Zoo Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to One of the City’s Favorite Attractions

Zoo Atlanta is one of the city’s most popular family destinations and a major landmark in Grant Park, just southeast of downtown. Whether you live nearby, are planning a quick weekend visit, or bringing kids for the first time, this guide walks you through how Zoo Atlanta works, what to see, and how to make the most of your time there.

Where Zoo Atlanta Is and How to Get There

Address:
Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30315

General Info Phone:
(404) 624-9453

Getting There by Car

Zoo Atlanta sits inside Grant Park, one of Atlanta’s oldest neighborhoods.

• From Downtown / Midtown:
  Usually about a 10–15 minute drive, depending on traffic. Most drivers approach via I-20 and exit at Boulevard SE.
• From Buckhead:
  Often 20–30 minutes, using I-75/85 South to I-20 East.
• From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport:
  Typically around 20 minutes via I-85 North to I-20 East.

Parking:
Zoo Atlanta typically uses surface lots around Grant Park. There is usually a parking fee, and spaces can fill up on weekends and holidays.

Tips for drivers:

• Arrive early on spring weekends and school breaks.
• Be prepared for extra congestion on days when there are events in Grant Park.
• Check posted signs carefully if you end up on residential side streets.

Getting There by MARTA

While there is no MARTA rail station at the zoo gates, you can combine rail and bus:

• Take rail to King Memorial Station or Five Points Station.
• Connect to MARTA bus routes that serve the Grant Park / Zoo Atlanta area (route numbers can change, so it’s best to check current bus lines before you go).
• From some stations, rideshare to the zoo is a short trip and often easier with strollers or small kids.

For many locals, using MARTA plus a short rideshare helps avoid parking stress on peak days.

Zoo Atlanta Hours and Tickets

Hours and ticket details can change by season, but the zoo typically operates daily, with shorter hours in winter and longer hours in warmer months.

Typical Patterns to Expect

• Open most days of the year, including many holidays.
• Last admission is usually set for a time before closing (often 1–2 hours earlier).
• Some animal habitats may close slightly before the posted closing time.

Because schedules can shift for events, weather, or maintenance, it’s wise to confirm same-day details before heading out, especially if you’re driving in from outside the Perimeter.

Ticket Basics

Zoo Atlanta generally offers:

• Single-day general admission
• Memberships (popular with Atlanta families who visit several times a year)
• Discounts at times for:
  • Children
  • Seniors
  • Active-duty military or other groups
• Online advance purchase is often encouraged to manage crowd levels.

If you’re local to Atlanta, it can help to:

• Compare the cost of one visit vs. membership if you plan to come back.
• Look into weekday visits when school is in session if you want a less crowded experience.

Major Animal Areas and Exhibits

Zoo Atlanta is compact enough to explore in a day, but large enough that planning a route helps—especially with kids or older adults.

African Savanna

This redesigned area is often a highlight. You’ll typically find:

• Elephants
• Giraffes
• Zebras
• Other African hoofstock and birds

Paths are generally stroller-friendly, and there are several viewing points where you can pause in the shade.

Giant Pandas and Asian Forest

Zoo Atlanta has been known for its giant pandas, drawing visitors from across Georgia and beyond.

This broader area may feature:

• Pandas (when present)
• Red pandas
• Various Asian forest species

Panda viewing spots can be popular; if you want a quieter experience, consider going here earlier in your visit.

The Ford African Rain Forest

This area focuses on primates, including:

• Gorillas
• Monkeys
• Other rainforest species

It’s usually a favorite for school groups, and many Atlanta students remember this area from field trips.

Scaly Slimy Spectacular (Reptiles and Amphibians)

An indoor space highlighting:

• Snakes
• Lizards
• Frogs
• Other reptiles and amphibians

This building can be a good break on hot or rainy days—air-conditioned and fully indoors.

Children’s Zoo and Petting Areas

For families with young kids, the children’s area often includes:

• Petting zoo spaces with farm animals
• Hands-on educational experiences
• Play zones designed for younger visitors

Residents of nearby neighborhoods like Grant Park, Ormewood Park, and East Atlanta Village often make this a regular stop.

Planning Your Visit: Atlanta-Specific Tips

Best Times to Go

For locals:

• Weekday mornings outside of school holidays are usually the least crowded.
• Fall and early spring often provide the most comfortable weather.
• Summer afternoons can be hot and humid; plan for shade, water, and breaks.

For visitors:

• If you’re downtown for a convention, early morning before sessions or a free afternoon is often enough time for a full loop.
• Combine the zoo with other nearby spots like Grant Park, Oakland Cemetery, or the BeltLine for a full day in southeast Atlanta.

How Much Time You’ll Need

Most people plan 3–5 hours at Zoo Atlanta, depending on:

• Age and stamina of kids
• Interest in reading exhibit signs vs. just walking through
• Whether you stop for a full meal inside

Locals with memberships often drop in for 1–2 hours and focus on just a few areas.

What to Bring (and What to Expect Inside)

Essentials for Atlanta Weather

Atlanta’s climate can be hot and humid in late spring, summer, and early fall. Consider:

• 🧢 Hats and sunscreen
• 💧 Refillable water bottles
• Lightweight, breathable clothing
• Sturdy walking shoes

In winter, temperatures can swing quickly. Layering is helpful, especially for morning visits.

Strollers and Accessibility

• Paths are generally stroller- and wheelchair-friendly.
• Families with toddlers often find a stroller essential, especially on warm days.
• Many Atlanta parents bring small fans or cooling towels in summer.

Food and Dining

Inside Zoo Atlanta, you can usually find:

• Quick-service food stands
• Snack kiosks with drinks, ice cream, and grab-and-go options
• Seating areas, some shaded

If you prefer to save on costs, many locals:

• Eat a bigger meal before going and snack lightly at the zoo.
• Combine a visit with a meal at restaurants in nearby neighborhoods like Summerhill, Grant Park, or Cabbagetown.

Always check current rules on outside food and drink before packing a full picnic.

Educational Programs and Events

Zoo Atlanta is a major resource for Atlanta-area schools, homeschool families, and scout groups.

For Local Families and Students

Common options include:

• School field trips with grade-appropriate programming
• Camps during:
  • Summer
  • Spring break
  • Some holidays
• Homeschool days and family programming
• Animal-themed classes and workshops for kids

Many metro Atlanta families from DeKalb, Cobb, Clayton, Gwinnett, and Fulton counties use the zoo as a hands-on complement to classroom learning.

For Adults

Adults sometimes use the zoo for:

• Professional development experiences related to education, science, or conservation
• After-hours events when offered
• Volunteer opportunities in support and education roles

These offerings change from year to year, so it’s useful to review current program descriptions ahead of time if you’re planning around them.

Conservation and Animal Care: What Atlanta Visitors Should Know

Zoo Atlanta emphasizes animal care, conservation, and education:

• Exhibits are typically designed to balance animal well-being with public viewing.
• Some animals may be off exhibit for part of the day due to:
  • Weather
  • Veterinary care
  • Rest periods
• Educational signs and staff talks often highlight:
  • Habitat loss
  • Species protection
  • How everyday choices in Atlanta can affect wildlife globally

Atlanta visitors often use a trip to the zoo as a starting point for teaching kids about endangered species and responsible stewardship in an age-appropriate way.

Quick-Reference Overview of Zoo Atlanta

Nearby Atlanta Neighborhoods and Things to Do

If you want to turn your Zoo Atlanta visit into a larger day out, the surrounding area offers plenty:

• Grant Park:
  Stroll the park, enjoy playgrounds, or explore historic homes along the side streets.
• Oakland Cemetery (248 Oakland Ave SE):
  A historic cemetery with city views and walking paths.
• Summerhill:
  A growing neighborhood with restaurants and casual spots along Georgia Avenue.
• Atlanta BeltLine – Southside/ Eastside Trails:
  Not directly at the zoo but reachable by a short drive; popular for walking and biking.

Many locals pair the zoo with a neighborhood meal or a short walk to let kids burn off extra energy outside the zoo grounds.

Practical Tips for Atlantans and Visitors

• Membership can pay off if you plan to go more than once or twice a year, especially if you live in the city or close suburbs.
• Check the forecast: Atlanta storms can roll in quickly in warm months; plan indoor exhibits like the reptile house as backup.
• Plan a route: Start with your top priorities (for example, gorillas or African Savanna) so you see them before kids get tired.
• Know your kid “meltdown window”: Many Atlanta parents plan to leave by early afternoon in summer to beat both the heat and rush-hour traffic.
• Build in flexibility: Some animals are more active early or late in the day; walking the loop at a relaxed pace usually gives you a better experience than trying to do everything at once.

Zoo Atlanta is designed to be approachable whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local who knows the city well. With a bit of planning around Atlanta’s traffic, weather, and your family’s schedule, it can be one of the easiest and most rewarding outings in the city.