The Maryland Zoo
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The Maryland Zoo Baltimore

4.4
·8k reviews·Baltimore, United States

A historic 153-acre zoo in Baltimore's Druid Hill Park, home to over 1,500 animals and engaging conservation programs.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal activity

CrowdLow
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The Maryland Zoo

The Maryland Zoo Baltimore

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal activity

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic 153-acre zoo in Baltimore's Druid Hill Park, home to over 1,500 animals and engaging conservation programs.

4.4
(8k reviews)

"This zoo is a clean, fun, and family-friendly experience with interesting animals and historical charm."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Map Your Route

Plan your must-see animals beforehand to maximize your visit.

👟 Comfy Shoes Essential

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must!

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 8,309 reviews

Type

Zoo

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

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Penguin Encounter

Penguin Encounter

African Penguin Exhibit

Get up close and personal with endangered African penguins, a truly unique and conservation-focused experience.

TikTok
Spring Illuminations

Spring Illuminations

Various locations throughout the zoo

Experience a magical evening with glowing floral and animal-themed lanterns during this seasonal Chinese lantern festival.

TikTokInstagram
Historic Architecture

Historic Architecture

Main entrance and older exhibits

Admire the charming historical architecture, a nod to the zoo's long-standing legacy since 1876.

Reddit
Diverse Animal Habitats

Diverse Animal Habitats

Across the zoo's themed areas

Explore a wide array of animals, from elephants to giraffes, in thoughtfully designed and spacious habitats.

Reddit+1
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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit: Timing is Key

Beat the crowds by arriving early, especially on weekends. Consider visiting during weekdays for a more relaxed experience. Check the zoo's website for special events like Spring Illuminations, which can impact crowd levels and ticket prices. Instagram

Navigating the Zoo: Comfort & Convenience

Wear comfortable shoes for extensive walking. While outside food and drinks are welcome, plan for potential construction impacting exhibit access. Mapping out your must-see animals beforehand can optimize your visit. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Crowd
Low
When
Spring & Fall evenings (event dependent)
Why
Magical Spring Illuminations
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends (early)
Why
Classic zoo experience
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

An hour from DC with over 450 animals, this place has all the classic zoo vibes. Drop your favorite local spots below and follow for more family trip adventures #DayTripIdeas #ExploreMaryland #FamilyTrip #fyp
@cvmdiggidy0
47K likes • 618.5K views

🎯 Map Your Route

Plan your must-see animals beforehand to maximize your visit. Instagram

👟 Comfy Shoes Essential

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must! Instagram

This penguin encounter was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done! These encounters help with conservation efforts and raise awareness to save the penguins 💜
@novanomz
46K likes • 523.4K views
Maryland Zoo ✨Spring Illuminations✨ 📍1 Safari Pl, Baltimore, MD 21217 📆 Now until June 30th! Event runs Thursdays thur Sundays and Daily starting June 16th-30th. ⏰The Spring Illuminations is from 6pm-10pm. Due to Brew at the Zoo, on May 24 &25, the event will begin at 7pm. 💰Children 2-10 years: $20 Adult 11+ years: $28 Children under 2 is free. 🅿️ Parking is free Food and drinks sold ...
_austinfamilyadventures
17.1K likes • 383.7K views

🎟️ Flexible Ticket Options

Tickets can be purchased in person and used for a future visit. Reddit

🚗 Free Parking Available

Enjoy complimentary parking, making your trip more budget-friendly. Instagram

Roadtrip to Baltimore 🚗 First Stop: Maryland Zoo Ever been to the zoo during the winter months? It was cold 🥶 we went, we saw, we froze 😂 📌 Trip tip: Map out where you want to go/what you want to see before you get there! Here’s the scoop on the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, MD: 🦩 Location: One Safari Place Baltimore, MD 21217 - About 10-15 minute drive from the Inner Harbor 🦓 Operating Seaso...
4dmvkids
0 likes • 3.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Map Your Route

Plan your must-see animals beforehand to maximize your visit. Instagram

👟 Comfy Shoes Essential

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must! Instagram

🎟️ Flexible Ticket Options

Tickets can be purchased in person and used for a future visit. Reddit

🚗 Free Parking Available

Enjoy complimentary parking, making your trip more budget-friendly. Instagram

🐧 Penguin Encounters

Book animal encounters for a unique, up-close experience. TikTokInstagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(8k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally praise The Maryland Zoo for its clean grounds, active animals, and helpful staff, highlighting unique experiences like penguin encounters and the historical architecture. While some note ongoing construction and a desire for more animals, the overall sentiment is positive, with many recommending it as a great family-friendly destination with good food options and enjoyable rides. Reddit+2

"To begin with, there is a long walk from the gate to see the animals. There seemed to be a lot of construction and renovation happening to the exhibits. Due to this, there seemed to be quite a few animals off exhibit. Most habitats only had 1 or 2 animals in them. The zoo was clean and fun, just not sure it's worth visiting again."

Zach Attack

"I legitimately love this zoo. I have only come here a few times in my life and the previous time I was here was years ago but honestly I had a lot of fun this time around. They have so many interesting animals, historical architecture, a pretty nice train ride and even some really well themed sections. It’s very clear they’re going out of their way to modernize and do what’s best for these animals. I did see One elephant that looked like he wasn’t doing so well but The zoo is probably still doing what they can to take care of the poor creature. I wholeheartedly recommend checking out this zoo even if the area around the park doesn’t look particularly the safest. Then again that’s the case with a lot of good zoos. I will definitely come again."

willku9000

"A small but really nice zoo. The old (no longer used) exhibits up front are a cool piece of history. Some areas need updating but the newer exhibits are clearly well thought out & spacious. The penguin area was especially nice. If only it had been a bit cooler for our visit! (See our prairie dog photo for a good example of the heat.)"

Matthew Philips

What People Like

Clean and well-maintained
Active and amazing animals
Helpful staff

What People Dislike

Need more animals
Ongoing construction

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Maryland Zoo is located at One Safari Place, Baltimore, MD 21217. It's about a 10-15 minute drive from downtown Baltimore and approximately 24 minutes from BWI Airport. Instagram+1 For those using public transit, the Light Rail's Woodberry station is a walkable distance, though it's a longer walk with young children. Reddit

Yes, parking at The Maryland Zoo is free and readily available, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Instagram

Absolutely! The Maryland Zoo welcomes outside food and drinks, which can help save money on your visit. Instagram

The zoo is generally accessible, with paved walkways throughout most of the park. However, some areas might have inclines. Reddit

Many visitors from Pennsylvania opt to drive directly to the zoo. Alternatively, you could take the Light Rail to the Woodberry station, but be prepared for a walk, especially with children. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary, but general admission for adults is typically around $28, and for children (ages 2-10) around $20. Children under 2 are free. Special events like Spring Illuminations have separate pricing. Instagram+1

Yes, you can purchase tickets in person at the zoo. Some reviews suggest that purchased tickets can be used for a future visit. Reddit

While specific discounts aren't always advertised, check the zoo's website for any seasonal promotions or group rates. Children under 2 are always free. Instagram+1

Zoo hours can vary seasonally and for special events. It's best to check The Maryland Zoo's official website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit. Instagram

Brew at the Zoo is a popular annual event, typically held in late May. Check the zoo's event calendar for specific dates and ticket information for 'brew at the zoo baltimore 2024' or upcoming years. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the African Penguin Encounter for a unique experience. The zoo also features elephants, giraffes, and other diverse animals in well-maintained habitats. TikTokReddit+1

The zoo hosts various events, including the popular Spring Illuminations lantern festival and animal encounters with penguins, rhinos, and more. TikTokInstagram+1

The walk from Woodberry station is doable but can be a bit long, especially for families with young children. It's advisable to map the route and consider the distance before committing to this option. Reddit

Some visitors have noted ongoing construction and renovations, which may lead to certain animals being off exhibit. The zoo is actively modernizing its facilities. Reddit+1

Beyond animal viewing, the zoo often features a carousel and other rides, face painting, and toy riding opportunities, making it a fun experience for children. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The zoo offers various food options, and reviews suggest the food can be fresh and delicious. However, bringing your own food and drinks is also a welcome option. Reddit

While specific menus aren't detailed, most zoos offer a range of choices. Bringing your own vegetarian or vegan-friendly snacks and meals is a reliable way to ensure you have suitable options. Instagram

Bringing your own food and drinks can significantly reduce your expenses. If purchasing food at the zoo, prices are comparable to other attractions. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture memorable shots at the African Penguin exhibit, with the historic architecture, or during the magical Spring Illuminations event. TikTokInstagramReddit

Yes, photography of the animals is encouraged. Be mindful of any signage regarding flash photography, which can disturb some animals. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is allowed. Professional photography or videography may require special permits, so check with the zoo if you have specific needs. TikTok

Mornings are often best as animals tend to be more active. Overcast days can also provide softer, more even lighting for your shots. Instagram

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