Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
4.5
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Enjoy a family experience that fosters understanding, respect, and appreciation of wildlife with a visit to the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium. Winding through 77 acres, the Zoo starts with Forest Passage, where you will be introduced to lynx, tigers, and red pandas. Journey up the hill to take in the scenic view of the African Savanna, with favorites like elephants and giraffes. Be sure to meet our new lion pride! Take a trip to the Islands and get an eye to eye view of warty pigs, Philippine crocodiles, and clouded leopards. Venture into the Jungle for an Odyssey of fun where you’ll discover our giant anteater, the elusive fossa, and the pygmy hippo, before heading to our aquarium and Water’s Edge, home of our polar bear and sea otters. The Pittsburgh Zoo is open every day of the year except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Prices vary per season, so visit our website and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Visit us at night this fall during Asian Lantern Festival!
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See what travelers are saying
- Jeanne S31 contributionsRundown and datedVery few animals on display. The animals that were in their exhibits were difficult to observe, because the zoo is antiquated. The animal habitats are old and rundown. A big expansion is planned, but I really hope The habitats are improved for the animals and are more natural. The aquarium is the best part of the experience.Visited April 2023Traveled with familyWritten April 9, 2023
- Dave DNorton, Massachusetts2,101 contributionsGreat Way to Spend Some Hours With AnimalsThere was so much to see and do at the zoo, I think we spent about 3-4 hours here. We had a blast walking around, seeing all of the animals (there were a lot out despite it being coolish) and going to the aquarium as well! I didn't realize how big this place was, so there is a lot of walking (and a lot of it is up hill). Everyone in your family or group will find some animal exhibit that they will love. There was also a good selection of food spots where you could grab everything from a hot pretzel (which were delicious) to a full sit down meal. I recommend stopping by if you are in the area, but be prepared for a lot of walking!Visited April 2023Written April 10, 2023
- Carrie Ann GDayton, Ohio9 contributionsThis zoo is the pits.Fairly disappointing zoo experience. The zoo is sizeable and fairly easy to navigate, which is good, especially with kids in tow. Unfortunately most of the zoo was dirty, dingy and in desperate need of repair/maintenance. Quite a few animals were not in their respective habitats, which would normally not be a huge deal, except it was at least 10 separate exhibits with no animals to be seen. For the $85 cost for a family of four, I can’t say this was worth it. My family and I visit zoos fairly regularly either close to home or whenever we vacation. This zoo is not one that any of us would return to unless some major changes took place. The few employees we encountered were pleasant and the animals we did encounter seemed to be cared for overall, which is the only reason I can even give the place a 3 out of five rating.Visited May 2023Written May 24, 2023
- pmb20078 contributionsJust okAquarium was highlight. Went early on a cool morning, but lots of animals not out. Waited for timed polar bear experience and they were cleaning the exhibit. Other exhibits empty and abandoned. Grounds clean and well kept. Staff friendly and knowledgable. About a 2 hr visit. Bring your own drink. Bottled water $5.50.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 6, 2023
- luv2travel076New York597 contributionsNice Zoo and AquariumWhile in Pittsburgh we visited the zoo and attached aquarium. One of only 6 or so zoos in the United States that also has an aquarium. Probably a 2-3 hour event to take most of it in, unless you are visiting with children. A worthwhile visit if you are in Pittsburgh.Visited August 2023Written August 16, 2023
- RevisoviState College, Pennsylvania28 contributionsOld, Sad and DepressingThis is by far the most sad, dated and depressing zoo we have ever been too. Exhibits were extremely small and not at all acceptable for any animal. Most facilities were dated and dirty. There was some bizarre fake lantern exhibit at every point in the park which was just weird and inappropriate. Would never go back.Visited August 2023Written August 27, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,032 reviews
Excellent
1,044
Very good
639
Average
237
Poor
75
Terrible
37
Suzz22
Southwick, MA134 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Clean, not crowded. Easy to navigate. Beautifully decorated. The giraffes were awesome, you can eat lunch outside at tables over looking the animals.
Chicken tenders were great, coffee was bad though.
Overall nice not expensive trip.
Chicken tenders were great, coffee was bad though.
Overall nice not expensive trip.
Written October 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rhroncich
Brookfield, IL347 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
My bonus daughter and I took 2 of her children to this amazing zoo and aquarium. A ton of walking! Up and down the mountain it is located on. It's worth all the aches and pains the next day. The Aquarium is very nice, but just a small building compared to the rest of the place.
They were having a chinese lantern exhibit in addition to the animals, and the lanterns were just as wonderful as the animals. The restaurants are overpriced, but no worse than any other place with a zoo, and the food selections included healthy options and tasted better than most.
