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

Zoo Atlanta is one of the most popular things to do in Atlanta, especially for families, animal lovers, and out-of-town visitors. Located in historic Grant Park, it’s a year-round attraction where you can see wildlife up close, learn about conservation, and enjoy a full day out without leaving the city.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to Zoo Atlanta—how to get there, what to see, local tips, and how to make the most of your visit.

Where Zoo Atlanta Is and How to Get There

Address:
Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Avenue SE
Atlanta, GA 30315
Phone: (404) 624-5600

Getting There by Car

Zoo Atlanta is in Grant Park, just southeast of Downtown.

• From Downtown/Midtown: Usually about a 10–15 minute drive in light traffic.
• From Buckhead: Plan for about 25–35 minutes depending on traffic on I-75/85.
• Parking:
  • Main parking is in lots and decks adjacent to the zoo and around Grant Park.
  • Parking is typically paid, and rates can vary by day and season.
  • Spaces can fill up quickly on weekends, holidays, and school breaks—arrive early.

🚗 Local tip: If you live in-town, consider using a rideshare to avoid circling for parking on busy days.

MARTA and Other Transit Options

Zoo Atlanta does not sit directly on a MARTA rail line, but you can combine MARTA with a short rideshare or bus ride:

• Rail + Rideshare:
  • Take MARTA to King Memorial, Georgia State, or Five Points stations, then use rideshare or a taxi to reach the zoo.
• Bus:
  • MARTA bus routes serving the Grant Park area can change, so double-check current route maps and timetables before you go.

🚶 Walkability: If you’re already in the Grant Park neighborhood, the zoo is easily walkable and sits along Cherokee Avenue SE and Atlanta Avenue SE.

Hours, Tickets, and Best Times to Visit

Zoo hours, ticket prices, and promotions can change, but there are consistent patterns that help you plan.

Typical Hours

• The zoo is usually open daily, including most holidays.
• Opening time is generally morning, with last entry mid-to-late afternoon.
• Hours can be shorter in winter and extended during peak seasons or special events.

🕒 Atlanta tip: Check same-day hours before you go, especially on days with large events or extreme weather.

Tickets and Entry

Zoo Atlanta usually offers:

• General admission tickets
• Children’s tickets (with age-based pricing)
• Senior pricing
• Annual memberships (popular with Atlanta families)
• Group rates for larger parties (schools, camps, organizations)

You can typically:

• Buy tickets online in advance (often recommended on busy days).
• Walk up and buy at the zoo ticket windows, though lines can be longer.

🎟️ Local tip: If you live in Atlanta and plan to visit more than twice a year, compare the cost of membership vs. multiple single-day tickets. Memberships often include discounts on food, gift shop purchases, and special events.

Best Times to Go

• Weekdays during the school year: Usually the least crowded.
• Early mornings: Cooler and often better for viewing more active animals.
• Hot summer afternoons: Many animals rest in shaded areas, and the park can feel very warm.

🌤️ Weather tip: Atlanta summers can be humid. Bring water, a hat, and sunscreen, and plan indoor stops (zoo buildings, restaurants, or shaded play areas) into your route.

What You’ll See: Major Exhibits and Animals

Zoo Atlanta is known for its mix of local favorites and internationally recognized species. Exhibits and animal lineups can evolve, but several marquee areas tend to stand out.

Giant Pandas and Other Signature Species

Zoo Atlanta has been especially known for housing giant pandas, making it a frequent must-see stop for visitors. The status of individual pandas and long-term loans can change, but this area of the zoo often showcases:

• Giant pandas (when present under international agreements)
• Educational displays about panda conservation and habitat

🐼 Viewing tip: Panda areas are popular. If they are available to view, plan to visit them early in the day to avoid crowding.

African Savanna and Big Animals

This part of the zoo highlights wildlife from the African continent. You can typically see:

• Giraffes
• Elephants
• Zebras
• Rhinos (species may vary)
• Meerkats and other smaller species

This area often feels open and spacious, with high vantage points that are good for photos.

The Ford African Rain Forest: Gorillas and Primates

One of Zoo Atlanta’s most famous features is its gorilla habitat and broader primate collection. You’ll often find:

• Western lowland gorillas
• Orangutans
• Smaller primates and monkeys
• Education on conservation, behavior, and rainforest ecosystems

🦍 Local highlight: The gorilla habitats are frequently a favorite for Atlanta families, as you can often observe close-up behaviors through glass viewing areas.

Scaly, Feathered, and Local Favorites

Other areas typically include:

• Reptile and amphibian house – snakes, lizards, frogs, turtles
• Bird exhibits – including colorful parrots, raptors, and aviary species
• Georgia/North American wildlife – animals that help showcase species closer to home

Exhibit names and specific species can change as animals move, age, or exhibits are updated.

Kid-Friendly Areas and Family Amenities

Zoo Atlanta is designed with families in mind, which is why it’s one of the most popular Atlanta attractions for kids.

Play Areas and Interactive Spaces

Kids can usually enjoy:

• Playgrounds or climbing structures in designated children’s areas
• Hands-on learning stations and interpretive displays
• Seasonal interactive activities like face painting or themed programs (availability varies)

Rides and Extras

Depending on the season, Zoo Atlanta may offer:

• A train ride circling part of the grounds
• A carousel featuring animal-themed seats
• Occasional animal encounters or feeding experiences, usually for an extra fee

🎈 Budget tip: If you’re visiting with multiple kids, factor potential ride and activity costs into your daily budget to avoid surprises.

