Atlanta Zoo Tickets: How to Get the Best Value for Zoo Atlanta

Planning a day at Zoo Atlanta and trying to figure out the best way to buy tickets? Whether you live in the city, are visiting from out of town, or just want to know how Zoo Atlanta tickets work, this guide walks you through the options, pricing basics, and smart ways to save.

Where Zoo Atlanta Is and Why Ticket Timing Matters

Zoo Atlanta is located in Grant Park, just southeast of Downtown:

Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30315
Main phone (general info): (404) 624-5600

Zoo Atlanta uses a dated, timed-entry system for most general admission tickets. That means you:

• Pick a specific day and entry time window
• Can usually stay as long as you like after entering, but must arrive within your time slot
• May pay different prices depending on day of the week and season

Buying tickets before you go is usually the easiest way to get in quickly and avoid sold-out time slots on busy weekends, holidays, or school breaks.

Main Types of Zoo Atlanta Tickets

General Admission Tickets

These are the standard one-day tickets most visitors use.

They typically include:

• Entry to the zoo grounds
• Access to most animal habitats and daily keeper talks
• Use of general public spaces (playgrounds, walkways, viewing areas)

They do not always include:

• Certain rides or attractions (such as train, carousel)
• Some special experiences or seasonal events

Pricing is usually dynamic (varies by date and time), and there are often different price ranges for:

• Adults (typically 12–64)
• Children (usually 3–11)
• Young children (often 2 and under admitted at no cost)
• Seniors (commonly 65+)

Specific dollar amounts can change, so it’s best to check the latest pricing when you’re ready to buy.

Memberships (If You Go More Than Once)

If you live in or near Atlanta and plan to visit more than once a year, a Zoo Atlanta membership is often more cost-effective than multiple single-day tickets.

Typical membership perks often include:

• Free general admission for a year (for named members on the pass)
• Discounted or advance access to certain special events
• Discounts on food, drinks, and gift shop purchases
• Occasional guest passes or reduced guest admission
• Possible reciprocal discounts at other accredited zoos and aquariums

Memberships are usually available at different levels, such as:

• Individual
• Dual or Couple
• Family (commonly 2 adults + children in the household)
• Premium or higher tiers with added perks

For Atlanta residents, membership can be handy for shorter, more frequent visits—like a morning at the zoo before naps or after-school outings.

Group Tickets

If you’re visiting with a school, camp, church group, company outing, or large family group, group tickets can offer savings.

Common group ticket features:

• Minimum group size (often around 15–20 paid guests)
• Per-person discounts compared with regular general admission
• Sometimes special educational programs for school groups
• May require advance reservations and full or partial pre-payment

This can be especially helpful for:

• APS (Atlanta Public Schools) field trips
• Metro Atlanta homeschool groups
• Summer camps operating in the city

Special Experiences & Add-Ons

Zoo Atlanta may offer add-on experiences that are separate from regular admission, such as:

• Animal encounters or behind-the-scenes tours
• Train or carousel rides
• Wildlife shows or seasonal attractions

These can:

• Have their own per-person fee
• Require advance booking
• Sell out earlier than general admission on busy days

If a particular experience (for example, a panda encounter or similar highlight) is a “must-do” for your group, build your ticket plan around its available time slots.

Ways Atlanta Residents Commonly Save on Zoo Atlanta Tickets

While prices change over time, there are several patterns Atlanta locals use to save.

1. Membership vs. Day Tickets

If you:

• Plan more than two or three visits within a year, or
• Have multiple children and will visit often for shorter trips

…a membership is often cheaper than buying individual tickets every time.

2. Weekdays and Off-Peak Days

Atlanta families often find:

• Weekdays (especially during the school year) can have more ticket availability
• Off-peak seasons or non-holiday weekdays sometimes offer better prices or less crowding

Even if pricing is similar, going on a Tuesday morning in January feels very different from a sunny Saturday in April.

3. Employer, School, or Organization Discounts

Some people in Atlanta get access to discounted Zoo Atlanta tickets through:

• Large employers offering employee benefit portals
• PTAs or school partnerships
• Professional associations or local clubs

It’s worth checking:

• Your HR or employee discount site
• Parent communications for your child’s school
• Local membership organizations you belong to

4. City & Library Programs (Check Locally)

Atlanta-area public institutions sometimes partner with cultural attractions. For example, some public library systems in Georgia have historically offered family passes to attractions like zoos or museums that can be checked out like a book.

Because program details can change:

• Check with Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System branches or your county library
• Ask specifically about any cultural passes that might apply to Zoo Atlanta

These passes may:

• Be limited in number
• Require you to visit the library in person
• Have rules about what days you can use them

How to Buy Zoo Atlanta Tickets

Here’s a simple overview of common ways Atlanta visitors and residents get Zoo Atlanta tickets:

When possible, Atlanta residents typically prefer online purchase in advance for the best combination of flexibility and certainty.

Visiting With Kids, Seniors, and Special Considerations

Families With Young Children

For parents in Atlanta:

• Check the age cut-offs; many zoos allow very young children in free
• Strollers are commonly seen; consider the hilly terrain in some parts of Grant Park
• Aim for morning entry times in summer to avoid the worst heat and crowds

Seniors and Caregivers

If you’re bringing:

• Grandparents, older relatives, or
• Someone who needs more time or rest

…consider:

• Choosing a milder-weather day (spring and fall in Atlanta are popular)
• Checking where benches, restrooms, and indoor viewing areas are clustered
• Looking into any senior pricing or accessible services

Visitors With Accessibility Needs

Zoo Atlanta has information about:

• Wheelchair-accessible paths
• Service animal policies
• Accessibility of shows and encounters

Before visiting, many Atlanta residents find it helpful to:

• Call the main number: (404) 624-5600
• Ask about rental options (such as wheelchairs or scooters, if available)
• Confirm where accessible parking is located near the entrance

Parking, Transportation, and Timing Your Visit

Because this is Atlanta, traffic and parking are big parts of planning your zoo day.

Parking Near Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta is in Grant Park, a residential area just off Boulevard SE and Cherokee Ave SE. Parking options sometimes include:

• Zoo-managed lots or decks (which may charge a fee)
• Limited street parking in the surrounding neighborhood

When planning:

• Check current parking fees and policies ahead of time
• Aim to arrive 15–30 minutes before your entry window to allow for parking and walking
• Be respectful of resident-only streets and posted parking restrictions

Public Transit and Rideshare

If you prefer not to drive:

• MARTA bus routes serve the general Grant Park area, though you may still have a short walk
• Rideshare drop-off near the entrance can be easier than finding parking on busy weekends

If you’re staying Downtown, in Midtown, or in nearby neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward, using rideshare or a combination of MARTA and walking is common.

Seasonal & Special Event Tickets

Zoo Atlanta occasionally hosts:

• Holiday lights displays or evening events
• Themed nights (for adults or families)
• Fundraiser events with separate admission structures

These can have:

• Different ticket prices than regular daytime admission
• Separate timed-entry requirements
• Age restrictions for some evening events

If you’re specifically coming for an event, make sure you’re buying that event’s ticket, not just a regular daytime admission.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Ticket

A few Atlanta-specific strategies to stretch the value of your Zoo Atlanta tickets:

• Watch the weather: Atlanta heat and humidity can make midday summer visits challenging; mornings or cooler seasons often feel more relaxed.
• Plan around traffic: If coming from areas like Alpharetta, Marietta, or Peachtree City, build in extra time for weekday rush hours and I-75/85 congestion.
• Pack smart: While food and beverage rules can change, many visitors bring water bottles, especially in summer. Check the current guidelines before packing lunches or coolers.
• Schedule animal-heavy times early: Many animals are more active in the morning, especially during hot months. Early entry times can make your ticket feel more worthwhile.
• Use your membership card or number: If you become a member, keep your digital or physical card handy for parking, entry, and in-zoo discounts.

By understanding how Zoo Atlanta tickets work—timed entry, general admission vs. membership, group options, and seasonal events—you can pick the option that fits your schedule and budget, whether you’re an Atlanta local dropping by often or a visitor planning a full day in Grant Park.