Bear Hollow Zoo
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Bear Hollow Zoo Athens

4.6
·532 reviews·Athens, United States

Discover Georgia's native wildlife at Bear Hollow Zoo, a free and family-friendly attraction in Athens, GA. See eagles, otters, bears, and more!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, active animals

CrowdLow
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Bear Hollow Zoo

Bear Hollow Zoo Athens

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, active animals

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Georgia's native wildlife at Bear Hollow Zoo, a free and family-friendly attraction in Athens, GA. See eagles, otters, bears, and more!

4.6
(532 reviews)

"Cute little zoo - fun for a free trip. Will definitely combine with another outing."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Admission!

Enjoy a fun-filled day without spending a dime! Perfect for budget-conscious families.

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

The zoo has a trail; wear comfy shoes for exploring the animal enclosures.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 532 reviews

Type

Zoo

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Majestic Bald Eagle

Majestic Bald Eagle

Eagle Enclosure

The national bird of the United States, a magnificent sight with its distinctive white head and dark body.

Reddit
Playful Otters

Playful Otters

Otter Enclosure

Watch these energetic and entertaining creatures frolic and swim in their habitat.

Reddit
Georgia Black Bear

Georgia Black Bear

Bear Enclosure

A chance to see one of Georgia's most iconic and powerful native mammals up close. (Note: Enclosure may be under renovation).

Reddit
Alligator Alley

Alligator Alley

Alligator Enclosure

Observe the impressive reptiles that call Georgia's waterways home.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Free Family Fun

Bear Hollow Zoo is a fantastic, free attraction in Athens, GA, perfect for families. It's a great way to see native Georgia wildlife without breaking the bank. Plan to combine your visit with other nearby attractions like the State Botanical Gardens for a full day out. TikTok

Best Times to Visit

To avoid crowds and ensure animals are active, aim for weekday mornings or late afternoons. Colder weather might mean some animals are less visible, so warmer months are ideal for seeing more wildlife. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, active animals
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoons
Why
Animals often more active
Crowd
Medium
When
Warmer Months
Why
More animals visible
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

FINALLY we made it to Bear Hollow Zoo 🐻 #athensga #athensthingstodo #outandabout #bearhollowzoo #athensparks
@samantha_angelie
1.3K likes • 15.9K views

🎯 Free Admission!

Enjoy a fun-filled day without spending a dime! Perfect for budget-conscious families. TikTok

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

The zoo has a trail; wear comfy shoes for exploring the animal enclosures. TikTok

Come with us to bears hollow zoo in Athens Ga:)))#athensgeorgia #bearhollowzoo #familyfun @Jean_A_Thin
@mrs.ellisalways
9 likes • 80 views
if you’re in the athens area & have kids + want something free to do this summer, go to bear hollow! my nanny kids had a blast! #CapCut #fyp #bear #zoo #athens #summervibes #freethingstodo #tiktok #animals #otter #alligator #tiktokaffiliate #tiktokcreator
@kkait22
34 likes • 593 views

Combine with Gardens

Pair your zoo visit with the State Botanical Gardens for a full day of exploration. TikTok

Check Animal Activity

Some animals may shelter in colder weather; warmer days mean more sightings. Reddit

Which one was your favorite? 😊 #athens #christmas #bearhallowzoo
@littleblk_bird
7 likes • 205 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Admission!

Enjoy a fun-filled day without spending a dime! Perfect for budget-conscious families. TikTok

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

The zoo has a trail; wear comfy shoes for exploring the animal enclosures. TikTok

Combine with Gardens

Pair your zoo visit with the State Botanical Gardens for a full day of exploration. TikTok

Check Animal Activity

Some animals may shelter in colder weather; warmer days mean more sightings. Reddit

Restrooms Available

Convenient restrooms are located at the entrance for your convenience. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(532 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Bear Hollow Zoo is widely praised as a delightful, free attraction in Athens, GA, perfect for families and animal lovers. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to see native Georgia wildlife up close, with the bald eagle and otters being particular highlights. While some areas may be undergoing updates, the zoo offers an engaging and accessible experience for all ages.

"We had a nice time with our guests. The bald eagle is my favorite one.

The bald eagle is a large bird of prey with a distinctive white head and tail, dark brown body, and yellow beak and talons. It is the national bird of the United States and is found near bodies of water like coasts, rivers, and lakes, where it nests in tall trees."

COŞAR Uzun

"Cute little zoo - fun for a free trip. Will definitely combine with another outing. We went there in colder weather so lot of the animals was sheltering. Will definitely go back when it is warmer - would love to see the black bear and the red fox on our return. Bathrooms at the entrance."

Margaux Pretorius Keller Williams Realtor

"We enjoyed our visit to the zoo at Bear Hallow. The best part is it is a free zoo! We got to see the otter, alligator, owls, a doe, tortoises, and the eagle. We were sad the bear enclosure was being renovated so they were away but that gives us an opportunity for another trip. It was easy to walk through and enjoy each animal. My children said it was their favorite part of the day."

Barbara Jean Roberts

What People Like

Free admission
Native Georgia wildlife
Great for kids

What People Dislike

Occasional renovations
Some animals may be hidden

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Bear Hollow Zoo is located in Athens, Georgia. It's easily accessible by car and has parking available. Many visitors combine their trip with the nearby State Botanical Gardens of Georgia. TikTok+1

Yes, there is parking available at the zoo, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car. TikTok

Information on public transport options to Bear Hollow Zoo is limited, but driving is the most common and recommended method. Check local Athens transit schedules for potential routes. TikTok

The zoo features a trail that is generally suitable for strollers, making it easy to navigate with young children. TikTok

While specific hours aren't always listed, it's generally open during daylight hours, especially when the State Botanical Gardens are accessible. It's best to check for any seasonal changes. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The best part about Bear Hollow Zoo is that admission is completely free! It's a wonderful, budget-friendly option for families. TikTokReddit

No, tickets are not required as admission is free. You can simply show up and enjoy the animals. TikTok

While there aren't typically formal tours, the zoo often hosts events, especially around holidays. Keep an eye on local Athens event listings. TikTok

Bear Hollow Zoo is generally open during daylight hours, but it's advisable to check for specific holiday closures or special event hours. TikTok

Typically, pets are not allowed in zoos to ensure the safety and well-being of the resident animals. It's best to leave your furry friends at home. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see a variety of Georgia's native wildlife, including bald eagles, otters, alligators, owls, red foxes, and sometimes black bears. TikTokReddit

Yes, it's considered perfect for toddlers! The zoo is small, easy to navigate, and offers a low-risk, high-reward experience for young children. Reddit

The State Botanical Gardens of Georgia is adjacent to the zoo, offering beautiful gardens and nature trails. There's also a playground nearby. TikTok+1

Yes, restrooms are available at the entrance of the zoo for visitor convenience. TikTok

Visitors note that efforts are being made to update and clean up the zoo, with many finding it a pleasant experience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The bald eagle enclosure offers a majestic subject. The playful otters and the imposing alligator also make for great shots. Capture the unique Georgia wildlife! TikTokReddit

The enclosures are designed to allow good viewing, making it relatively easy to get clear photos of the animals. Reddit

Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer lighting and potentially more active animals, leading to better photographic opportunities. Reddit

It's generally recommended to avoid using flash photography at zoos, as it can startle or distress the animals. Check for any specific signage at the enclosures. TikTok

Some animals, like the black bear, might be more elusive or resting, especially during certain times of the day or in colder weather. Reddit