Reid Park Zoo is a 24-acre urban zoological park located in central Tucson, Arizona. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips to help you plan your trip.
This page was last updated in May 2026, noting that visitors must use the new car park north of the entrance, a change missed in older guides.
Quick facts
| Feature | Details |
| Opening hours | October to May: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; June to September: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. |
| Ticket prices | Adult ticket $12.00; Senior ticket $10.00; Child ticket $8.50; Infants free |
| Address | 3400 E Zoo Court, Tucson, AZ 85716, United States |
| Nearest public transport or parking | Free on-site visitor car park located north of the zoo entrance |
| Typical time needed to visit | Two to three hours |
Reid Park Zoo opening hours
The Reid Park Zoo opening hours change depending on the season to protect the animals from the extreme summer heat. From October through May, the zoo is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. During the hotter months from June through September, the hours shift to 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The last entry is always permitted 30 minutes before the scheduled closing time. The zoo operates seven days a week, but is closed to the public on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Reid Park Zoo ticket prices
Reid Park Zoo ticket prices are very affordable compared to larger regional animal parks. A standard adult ticket for visitors aged 15 to 61 costs $12.00. Seniors aged 62 and older pay a reduced rate of $10.00. Children aged two to 14 cost $8.50, and infants under two enter free of charge.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in May 2026. The attraction is included in the Tucson Attractions Passport, which also offers discounts to the Pima Air & Space Museum, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and the Tucson Botanical Gardens.
How to get to Reid Park Zoo
To get to Reid Park Zoo, most visitors drive or use a ride-sharing service, as it is centrally located within the expansive Gene C. Reid Park. The site is easily accessible from major roads, sitting near the intersection of 22nd Street and Randolph Way.
If you prefer to use public transport, the Sun Tran bus network serves the immediate area. You can take route 7, which stops along 22nd Street, or route 17, which runs along Country Club Road. Both stops require a short walk into the park to reach the main entrance gates.
Parking at Reid Park Zoo
Parking at Reid Park Zoo is free for all visitors within a large, dedicated car park located just north of the zoo entrance. This newly constructed facility opened recently and replaced the old southern lot to make way for the Pathway to Asia expansion.
You can access this new car park by entering from Lakeshore Lane or following the signs from Randolph Way past Hi Corbett Field. The lot features over 400 spaces, including numerous accessible bays, so finding a spot is rarely an issue on regular weekdays.
How long to spend at Reid Park Zoo
You should plan to spend between two and three hours at Reid Park Zoo to comfortably view all the animal habitats. This timeframe allows you to walk the entire main loop, observe the daily keeper chats, and take a ride on the miniature railway.
If you plan to participate in add-on experiences, such as the giraffe feeding, you should allow extra time. Families with young children often extend their stay to use the carousel and have lunch at the on-site cafe.
Accessibility at Reid Park Zoo
Accessibility at Reid Park Zoo is excellent, with the entire 24-acre park featuring flat, paved pathways that are easy to navigate. The main exhibit viewing areas provide clear sightlines for visitors using wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Accessible toilets and family changing rooms are available near the front plaza.
Visitors can rent electric mobility scooters, manual wheelchairs, and pushchairs at the Discover the Wild Gift Shop on a first-come, first-served basis. Dedicated accessible parking spaces are located on the south side of the new car park loop, close to the main entrance.
Inside / what to see at Reid Park Zoo
Inside Reid Park Zoo, the habitats are divided into geographic zones featuring over 500 individual animals from around the globe. The Expedition Tanzania area is a major highlight, housing a herd of African elephants in a sprawling, naturalistic enclosure. Visitors can watch the elephants interact and swim in their large custom pool.
The South America loop showcases biodiversity from the Amazon basin and surrounding regions. Here, you can observe jaguars, Andean bears, and a variety of tropical birds in lush, densely planted habitats. The layout encourages close observation while maintaining secure barriers.
In the African savannah section, you can see lions, white rhinos, and African wild dogs. A highly popular feature is the giraffe feeding platform, where visitors can purchase lettuce to feed the reticulated giraffes by hand.
The Asian zone features the popular Malayan tigers and lion-tailed macaques. The zoo is currently expanding this area with the Pathway to Asia development, which will introduce red pandas and Komodo dragons in the near future.
Finally, the zoo includes a Conservation Learning Center that provides interactive educational displays about wildlife protection. Families can also ride the Cox Wildlife Carousel, which features 30 hand-carved wooden animals, or take the miniature railway around the park perimeter.
Practical visitor tips
| Category | Advice |
| Timing | Arrive when the gates first open to see the animals at their most active before the midday desert heat sets in. |
| Crowds | Avoid visiting during the school holidays if you prefer a quieter experience, as local summer camps frequently use the park. |
| Layout | Grab a physical map at the entrance or scan the QR code to follow the audio safari tour around the circular main path. |
| Entry process | You can purchase your admission tickets online in advance or simply buy them at the front desk when you arrive. |
| On-site logistics | Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated, as the site features several free water stations throughout the grounds. |
Frequently asked questions about Reid Park Zoo
| Question | Answer |
| Is Reid Park Zoo suitable for children? | Yes, the site is highly family-friendly and features a carousel, a miniature train, and interactive animal encounters. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Reid Park Zoo? | No, advance booking is not required, and you can purchase your admission upon arrival at the main entrance. |
| Is Reid Park Zoo open on Sundays? | Yes, the zoo operates on Sundays, observing its standard seasonal opening hours. |
| Are bags allowed at Reid Park Zoo? | Standard day bags and rucksacks are permitted, though they may be subject to a brief security check at the gate. |
| Can you take photographs inside Reid Park Zoo? | Yes, personal photography is allowed and encouraged, provided you stay on the public side of all safety barriers. |
Things to do near Reid Park Zoo
- Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center is a public swimming facility located next door that features a covered outdoor therapy pool and a recreational pool.
- Gene C. Reid Park surrounds the zoo and offers large urban lakes, walking trails, public rose gardens, and extensive outdoor picnic areas.
- Tucson Botanical Gardens is a peaceful five-acre urban oasis showcasing native desert flora, tropical greenhouses, and rotating outdoor art exhibitions.
- Pima Air & Space Museum is a massive aviation facility featuring over 400 historic aircraft displayed across an expansive outdoor desert airfield.
- Trail Dust Town is a family-friendly shopping and dining complex built to resemble an old Wild West street, featuring a miniature train and stunt shows.
What to visit tomorrow
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a world-renowned combination of a zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum focused on the Sonoran Desert ecosystem.
- Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoological parks in the country, featuring extensive walking trails and hundreds of global animal species.
- Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park in Litchfield Park offers exotic animal exhibits, aquarium displays, and amusement rides across a massive campus.
- OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale is a large, modern indoor facility showcasing diverse marine life, interactive touch pools, and a rotating viewing experience.
- Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch in Picacho is a unique roadside attraction where visitors can hand-feed ostriches, miniature donkeys, and stingrays.
More Arizona travel
Other Arizona travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- A practical guide to visiting Saguaro National Park in Tucson.
- Plan your visit to Flandrau Science Center in Tucson.
- Visiting Colossal Cave Mountain Park near Tucson: Hours, prices and visitor tips.
- What to know before visiting the San Xavier del Bac Mission near Tucson.
- What to expect at the Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Camp Verde.
