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Salisbury Zoo

4.5
·4k reviews·Salisbury, United States

A charming, free zoo in Maryland featuring animals from the Americas in naturalistic habitats, perfect for families.

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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Flamengo

Salisbury Zoo

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal activity

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming, free zoo in Maryland featuring animals from the Americas in naturalistic habitats, perfect for families.

4.5
(4k reviews)

"Salisbury Zoological Park is such a gem. It’s completely free to visit (which is amazing), though they do accept donations."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Embrace the Free Admission

Enjoy this gem with free entry! Donations are highly encouraged to support animal care. :heart:

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a good amount of walking, so wear comfy shoes for exploring the zoo grounds.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Alpaca Encounter

Alpaca Encounter

Americas Habitat

Meet the charming alpacas! These gentle creatures are a delight to observe as they graze and interact.

TikTok
Vibrant Flamingos

Vibrant Flamingos

Aviary

Be mesmerized by the striking pink plumage of the flamingos, a lively and colorful addition to the zoo.

Instagram
Spacious Playgrounds

Spacious Playgrounds

Near Entrance

Let the kids burn off energy at the large, well-equipped playgrounds, perfect for a break between animal viewings.

InstagramReddit
Bison Habitat

Bison Habitat

Americas Habitat

Observe the majestic bison in their naturalistic enclosure, a powerful sight for all ages.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Free Admission

Salisbury Zoo offers free admission, a rarity for zoos! While donations are encouraged and greatly appreciated to support animal care, you can enjoy a full day of exploration without an entry fee. Consider bringing cash for donation boxes scattered throughout the park. InstagramReddit

Plan for a Few Hours of Fun

This charming zoo is perfectly sized for a few hours of exploration, making it an ideal stop for families or day-trippers. It's a great way to enjoy the outdoors and see a variety of animals without an overwhelming experience. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Good for playground time
Crowd
Medium
When
During feeding times
Why
See animals at their most active
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We have six alpacas here at the Salisbury Zoo. Alpacas eat hay and grasses. . . . #alpacas #alpacasofinstagram #salisburyzoo #salisburymd #delmarva #easternshoremd
officialsalisburyzoo
550 likes • 8.2K views

🎯 Embrace the Free Admission

Enjoy this gem with free entry! Donations are highly encouraged to support animal care. InstagramReddit :heart:

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a good amount of walking, so wear comfy shoes for exploring the zoo grounds. Instagram

Maryland Zoo’s 🦩 Salisbury Zoo 📍755 S Park Dr, Salisbury, MD 21804 ⏰ Everyday from 9am-4:30pm 💰 FREE 🅿️ Free parking in a big lot 🛝 2 playgrounds 🍔 They have a concession stand inside with food ♿️ They have wheelchairs for free to use Notable features: ✨ they have over 100 different animals 🐻🦥🦙🦉🐍 ✨ the playground is huge and features a sandbox, swings, and a picnic area 🧺 ✨ Salisbury park...
rubiofamilyfun
14 likes • 506 views
Salisbury Zoo 755 S. Park Drive Salisbury, MD Have you been to this FREE zoo in Maryland? We visited the @officialsalisburyzoo during a recent trip to @oceancitymaryland It was a highlight of our trip - we had such a great day here! We parked at the west entrance of the zoo which shares a parking lot with Ben’s Red Swings (📍297 Beaver Dam Rd Salisbury, MD) - an amazing, HUGE wooden playground...
md.kid.adventures
294 likes • 17K views

🍎 Pack Snacks & Drinks

While there's a concession stand, bringing your own snacks and water is a budget-friendly option. Instagram

📸 Capture the Moments

Don't forget your camera or phone to snap photos of the diverse animals and exhibits. Instagram

Took a day trip to the Salisbury Zoo, one of three free zoos within “Day Trip Distance” to the beach. The others of course being Cape May, and Wilmington. Such a fun time, well worth the short drive! @officialsalisburyzoo @worldwide_zoos #salisbury #maryland #zoo #animals
delawarebeachesonline
78 likes • 1.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Embrace the Free Admission

Enjoy this gem with free entry! Donations are highly encouraged to support animal care. InstagramReddit :heart:

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a good amount of walking, so wear comfy shoes for exploring the zoo grounds. Instagram

🍎 Pack Snacks & Drinks

While there's a concession stand, bringing your own snacks and water is a budget-friendly option. Instagram

📸 Capture the Moments

Don't forget your camera or phone to snap photos of the diverse animals and exhibits. Instagram

🚗 Ample Free Parking

Parking is plentiful and free, making arrival and departure hassle-free. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Salisbury Zoo for its free admission and well-maintained grounds. The friendly staff and the apparent care for the animals are frequently highlighted positives. While not the largest zoo, its manageable size and engaging exhibits, including playgrounds, make it a highly recommended stop for families and anyone seeking an enjoyable, low-cost outing. Reddit+1

"Salisbury Zoological Park is such a gem.
It’s completely free to visit (which is amazing), though they do accept donations—and honestly, they deserve every bit of support. The staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, always happy to chat and share info about the animals. The grounds are clean, well maintained, and you can really see the care that goes into every enclosure. Over the years, the park has continued to grow and improve, and it’s clear they prioritize the well-being of their animals. Whether you’re local or just passing through, it’s absolutely worth a visit."

Jorge Rodriguez

"Absolutely adorable!! It was enjoyable to walk around with my kids while on vacation. Animals seemed well cared for, one bison was missing a horn and was bleeding but it didn't look dirty. It was clean there, no trash on the ground."

Sarah

"Free to visit park that takes donations to help animals. Visited in Aug. with two kids 5-4 and both had a great time! The zoo isn’t a huge one and doesn’t have the best of everything but had a decent amount of enclosures with signs posted of more animals coming and the size made it easily walkable with the youngins. If in the area we believed it to be a nice FREE thing to do for a couple hours and enjoy time outside with the family"

Austin Grove

What People Like

Free admission
Well-cared-for animals
Friendly staff

What People Dislike

One animal had a minor injury

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Salisbury Zoo is located at 755 S Park Dr, Salisbury, MD 21804. It's easily accessible by car, with ample free parking available. Instagram+1

Yes, there is a large, free parking lot available for visitors. Instagram

Absolutely! Salisbury Zoo is a great day trip option from the beach, offering a fun break from the coast. InstagramReddit

From Ocean City, MD, take US-50 W towards Salisbury. The zoo is a short drive and a popular stop for those visiting the beach area. Instagram

Information on public transport to Salisbury Zoo is limited, but driving is the most common and convenient method. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Salisbury Zoo offers completely free admission! Donations are gratefully accepted to support animal care and park maintenance. InstagramReddit+1

The zoo is open every day from 9 am to 4:30 pm. Instagram

Yes, donations are highly encouraged and can be made at donation boxes located throughout the park. Reddit+1

Salisbury Zoo occasionally hosts events. It's best to check their official website or social media for the latest information on Salisbury Zoo events. TikTok

The zoo is generally open daily, including holidays, but it's always a good idea to confirm hours on their official channels. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Salisbury Zoo houses over 100 different animals, with a focus on species from the Americas. You can see animals like alpacas, flamingos, bison, and more. TikTokInstagram+1

Yes, Salisbury Zoo is very family-friendly! It features two playgrounds and a manageable size for young children. InstagramReddit

The zoo offers free wheelchairs for visitors to use, making it accessible for everyone. Instagram

Salisbury Zoo is a moderately sized park, perfect for a few hours of exploration without being overwhelming for families. Reddit

Restroom facilities are available within the zoo grounds for visitor convenience. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Salisbury Zoo has a concession stand inside the park that offers food options. Instagram

Visitors are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks, which can be a great way to save money. Instagram

While specific picnic areas aren't heavily advertised, visitors often find spots to enjoy their own packed meals. Instagram

The concession stand typically offers standard park fare like snacks and drinks. Instagram

Salisbury offers a variety of dining options just a short drive from the zoo. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture vibrant shots of the flamingos, observe the majestic bison, and get close-ups of the diverse animals. The naturalistic habitats also make for beautiful backdrops. Instagram+1

Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout the zoo for personal use. Be mindful of any specific signage regarding flash photography near certain exhibits. Instagram

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer lighting and potentially more active animals. TikTok

Yes, you can photograph the playgrounds, but be considerate of other visitors, especially children. Instagram

Drone usage is typically not permitted in zoo environments to ensure the safety and well-being of animals and visitors. Check with zoo management for specific policies. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Salisbury Zoo is a dream for families! The free admission and ample free parking make it incredibly accessible. Kids will love the two large playgrounds and the chance to see over 100 different animals. The zoo's size is perfect for little legs, and the free wheelchairs are a thoughtful touch for any family needing them. InstagramReddit

Pack snacks and drinks to keep costs down, or grab a bite at the on-site concession stand. It's a wonderful, low-stress outing that provides hours of entertainment and educational fun without breaking the bank. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Salisbury Zoo is a true gem. Admission is completely free, making it one of the most affordable attractions in the region. While donations are encouraged, there's no pressure to spend money to enjoy the park. InstagramReddit

Bring your own food and drinks to save on dining costs, and take advantage of the free parking. It's an excellent way to experience a quality attraction without a significant financial outlay, perfect for extending your travel funds. Instagram

🚗 Day-Trippers & Road-Trippers

Salisbury Zoo is an ideal stop for a day trip or a break during a longer road trip. Its convenient location makes it easily accessible, and the free admission means you can pop in for a few hours without a major commitment. InstagramReddit

It's a perfect way to break up a drive, especially if you're traveling to or from the beach areas. The zoo offers a refreshing change of pace with its animal exhibits and playgrounds, making it a memorable and worthwhile detour. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Salisbury Zoo's Commitment to Animal Welfare

Salisbury Zoo places a strong emphasis on the well-being of its residents. The enclosures are designed to mimic natural habitats, providing animals with stimulating environments. Visitors have noted that the animals appear well-cared for, with good-sized exhibits that allow them to thrive. Reddit+1

This dedication extends to ongoing improvements and the introduction of new species. The zoo actively works to enhance its facilities and expand its collection, ensuring a high standard of care. This commitment is a key reason why the zoo is so highly regarded by locals and visitors alike. Reddit

While the zoo is free, it relies on donations to maintain these high standards. Visitors are encouraged to contribute, as these funds directly support the animals' health, nutrition, and habitat enrichment. Reddit+1

A Family-Friendly Day Out

Salisbury Zoo is a fantastic destination for families, offering a blend of educational animal encounters and recreational fun. The zoo's manageable size makes it ideal for younger children, preventing them from becoming overwhelmed. Reddit

The presence of two well-equipped playgrounds provides ample opportunity for kids to play and burn off energy. This, combined with the engaging animal exhibits, makes for a well-rounded family outing. Many visitors highlight the zoo as a perfect stop for a few hours of enjoyment, especially when taking a break from nearby beach destinations. InstagramReddit

With free admission and free parking, Salisbury Zoo is an accessible and budget-friendly option for families looking for a memorable experience. The availability of free wheelchairs also ensures that visitors with mobility needs can comfortably explore the park. Instagram

Exploring the Delmarva Peninsula

Salisbury Zoo serves as an excellent anchor point for exploring the wider Delmarva Peninsula. Its location makes it a convenient stop for road trips, offering a unique attraction that complements other regional highlights. InstagramReddit

Consider combining your visit to the zoo with other nearby attractions. Tuckahoe State Park offers natural beauty and hiking trails, while Jane's Island State Park provides opportunities for boating and exploring coastal landscapes. For a taste of local charm, explore the towns of Tilghman Island or Wye Island. Reddit

This region is rich in diverse experiences, from historical sites to natural wonders. Salisbury Zoo fits perfectly into a broader itinerary, providing a delightful and free interlude during your Delmarva adventure. Instagram