Greenville Zoo
A compact urban zoo in Greenville, SC, featuring diverse animals from around the globe, perfect for family outings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active animals
Greenville Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active animals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A compact urban zoo in Greenville, SC, featuring diverse animals from around the globe, perfect for family outings.
"It's a small downtown zoo, so you have to have perspective. You can walk the entire thing while taking your time at each enclosure in 90 minutes."
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Save $2 per ticket by purchasing online in advance. Easy entry with confirmation number!
🚶♀️ Walkable & Manageable
Perfect for toddlers and short visits. You can see most animals in under 2 hours.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Giraffe Encounter
Giraffe Exhibit
Feed a giraffe and get up close with these gentle giants. A truly memorable experience for all ages.
+1
Orangutans & Monkeys
Primate House
Watch the playful antics of orangutans and various monkey species. Always a crowd-pleaser!
+1
Red Pandas
Asia Exhibit
Spot these adorable, elusive creatures in their naturalistic habitat. A fan favorite!
Amur Leopard
Big Cat Exhibit
Marvel at the beauty of this critically endangered big cat, Irina.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Manage Expectations: It's a Compact Gem
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Save $2 per ticket by purchasing online in advance. Easy entry with confirmation number!
🚶♀️ Walkable & Manageable
Perfect for toddlers and short visits. You can see most animals in under 2 hours.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Visit early or late. Misting stations help, but cooler times are best for active animals.
🍎 Pack a Picnic
Outside food and drinks are allowed, making it budget-friendly for families.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Save $2 per ticket by purchasing online in advance. Easy entry with confirmation number!
🚶♀️ Walkable & Manageable
Perfect for toddlers and short visits. You can see most animals in under 2 hours.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Visit early or late. Misting stations help, but cooler times are best for active animals.
🍎 Pack a Picnic
Outside food and drinks are allowed, making it budget-friendly for families.
📸 Close-up Views
Animals are often close to the paths, making it easy to get great photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Greenville Zoo for its manageable size, making it perfect for families with young children. The close proximity to animals and opportunities like giraffe feeding are highlights. While small, it offers a pleasant and educational experience, especially when compared to its price point. Some exhibits may occasionally be closed, and it's important to manage expectations regarding its scale.
"It's a small downtown zoo, so you have to have perspective. You can walk the entire thing while taking your time at each enclosure in 90 minutes. So if you are expecting the NC zoo size, then it's quite different.
The variety of animals is quite good and on a calm and pleasant day you got to see everyone active. Distance to every animal is fairly close so getting pictures or seeing their movement is really easy.
The entire park was clean, well laid out, and simple to navigate. Pricing was typical for concessions and souvenirs, and gate price was lower than your really big zoos which was nice to see. I was very impressed with what you were able to experience while being wedged into a near downtown area. I will come back."
Gregory Rhoden
"Fun day at the zoo with the kids and grands. Small zoo and some exhibits were closed. But still a cute zoo to visit. Very hot the day we went. They had misting stations around zoo, which helped cool things off."
Keila Nichols
"Greenville zoo is a fun place for a family outing! If you can, I suggest you buy tickets online as it saves you $2 per ticket and all you have to do when you come to the gate is give the confirmation number and you are all set!
I went on a Thursday and it wasn't that busy at all! I went with a friend and our young kids and they loved it! Especially the Orangutans and the Monkeys. We only had 2.5 hours to spend there including having our packed lunch which took a half hour of that time. We would have easily spent 3 hours in the zoo part and probably another hour at the park outside the zoo."
Esther Lindeman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Greenville Zoo is located at 150 Cleveland Park Drive, Greenville, SC 29601. It's easily accessible by car and is a pleasant walk from downtown Greenville via the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
Yes, there is parking available at the zoo. Arriving early can help secure a spot, especially during peak times or special events.
Absolutely! The zoo is accessible via a scenic walk from downtown Greenville, particularly along the Swamp Rabbit Trail, making it a great option for those staying nearby.
Yes, the zoo paths are generally well-maintained and suitable for strollers, making it easy to navigate with young children.
The zoo is compact and easily walkable. Most visitors can explore all the exhibits within a couple of hours without needing any special transportation within the grounds.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are typically lower when purchased online in advance, saving you about $2 per ticket. Check the official website for current pricing.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the gate, but buying them online beforehand is recommended to save money and ensure entry, especially during busy periods or special events.
Yes, the Greenville Zoo offers membership options which can be a great value for frequent visitors, providing access to the zoo and potentially reciprocal benefits at other zoos. [^SEO]
Discounts are often available for online purchases. Keep an eye out for special promotions or group rates.
The zoo's operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Greenville Zoo website for the most up-to-date hours of operation before your visit. [^SEO]
🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of animals including red pandas, lions, orangutans, giraffes, monkeys, Amur leopards, and more, representing regions from Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Yes, it's a fantastic place for kids! Its manageable size prevents meltdowns, and interactive elements like giraffe feeding make it a hit.
Yes, you can feed the giraffes during scheduled times, which is a highlight for many visitors.
The zoo hosts special events like 'Holidays at the Zoo' with lights and decor, and 'Boo at the Zoo' for Halloween.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Dress for the weather, and consider bringing sun protection like hats and sunscreen, especially during warmer months.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Greenville Zoo allows visitors to bring in outside food and drinks, which is a great way to save money, especially for families.
The zoo typically has concessions available for purchase, offering snacks and drinks for visitors.
Being close to downtown Greenville, there are numerous dining options available just outside the zoo, ranging from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants.
While specific details can change, the zoo usually offers some form of concession stand or snack bar for quick bites.
Yes, there are areas where you can enjoy a packed lunch. The zoo is adjacent to Cleveland Park, offering more extensive picnic opportunities.
📸 📸 Photography
The giraffe feeding area, the orangutan enclosure, and the red panda habitat often provide excellent photo opportunities due to their visibility and engaging subjects.
Yes, personal photography is generally allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash if it might disturb the animals.
For professional photography or commercial shoots, it's advisable to contact the zoo administration in advance to inquire about their policies and any necessary permits. [^SEO]
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer lighting and more active animals, leading to better photographic opportunities.
While tripods and professional gear are usually permitted for personal use, it's always a good idea to check the zoo's specific guidelines regarding equipment to avoid any issues. [^SEO]
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
+1🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2 Visiting during the early morning or late afternoon offers the best natural light and often more active subjects. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Greenville Zoo with Kids
Key attractions for kids include the orangutans and monkeys, whose playful antics are always a hit.
+1 Misting stations are strategically placed throughout the zoo, providing welcome relief on hot days, though visiting during cooler parts of the day is still recommended for maximum comfort and animal activity. Maximizing Your Visit: Tips from Visitors
While the zoo is small, it offers a good variety of animals, including fan favorites like red pandas, lions, and orangutans.
The close proximity of the enclosures to the pathways makes it easy to get clear views and capture great photos of the animals. Special Events and Seasonal Attractions
For Halloween, the zoo hosts 'Boo at the Zoo', offering a spooky yet fun experience with special activities like trick-or-treating and themed decorations.
+1 These events are highly anticipated and draw significant crowds, so planning ahead is key. Other events, like 'Sippin' Safari', offer a unique evening experience for adults to enjoy the zoo with beverages. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit