Memphis Zoo - The otters at the Memphis Zoo are so playful, always running in and out of the water.
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Memphis Zoo

4.6
·16k reviews·Memphis, United States

A vibrant zoological park featuring diverse animal habitats, exciting attractions like zip lines, and seasonal light festivals.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
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Memphis Zoo - The otters at the Memphis Zoo are so playful, always running in and out of the water.

Memphis Zoo

Best Time

Morning

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant zoological park featuring diverse animal habitats, exciting attractions like zip lines, and seasonal light festivals.

4.6
(16k reviews)

"One of the best zoos visited, very clean with super nice workers and happy animals."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll do a lot of walking! Consider a stroller for little ones.

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring water bottles or buy from vendors. Portable fans are a lifesaver in heat.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 16,030 reviews

Type

Zoo

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

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Grizzly Bears

Grizzly Bears

Northwest Passage

Witness the impressive grizzly bears, including Cochise, enjoying their habitat.

TikTok
Zoomazing Race Zip Line

Zoomazing Race Zip Line

Various locations

Experience an adrenaline rush on the dual zip line, racing through the trees.

TikTokInstagram
China Lantern Festival

China Lantern Festival

Zoo grounds

Marvel at a dazzling wonderland of color and light with vibrant, animal-shaped lanterns.

Instagram+1
Hippo Family

Hippo Family

West Tennessee Wetlands

Observe a hippo family, including their playful antics in the water.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Heat and Crowds

Memphis can get hot! Visit early or late to avoid peak sun and crowds. Consider bringing a portable fan and staying hydrated. Some reviewers noted food venues might be closed during off-season, so pack snacks if needed. Reddit

Maximize Your Visit

The Memphis Zoo is expansive; wear comfortable shoes and consider a stroller for younger children. Check for special events like the Lantern Festival. The 'Total Experience' ticket can bundle rides and feedings, offering good value. TikTok

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Animals more active
Crowd
Medium
When
Select Evenings (seasonal)
Why
Magical Zoo Lights experience
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I usually don’t post negative reviews but I personally was not impressed with Memphis Zoo. Don’t get me wrong, there are definitely some good aspects of the zoo and kids will still have fun, it just wasn’t at all what I expected after so many people recommended it on my @Nashville Zoo video #MemphisZoo #ThingsToDoInTennessee #ThingsToDoWithKids #ThingsToDoInMemphis #Tennessee #TN #EastTN #Memphis ...
@theeverywherefamily
840 likes • 36.8K views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll do a lot of walking! Consider a stroller for little ones. TikTokReddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring water bottles or buy from vendors. Portable fans are a lifesaver in heat. Reddit

Memphis Zoo be hittin different #memphis #memphiszoo #dolphland
@haikat
107 likes • 3.2K views
Volume up! 🔈 From the sound of it, Grogu is having a pretty good dream! 🍼💕 🎥 Keeper AJ #baby #animals #babyanimals #memphiszoo #grogu #aardvark
memphiszoo
74.7K likes • 29.4M views

🎟️ Check for TN Tuesdays

Free admission for TN residents with ID, Tuesdays 2-5 PM. Reddit

📱 Charge Your Phone

You'll want to capture all the amazing animals and experiences! Reddit

It even get wild at the Memphis zoo 😮‍💨😂#memphis #explore #ape
memphisright_now
17.3K likes • 593.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll do a lot of walking! Consider a stroller for little ones. TikTokReddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring water bottles or buy from vendors. Portable fans are a lifesaver in heat. Reddit

🎟️ Check for TN Tuesdays

Free admission for TN residents with ID, Tuesdays 2-5 PM. Reddit

📱 Charge Your Phone

You'll want to capture all the amazing animals and experiences! Reddit

☕ Grab a Coffee

The coffee shop offers surprisingly good brews. TikTok

🐒 Watch the Monkey Antics

Some primate behavior can be quite entertaining! TikTokInstagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(16k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Memphis Zoo for its clean, spacious, and well-maintained habitats, with animals that appear happy and healthy. The layout is often described as walkable and engaging, offering a great experience for all ages. While some areas may be under renovation, the vast selection of animals and additional attractions like the zip line and splash park make it a highly recommended destination. TikTokReddit

"Wow! The selection of animals was outstanding. We were passing by on a cross country road trip and needed to stretch our legs. The layout is amazing, so much walking, we did 7500 steps in two hours before they closed! I brought my three kids teen to toddler, everyone had a great time. Bring a stroller for under five yr old, super stroller friendly. We came on the off season on a Wednesday so the food places weren't open, got drinks from the various vending machines. A few enclosures didn't have occupants, but honestly not a big deal because there are sooooo many animals here, still. Missed the pandas but knew they weren't going to be here and it's not the fault of the zoo. The animal experts were so kind and knowledgeable and treated the animals with care. The animals looked well cared for and enclosures were large and clean."

Devin Fullilove

"One of the best zoos that I've visited and only got to cover half of it. So many sights the walking paths are amazing and have numerous shaded areas to protect you from the heat. Very clean and well maintained zoo."

YOU Mullins

"By far the best zoo my wife and i have ever been too. Very clean, super nice workers, they was working on part of it so we didn't see everything. You will get steps in. It was hot but there's plenty of shade and drink stations. The animals looked well fed and very happy."

Curtis Foster

What People Like

Clean and spacious habitats
Happy and healthy animals
Walkable and engaging layout

What People Dislike

Occasional enclosure closures
Food venue availability (off-season)

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Memphis Zoo is located at 2000 Prentiss Place, Memphis, TN 38112. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available for a fee. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the zoo. TikTok

Yes, there is parking available at the Memphis Zoo, typically for a fee of around $10. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on busy days, to secure a spot. Reddit

Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient way to reach the Memphis Zoo. The drop-off point is usually near the main entrance. TikTok

To avoid traffic, aim to arrive shortly after opening or a few hours before closing. Weekends and holidays will naturally be busier. TikTok

The Memphis Zoo is generally accessible, with paved pathways throughout. Many enclosures are designed for easy viewing. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date accessibility information. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Memphis Zoo hours are typically 9 AM to 6 PM, but it's always best to check their official website for the most current operating hours, as they can vary seasonally or for special events. Reddit

Ticket prices for the Memphis Zoo can vary. Adults are typically around $25.95, and children aged 2-11 are around $20.95. Children under 2 are usually free. Look out for potential discounts for TN residents on Tuesdays. Reddit

Yes, Tennessee residents can often get free admission on Tuesdays from 2 PM to 5 PM with a valid ID. Military discounts may also be available. Check the zoo's website for current offers. Reddit

It is highly recommended to purchase Memphis Zoo tickets online in advance. This can save you time at the entrance and sometimes offers slight discounts. TikTok

Yes, the Memphis Zoo offers membership options, including family memberships, which can provide great value if you plan to visit multiple times a year. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the grizzly bears, hippos, and the diverse collection of primates. The zoo also features elephants, lions, tigers, and many more fascinating creatures. TikTok+2

Yes, the Memphis Zoo is very stroller-friendly, with paved paths throughout. It's a great place to bring young children. TikTokReddit

The zoo offers a zip line, a splash park (additional cost), and seasonal events like the Lantern Festival. There are also opportunities for giraffe feeding and carousel rides. TikTokInstagram+1

The zoo's official policy states no outside food or drinks are allowed. However, some visitors have noted bringing snacks for toddlers, especially during off-peak times. It's best to check their current policy or be prepared to purchase food on-site. Reddit

Yes, the Memphis Zoo has several food venues and cafes. Some reviewers have praised the coffee shop for its quality. Vending machines are also available. TikTokReddit

📸 📸 Photography

Look for opportunities at the larger animal enclosures like the bears and hippos, and during special events like the Lantern Festival for vibrant shots. The zip line also offers unique perspectives. TikTokInstagram+1

While some animals can be elusive, the spacious enclosures often provide good viewing angles. Early morning or late afternoon light can be ideal for photography. TikTok+1

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or videography may require special permits. Always check the zoo's guidelines if you're planning extensive shoots. TikTok

A versatile zoom lens is recommended to capture animals at various distances. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of enclosures and the overall zoo atmosphere. TikTok

The Zoomazing Race zip line and the illuminated displays during the Lantern Festival offer unique and memorable photo opportunities. Instagram+1

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