Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park is the best place to experience wildlife like never before.
From giraffes and elephants to lorikeets and zebras, the range of wildlife you get to see here is beyond words.
Home to more than 1300 animals, the zoo attracts over 1 million tourists every year.
Parents Magazine, the famous American monthly, declared Tampa Zoo the #1 Family Friendly Zoo in the US, which speaks volumes!
This article covers everything you must know before booking Tampa Zoo tickets.
Top Tickets – Zoo Tampa
# Tampa, United States
# ZooTampa at Lowry Park Entry Ticket
What to expect
At Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park, you can take a stroll through various animal exhibits.
Your zoo tour begins from Manatee Circle, which leads to other habitat pathways.
You can explore Florida Wildlife, Primates World, Asian Gardens, Safari Africa, and Wallaroo Station.
Florida Wildlife includes ZooVentures Theatre, Conservation Tails Walkabout, Manatee Critical Care Center, and Stingray Bay.
Similarly, Wallaroo Station has attractions like Splash Pad, Wallaroo Petting Zoo & Pony Barn, and the Koala Clubhouse.
Zoo rides like Roaring Springs, Jungle Carousel, Boomer’s Flying Bananas, and Tasmanian Tiger Coaster offer the perfect environment for kids to have fun.
Where to buy tickets
You can buy Zoo Tampa tickets online and at the ticket booth at the main gate.
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 ticket counters.
Because some zoos sell a limited number of tickets, booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointment.
How online ticket works
Go to the Zoo Tampa ticket booking page, select the number of tickets and date you wish to visit and book your tickets right away!
Upon completing the payment, you will receive a confirmation email.
No need for ticket printouts. On the day of the visit, show your smartphone ticket at the zoo entrance gate, and walk in!
Remember to bring your official IDs.
Cost of tickets of Zoo Tampa
Tickets for guests aged 12 years and above are priced at US$46.
Children aged between three and 11 can get Zoo Tampa tickets for US$36.
Discount tickets
Tampa Zoo offers reduced tickets for different categories of visitors.
Kids under three years enter for free, giving them access to the Tampa Zoo at a 100% discount.
Children between three and 12 years get up to a US$10 discount.
Veterans and members of the active military are eligible for a US$4 discount on up to four tickets with a valid ID.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park entry tickets
With this regular zoo ticket, guests can access all the zoo exhibits, wildlife connections, animal chats, and rides.
Signature animal encounters are not included in the ticket, but you can experience this activity at an additional cost.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (12+ years): US$46
Child Ticket (3 to 11 years): US$36
Infant Ticket (up to 2 years): Free
Combo tickets
The combo tickets are the best way to explore two attractions on the same day, as they are available at reduced prices.
There are a few attractions and tours near Tampa Zoo, and to experience them, you can easily commute by car or public transport.
You can buy ZooTampa tickets in combination with Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Florida Aquarium.
ZooTampa + Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Distance: 25 miles (40 km)
Time taken: 45 minutes by car
Grab this combo ticket and get up to 10% off.
At Clearwater Marine Aquarium, meet cute dolphins and other aquatic species, and at ZooTampa, see animals from all over the world.
Ticket Cost: US$74
Tampa ZooQuarium: ZooTampa & Florida Aquarium
Distance: 6 miles (9.6 km)
Time taken: 15 minutes by car
You save 20% by purchasing this combo ticket instead of the Tampa Zoo and Florida Aquarium tickets separately.
You can visit both these attractions within 7 days from the date of purchase.
Ticket Cost: US$81
Tampa Bay CityPASS
Save time and money! Grab this Tampa Bay CityPASS and visit the top five attractions of Seattle.
The pass is valid for nine consecutive days from the first use.
This pass grants you admission to the following: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay + The Florida Aquarium + ZooTampa at Lowry Park + 2 attractions you choose from the list.
The list includes attractions like the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, The Tropics Boat Tours Dolphin or Sunset Cruise, the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI), and the Glazer Children’s Museum.
To get admission to these attractions, show your pass at the entrance.
This pass offers a discount of nearly 54%.
Ticket Cost: US$139
Tampa Family Fun Pass
Buy Tampa Family Fun Pass that promises unlimited fun and entertainment at Tampa’s three popular tourist attractions The Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, and Glazer Children’s Museum.
Don’t miss out on the chance to avail 10% discount!
Ticket Cost: US$87
How to reach
ZooTampa is located at Lowry Park.
Address: 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604, United States. Get Directions
The zoo is easily accessible by bus and car.
By Bus
Take Bus No. 45 to N Boulevard@ Sligh Av bus stop, a short walk away from the zoo.
By Car
If you’re traveling by car, turn on your Google Maps and get started.
The zoo offers onsite car parking free of cost, subject to limited availability.
Click here to view other nearby car parking garages.
Timings
Tampa Zoo at Lowry Park opens at 9.30 am and closes at 5 pm daily.
The zoo remains closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
How long does the Zoo Tampa take
You will need 4 hours to see Tampa Zoo Lowry Park if you are traveling with children and intend to attend keeper talks, feeding sessions, animal performances, and ride the Africa Safari Tram.
However, if you want to finish a zoo tour quickly, you can cover most animal displays in 2 hours.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Zoo Tampa is as soon as they open at 9.30 am.
There are four advantages 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 Tampa, starting early also allows you to add another attraction to the day’s itinerary.
Map of ZooTampa
A map is a must when visiting an attraction like Zoo Tampa, which is spread on a large landmass with so many exhibits and activities.
A map can help you locate the animal enclosures and visitor facilities such as restrooms, restaurants, baby changing facilities, medical rooms, souvenir shops, etc.
Carrying the Tampa Zoo’s layout is highly recommended if you are traveling with kids because you won’t waste time finding the various exhibits and getting exhausted.
What to see at Tampa Zoo
Here are some attractions and exhibits that you must see when at Tampa Zoo.
1. Manatee Circle
It is the passage to all the exhibits inside the zoo.
Three important things you must explore are – Main Free-Flight Aviary, Manatee Fountains, and Macaw’s Landing Cafe.
2. Florida Wildlife
Animals like Florida panthers, river otters, manatees, red wolves, black bears, American bald eagles, sandhill cranes, skunks, and American alligators, etc can be spotted.
ZooVentures Theatre
It is popular for two activities- Wild School of Training and Animal Mingle.
The Wild School of Training show and Animal Mingle both take place daily at 11.30 am and 1.30 and 3 pm, respectively.
Conservation Tails Walkabout
Learn about conservation initiatives from zoo experts at Conservation Tails Walkabout daily at 2.30 pm.
Manatee Critical Care Center
At this care center, see how injured and sick manatees are taken care of.
Stingray Bay
See and touch Stingrays in the pond, and if you want to feed them, purchase the feed from the onsite gift shop.
3. Primates World
Watch a range of primates like lemurs, colobus monkeys, mandrills, guenons, Bornean orangutans, siamang, and many more!
4. Asian Gardens
Step into the Asian Gardens and watch the Asian wildlife, including sun bears, Indian rhinos, Malayan tigers, Malayan tapirs, gharials, komodo dragons, etc.
Lorikeet Landing
Catch sights of beautiful Lorikeets in this free flight aviary and if you wish to feed these tiny creatures, purchase nutritious feed from the zoo.
5. Safari Africa
In this exhibit, you get closer to African wildlife like African-painted dogs, marabou storks, meerkats, southern white rhinos, pygmy hippos, red river hogs, elephants, giraffes, etc.
Africa Safari Tram Ride
Explore the Safari Africa exhibit in a unique and fun way.
Jump into the open-air Africa Safari Tram Ride and take a 15 to 20 minutes narrated tour of the exhibit.
The tram runs every ten minutes, between 10.30 am to 3.30 pm.
6. Wallaroo Station
The Wallaroo Station is an Australia-themed wildlife habitat housing koalas, emus, llamas, flying fox bats, pony, goats, etc.
Splash Pad
Splash, play, and sing in the Splash Pad located in Wallaroo Station.
The water play area operating hours are the same as the zoo hours.
Wallaroo Petting Zoo & Pony Barn
This is one place where children can get close to goats, pigs, llamas, etc., and pet them for some time. They are even allowed to brush the hair of goats and feed them but only at an additional cost.
The Koala Clubhouse
Children can level up their adventure at The Koala Clubhouse, which offers them a perfect palace to swing and swoosh.
Tampa Zoo rides
Tampa Zoo tickets include access to some amazing rides which are completely kid and adult friendly.
1. Roaring Springs
Roar as you drift on the boat, and be prepared to get wet!
Location: Florida Wildlife
Height restrictions: Children must be at least 3 feet (36 inches). Kids between 3 feet and 3.5 feet (42 inches) must be accompanied by an adult aged 14 years and above.
2. Jungle Carousel
Time for kids to take a ride on a zebra, tiger, elephant, and other animals of their choice and spin round and round!
Location: Primates World
Height restrictions: An adult must accompany children under 3 feet (36 inches).
3. Boomer’s Flying Bananas
Have you ever seen a banana flying? If not, then come to TampaZoo and fly on bananas on this Boomer’s Flying Bananas ride.
Location: Wallaroo Station
Height restrictions: Kids must be between 2.5 feet (30 inches) and 4 feet (48 inches) to ride.
4. Tasmanian Tiger Coaster
It is a typical family ride with a little thrill level.
Location: Wallaroo Station
Height restrictions: An adult must accompany children under 3 feet (36 inches). All children between 3 and 4 feet (48 inches) must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 14 years old.
Animal encounters
At Zoo Tampa, one can touch, see, pet, and click photos with animals.
The animal encounters allow you to get nose-to-nose with these animals and create memories for a lifetime.
| Animal Encounter | Location | Age Restrictions |
| African Penguin Backstage | African Penguin Habitat in Africa | 5+ years |
| Indian Rhino Feeding | Indian Rhino Habitat in Asia | 5+ years |
| African Elephant Backstage | Roaring Springs | 5+ years |
| Southern White Rhino Backstage | Signature Encounter Meeting Area | 5+ years |
| Giraffe Meet & Greet | Giraffe Habitat in Africa | 5+ years |
| Aldabra Tortoise Encounter | Safari Africa | All Ages |
| Koala Photo Encounter | Koala habitat in Wallaroo | All Ages |
| Manatee Encounter | David A. Straz Jr. Manatee Critical Care | 5+ years |
Restaurants
Here is a list of restaurants and Café you can find in the Tampa Zoo.
| Restaurants | Location |
| Macaws Landing Café | Manatee Circle |
| Boomers Café | Wallaroo Station |
| Tamani’s Oasis | Safari Africa |
| Safari Pizza Company | Safari Africa |
| Beer & Wine Garden | Safari Africa |
| Carousel Dogs | Carousel Circle |
| Starbucks | Primates World |
FAQs about Zoo Tampa
You can book your zoo tickets online by clicking here.
No! There is no compulsion on visitors to get printed tickets. One can simply show the ticket on a smartphone to secure entry.
Parking at the zoo is absolutely free!
Yes! The zoo rents wheelchairs, strollers, and ECVs on a first-come-first-served basis.
Yes, all Up-Close Signature Encounters require minors under the age of 18 to be accompanied by a paid adult. A guest must be at least five years old to engage in most encounters, but some do not have an age requirement.
Yes, guests can bring outside food and enjoy their meals in the picnic area.