Saint Louis Zoo
A world-class zoo offering free admission, showcasing diverse animals in spacious, naturalistic habitats. A must-visit St. Louis gem!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds
Saint Louis Zoo
Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A world-class zoo offering free admission, showcasing diverse animals in spacious, naturalistic habitats. A must-visit St. Louis gem!
"One of the most spectacular zoos that I’ve ever taken my kids to! Well worth the time."
🎯 Free Admission is a Game Changer
Enjoy the Saint Louis Zoo without an entry fee! Budget for optional extras like the train or special exhibits.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across 90 acres. Paved paths are accessible, but the zoo is vast!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Penguin & Polar Bear Pools
Chippewa River
Marvel at the playful penguins and majestic polar bears in spacious, naturalistic habitats. A true crowd-pleaser!
Giraffe Safari
African Savanna
Get up close with graceful giraffes and enjoy the thrill of feeding them (additional fee). A memorable experience for all ages.
Herpetarium
Insectarium
Explore a fascinating world of reptiles and amphibians in meticulously designed terrariums. Creepy crawlies galore!
Chimpanzee House
Primate House
Observe the intelligent and social chimpanzees in their engaging habitat. Always a captivating sight.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Free Admission
Pace Yourself for a Full Day
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission is a Game Changer
Enjoy the Saint Louis Zoo without an entry fee! Budget for optional extras like the train or special exhibits. +1
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across 90 acres. Paved paths are accessible, but the zoo is vast!
💧 Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated! Drinks can be pricey, and some exhibits restrict open containers.
⏰ Arrive Early for Parking
Free parking fills up fast, especially on weekends and during peak season. Aim for opening time.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission is a Game Changer
Enjoy the Saint Louis Zoo without an entry fee! Budget for optional extras like the train or special exhibits. +1
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across 90 acres. Paved paths are accessible, but the zoo is vast!
💧 Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated! Drinks can be pricey, and some exhibits restrict open containers.
⏰ Arrive Early for Parking
Free parking fills up fast, especially on weekends and during peak season. Aim for opening time.
🛴 Rent a Scooter Pal
Explore the zoo with ease on a rentable Scooter Pal for an adventurous way to see the animals.
🎃 Don't Miss Boo at the Zoo
Experience a non-scary Halloween event with festive decorations and entertainment for all ages.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Saint Louis Zoo for its free admission, extensive and well-maintained exhibits, and the quality of animal care. Many highlight the spacious, naturalistic habitats and the variety of animals as major draws. While the free entry is a significant plus, some note that optional attractions and food can add up. Overall, it's considered a top-tier zoo experience for all ages.
"One of the best zoo's we've been too. Best part is entry is free. Lots to see. Highly recommend riding the train. Bring a water bottle as in my opinion the drinks are high. They don't come with lids or straws and several exhibits do not allow any open drinks inside."
Ruth Laming
"One of the most spectacular zoos that I’ve ever taken my kids to! We’ve had a wonderful time it was very clean. Well taken care of the staff highly trained and very knowledgeable about all of the animals. We had questions about our. The foods were really good prices definitely wanna get there right when they open in summertime for sure we didn’t get to see all of the animals. Some of them weren’t out, but all around was a wonderful time. There took about five hours to see the whole zoo well worth the time. Highly recommend bringing your family to the zoo. Hope y’all enjoy the photos as we enjoy the zoo."
Joey Showalter
"I was absolutely amazed by the St. Louis Zoo! The territory is enormous — it actually took us two full days to see everything. The enclosures are very spacious, and every animal, reptile, or bird has conditions that feel close to their natural habitat.
There are several restaurants and plenty of drink kiosks, plus a mini train that runs around the entire zoo, which makes it easy and fun to get around. Highlights for me were the penguin and polar bear pools, the giraffe safari, the reptile terrariums, and the largest bird cage I’ve ever seen.
One of the most impressive things is that admission is completely free for everyone! I recommend arriving around 9:00 AM to find a spot in the free parking lot. Otherwise, there is paid parking available for $20.
This zoo is a must-visit — highly recommended!"
Elena Makri
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Saint Louis Zoo is located in Forest Park. You can drive and utilize the free parking lots (arrive early!) or paid parking. Public transportation options are also available via MetroLink and MetroBus.
Yes, the Saint Louis Zoo offers free parking in several lots. However, these fill up quickly, especially on busy days. Paid parking is also available for a fee.
The zoo is quite large, so consider renting a Scooter Pal for a fun and efficient way to cover ground. The zoo train is also a popular option for a scenic tour.
Yes, the zoo's paths are paved and feature gentle slopes, making it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. There's a lot of ground to cover, so plan accordingly.
While the zoo has dining options, you can bring your own food and drinks to enjoy in designated areas. Just be mindful of exhibit restrictions on open containers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, general admission to the Saint Louis Zoo is completely free! This is a major draw for visitors. +1
General admission is free. However, certain attractions like the train, carousel, and special exhibits may require separate tickets or fees.
The Saint Louis Zoo hours vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date schedule before your visit.
General admission is free. Costs are associated with optional attractions like the train ride, giraffe feeding, or special events.
The zoo occasionally offers 'behind the scenes' tours or special experiences, often tied to fundraising events like Zoofari. Check their website for availability.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors often rave about the penguins, polar bears, giraffes, and chimpanzees. The spacious and naturalistic habitats are a highlight.
To see most of the animals, plan for at least 4-5 hours. Some visitors dedicate two full days to explore the entire zoo thoroughly.
The zoo sometimes hosts animal demonstrations or keeper talks. Check the daily schedule upon arrival for any scheduled events.
Kids will love the train ride, carousel, and interactive exhibits. The diverse animal collection itself is a huge draw for children of all ages.
Yes, the zoo's paved paths and gentle slopes make it very stroller-friendly. You can also rent strollers if needed.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The zoo offers various dining locations, including cafes and kiosks, serving a range of options. The food at the North Entrance cafe is surprisingly good.
Some visitors find the drink prices to be on the higher side. Bringing your own water bottle is a good way to save money and stay hydrated.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and beverages to enjoy in designated areas. This can be a great way to save money.
📸 📸 Photography
The diverse animal habitats, especially the penguin and polar bear exhibits, offer fantastic photo opportunities. The large bird cage and giraffe safari are also picturesque.
Yes, the spacious enclosures and naturalistic settings provide great backdrops. Early morning light can be ideal for capturing clear, vibrant shots.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or videography may require permits. Always check the zoo's official guidelines.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Friends
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Saint Louis Zoo's Free Admission Model
This free admission policy is frequently highlighted by visitors as a major draw and a significant advantage over other zoos. It allows for spontaneous visits and repeat trips without the financial barrier.
Exploring the Zoo: Accessibility and Navigation
For those looking to cover more ground or add an element of fun to their exploration, the zoo offers convenient options. Rentable 'Scooter Pals' provide a unique way to cruise through the zoo, adding an adventurous touch to your visit.
Seasonal Events and Special Experiences
This popular event draws large crowds and offers a unique way to enjoy the zoo after dark. For a more exclusive experience, the zoo's annual 'Zoofari' fundraiser offers a chance to explore the grounds at night with cocktails and food from local restaurants, all while supporting conservation efforts.
These special events provide different perspectives and opportunities to engage with the zoo, making it a dynamic destination throughout the year. Checking the zoo's event calendar is recommended to plan your visit around these exciting occasions. +1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit