Brevard Zoo is a 75-acre nonprofit zoo in Melbourne, Florida, home to more than 800 animals.
This guide was updated in August 2026. The zip-lining experience Zip It has also just reopened, now running seven days a week rather than only on select dates. Advance booking is recommended for kayaking and Zip It, since both run on limited daily slots. You can book through Viator before your visit.
Quick facts about Brevard Zoo
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 8225 North Wickham Road, Melbourne, FL 32940 |
| Opening hours | Daily, 9:30am–5pm; last admission 4:15pm |
| Adult admission (12+) | $34.95 online / $36.95 at the gate |
| Senior admission (65+) | $28.95 online / $30.95 at the gate |
| Child admission (3–11) | $22.95 online / $24.95 at the gate |
| Children under 3 | Free |
| Typical visit duration | 3 to 4 hours |
Why book tickets to Brevard Zoo?
- 🏛️ More than 800 animals: Over 170 species from Florida, South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia share the 75-acre grounds.
- 🎟️ Free entry for toddlers: Children under 3 always visit at no charge.
- 🌿 Kayak with the animals: Paddle the Nyami Nyami River within sight of giraffes, rhinos, and zebras.
- 📜 A zip line over the wetlands: Zip It now runs seven days a week, with 650-foot and 800-foot lines.
- 💰 Free parking: Including limited RV, bus, and EV charging spaces.
Opening hours at Brevard Zoo
Brevard Zoo opens every day from 9:30am to 5pm, with last admission at 4:15pm. Members can enter early, from 9am. The zoo stays open all year, closing only for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Ticket prices for Brevard Zoo
| Ticket type | Online | At the gate |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (12+) | $34.95 | $36.95 |
| Senior (65+) | $28.95 | $30.95 |
| Child (3–11) | $22.95 | $24.95 |
| Under 3 | Free | Free |
Discounted tickets are available for AZA reciprocal members, Florida SNAP EBT or WIC recipients, and military, but these must be bought on-site at the Ticketing Building with photo ID. Book in advance through Viator to combine admission with Zip It and skip the ticket line.
How to get to Brevard Zoo
By car, the zoo is at 8225 North Wickham Road in Melbourne, just off I-95, roughly an hour southeast of Orlando.
By public transport, there’s no direct bus service to the zoo, so a car is the most practical way to get there.
On foot, the zoo connects to the Brevard Zoo Linear Park, a 3-mile trail running along the wetlands, for visitors who want to extend their day.
Parking at Brevard Zoo
Parking at Brevard Zoo is free, with limited RV, bus, and EV charging spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis.
How long to spend at Brevard Zoo
Most visitors spend three to four hours here. Adding kayaking, Zip It, or the train ride stretches a visit closer to a full day.
Accessibility at Brevard Zoo
Wheelchairs are welcome in all areas of Brevard Zoo, though some walkways include slight ramps and the Kangaroo Walkabout path is made of crushed coquina. The elevated walkway in Rainforest Revealed is reached by a lift; it’s worth calling ahead to confirm it’s operational. Wheelchair and stroller rentals are available at Guest Services on a first-come, first-served basis. Kayaking, paddle boats, and Treetop Trek can’t accommodate wheeled devices. The zoo is a KultureCity Sensory Inclusive certified organisation.
What to see inside Brevard Zoo
This is a more traditional US zoo than fellow Florida attractions such as the drive-through safari at Wild Florida near Orlando and the St Augustine Alligator Farm in St Augustine.
Paws On is currently mid-renovation, its first since 2009, bringing a new Panther Passage play structure, a toddler-focused Tiny Trails area, and a refreshed barnyard, with a phased reopening expected by November.
Expedition Africa lets visitors kayak the Nyami Nyami River past giraffes, rhinos, and zebras, or ride the Cape to Cairo Express train past camels and antelope.
Rainforest Revealed includes an elevated walkway and the Treetop Trek adventure courses, including Zip It, the zoo’s 650-foot and 800-foot zip lines.
Wild Florida features a self-guided kayak trail through restored wetlands, home to native Florida wildlife.
Animal feedings and encounters let visitors get close to kangaroos, giraffes, lorikeets, and cockatiels throughout the day.
Practical visitor tips for Brevard Zoo
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Book Zip It early | Slots run daily from 9am to 3pm, with last entry at 2pm, and can fill up. |
| Check the Paws On schedule | The area closes fully from 14 September, with a phased reopening expected by November. |
| Bring a change of clothes for kayaking | Both the guided Africa tour and self-guided Wetlands paddle can get you wet. |
| Buy discounted tickets onsite | AZA reciprocal, SNAP EBT, WIC, and military discounts require an in-person purchase with photo ID. |
| Arrive early for shade | Florida heat builds through the day, so a morning visit is more comfortable. |
Frequently asked questions about Brevard Zoo
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the zoo open every day? | Yes, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. |
| Is Paws On open right now? | The water play area is open until 13 September, then the whole area closes for renovation until around November. |
| Do I need to book tickets in advance? | It’s not required, but booking in advance through Viator can bundle admission with Zip It. |
| Is the zoo wheelchair accessible? | Yes, throughout, though kayaking, paddle boats, and Treetop Trek can’t accommodate wheeled devices. |
| Can children visit for free? | Children under 3 always go free. |
Things to do near Brevard Zoo
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is about 45 minutes north, with rocket launches, exhibits, and astronaut encounters.
Cocoa Beach offers a classic Florida surf beach about 30 minutes away.
The Avenue Viera has shops and restaurants a short drive from the zoo.
Erna Nixon Park protects a stretch of native Florida scrub and hardwood hammock nearby.
The Indian River Lagoon runs alongside much of Brevard County, with boat tours and paddling opportunities close by.
Alternative attractions to Brevard Zoo
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, about an hour away in Sanford, offers a similar mix of animal exhibits and outdoor adventures.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park, around two hours west, is one of Florida’s larger AZA-accredited zoos.
More Florida travel
Other Florida travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Visitor guides to the Lightner Museum, Old Jail, St Augustine History Museum, St Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum and Oldest Store Museum Experience in St Augustine.
- Miami Beach guides: Virginia Key Beach Park, Crandon Park Beach, Haulover Beach Park, Matheson Hammock Park, Oleta River State Park.
- See the world’s largest collection of Tiffany glass at the Morse Museum in Winter Park, near Orlando.
- What to expect at the Flagler Museum in Palm Beach and the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach.
- Key information for visiting Mounts Botanical Garden in West Palm Beach.
