Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium - a flamingo standing in a grassy area next to a body of water
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Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

4.5
·17k reviews·Pittsburgh, United States

Discover diverse wildlife at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, featuring an African Savanna, Asian Forest, and captivating underwater worlds.

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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Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium - a flamingo standing in a grassy area next to a body of water

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal activity

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover diverse wildlife at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, featuring an African Savanna, Asian Forest, and captivating underwater worlds.

4.5
(17k reviews)

"A perfect family day with incredible animals and a stress-free experience, including free parking!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Buy Tickets Online

Skip the lines by purchasing your Pittsburgh Zoo tickets in advance online.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The zoo is hilly! Be prepared for lots of walking with good footwear.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 17,380 reviews

Type

Zoo

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

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Penguin Exhibit

Penguin Exhibit

Aquarium

Marvel at the energetic macaroni penguins, including the beloved Mickey, celebrating his 39th hatchday!

TikTok+1
African Savanna

African Savanna

Witness majestic elephants and other iconic African wildlife in a beautifully designed naturalistic habitat.

Reddit
PPG Aquarium

PPG Aquarium

Dive into an underwater world with vibrant marine life, including sharks in a stunning two-story tank.

InstagramReddit
Kid's Kingdom

Kid's Kingdom

A safe and engaging space for little ones to explore, climb, and interact with animals.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets in Advance

Save time and potentially money by purchasing your Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium tickets online before your visit. This is especially helpful during peak seasons to avoid long queues at the entrance. Reddit

Prepare for Pittsburgh Hills

The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is known for its hilly terrain. Wear comfortable, athletic shoes to navigate the paths easily, especially if you plan to explore the entire park. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium
When
Special Events
Why
Unique seasonal experiences
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Happy 39th hatchday to the iconic Mickey! #pittsburghzoo #aquarium #pittsburgh #zoo #penguin #penguins #animals #animalsoftiktok #birthday #fyp
@pghzoo
450.7K likes • 2.7M views

🎟️ Buy Tickets Online

Skip the lines by purchasing your Pittsburgh Zoo tickets in advance online. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The zoo is hilly! Be prepared for lots of walking with good footwear. Reddit

A grand entrance! #pittsburghzoo #ppgaquarium #zoo #aquarium #penguins #penguin #animals #johncena #WWE #fyp
@pghzoo
124.4K likes • 1.1M views
BRAND NEW fall event at The Pittsburgh Zoo 🎃🍁 • • • #sponsored by The Pittsburgh Zoo When @pghzoo asked me to visit their new Jack O’ Lantern Extravaganza, I was SO EXCITED. They have the best specialty events, and this one did not disappoint. It was beyond epic! It’s all in the details: 🔥 S’mores by the campfire 🍁 Sausage & kielbasa sammies from the hot dog truck 🍷 Sinister sangria 🍿 Cookies &...
ana.eats.pgh
16.1K likes • 489.1K views

🗺️ Grab a Zoo Map

Navigate the park easily with a map to find all the amazing animals and exhibits. Reddit

🐧 Don't Miss the Penguins!

The penguin exhibit is a must-see, especially for Mickey's birthday celebrations! TikTok

A tiger on World Tiger Day 🐅, penguins gliding through their gorgeous new exhibit🐧, and a toddler who couldn’t stop smiling ! The Pittsburgh Zoo was everything we needed and more. ✨ Even with the entrance under construction, getting in was easy and well-organized. We wandered through the zoo and aquarium for hours. From the pinkest flamingos to spotting tortoises sharing kale, monkeys caring for ...
thepghmomma
6 likes • 375 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Buy Tickets Online

Skip the lines by purchasing your Pittsburgh Zoo tickets in advance online. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The zoo is hilly! Be prepared for lots of walking with good footwear. Reddit

🗺️ Grab a Zoo Map

Navigate the park easily with a map to find all the amazing animals and exhibits. Reddit

🐧 Don't Miss the Penguins!

The penguin exhibit is a must-see, especially for Mickey's birthday celebrations! TikTok

🦈 Explore the Aquarium

The PPG Aquarium offers a fantastic underwater experience with sharks and more. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(17k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium for its clean, well-laid-out exhibits and the engaging experience it offers families. The free parking and the dual attraction of the zoo and aquarium are major highlights. Some minor drawbacks include occasional congestion in popular areas and the temporary closure of certain facilities.

