Zoo Atlanta is a major zoological park and conservation centre located in historic Grant Park in Atlanta, Georgia. This 2026 visitor guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips to help you plan your trip.
To skip the explanation and just book your tickets, head here. The zoo is included in the Atlanta CityPass, which can save you serious money if visiting several Atlanta attractions.
This guide was updated in March 2026 to confirm the continuation of the zoo’s dynamic pricing model for general admission, which supersedes older fixed-rate ticketing structures.
Quick facts
| Feature | Details |
| Opening hours | Mon–Sun 09:00–17:00. |
| Ticket prices | Dynamic pricing: Adults $29.70–$38.20, Children (3–11) $23.70–$30.45. Under 3s Free. Book online. |
| Address | 800 Cherokee Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30315, USA. |
| Nearest transport | MARTA bus #832 (Grant Park). |
| Time needed | 3 to 4 hours. |
Zoo Atlanta opening hours
Zoo Atlanta operates daily from 09:00 to 17:00 year-round, with no seasonal variations for daytime admission. The final entry of the day is permitted at 15:30, and animal habitats begin to close 30 minutes before the grounds shut.
The zoo is open every day of the year except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, when it is strictly closed.
5 great Atlanta experiences to book
- ✊ Take a black history and civil rights tour – the unquestioned number one option.
- 🚋 Get to know the city on a 90 minute trolley tour.
- 🍷 Go wine-tasting in North Georgia’s wine country.
- 🍽️ Taste the best of Atlanta on a Midtown food and cocktails tour.
- 👻 Explore Atlanta’s spookiest spots on an after-dark ghost tour.
Zoo Atlanta ticket prices
Standard admission to Zoo Atlanta relies on a dynamic pricing model, meaning exact costs fluctuate based on the date, demand, and how far in advance you book. Generally, adult tickets range from $29.70 to $38.20, while tickets for children aged three to 11 cost between $23.70 and $30.45. Children under three enter free of charge.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in March 2026.
The Zoo Atlanta is included in the Atlanta CityPASS scheme, alongside other major local attractions including the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Fernbank Museum of Natural History.
Why book the Atlanta CityPASS®?
- 🐬 World-Class Aquarium & Coca-Cola: Gain entry to the massive Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola, two of the city’s most iconic and popular destinations.
- 📉 Save nearly 50%: Enjoy a significant discount of up to 47% on combined admission to 5 top attractions compared to buying individual tickets at the box office.
- 🐘 Zoo Atlanta & Choice Sites: Includes admission to Zoo Atlanta plus your choice of two more highlights like the Fernbank Museum of Natural History or the College Football Hall of Fame.
- ⏱️ Nine Days of Flexibility: Your pass is valid for 9 consecutive days starting from the first day of use, so you can explore Atlanta’s landmarks without feeling rushed.
- 📱 Instant Mobile Tickets: Skip the hassle of paper vouchers; receive your pass via email and simply scan your smartphone for quick, contactless entry at each site.
How to get to Zoo Atlanta
To reach Zoo Atlanta, driving or taking a rideshare directly to Grant Park is the most straightforward option. If using public transport, you can take the MARTA train to the Five Points station and transfer to the #832 bus, which drops passengers near the zoo’s main entrance.
Parking at Zoo Atlanta
The most convenient places to park for Zoo Atlanta are the Cherokee Avenue surface lot and the Grant Park Gateway underground facility on Boulevard. Both car parks are operated by the City of Atlanta and utilize a paid parking program, requiring visitors to pay via on-site kiosks or a mobile app upon arrival.
How long to spend at Zoo Atlanta
Most visitors need between three and four hours to explore Zoo Atlanta and walk the primary habitat loops. If you plan to attend scheduled keeper talks, watch wildlife presentations, or add on experiences like the Treetop Trail, you should allocate a full morning or afternoon.
Accessibility at Zoo Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta is fully accessible to wheelchair users, with paved, ramped pathways connecting all animal habitats and viewing areas. Manual wheelchairs and electric mobility scooters are available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis just inside the front entrance.
The facility is also a certified sensory-inclusive destination. Visitors can borrow sensory bags containing noise-cancelling headphones and fidget tools at the Member Services office, and the zoo map clearly highlights designated quiet areas and headphone zones.
Inside Zoo Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta is home to more than 1,000 animals representing over 200 species from around the globe. The park is divided into several distinct geographical and thematic zones connected by a main central spine.
A major highlight is the Ford African Rain Forest, which houses one of the largest populations of western lowland gorillas in North America. Nearby, the African Savanna habitat features elephants, giraffes, zebras, southern white rhinos, and ostriches in a mixed-species environment.
Visitors can also explore the Asian Forest, which is home to orangutans, Komodo dragons, and Malayan sun bears.
For indoor viewing, the Scaly Slimy Spectacular complex offers a climate-controlled environment showcasing a vast array of reptiles and amphibians, including snakes, turtles, and rare frogs.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip Category | Advice |
| Timing | Arrive right at 09:00, as many animals are most active during the cooler morning hours. |
| Crowds | Purchase your tickets online as far in advance as possible to secure the lowest dynamic price tier. |
| Layout | Check the daily schedule upon arrival to incorporate scheduled feedings and keeper talks into your route. |
| Entry process | Have your digital CityPASS or e-ticket open and ready to scan on your smartphone at the front gates. |
| On-site logistics | Bring a refillable water bottle, as the zoo features multiple hydration stations throughout the grounds. |
Frequently asked questions about Zoo Atlanta
| Question | Answer |
| Is Zoo Atlanta suitable for children? | Yes, children under three enter free, and the site includes a petting zoo and a dedicated playground. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Zoo Atlanta? | Advance online booking is highly recommended to secure better pricing and guarantee entry on busy days. |
| Is Zoo Atlanta open on Sundays? | Yes, the zoo is open on Sundays year-round from 09:00 to 17:00. |
| Are bags allowed at Zoo Atlanta? | Personal bags and backpacks are permitted, but coolers, glass containers, and outside alcohol are strictly prohibited. |
Things to do near Zoo Atlanta
- Oakland Cemetery: A historic paid-tour cemetery located just north of Grant Park, featuring elaborate Victorian monuments.
- Georgia Aquarium: A massive paid aquatic attraction situated a short drive away in downtown Atlanta.
- World of Coca-Cola: A paid interactive museum detailing the history of the beverage, located adjacent to the aquarium.
- National Center for Civil and Human Rights: A paid museum dedicated to the achievements of the global civil rights movement.
- Illuminarium Atlanta: A paid attraction on the Atlanta BeltLine featuring immersive digital projection experiences.
