Zoo Atlanta is a fun zoo located in downtown Atlanta in Historic Grant Park. It's one of only 3 zoos in the US that is home to giant pandas, plus has over 1,300 other animals and a fun collection of kid-friendly exhibits like a train ride, carousel, and more. This guide offers tips and tricks for visiting plus the best honest Atlanta Zoo reviews you will find!
Are you planning a trip to Atlanta, Georgia? Also, read my Top 15 Things to Do in Atlanta with Kids, Georgia Aquarium Visitor Guide, and Top 20 Moments from Atlanta.
Atlanta Zoo Reviews
The Atlanta Zoo isn't as well known as other zoos. Still, it packs a big punch with cool and unique animals like great apes, fun interactive animal experiences like feeding giraffes, and a fabulous kids area with a petting zoo, carousel, train ride, and more. Plus, this is one of only three places in the entire US where you can see giant pandas, and they are spectacular. This is a top family attraction in Atlanta for good reason!
Technically called Zoo Atlanta the zoo is home to more than 1,300 animals from over 220 species. You'll spot everything from great apes, zebras, elephants, monkeys, lions, reptiles, birds, and more while exploring the property which feels like a nice wooded, tree-shaded escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown Atlanta. The wildlife is wonderful here. The property is compact, but still large enough to feel like you've gotten your money's worth. The habitats are large and lush and give you great views of the animals. The zoo is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, one of the most prestigious.
If you have small kids they have lots of great experiences and the walk around the zoo is broken up with a few playgrounds and places for the kids to be kids.
If you have a few days in Atlanta and have already done the aquarium, this is a fabulous thing to add to your must-do list. Especially with the incredible deal, you get to visit the Atlanta CITYpass, which gives you a combo ticket for the most popular attractions in Atlanta.
Tips for Visiting
- The zoo is not too large, but still large enough for you to need a map. Plan out your route before you go so you don't end up backtracking.
- There are a few restaurants and snack options inside the zoo. Visit the Nourish Cafe for a full meal.
- They do allow outside food and snacks, so feel free to pack your own with small kids.
- There is a good amount of walking, so I'd bring the stroller, even for the older kids. It also gives them a place to sit in the shade.
- If you are going in the summer, consider going early to beat the sweltering Atlanta heat. Dress in cool clothes and bring sunscreen.
- Buy your ticket ahead of time as part of your Atlanta CityPASS deal and you'll get in for free if you want to visit a few other places in Atlanta, like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola.
- Weekdays are mornings are the least crowded times to visit.
Logistics:
- Location: 800 Cherokee Avenue SE, Atlanta GA 30315
- Parking: There is parking in the Grant Park Gateway parking facility at 759 Boulevard S.E. Atlanta, GA 30312. Rates are $3 an hour or $12 a day.
- Timing: It takes about 3 hours to go through the zoo, but you could stay longer if you eat lunch and do the rides.
- Hours: Zoo Atlanta is open year-round, only closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hours vary from season to season but they are generally open 9-5 or 10-5 in the winter. Check their site for updated hours before going.
- Tickets: Tickets range from $17-25 dollars for kids, $23-32 dollars for adults and $22- $30 for seniors. Kids under 3 are free.
- Need a Deal?: Consider bundling your tickets with the Atlanta CityPASS which can save you up to 44% on tickets for multiple Atlanta attractions and you get to skip the lines.
Can't Miss Experiences at Zoo Atlanta
Giraffe Feeding
Giraffe feeding is one of the coolest and unique experiences at Zoo Atlanta. In season, you can hand-feed the tallest living land mammals. You'll feed them crunchy romaine lettuce! My kids still talk about it.
Panda
The Giant Panda exhibit so another can't-miss Zoo Atlanta experience and one of the top reasons the positive Atlanta Zoo reviews. The panda are actually on loan from China and it's one of only two places in the US where you can see them. The way the exhibit is set up, you feel like you are close to the animals and can watch them carefully. Their names are Yang Yang and Lun Lun.
The giant pandas are part of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Giant Panda Conservation Center and in the Asian Forest, which is also home to tigers, orangutans, and Komodo dragons. The exhibit also features native plants from the region.
African Savanna
The Zoo Atlanta African Savanna was recently opened in 2019 and is spectacular. It's home to African elephants, giraffes, plains zebras, ostriches, warthogs, meerkats, southern white rhinos which are rare, kori bustards, and a bontebok. This is where many of the big impressive and memorable animals are, so don't miss it.
Red Panda
While having red pandas isn't that unique to the zoo, they are so cute and were one of our favorite stops on the route. Don't miss seeing these red pandas in a cool habitat with native plants to the Himalayan mountains and a nice stream for them to cool off in.
Aviary's
A smaller, but still cool part of the zoo to see are the aviaries which house a huge selection of birds including bald eagles, owls, hornbills, and vultures. There is a cool tree tops area called the Living Treehouse to walk through to see them in their natural habitat too.