Strollers, Seating, and Accessibility

• Stroller-friendly paths: Most main paths are paved and suitable for strollers.
• Benches and shaded areas: Scattered throughout the zoo, useful in summer heat.
• Accessibility: Zoo Atlanta typically works to accommodate guests with mobility needs, but terrain can be hilly in some areas. Guests often check in at the entrance or guest services for current accessibility details or rental options (such as wheelchairs or scooters, when available).

Food, Drinks, and Picnics

You can easily spend several hours or a full day inside Zoo Atlanta, so planning for food is important.

Dining Inside the Zoo

Inside the grounds, you’ll usually find:

• Quick-service restaurants serving burgers, chicken, pizza, salads, and kid-friendly meals
• Snack stands offering drinks, ice cream, pretzels, popcorn, and similar items
• Seasonal kiosks that may open on busy days or during special events

🍽️ Timing tip: Lunch lines grow between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. If you’re with kids, aim for an earlier or later lunch to reduce wait times.

Bringing Your Own Food

Policies on outside food and drinks can be specific, especially regarding coolers, glass containers, and large group meals. A common pattern:

• Small snacks and personal water bottles are often allowed.
• Large coolers, alcohol, or glass containers are generally restricted.

Many visitors:

• Eat breakfast or lunch at home or at a nearby Grant Park or Summerhill restaurant.
• Bring a refillable water bottle; look for water fountains and refill stations inside.
• Use picnic areas in Grant Park (outside the zoo) before or after their visit.

Special Events and Seasonal Programs

Zoo Atlanta frequently hosts special events that appeal to both locals and tourists.

Common types of events include:

• Boo-themed Halloween events with costumes and decorations
• Holiday lights or evening experiences in colder months
• Adult nights or after-hours events with age restrictions
• Educational camps and programs for school breaks and summer

🎉 Local tip: If you live in the metro area, keep an eye on recurring seasonal events. Many Atlanta families make certain Zoo Atlanta programs an annual tradition.

Education, Camps, and School Visits

For Atlanta-area parents, teachers, and youth organizations, Zoo Atlanta serves as more than just an outing—it’s an educational resource.

School Field Trips

Metro Atlanta schools frequently organize:

• Guided field trips with structured learning activities
• Self-guided visits where teachers lead their own groups

Teachers often:

• Reserve visits in advance through the zoo’s educational or group sales departments.
• Receive curriculum-aligned materials to tie the field trip into classroom lessons.

Camps and Youth Programs

Zoo Atlanta typically runs:

• Spring break camps
• Summer camps
• Day programs or workshops during school holidays
• Teen programs for youth interested in animal care or conservation

These programs usually blend:

• Animal encounters or behind-the-scenes lessons (when possible)
• Science and conservation education
• Hands-on crafts and games

For Atlanta families, these camps can be a convenient option close to home, especially for those in Grant Park, Ormewood Park, Cabbagetown, Inman Park, and nearby neighborhoods.

Memberships and Discounts for Atlanta Residents

Zoo Atlanta is a regular destination for many locals, so saving on repeat visits matters.

Membership Benefits

Membership structures can vary, but commonly include:

• Free admission for a year for the named members
• Discounts on food, retail, and special events
• Early or special access to select programs
• Possible guest passes or discounted guest tickets

Families in Atlanta often find that a membership pays for itself in 2–3 visits, especially if you have kids under 10.

Possible Ways to Save

While availability changes, many visitors look into:

• Combination deals that bundle Zoo Atlanta admission with other local attractions
• Discounted days or promotions tied to local partnerships
• Library passes: Public libraries in Georgia sometimes offer cultural passes that provide free or reduced admission to local attractions. Atlanta-area residents can check with their local branch of the Atlanta–Fulton Public Library System or DeKalb County Public Library for details on current offerings.

💡 Local habit: Many Atlanta parents plan several smaller trips throughout the year—short morning visits in cooler months rather than one long, hot summer day.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Visit

Here’s a quick-reference overview for planning your day at Zoo Atlanta.

Other Things to Do Nearby in Atlanta

Since Zoo Atlanta sits in Grant Park, you can easily pair your visit with other nearby Atlanta activities:

• Grant Park itself:
  • Walking trails, playgrounds, and open green space.
• Oakland Cemetery:
  • A historic cemetery and garden-style park just north of the zoo, known for its architecture, notable burials, and skyline views.
• Summerhill and Memorial Drive corridors:
  • Growing food and retail scenes where many locals stop for brunch, coffee, or dinner before or after visiting the zoo.

If you’re visiting from out of town and staying Downtown, Midtown, or near the airport, Zoo Atlanta fits well into a half-day or full-day itinerary without a long drive.

Zoo Atlanta is one of the city’s signature attractions, combining family fun, education, and conservation right in the heart of Atlanta. Whether you’re a local planning regular visits or a visitor working through your list of things to do in Atlanta, it’s an easy place to spend meaningful time and see wildlife up close without leaving the city limits.