If you have a child who qualifies for the PA program - museums for all - up to 4 people can enter with their care card at $3 each. The regular admission is much higher. We spent about 6 hours here on a hot day. Be sure to hydrate.
The elephants looked especially happy in their grouping. The "cages" are anything but - seem pretty spacious and all looked well cared for.
They were having a chinese lantern exhibit in addition to the animals, and the lanterns were just as wonderful as the animals. The restaurants are overpriced, but no worse than any other place with a zoo, and the food selections included healthy options and tasted better than most.
If you have a child who qualifies for the PA program - museums for all - up to 4 people can enter with their care card at $3 each. The regular admission is much higher. We spent about 6 hours here on a hot day. Be sure to hydrate.
The elephants looked especially happy in their grouping. The "cages" are anything but - seem pretty spacious and all looked well cared for.
Written September 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janius E
Flanders, NJ6 contributions
Aug 2023
This is an excellent zoo. There is no question the high point of the visit was the Elephants. I would say that the elephant experience was at least equal to and maybe better than the Animal Kingdom at Disney. We watched, surprisingly close, the elephants blowing sand and drinking water. Plus they moved around alot. Also the polar bear exhibit was great, we had underwater views of a bear playing with a large ball. This is a very good zoo.
Written August 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Revisovi
State College, PA28 contributions
Aug 2023
This is by far the most sad, dated and depressing zoo we have ever been too. Exhibits were extremely small and not at all acceptable for any animal. Most facilities were dated and dirty. There was some bizarre fake lantern exhibit at every point in the park which was just weird and inappropriate. Would never go back.
Written August 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pitt_twins
Pennsylvania392 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Love this Zoo. My husband grew up in a Pittsburgh suburb and we began taking our 3 kids to this zoo when we visited his parents. Sadly, his parents are gone, and we have taken our grandchildren multiple times when they were younger. Our 4-year-old granddaughter had her first trip to the zoo yesterday. There were multi generations at the zoo, young couples with and without children and a broad range of people. The zoo is large, and we got our 11,000 steps and the 4-year-old was so excited she never mentioned she was tired, hot, thirsty or hungry.
The zoo has a good layout and is very organized. The grounds are immaculate, and the animals well cared for. Our only concern were the ropes. Our 4-year-old was excited to do the first level and began with some hesitation. She followed the sign that said UP ONLY. Some parents were not watching their 10-year old's, plus and they would form a row at the top of the lower level and go down knocking the little ones down the ropes. This happened several times. A parent spoke up and the majority stopped. Then the young people began telling the other to "read the sign". Peer pressure worked in a positive way. For safety reasons, when kids are out of school, the zoo may want to hire someone to monitor the rope area.
The price was very reasonable and would recommend the zoo. Regardless of age, it's an entertaining day in the outdoors.
The zoo has a good layout and is very organized. The grounds are immaculate, and the animals well cared for. Our only concern were the ropes. Our 4-year-old was excited to do the first level and began with some hesitation. She followed the sign that said UP ONLY. Some parents were not watching their 10-year old's, plus and they would form a row at the top of the lower level and go down knocking the little ones down the ropes. This happened several times. A parent spoke up and the majority stopped. Then the young people began telling the other to "read the sign". Peer pressure worked in a positive way. For safety reasons, when kids are out of school, the zoo may want to hire someone to monitor the rope area.
The price was very reasonable and would recommend the zoo. Regardless of age, it's an entertaining day in the outdoors.
Written August 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandy J
Freeland, MI4 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
The zoo was a great experience, the animals were active, you could see them up close. The zoo keepers brought the polar bear out by feeding it so people could see it. A momma gorilla and her baby, leopard with young kits, the chance to feed the giraffes, and there is a great place for kids to play in the park. They said they will be bringing birds in next year, but we did see blue pigeons that they had. There was an Asian Lantern Festival throughout the park. Clever displays, lots of photo ops. At night they light them all up. I am sure it is great to see, but we didn’t go at night. My daughter and I personally thought is was a wonderful place to go. (Bring your own bottled water and food if you can, expensive but good food and drinks).
Written August 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
djaungst66
Philadelphia, PA489 contributions
Aug 2023
First-time visit to the PGH Zoo & Aquarium and it was a great visit.
Overall, layout of zoo was fantastic. The wandering path kept traffic moving, while allowing visitors to pause at attractions as desired without blocking the pedestrian flow; plus the path removed any worrying that we may have missed something.
Sorry to miss the polar bear - was being anti-social the day we visited. Really enjoyed the underwater tunnel and the giraffes.
Lunch was purchased at the Zoo and was pleasantly surprised with offerings and quality and taste of food.
Overall, layout of zoo was fantastic. The wandering path kept traffic moving, while allowing visitors to pause at attractions as desired without blocking the pedestrian flow; plus the path removed any worrying that we may have missed something.
Sorry to miss the polar bear - was being anti-social the day we visited. Really enjoyed the underwater tunnel and the giraffes.
Lunch was purchased at the Zoo and was pleasantly surprised with offerings and quality and taste of food.
Written August 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
luv2travel076
New York597 contributions
Aug 2023
While in Pittsburgh we visited the zoo and attached aquarium. One of only 6 or so zoos in the United States that also has an aquarium. Probably a 2-3 hour event to take most of it in, unless you are visiting with children. A worthwhile visit if you are in Pittsburgh.
Written August 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melissa G
Louisville, KY6 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
This zoo was absolutely amazing! We were in town to visit my family and decided to go to the zoo. From the minute you walk in, you can see animals up close. I really loved that you could see from several different angles. The animals were active and playful. There are many shady areas at this zoo and benches to sit. I really enjoyed watching the elephant get a bath! Then we also had an aquarium visit built in and it was wonderful! The displays were brilliant and the fish and sharks right up near the glass. This zoo and aquarium is very clean and the employees were helpful and courteous. We will definitely come here again when we visit.
Written July 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken
Orient, Ohio268 contributions
Jun 2023
Great way to spend a day. The Pittsburgh Zoo is pretty expansive and the terrain provides some good cardio. Pathways and grounds are well kept. Habitats are pretty well designed and interesting and roomy. Animals were active and interactive.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND the VR gorilla experience. Totally awesome. The aquarium was a little crowded but is very well done. Unique creatures and clean environments. It does amaze me how many people do not read why the sea turtle behaves the way he does even with two very conspicuous signs. The zoo should be an educational experience so take a minute to learn something through reading. The Shores would probably be my least favorite area. Might just have been the luck of the draw but everybody was being pretty elusive except Meshik lounging in his bed of ice. Elephants are never to be missed. Can't ever get too much of them. Be sure not to overlook the Tropical Forest building. Easy to walk right by it.
I spent an inordinate amount of time watching and trying to capture shots of Amur leopard kittens, Grover and Mila with their mom, Semba. Cuteness overload. They were, understandably, restricting access to the viewing area while the cubs adjust but still got some good shots.
Was amazed the zoo had zero, zilch, nada lapel pins!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND the VR gorilla experience. Totally awesome. The aquarium was a little crowded but is very well done. Unique creatures and clean environments. It does amaze me how many people do not read why the sea turtle behaves the way he does even with two very conspicuous signs. The zoo should be an educational experience so take a minute to learn something through reading. The Shores would probably be my least favorite area. Might just have been the luck of the draw but everybody was being pretty elusive except Meshik lounging in his bed of ice. Elephants are never to be missed. Can't ever get too much of them. Be sure not to overlook the Tropical Forest building. Easy to walk right by it.
I spent an inordinate amount of time watching and trying to capture shots of Amur leopard kittens, Grover and Mila with their mom, Semba. Cuteness overload. They were, understandably, restricting access to the viewing area while the cubs adjust but still got some good shots.
Was amazed the zoo had zero, zilch, nada lapel pins!
Written July 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do the electric scooters handle going up the hills well and are there brakes on them coming down hills?
Do the electric scooters have a basket type container on it somewhere to put things in
Paul H
Bronx, NY
Do you recipricate my Erie PA zoo membership?
I have Grandparent Plus membership with the Erie Zoo.
Can you bring in plastic water bottles and sandwiches for the children at the zoo
Are you able to bring in bottle waters and sandwiches for lunch if they are plastic bottles
jaybird6952
Pottstown, PA242 contributions
We took bottle water and I saw people with backpacks carrying sandwiches
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Claim your listingPittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
- Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium:
- (0.53 mi) Morning Sun Inn
- (2.19 mi) The Inn on Negley
- (2.52 mi) Shadyside Inn All Suites Hotel
- (1.52 mi) Hotel Indigo Pittsburgh East Liberty, an IHG Hotel
- (2.08 mi) Hyatt House Pittsburgh / Bloomfield / Shadyside
- Restaurants near Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium:
- (0.15 mi) Jambo Grille
- (0.28 mi) Bulldog Pub
- (0.53 mi) Joseph Tambellini
- (0.56 mi) Park Bruges
- (2.77 mi) Jean-Marc Chatellier's French Bakery
- Attractions near Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium:
- (0.12 mi) Gorilla Trek VR Theater
- (1.04 mi) Bayernhof Museum
- (2.17 mi) DeBolt Unlimited Travel
- (2.76 mi) LumberjAxes - Millvale
- (0.49 mi) Highland Park
Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium Information
Excellent Reviews | 1,044 |
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Very Good Reviews | 639 |
Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium Photos | 1,705 |