"I thought the zoo was laid out and flowed nicely. It was clean throughout. Some parts were closed so had to go backwards through the part we just went through. There were some staff around certain exhibits to talk about them and answer any questions, i thought that was very informative. I can definitely appreciate the free parking and i would definitely recommend purchasing your tickets in advance."

Jen Abulencia

"A Perfect Family Day at Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is a wonderful destination for a full day of family fun. From the moment you arrive, the experience is stress-free—especially with ample free parking right near the entrance.

The zoo is beautifully laid out, making it easy to explore with kids. There’s an incredible variety of animals to see—from majestic elephants and playful sea otters to exotic tigers and colorful tropical fish in the aquarium. The exhibits are thoughtfully designed, giving you an up-close view while also teaching about conservation and wildlife care.

Families will especially love Kid’s Kingdom, where little ones can climb, explore, and interact with animals in a safe, engaging environment. The paths are stroller-friendly, and there are plenty of shaded spots and seating areas for breaks.

The aquarium is a highlight on its own, with fascinating underwater tunnels and vibrant marine life, making it feel like two attractions in one. Throughout the day, you’ll find snack stands, picnic areas, and even places to grab a meal while still enjoying animal views.

Overall, the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium offers a perfect mix of adventure, learning, and relaxation. With free parking, friendly staff, and activities for all ages, it’s an easy choice for a memorable family outing."

Deepnath Das

"If you end up spending over 5 hours on your first visit here, you know it was a good time. What i loved most was how well the enclosures were made in natural environments. It was like walking through nature while stopping to view a variety of animals. Kyle really enjoyed everything as well. The layout is really well thought out. A couple minor drawbacks were highly congested areas that just didn't have much viewing area for the crowd mass. It was busy and very congested in a few areas. We also waited 30 minutes for a pizza order. Otherwise overall great visit, well worth the price of admission."

Matthew Truett

What People Like

Clean and well-designed exhibits
Free parking
Dual zoo and aquarium experience

What People Dislike

Congested viewing areas
Occasional facility closures

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is located at 7370 Baker Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. TikTok

Yes, the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium offers ample free parking, making arrival stress-free. Reddit

You can drive directly to the zoo, as it has plenty of parking. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the area. Reddit

Yes, several hotels are located near the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, offering convenient accommodation for visitors. Reddit

While driving is common due to ample free parking, it's advisable to check local Pittsburgh transit authority schedules for any bus routes that may service the zoo's vicinity. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Pittsburgh Zoo hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit. Reddit

Ticket prices for the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium can vary. Purchasing tickets in advance online is recommended, and checking the official website will provide the most accurate pricing information. Reddit

While tickets are often available at the gate, purchasing your Pittsburgh Zoo tickets in advance online is highly recommended to save time and potentially avoid disappointment. Reddit

Yes, the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium hosts various special events throughout the year, such as the Jack O'Lantern Extravaganza. Keep an eye on their schedule for unique seasonal experiences. Instagram

Discounts may be available for certain groups or during special promotions. Checking the official Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium website or inquiring at the ticket counter is the best way to find out about current offers. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the popular penguin exhibit, the majestic African Savanna, the vibrant PPG Aquarium with its shark tank, and the engaging Kid's Kingdom for younger visitors. TikTokInstagramReddit

Yes, the paths at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium are generally stroller-friendly, making it easier for families to explore. Reddit

The zoo offers various snack stands and dining options. However, some facilities like restaurants may occasionally be closed, so it's good to check availability. Reddit

The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium features a well-thought-out layout, often described as a large loop, making it easy to navigate and see all the exhibits. Reddit

While direct interaction is limited for safety, Kid's Kingdom offers opportunities for younger children to engage with animals in a controlled environment. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The penguin exhibit, the large shark tank in the aquarium, and the naturalistic enclosures of the African Savanna offer fantastic photo opportunities. TikTokInstagramReddit

Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. However, always be mindful of any posted restrictions, especially regarding flash photography near sensitive exhibits. Instagram

A versatile camera with good zoom capabilities is ideal for capturing animals at various distances. A smartphone with a good camera is also sufficient for most visitors. Instagram

While generally permitted, avoid using flash photography in the PPG Aquarium to protect the marine life and ensure the best viewing experience for everyone. Instagram

Look for unique moments like penguins diving, tigers in their habitat, or the colorful array of fish in the aquarium for memorable shots. TikTokInstagram

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