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ZooTampa at Lowry Park

4.6

·27k reviews·Tampa, United States

A vibrant zoo offering diverse animal encounters, thrilling rides, and family fun, with a focus on Florida conservation.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace

CrowdLow

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ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant zoo offering diverse animal encounters, thrilling rides, and family fun, with a focus on Florida conservation.

4.6

(27k reviews)

"Amazing zoo, never too crowded during weekdays, food and drinks are very expensive."

TIP

🎯 Annual Pass Perks

Get an annual pass for year-round access & discounts on events! 🎟️

💧 Stay Cool

Bring a refillable water bottle & utilize misters and fans. It gets hot! :droplet:

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 27,162 reviews

Type

Zoo

Address

1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604, USA

Website

zootampa.org

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

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Manatee Encounter

Florida Conservation Center

Watch these gentle giants up close, even catching them playfully stealing lettuce! A truly unique and hilarious sight.

Dino's Unearthed

Special Exhibit Area

Roar with excitement! This exhibit brings prehistoric creatures to life, a must-see for any dinosaur enthusiast.

Safari Africa

Safari Africa Exhibit

Embark on a safari adventure! See lions, elephants, and giraffes in spacious enclosures, offering a glimpse into their natural habitats.

Roaring Springs

Splash Zone

Cool off on this thrilling water ride! Perfect for a hot Florida day, but be prepared to get a little wet.

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Planning Your Visit

Annual Pass Value

Consider an annual pass! Many visitors find it's a 'godsend' for frequent visits, offering discounts on special events and even during holidays like Halloween and Christmas.

Beat the Heat & Crowds

Tampa can get hot! Look for shaded areas, misters, and fans. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, making for a more relaxed visit.

Best Times

When

Weekdays

Why

Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace

Crowd

Low

When

Mornings

Why

Beat the heat and see active animals

Crowd

Medium

When

Late Afternoon

Why

Cooler temps, fewer families leaving

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Welcome to the zoo! @zootampa #lowryparkzoo #cerebralpalsy #MyStyle #cerebralpalsyawareness #fyp #zootampa

@jordan_bekind

3.2K likes • 34.5K views

🎯 Annual Pass Perks

Get an annual pass for year-round access & discounts on events! 🎟️

💧 Stay Cool

Bring a refillable water bottle & utilize misters and fans. It gets hot! :droplet:

You wanna have a good time in Tampa? Long drives are always the best. Especially, when heading to an awesome destination. Visit Ybor and Zoo Tampa when you come to town. #yborcity #tampa #travel

@antonio_lamont_mccotry

1.8K likes • 23.4K views

If your kids are dinosaur lovers, you gotta check out Dino’s Unearthed at ZooTampa at Lowry Park! It’s awesome! 🤩 #dinosaur #tampaflorida #zootampa

slayathomemom1

2 likes • 80 views

💰 Food Costs

Food and drinks can be pricey. Consider packing snacks or budgeting accordingly. :moneybag:

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:

🌿We had an amazing day at ZooTampa at Lowry Park today! Surrounded by nature and incredible animals from all around the world – it was such a fun and educational experience for all of us From 🦁 lions to 🐘 elephants, 🦒 giraffes to 🐊 alligators, there are hundreds of animals to see here. What makes ZooTampa special is not just the variety, but also the way the habitats are designed to resemble the ...

sema_safak_demir

0 likes • 11.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Annual Pass Perks

Get an annual pass for year-round access & discounts on events! 🎟️

💧 Stay Cool

Bring a refillable water bottle & utilize misters and fans. It gets hot! :droplet:

💰 Food Costs

Food and drinks can be pricey. Consider packing snacks or budgeting accordingly. :moneybag:

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Moments

Don't forget your camera or phone to snap pics of the amazing animals! :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.6

(27k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise ZooTampa for its well-cared-for animals, spacious enclosures, and engaging exhibits suitable for all ages. The addition of attractions like the water ride and dinosaur exhibit adds to the fun. However, some find food and drink prices to be quite high, and parking can be an issue on busy days.

"We LOVE this zoo! They have a lot of stuff to do for all ages! We have a two year old and he loves the carousel and the splash pad! We were finally able to do the safari thing and he also loved that. Everyone here is very nice and knowledgeable. They have a lot of different animals to look at and they are all well taken care of. My only complaint is to maybe put fans on the safari truck; it gets HOT on that thing."

Kara Sowinski

"Amazing zoo, never to crowned during week days, food and drinks are very expensive, should be evaluated because inflation is already difficult enough. Zoo is very clean and had variety of animals that you can clearly see. The way the zoo is set up is wonderful and not boring, there's bridges, tunnels, cages. I'm very satisfied as they also have toddler activities for member holders. The splash pad is a winner as well."

Aleksandra Kapral

"What a FUN and engaging zoo! The animals are well cared for and have very spacious enclosures with lots of different spots for napping, playing or hiding. I saw so many zookeepers, interns, workers and volunteers who were all friendly and informative. I didn't get a chance to try any of the extra animal encounters, but they seem interesting and fun and not terribly expensive. It was a VERY hot day, but there were lots of misters, fans and shade to help keep cool. I can't pick one area or animal as my favorite, but I will say that I was pretty thrilled to see the Shoebill Storks!"

Wendy LaMothe

What People Like

Well-cared-for animals

Engaging exhibits for all ages

Family-friendly attractions

What People Dislike

Expensive food/drinks

Parking challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is located at 1101 W. Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604. Visitors often drive, and while parking can be challenging on busy days, they are expanding. Valet parking is also an option.

Public transportation options to ZooTampa are available via Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) buses. Check the HART website for specific routes and schedules.

ZooTampa offers on-site parking. During peak times, it can get busy, but the zoo is expanding its parking facilities. Valet parking is also available for a fee.

Yes, ZooTampa is generally accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. The walking paths are wide, and many exhibits are designed for easy viewing.

While outside food and drinks are generally not permitted, you can bring a sealed water bottle. Check the zoo's official policy for the most up-to-date information.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission prices can vary. It's best to check the official ZooTampa website for the most current ticket prices. Look for potential discounts online or through membership programs.

Yes, discounts can often be found. Consider an annual pass for significant savings if you plan to visit multiple times. Special event discounts may also be available.

ZooTampa hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check their official website for the most accurate daily operating hours before your visit.

Yes, purchasing ZooTampa tickets online in advance is highly recommended. This often saves time at the entrance and can sometimes offer a slight discount.

ZooTampa typically offers different admission tiers for adults, children, and seniors. Check their website for specific age ranges and pricing for each category.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the manatees with their unique feeding habits, the majestic lions and elephants in Safari Africa, and the playful primates. The zoo also features a variety of reptiles and birds.

Yes, ZooTampa has a water ride called Roaring Springs, a carousel, and a splash pad area, which is a big hit with younger visitors.

The splash pad and carousel are fantastic for toddlers. Dino's Unearthed is a huge draw for kids who love dinosaurs, and the manatee viewing area is always captivating.

Absolutely! With a variety of animals, exhibits, and attractions like the water ride, ZooTampa can easily fill a full day of exploration and fun.

ZooTampa offers various educational programs, including keeper talks, animal encounters, and special presentations designed to teach visitors about wildlife conservation.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

ZooTampa has several dining locations offering a range of options, from quick snacks to more substantial meals. Popular choices include burgers, pizza, and salads.

Many visitors note that food and drinks at ZooTampa can be quite expensive. It's advisable to budget accordingly or consider bringing some of your own snacks.

While specific menus can change, most zoo eateries offer some vegetarian options. It's best to inquire at the dining locations for the most current choices.

Generally, outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are not permitted, but sealed water bottles are usually allowed. Check the zoo's official policy for details.

ZooTampa may have designated areas for picnicking. It's a good idea to check with guest services upon arrival or on their website for available picnic spots.

📸 📸 Photography

The manatee viewing area offers unique underwater shots. Safari Africa provides opportunities for capturing large animals in naturalistic settings. The dinosaur exhibit is also very photogenic.

Yes, professional cameras and lenses are generally allowed. However, tripods and selfie sticks might be restricted in certain areas. Always check the zoo's photography policy.

While most areas are fine for photos, some exhibits may have signage prohibiting flash photography to protect the animals' eyes. Be mindful of these restrictions.

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer lighting and fewer crowds, making for better photo opportunities. Animals can also be more active during these cooler times.

Look out for opportunities like giraffe feeding, animal encounters, and the unique underwater manatee views. The themed areas, like Dino's Unearthed, also offer great photo ops. +1