Gorillas
Another can't-miss spot on your tour of Zoo Atlanta is the lush Ford African Rainforest which is home to one of the largest populations of gorillas in America. They have four entire habitats with four groups of animals.
They also have the most adorable gorilla statues for the kids to enjoy. This area is also home to monkeys and lemurs.
Keeper Talks
Another free experience at the Atlanta Zoo that's worth planning around is the keeper talks. The zoo has animal experts give small talks and answer questions at certain times of the day. The animals include everything from the Diamondback Terrapin, Giant Snake Keeper, Bald Eager, Monkeys, Orangutans, and more.
Check the daily schedule and fit one into your day, if possible.
Children's Zoo
The Children's Zoo and kids zone is another well-done part of the Atlanta Zoo and worth stopping at, whether you have kids or not.
They have a collection of goats and sheep that the kids can brush and enjoy. It's hands-on and engaging for everyone.
Amphibian & Reptile Experience
If you are fans of the slimy and slithery animals, Zoo Atlanta is home to a huge reptile exhibit. Called Scaly Slimy Spectacular, The Amphibian and Reptile Experience, the complex is home to more than 200 animals and 70 species including snakes, green anaconda, and green tree pythons. You'll find Arakan forest turtles and a rate Guaatamalen deaded lizard that hatched at the zoo.
Rides
Another reason for positive Atlanta Zoo reviews? The rides! The kids love the animals, but it was nice that this zoo had a few fun rides mixed in for the kids too. We loved the Endangered Species Carousel, which was filled with whimsical wood-carved animals.
Another favorite was the Norfolk Southern Zoo Train which is a replica of the original 1863 locomotive.
The rides are an extra fee of $3 or they often offer a ride wristband where you can have unlimited rides for $9.
Treetop Trail
Older kids can experience the fun Treetop Trail which is an ariel playground where you can climb ropes, rope ladders, bridges, nets, and walk across tightropes. It's another extra $14.95, but a fun experience for older kids who are at least 48 inches tall.
Playground
There are two playgrounds at Zoo Atlanta, the Kidzone Playground and the Naked Mole Rat Playground, which are placed in convenient locations around the zoo. It's a great way to break up seeing the animals with the kids and let them burn some energy. Don't miss them if you have small kids!
Other Experiences that are Extras
Zoo Atlanta has some cool experiences that you can plan to do in advance that are separate from regular admission. They are called wild encounters and you can sign up 6 months in advance to snag these cool opportunities.
- Elephant
- Petting Zoo Painters
- Lemus
- Aldara Tortoise
- Giant Panda
- Warthog
Special Events at Zoo Atlanta
- Boo at the Zoo
- Cookies with Santa
- Brew at the Zoo
- Sippin' Safari
Atlanta Zoo FAQ
Does Atlanta have a good zoo?
Yes! While the zoo isn't as well known as others in the country, it is filled with a nice collection of animals, including one of only two places in the US to see giant pandas. That alone, makes visiting the zoo worth it and special. The zoo is large enough, but has a compact feeling making it easy to walk and explore. There are enough interactive experiences for kids and adults to break up the day.
Is the Atlanta Zoo worth it?
I think the zoo is worth the price. The base price for the zoo is very reasonable, considering how many different animals they have. They do have a lot of upcharges for rides and experiences, but pick one or two and I think the price is still worth it. If you are visiting Atlanta for several days, consider bundling your ticket into the Atlanta city pass, which offers a really good deal if you plan on doing more than one Atlanta attraction.
Can I bring food to the zoo?
Yes! Unlike many attractions, you can pack a lunch and snacks and bring food into the zoo. The food was pricy and not that great, so it's a great way to save money if you are going.
How long does it take to do the entire zoo?
You can easily fit it all in around 3 hours. I think the minimum amount of time if you rushed is 2 hours but you could also spread out the day by eating lunch and taking part in the rides and have it take 4-5 hours, especially if you did any of the extra experiences.
Atlanta Zoo Reviews
We had a lovely time at the Atlanta Zoo. It's filled with a great collection of big and small animals and has some fabulous experiences like seeing a Giant Panda up close, feeding giraffes, and riding a carousel. The kids and the kids at heart will have a special time at this place.
The Georgia Aquarium should top your list of things to do in Atlanta, but if you have more than one day, this a great option to add to your list. After spending the day indoors at the aquarium, it was nice to get some fresh air and enjoy this little wooded oasis in the city.
Don't forget to bundle your tickets ahead of time to save money with the Atlanta CITYpass.
Visiting Atlanta with Kids?
- Top 15 Things to Do in Atlanta with Kids
- Georgia Aquarium Visitors Guide
- Top 20 Favorite Moments from Atlanta
More SE Zoo and Aquarium Reviews
- Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens
- Greenville Zoo Guide
- Charleston Aquarium Travel Guide
- Guide to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center
- Coastal Discovery Museum Hilton Head
Pin for Later:
Leave a Reply