
Map of Atlanta Zoo
Considering the size and number of animals sheltered inside this zoo, we can say that the zoo is quite big to explore.
When different animals are housed, it becomes challenging to locate the animal enclosures, activity areas, picnic spots, restaurants, washrooms, and many other facilities at the zoo.
Of course, there are zoo keepers and signboards to guide you throughout your journey, but it is always good to set up the rhythm of the tour by yourself.
This is why a zoo map becomes very important when you’re out for adventure with your family and friends.
With an Atlanta Zoo map (pdf, 10 Mb) you can navigate everything and anything on your mobile phone.
What to wear to Atlanta Zoo
All guests visiting the Atlanta Zoo are expected to follow the dress code, and violation of which may result in denial of admission.
Guests can be stopped at the zoo entrance for any of the following reasons.
- Children under 12 years of age wear costume masks.
- Guests wear revealing clothes.
- Guests have tattoos depicting obscene graphics and language.
So here is our simple guidance for a guaranteed and unstoppable tour of Atlanta Zoo.
- Wear casual clothes like shirts, T-shirts, trousers, etc.
- Ensure your clothes don’t reveal body parts that may disrupt the family environment.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
Boo at the Atlanta Zoo
Celebrate Halloween at Atlanta Zoo by joining Boo at the Zoo festival in October end.
Deck up in your Halloween costume, participate in exciting, fun activities, and win prizes!
Keep your eyes out on spooky characters roaming around the zoo, and don’t forget to click pictures with them.
Boo at the Atlanta Zoo is free for zoo members and children under three years of age.
Where to eat at Atlanta Zoo
Atlanta Zoo has various food outlets where you can savor spicy and sweet treats.
1. OOZ Grilled Cheese Truck
Try some hot grilled sandwiches at OOZ Grilled Cheese Truck – every bite will make you say wow!
From classic cheese sandwiches and bacon melt sandwiches to tater tots and pickle-fried chips, you have a lot for your taste buds to discover.
Location: Gorilla Habitat 3
2. SweetWater Beer Garden
Sip a chilled beer at SweetWater Beer Garden, featuring six beer taps and a range of crafted breweries, including Goin’ Coastal, IPA with Pineapple, Guide Beer, American Lager, Blue, Wheat Ale with Blueberry, etc.
This is one place where you can stop by, have a drink and then restart your zoo tour.
Location: Gorilla Habitat 3
3. Nourish Café
At this cafe, you’ll find something to suit your taste, whether you prefer the traditional hamburger, hot dog, or freshly baked flatbreads, salads, and sandwiches.
The cafe has gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian options as well.
Location: Grand Patio
4. The COOP Food Truck
Grab a chicken sandwich, buffalo wrap, or cheese fries made with juicy meats and veggies and kill your hunger.
This food truck has a special kids’ menu, a sure win for your toddlers!
Location: Grand Patio
5. Fro-zen
You’ll surely go into the zen zone at Fro-zen, which offers flavorful ice cream, crunchy popcorn, melt-in-mouth cotton candy, and more.
Get your ICEE blend customized and explore the zoo in your comfort.
Location: Otter
6. Flamingo Joe’s
This is a one-stop destination for those with a sweet tooth or those looking for some yummy hot and cold beverages.
You can order anything from ice creams, freshly brewed coffee, or cheese nachos.
Location: Flamingo Plaza
FAQs about the Atlanta Zoo
Here are some questions visitors usually ask before visiting the Atlanta Zoo.
You can book your zoo tickets online by clicking here.
The tickets for Atlanta Zoo are priced between US$28 to US$36.
Yes! Zoo members, seniors (65+ years), and children (three to 11 years) can buy Zoo Atlanta tickets at a discount.
Guests can bring outside food to the zoo and enjoy their meals in the KIDZone and Grand Patio areas.
Parking is easily accessible in the Cherokee Avenue parking lot and the new Grant Park Gateway parking structure on Boulevard. There are also a few other public car parking spaces nearby.
Only kids under three years of age can get free admission to the zoo.
At least three to four hours are needed to explore all the Atlanta Zoo exhibits.
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