Little Rock Zoo
A charming 33-acre zoo featuring over 700 animals, a vintage carousel, train, and engaging play areas for families.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals are active, cooler temps
Little Rock Zoo
Best Time
Animals are active, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming 33-acre zoo featuring over 700 animals, a vintage carousel, train, and engaging play areas for families.
"This is by far one of our favorites! The play areas are great! Do not skip out on this amazing zoo!"
🎯 Arrive Early for Animals
Many animals are most active in the morning. Beat the heat and see them at their liveliest! :sunrise:
🎟️ Book Event Tickets Ahead
GloWild and other special events sell out. Get your tickets online to guarantee entry! :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Penguin & Puffin Coast
Penguin & Puffin Coast
Watch adorable African penguins swim, play, and put on a show right at the glass!
Orangutan Habitat
Orangutan Habitat
See the sweet orangutan mom and baby duo, often seen interacting and even blowing kisses.
GloWild Holiday Lights
Various locations throughout the zoo
Experience a magical winter wonderland with dazzling lantern displays and interactive exhibits.
Bush Dogs
Bush Dog Exhibit
Don't miss the unique bush dogs, especially if they have playful babies!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Check for Special Events
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Animals
Many animals are most active in the morning. Beat the heat and see them at their liveliest! :sunrise:
🎟️ Book Event Tickets Ahead
GloWild and other special events sell out. Get your tickets online to guarantee entry! :ticket:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the amazing animals. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated & Cool
Bring water bottles and utilize misters and shaded areas, especially in warmer months. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Animals
Many animals are most active in the morning. Beat the heat and see them at their liveliest! :sunrise:
🎟️ Book Event Tickets Ahead
GloWild and other special events sell out. Get your tickets online to guarantee entry! :ticket:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the amazing animals. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated & Cool
Bring water bottles and utilize misters and shaded areas, especially in warmer months. :droplet:
📸 Capture the Magic
The zoo offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially during events like GloWild. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Little Rock Zoo for its up-close animal encounters, engaging exhibits, and family-friendly atmosphere. Many highlight the penguins' entertaining antics and the sweet orangutan family. While some note its size compared to larger zoos, the variety and care for the animals are frequently commended. Occasional closures of amenities like the cafe are mentioned but rarely detract from the overall positive experience.
"We had a good time!! Seen a good amount of animals and they were active. We went on a Friday in the morning and it was already crowded. So that was a surprise. 🙃 But it was good! I think it's well maintained and the animals looked well taken care of...everything is $3 and up when you go. I'm not sure how much food was but the gift store is expensive. Mom said a hat was $24 and a shirt. They do have strollers, wheel chairs and carts to rent. The carts are $30. There is a train and carousel. Plenty of parks!! And rest areas and even quiet areas that are nice to relax. A 5 star would have been a better map and signs, we couldn't find the lions. The GloWild looks amazing !! $19.50 per person."
Kimberly Garcia
"So impressed on how well kept up this zoo is for being 100 years old. A major remodel was going on a long with men working hard to get holiday decorations up. Lots of animals and a good walk. The highlight of my visit was the chimpanzee mother with her child on her back walking around their entire home. I got here around 12:30 and stayed till closing. You can always tell when they're close to closing all the animals start to go in to be fed. I almost forgot they have a wooden carousel that was over 100 years old that worked smoothly and all the kids loved it."
Roger House
"The six of us that went had an amazing time. Even with construction going on and setting up of a christmas event nothing got in the way of the zoo itself! Pretty decent animal selection to view and the staff where super friendly and helpful. Will certainly be back again."
Sean Graham
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Little Rock Zoo is located at 1 Jonesboro Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transportation options might be limited, so driving is generally recommended.
Yes, the zoo offers parking for visitors. During special events, parking can fill up quickly, and there might be a fee.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient option for reaching the Little Rock Zoo, especially if you're staying nearby.
From downtown Little Rock, take I-30 West to Exit 139 for University Avenue. Turn right onto University Avenue, then left onto Jonesboro Drive. The zoo will be on your right.
The zoo is generally accessible, with paved pathways throughout. However, it's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, especially for special events. It's best to check the official Little Rock Zoo website for current ticket prices and any discounts. Some community days offer reduced admission for residents.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular events like GloWild, to avoid disappointment and potential sell-outs.
Zoo hours can vary seasonally and for special events. Typically, the zoo is open daily, but it's crucial to check their official website for the most accurate and up-to-date hours before your visit.
The zoo sometimes offers discounts for residents on specific community days, and military or senior discounts may be available. Check their website or inquire at the ticket booth.
GloWild is a spectacular holiday light display event held at the zoo during the winter months, featuring elaborate lantern installations and interactive exhibits.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors rave about the African penguins, the orangutan family, and the unique bush dogs. Many also enjoy seeing the tigers and other big cats.
Absolutely! The zoo features great play areas, and they often have interactive learning experiences, like the predator vs. prey demonstration mentioned by visitors.
Yes, the Little Rock Zoo has a unique antique carousel and a zoo train, adding to the fun for families.
Mornings are generally best, especially in warmer months, as animals are more active and the temperatures are cooler.
A typical visit can last 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and how long you spend at each exhibit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The zoo typically has a cafe or concessions, but it may be closed for upgrades or during certain seasons. It's wise to check their website or bring your own snacks. +1
Generally, you can bring your own water bottles and snacks. Some zoos have designated picnic areas. Check the zoo's policy for specifics.
During special evening events like 'Wines in the Wild,' alcohol is available for purchase.
Expect typical zoo fare like hot dogs, burgers, snacks, and drinks. The cafe may be undergoing renovations, so confirm availability.
Options can be limited at zoo cafes. Bringing your own vegetarian or vegan snacks is a good strategy if you have specific dietary needs.
📸 📸 Photography
The penguin exhibit, orangutan habitat, and the GloWild light displays offer fantastic photo opportunities. The unique carousel is also a great subject.
Yes, personal photography is generally allowed and encouraged. However, professional photography or drone usage may require special permits.
Early mornings offer softer light and more active animals. Evening events like GloWild provide a completely different, magical photographic experience.
Avoid using flash photography directly at animals, as it can disturb them. Also, be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways.
Commercial photography usually requires prior permission and potentially a fee. Contact the zoo's marketing department for details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Plan to arrive early to make the most of cooler temperatures and more active animals. Bring plenty of water and snacks, or check if the cafe is open, as kids can get hungry quickly. The zoo's manageable size makes it ideal for a half-day outing without overwhelming little ones.
couples
+2'Wines in the Wild' events offer an adult-focused evening with refreshments, providing a relaxed setting to enjoy the zoo after dark.
Budget Travelers
Bringing your own snacks and water can significantly cut down on food expenses. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid potential weekend crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience. The zoo's size makes it manageable for a few hours, so you can get a great experience without needing a full day's commitment, saving on time and potential additional costs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Animal Exhibits
Each exhibit is designed to provide a stimulating environment for the animals while offering an educational and engaging experience for guests. Keep an eye out for special keeper talks, which offer deeper insights into the animals' lives and conservation efforts. The zoo also participates in Species Survival Programs, contributing to the preservation of endangered species.
Special Events and Experiences
+2Other events, like 'Wines in the Wild,' offer adults a unique opportunity to enjoy the zoo after hours with refreshments.
Checking the zoo's event calendar is essential to catch these memorable occasions.Conservation and Education
These programs aim to maintain healthy, genetically diverse populations in zoos and aquariums. Educational programs and keeper talks are integral to the zoo's mission, providing visitors with valuable information about animal behavior, habitats, and the challenges faced by wildlife in the wild. These initiatives help foster a greater appreciation for nature and inspire future conservationists.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit