Your Guide to Atlanta Zoo Tickets: Prices, Discounts, and Tips for Visiting Zoo Atlanta

If you’re planning a day at Zoo Atlanta in Grant Park, understanding your ticket options, prices, and ways to save will make your visit smoother and more affordable. This guide focuses on how tickets work specifically in Atlanta, Georgia—for locals, visitors, and anyone planning ahead.

Where Is Zoo Atlanta and How Do Tickets Work?

Zoo Atlanta is located at:

• Address: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
• Neighborhood: Grant Park, just southeast of Downtown Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta uses date-specific, timed-entry tickets for most public admission. That means:

• You pick a date and an entry time window.
• You should arrive within that time window; you can usually stay until closing once you’re inside.
• Tickets are typically cheaper when purchased in advance online than at the gate.

Same-day and walk-up tickets are usually available but may be:

• More expensive
• Limited on very busy days (holidays, spring break, weekends with nice weather)

Types of Zoo Atlanta Tickets

1. General Admission Tickets

These tickets cover standard entry to Zoo Atlanta during regular hours.

General admission typically includes:

• Access to animal habitats (giant pandas, gorillas, elephants, reptiles, and more)
• General zoo exhibits and walking paths
• Most daily keeper talks and educational presentations (when offered)

Not usually included in general admission:

• Certain rides (like train or carousel)
• Special behind-the-scenes experiences
• Some seasonal attractions or events

2. Children, Seniors, and Other Reduced-Fare Tickets

Zoo Atlanta typically offers different pricing by age:

• Adults: Usually ages 12–64
• Children: Usually ages 3–11
• Young children: Ages 2 and under are often free
• Seniors: Ages 65+ may receive a discounted rate

If you’re visiting with a group that includes children or older adults, it’s worth checking age-based pricing when you buy tickets.

3. Membership vs. Single-Day Tickets

If you live in metro Atlanta and think you may visit more than once in a year, a Zoo Atlanta membership can be more economical than buying several single-day tickets.

Memberships typically offer:

• Unlimited daytime admission for a year for the member (and possibly for a household)
• Discounts on:
  • Guest tickets
  • Gift shop purchases
  • Some camps, programs, and events
• Invitations or discounts on members-only days or previews

For locals in Atlanta, it’s common to:

• Buy day tickets once, then upgrade to a membership before you leave if you enjoyed the visit.
• Ask at Guest Services near the entrance if the cost of your ticket can be applied toward a membership (policies can vary, so it’s worth asking same day).

Typical Zoo Atlanta Ticket Price Ranges

Exact prices change over time and may vary by date, demand, or special promotions. However, it’s helpful to know general patterns:

Because pricing is dynamic, Atlanta residents typically check a few different dates when flexible on timing; weekday visits outside school breaks often cost less.

How to Buy Zoo Atlanta Tickets

1. Online Purchase (Recommended)

Most visitors in Atlanta choose to buy tickets online in advance.

Common advantages:

• Lower prices than same-day gate tickets
• Better selection of entry times
• Easier planning for parking and transit
• Less time in line at the ticket windows

You’ll generally:

1. Select your visit date.
2. Choose a timed-entry window.
3. Select the number of adult, child, and senior tickets.
4. Complete payment and receive digital tickets.

You can show your ticket on your phone or print it if you prefer.

2. On-Site Ticket Purchase

If you decide to drop by the zoo without pre-planning:

• You can usually buy tickets at the Zoo Atlanta admission gate at 800 Cherokee Ave SE.
• Be prepared for:
  • Higher prices than online advance tickets
  • Possible wait times in line, especially on busy Atlanta weekends and holidays
  • Limited availability of certain time slots if capacity is being managed

For Atlantans who visit often, many choose to buy a membership on-site to avoid repeat single-day purchases.

Discounts and Ways to Save on Zoo Atlanta Tickets

Zoo Atlanta offers several potential discount paths that are especially useful if you live in the Atlanta area.

1. Membership Savings for Frequent Visitors

If you live in Atlanta or nearby suburbs (Decatur, East Point, College Park, etc.), compare:

• Cost of one visit for your group
• Cost of a 1-year membership covering the same group

Many local families find a membership pays for itself in 2–3 visits.

2. Group and School Rates

Groups that often qualify for special pricing include:

• School field trips
• Summer camps and daycare programs
• Youth organizations (scouts, clubs)
• Church groups or large family gatherings

These generally need to:

• Meet a minimum number of people
• Purchase in advance
• Often enter together as a group

If you’re a teacher or group organizer in metro Atlanta, you’ll usually need to reserve ahead through Zoo Atlanta’s group sales or education programs.

3. Library & Local Partnership Programs

In the Atlanta area, public libraries sometimes partner with zoos and cultural attractions to offer discount passes. For Zoo Atlanta, a common pattern is:

• You check out or use a specific educational resource.
• After using it, you may receive or unlock discounted or free admission for a limited number of people.
• This is often limited to once per household per year and subject to change.

To explore this option:

• Contact your local Atlanta-Fulton County Library System branch or nearby county library (such as DeKalb County, Cobb County, or Gwinnett County libraries).
• Ask specifically about Zoo Atlanta admission programs available through the library.

Policies can change, so calling or visiting your library is the best way to get current details.

4. Military, First Responder, or Other Special Discounts

Zoo Atlanta has sometimes offered discounted admission for:

• Active-duty military
• Veterans
• First responders
• Other specific groups

These discounts often require:

• Valid ID at the time of purchase
• In-person purchase at the gate

If this applies to you, it’s worth asking at Guest Services upon arrival what is currently available.

Special and Seasonal Zoo Atlanta Tickets

Zoo Atlanta sometimes hosts special events that require different or separate ticketing from general daytime admission.

Evening Events and After-Hours Attractions

Examples can include:

• Seasonal light shows
• Adults-only nights or themed evenings
• Fundraising or gala-style events

For these, expect:

• Separate ticket pricing and sometimes different age restrictions
• Limited dates and times
• Tickets that may sell out in advance on popular nights (especially around holidays)

Atlanta residents often buy these special event tickets well ahead of time, especially for weekend evenings in November–December and around school holidays.

Zoo Hours, Parking, and Timing Your Visit

Typical Zoo Hours

Zoo Atlanta usually operates during daytime hours, with:

• Opening in the morning
• Closing in the late afternoon

Hours can shift with season, weather, and special programming, so it’s best to verify current hours before you go.

Parking Options Near Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta is located inside Grant Park, where parking can be tight on busy days.

Common options:

• Zoo Atlanta parking lots: Paid parking near the entrance
• Street parking in surrounding Grant Park neighborhood: Often time-limited; always read posted signs
• Rideshare (Lyft, Uber, taxi): Many Atlantans use rideshare to avoid parking stress, especially on weekends and holidays

If you’re coming from outside the city (for example, from Marietta, Sandy Springs, or Stone Mountain), plan extra time to navigate I-20, I-75/85, or surface streets, and then to park and walk to the gate.

Best Times for Atlanta Visitors to Go

Locals often aim for:

• Weekday mornings outside of school breaks for:
  • Smaller crowds
  • Cooler temperatures in Atlanta’s warmer months
• Early arrivals in summer to avoid mid-day heat and afternoon thunderstorms

If you’re bringing young kids, a morning entry time usually aligns better with nap schedules and helps avoid the midday rush.

Accessibility, Guests with Special Needs, and Support Services

Zoo Atlanta generally works to be accessible for a wide range of visitors.

Common features include:

• Wheelchair and stroller access on many main paths
• Availability of rentals (wheelchairs and strollers) for an additional fee
• Quiet areas and shaded spots where guests can take breaks

If someone in your party has mobility challenges, sensory sensitivities, or other specific needs:

• Plan to arrive a bit early for your time slot to avoid rushing.
• Consider weekday mornings for lower crowds.
• You can typically speak with Guest Services at the zoo entrance to ask about:
  • Accessible routes
  • Companion seating or support for shows/experiences
  • Any available accommodations

Tips for Atlanta Locals and Visitors Buying Zoo Atlanta Tickets

A few Atlanta-specific tips can help you get more from your tickets:

• Check weather before picking a date. Atlanta’s heat and humidity in late spring and summer can be intense; cooler mornings are usually more comfortable.
• Factor in traffic. If you’re coming from north of the city, factor in extra time for congestion on Downtown Connector (I-75/85). From west or east, I-20 can also back up near downtown.
• Look at a calendar of special events. Days with big school trips, local festivals, or major Atlanta events (like large downtown conventions or sports games) can make the zoo busier and affect parking and timing.
• Consider a membership if you have kids in Atlanta. Many families use the zoo as a regular outing, especially if they live close to Grant Park, East Atlanta, or Ormewood Park.
• Bring your digital ticket ready to scan. Having the barcode pulled up on your phone before reaching the entrance line helps speed things along.

Key Takeaways for Buying Atlanta Zoo Tickets

• Buy in advance online when possible for the best prices and choice of entry times.
• Choose the right ticket type (adult, child, senior, or membership) based on your group and how often you expect to visit.
• Check for Atlanta-area discounts, including library partnership programs, group rates, and potential military or special offers.
• Plan your visit around Atlanta traffic, weather, and school schedules to get the most from your day.
• Zoo Atlanta’s main entrance is at 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315, in Grant Park—keep this handy for navigation, rideshare, or giving directions to out-of-town guests.

With a little planning around tickets and timing, your visit to Zoo Atlanta can be a smooth, enjoyable part of exploring what Atlanta has to offer.