Parque Zoológico del Centenario
A free, family-friendly zoo and park in Merida, Yucatan, featuring diverse animals, a historic train, and ample shade.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Parque Zoológico del Centenario
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, family-friendly zoo and park in Merida, Yucatan, featuring diverse animals, a historic train, and ample shade.
"Amazing Free Zoo – A Fun and Family-Friendly Day Out!"
🎯 Free Admission Alert!
Entry to the zoo is completely free, making it a fantastic budget-friendly option for everyone.
⏰ Arrive After 9 AM
The park opens at 8 AM, but the zoo exhibits typically open at 9 AM. Vendors start opening around 8:30 AM.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Diverse Animal Exhibits
Throughout the zoo
See tigers, giraffes, hippos, primates, birds, and more in enclosures that offer a mix of traditional and open-space designs.
The Centennial Train
Zoo grounds
A charming, historic train ride that circles the zoo, perfect for families and a budget-friendly way to see more.
Shaded Park and Playgrounds
Park grounds
Beyond the zoo, enjoy a spacious park with ample shade, playgrounds, and picnic spots for a relaxing family day.
Iguana Encounters
Throughout the park
Observe iguanas freely roaming the grounds, a unique and common sight that adds to the park's charm.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, But Plan Your Timing
Embrace the Shade and Hydration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission Alert!
Entry to the zoo is completely free, making it a fantastic budget-friendly option for everyone.
⏰ Arrive After 9 AM
The park opens at 8 AM, but the zoo exhibits typically open at 9 AM. Vendors start opening around 8:30 AM.
💧 Stay Hydrated & Shaded
Merida is hot! Utilize the abundant shade and bring water. Consider a picnic to enjoy in the park.
🚂 Don't Miss the Train!
The historic Centennial Train is a must-do for a fun and easy way to explore the zoo for just one peso.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission Alert!
Entry to the zoo is completely free, making it a fantastic budget-friendly option for everyone.
⏰ Arrive After 9 AM
The park opens at 8 AM, but the zoo exhibits typically open at 9 AM. Vendors start opening around 8:30 AM.
💧 Stay Hydrated & Shaded
Merida is hot! Utilize the abundant shade and bring water. Consider a picnic to enjoy in the park.
🚂 Don't Miss the Train!
The historic Centennial Train is a must-do for a fun and easy way to explore the zoo for just one peso.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the animals and explore the park.
📸 Capture the Iguanas
Keep an eye out for the iguanas that roam freely; they make for great photo opportunities!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Parque Zoológico del Centenario being an amazing, free, and family-friendly destination. The variety of animals, the charming historic train, and the abundant shade make it a delightful experience. While enclosures are older, animals appear well-cared for, and the free admission is a major draw.
"This zoo has a lot of animals and isnt just a zoo. It is a park for the little ones too. There are a lot of vendors for food and plenty of bathrooms. Restrooms are free but tips are asked for at the door.
Most important thing I can say is that alot of the reviews and write-ups online are incorrect or deceiving. All that I saw said the zoo opens at 8AM, that is incorrect. The zoo opens at 9AM on most days amd the park opens at 8AM. The vendors were starting to open around 8:30 for food but most were still closed when I left around 1030 on a Wednesday.
The entire time I was there there was someone cleaning enclosures. The enclosures are old zoo style, maybe think private collection? There are some indictments for some of the animals and others that you would find roaming the plains they basically have an open area to move around in.
I had a great experience and the animals on display seemed happy and well maintained."
Justin Wallace
"Amazing Free Zoo – A Fun and Family-Friendly Day Out!
We recently visited this zoo and had an absolutely wonderful experience. One of the best things about it is that admission is completely free, making it a fantastic option for families, students, or anyone looking for an affordable day of fun.
The zoo offers a wide variety of animals to see, from exotic species to local favorites. There are plenty of exhibits and enclosures that are well-maintained and engaging for visitors of all ages. Kids especially enjoyed seeing the animals up close, and there were plenty of opportunities for photos and learning.
In addition to the animals, the zoo features many food vendors offering a range of delicious snacks and meals, so you’ll never go hungry during your visit. Whether you're craving a quick bite or a sit-down meal, there's plenty of choice.
A standout feature is the free train ride that takes visitors around the zoo. It’s a great way to cover more ground and enjoy the scenery without getting too tired, especially for little ones or those who prefer a more relaxed experience.
The layout of the zoo is thoughtfully designed, with lots of shaded areas scattered throughout the grounds. This was a huge plus on a warm day, as it kept us comfortable and protected from the sun. There are also many benches and picnic spots if you want to take a break or enjoy a packed lunch.
Another important convenience is the abundance of free bathrooms, which made our visit much more comfortable and hassle-free. It’s always nice to see such thoughtful amenities provided for visitors.
Overall, this zoo exceeded our expectations. It’s a clean, well-organized, and family-friendly destination that offers a lot for free. We left with great memories and a desire to return soon. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a fun, educational, and budget-friendly outing!"
Justin V
"Wonderful Zoo with LOTS of shade!! Both my kids (9 & 2) had a great time here.
The animals overall look like they are in good health. My toddler even wanted some of the food that the birds had 😅 (fruit salad).
I appreciate the playgrounds and food stalls. Makes it easy to spend a few hours here. I came on a weekday both times so it wasn’t very busy."
Kristina C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Parque Zoológico del Centenario is located in Merida, Yucatan. It's accessible by local transport or taxi. Many visitors find it easy to reach within the city.
While specific parking details aren't widely shared, the zoo is centrally located, suggesting public transport or ride-sharing might be convenient options.
Yes, the zoo sometimes offers special nocturnal visits, allowing people who work or study during the day to experience it. Check for event announcements.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the zoo is completely free! This makes it an incredibly accessible and budget-friendly attraction for all visitors.
The park generally opens at 8 AM, but the zoo exhibits typically open at 9 AM and close around 5 PM. It's open Tuesday through Sunday.
No advance booking is required as admission is free. You can simply show up during operating hours.
While admission is free, the popular train ride has a nominal fee, usually around one peso, making it very affordable.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of animals including tigers, giraffes, hippos, primates, birds, and more. Iguanas are also commonly seen roaming freely.
Absolutely! It's a very family-friendly place with playgrounds, a free train ride, and animals that kids love. The shaded areas are a big plus.
You can walk through the zoo in about 3 hours if you want to see everything. The train ride helps cover more ground efficiently.
Yes, there are plenty of free restrooms available throughout the park, which is a great convenience for visitors.
The enclosures are described as older, zoo-style, with some offering open areas for animals to roam. They appear to be well-maintained.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are many food vendors offering a range of snacks and meals. You can also bring your own food for a picnic.
Bringing your own food and drinks is a great idea, especially for picnics in the shaded park areas.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the diverse animals, the historic Centennial Train, and the freely roaming iguanas. The park's green spaces also offer scenic shots.
Photography is generally allowed, but always be mindful of the animals' well-being and avoid disturbing them.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Centennial Train
Many visitors recall fond memories of riding this train, making it a highlight of their visit. It's not just a mode of transport but a part of the zoo's history and charm, contributing to its reputation as a family-friendly destination.
A Free Family-Friendly Oasis
Beyond the zoo exhibits, the expansive park offers a relaxing environment for picnics and leisurely strolls. The presence of numerous food vendors means you can easily grab a bite to eat, or you can pack your own lunch to enjoy in one of the many green spaces. The combination of free entry, diverse attractions, and thoughtful amenities makes it a top choice for an affordable and enjoyable day in Merida.
Animal Welfare and Enclosures
This approach balances the traditional zoo experience with efforts to provide a more naturalistic environment for some species. The visible care and the animals' apparent contentment contribute to a positive visitor experience, reinforcing the zoo's reputation as a responsible and engaging attraction.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit