Nashville Zoo
Nashville Zoo
4
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Best outdoor adventure in the city! Ride the Soaring Eagle zip line, learn about the Zoo’s history at the Historic Home, and explore immersive animal habitats like you’ve never seen before. Experience the beautiful new Andean bear or Sumatran tiger exhibits. Get up close at Kangaroo Kickabout and Lorikeet Landing. See animals from around the world including spider monkeys, white rhinoceros, Masai giraffe, clouded leopards and much more! Check out the daily schedule of activities to ensure you do not miss out on amazing events. Witness a River Tank Feeding and attend Keeper Talks on several topics, including the Red River Hog, Cougars, and the Africa Field. Watch animal shows and go on tours to keep the adventure going.
Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- Midd13Jersey, United Kingdom30 contributionsGreat spotWell set out zoo with interesting exhibits and very friendly staff. We also ate in the cafe that served Asian food - was really nice, freshly prepared to order. Well impressed.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 15, 2024
- Carlos LAtlanta, Georgia150 contributionsNashville Zoo: Diverse Animals & Unique EncountersNashville Zoo: Diverse Animals & Unique Encounters Despite the crowds, the zoo was well-organized and clean, with surprising animal exhibits in the restrooms. Highlights included diverse animals like tigers, rhinos, zebras, and the interactive Kangaroo Kickabout path, where visitors can walk alongside and even pet kangaroos. Family-friendly activities, including a great kids playground at the entrance added to the fun. A must-visit for Nashville explorers, especially families seeking unique animal encounters.Visited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten February 25, 2024
- grannyenBirmingham, United Kingdom37 contributionsDisappointingVisited in June with my daughter. Found it disappointing for the amount paid. More children's attractions than animal enclosures although did enjoy the flamingos walking around the zoo. They are constructing a new enclosure for leopards so some exhibits were not available. Have done this now but would not return unlike some zoos that warrant more than one visit.Visited June 2024Traveled with friendsWritten June 14, 2024
- Lezlie GWetumpka, Alabama227 contributionsWonderful ZooThis is one of the best zoos I’ve ever been to. They seem to take really great care of the animals. It’s pretty big, but the layout is easy to navigate. The staff are also available in a lot of areas providing educational info about the various animals. There’s also a playground for kids.Visited June 2024Traveled soloWritten July 13, 2024
- ALSNashvilleNashville, Tennessee121 contributionsNice zoo with lots of animalsThis is a nice zoo with lots to see, but I just wish they had more unique animals. Unfortunately, the giraffe section was closed. Most of the animals were sleeping in a corner somewhere away from view. They have a really nice kangaroo section where you actually walk in the enclosed area with the kangaroos. They also brought out a few flamingos for people to see up close which was really nice as well. Next to the guinea pigs section in the women’s restroom, of all places, is a secret spot to find really cute animals. Make sure to check it out! They have a really cool zip-line for adults and kids. The beautiful house of the original property owners is still on the property along with the gardens to view. Parking is free so that’s a plus. I recommend going on a cool day because there is a lot of walking without cover.Visited October 2024Traveled with familyWritten October 20, 2024
- Glen122072 contributionsExceptional Zoo Well-Worth A VisitMy wife and I always look forward to our visits to this zoo. We visit two and sometimes three times a year during different seasons and always experience something new and fun to do or see. This time, we saw the brand new komodo dragon exhibit and the young tiger siblings who were born at the zoo. It's a clean and modern facility that is well landscaped and easy to navigate from one end to the other. Parking has greatly improved with the addition of a covered parking garage. The only negative we experienced was the large number of strollers crowding the sidewalks, which required dodging and zig zagging to maneuver our way along.Visited October 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten October 20, 2024
- Charlene L14 contributionsLots of walking and enjoyed the animalsWarning you have to pay for parking which is 10.00, which we did not know till we paid to go in Zoo. This zoo is nice very big lots of walking so if you have children, make sure you get a stroller. They where getting ready for the holidays to come, very disappointed that there where no giraffes! For having a big zoo wish they had more animals. We took the tour of the house enjoyed it but kids won’t.Visited October 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten October 21, 2024
- Toni TNashville, Tennessee6,650 contributionsMore Than A Zoo with 3700 Animals, a Wild Carousel and Kids Playground, and One of the BEST ZOOS EVERThis zoo offers over 3700 animals in 350 species, goin way beyond "typical "zoo animals to some unusual animals like the the Unseen New World with emerald boa, and wildly blue poison frog and many more. Promise Park children's playground is a whirlwind of activities with multiple climbing, spinning, and movement activities, including a 3 story treehouse. Some of the children's park activities are wheelchair accessible, including some merry go rounds and a drum activity. The wild animal carousel requires separate admission ( with one adult free for a child under 42"). Sit on carousel benches or ride one of the many animals. The zoo is decorated for the Halloween Boo at the Zoo event, for after hours fun and games, from 5pm- 9pm daily til Halloween. The zipline is also an upcharge event. Multiple large flowers and oriental fans as are settign the stage for the November Zoolumination event. The Grassmere Historic Home offers a heirloom garden in this home built in 1910, and the grounds are already decorated for Christmas. A half day here is not nearly enough. We did not even see most of the animals, like the komodos, tigers, porcupines, leopards, cougars... This is a great place to host a birthday party, corporate event, or other special event.. There are many special programs, as outdoor sleepovers, upclose animal events, and camps. Parking is free for members, or $10 without membership. Lots of close parking. Everything (except some parts of the children's playground) is wheel chair accessible. Bathrooms are wheelchair accessible with manually opening door. Signage is very good for parking lot area. Some signs in the zoo are blocked by plant overgrowth but some are readable.Letters are small. Strollers and mobility scooters are available for rent. Children under 2 are free, youth age 2-12 are $19 and over 12 are $24. The annual pass, individual or family, offers opportunities to visit several times for short periods, a good option with smaller children. he annual pass also offers other discounts and first choice on special events and free parking.Visited October 2024Traveled with familyWritten October 22, 2024
- RBoninMurfreesboro, Tennessee232 contributionsBeautiful zoo!Very nice zoo! Clean and very beautiful grounds. Amazing enclosures for the animals. We carried my grandson, daughter and son-in-law for my birthday! Had a wonderful time. If weather is hot try to do the non-shaded areas first, but most of the zoo has shade. Ate at the Screaming Gibbon Pizza Kitchen. Sandwiches and pizza were great. We got our tickets online. Only took a few minutes. Can't wait to have another family day at the zoo.Visited September 2024Traveled with familyWritten October 26, 2024
- sarah123-SA18 contributionsAmazing playgroundVery nice zoo with large exhibits for the animals. We spent 5 hours here and still missed the rhino area and historic farm. The playground itself is worth the trip. It’s huge and extremely fun for all aged kids.Visited November 2024Traveled with familyWritten November 28, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,647 reviews
Excellent
738
Very good
519
Average
244
Poor
94
Terrible
52
Kat
52 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
We are local and have a membership so visit the zoo regularly. It is a relatively small zoo and a bit pricey, but if you get a membership, or have a reciprocal membership, then very worthwhile. The more recent exhibits are vary lovely. I especially like the Tiger (he likes to lay next to the glass for up close viewing), the bears, the bamboo forest, the kangaroos, and the flamingos. We have a lovely farm with a house tour that gives the unique history of the zoo. The merry-go-round, bird feeding, eagle ride, reptile house, and animal show are worthwhile extras. The playground is fabulous and you need to allow at least 30 minutes to explore. Each time we go, I find that there is something special for that day...like the kangaroos were on the trail today so we go to pet one, or the bear came down to the window, or the monkeys were very active. I can imagine if you come once with limited time and all the animals don't "perform" that day, it can be a bummer. A couple of the bathrooms have special exhibits inside :) Oh, and the Zoo Run Run and Zooluminations are Super-duper!
Written November 9, 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.
TNLikes2Travel
Tennessee95 contributions
Jun 2022
Tickets for Night Visions include free rides on the animal carousel and zip line, and free admission to Dino Trek. This makes the tickets well worth the price if you have kids who enjoy those experiences. Arrive before the gates open at 7:45 PM to be first in line. Head straight to the zip line, then the carousel to avoid later long lines. Bring a small drink cooler or water bottles; everyone gets thirsty. Wear comfortable shoes; there is a lot of walking. The Disco Cove light display is mesmerizing and worth watching several times. Flamingos are always interesting. Dino Trek is well laid out, fun, and interesting. Even though this experience starts at most kids' bedtimes, the whole family will enjoy Night Visions. Maybe plan to sleep in the next morning. Premium Passes are good for multiple visits and useful if weather restricts your planned visit. Hope this info helps families plan an enjoyable visit.
Written June 28, 2022
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.
P J Avery
St. Augustine, FL1,176 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
Visited while in town visiting relatives and we are glad we went. Spent over 4 hours there and we were able to see pretty much everything.
The children's playground is AWESOME!!! Great place for the children to run around while parents are able to rest/unwind.
Enjoyed the Dinosaur exhibit. Prices for this extra attraction is comparable to other zoo's special exhibits. We were able to feed the flamingos which was very memorable for our daughter.
Despite the parking lot being full, the zoo was spread out enough to where we weren't feeling crammed in.
Only complaint was the lack of working water fountains/refillable water stations. Most of the water fountains weren't working and we found only one fillable stations (reptile house) by the restrooms.
The children's playground is AWESOME!!! Great place for the children to run around while parents are able to rest/unwind.
Enjoyed the Dinosaur exhibit. Prices for this extra attraction is comparable to other zoo's special exhibits. We were able to feed the flamingos which was very memorable for our daughter.
Despite the parking lot being full, the zoo was spread out enough to where we weren't feeling crammed in.
Only complaint was the lack of working water fountains/refillable water stations. Most of the water fountains weren't working and we found only one fillable stations (reptile house) by the restrooms.
Written March 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.
Sandy20002
Reno, NV35 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
They had been advertising their sunset safari for weeks now. I was super excited to attend with my daughter but can’t because this “nonprofit” zoo will only allow people 18-35 to attend after dark. What a joke. They either need to be inclusive or lose any public funding there they receive. They advertised it widely. Then changed who can come.
Written August 25, 2024
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.
Hello Sandy. I'm not sure where you are receiving your information, but this is inaccurate. Sunset Safari is our annual fundraiser that takes place after hours. This is not an event for children but rather an evening for adults (ages 21+) with food offerings and open bars. To help encourage younger adults to support the Zoo, we offer a lower-priced ticket to the event with a later entry time. You can read all about this event at www.nashvillezoo.org/sunset-safari.
Written October 2, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
farrah40
Richmond, VA110 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
It only took us 2 hours to go through the zoo because 40% of the exhibits were closed. There are really not a lot of animals to see here. The cost is $24 per person. And they add in 8 additional dollars for parking even if you use Uber to get to the zoo.
Written October 29, 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.
A M
Columbus, IN71 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
The Night Vision zoo experience offers embarrassingly little. There was only one animal exhibit open, the flamingoes. (It was beautiful and interesting.) I heard the snake house had been open, but it closed at 8:00 PM. The dinosaur trek (animated dinosaurs) was open. The exhibit was a little more interesting than during the day because of the spotlights. As for light exhibits, there were about four projected lighting “scenes” and a lot of “light sticks” vertically anchored to the bases of trees and bamboo. That is it.
There were some rides and attractions open for an extra fee. On top of A $25 PRICED ADULT TICKET!
After going to the Columbus, Ohio zoo lights last December for about the same price, I guess my expectations were pretty high.
We spent about an hour and a half there, 20 minutes of which was spent in a line waiting for coffee. We found out after ordering that they had to stop and clean the coffee maker. Right that second. They only found out after a long line of waiting people that the coffee maker needed to be cleaned. Embarrassing.
I am going to choose to feel good about this evening and chalk it up to helping the zoo with their “spring fundraiser.” But, really, come on Nashville Zoo. You can do better than this.
There were some rides and attractions open for an extra fee. On top of A $25 PRICED ADULT TICKET!
After going to the Columbus, Ohio zoo lights last December for about the same price, I guess my expectations were pretty high.
We spent about an hour and a half there, 20 minutes of which was spent in a line waiting for coffee. We found out after ordering that they had to stop and clean the coffee maker. Right that second. They only found out after a long line of waiting people that the coffee maker needed to be cleaned. Embarrassing.
I am going to choose to feel good about this evening and chalk it up to helping the zoo with their “spring fundraiser.” But, really, come on Nashville Zoo. You can do better than this.
Written April 15, 2022
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.
Robert G
Overland Park, KS120 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
The Zoo was very good! I visited with our In-laws who live in the Nashville area. It was a high in the 50’s but it was very comfortable the whole 6 hours we spent there. We walked most of the Zoo but not all of it. We really enjoyed the Go Wild Show. Two Zoo Staff members presented a few of their favorite animals to the audience. The kids and adults all enjoyed the talk and the animals. The Jungle Gym play area was a lot of fun also for kids under 13 yrs. I think the favorite was the Tiger, Kangaroos, Flamingos. Every animal was presented well in all the areas. It looks like they staff pays extra care to every area. We will return again!
Written March 14, 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.
Al A
3 contributions
Dec 2023 • Friends
I have been to alot of Zoos all over and this has to be the worst.
Granite we went in the cooler month but no elephants, the giraffe area was closed,
We must of saw a total of 10 animals for $16.00 each.
We wouldn't go back if it was free.
NOT WORTH THE TRIP !
Granite we went in the cooler month but no elephants, the giraffe area was closed,
We must of saw a total of 10 animals for $16.00 each.
We wouldn't go back if it was free.
NOT WORTH THE TRIP !
Written December 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.
bfpadma
Clarksville, TN58 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
This was a great trip, all in all, and my daughter and I had a great time. We went for 2-3 hours and were able to walk around the entire outdoor area (we didn’t have time for any of the indoor exhibits)—however it is very expensive especially when you don’t arrive until 3 hours before closing. I’d think that like many other parks, afternoon visits should be discounted. They also charge for parking and food is extremely high ($7 for a popsicle). A lot of exhibits seemed closed or under construction, so all in all there weren’t a whole lot of animals. I did later find out that for less than half the cost, we could take our entire family to the Evansville Zoo, and I’ve heard it’s much better. Or to Saint Louis, where it’s very large and free. It was certainly a great visit! But definitely plan for a whole day and a lot of walking! Overall, great!
Written March 26, 2021
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.
Tisha
Morrison, TN58 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
We went in December for the Zoolumination exhibit. It was one of the best things I’ve ever done. I would love to go again before it’s over and take my son.
You enter after typical zoo hours and everything is lit up with lights and Chinese lanterns. There are snack and drink vendors around the zoo- try the spiked hot chocolate!
You are able to see a few of the animals- we saw tigers, flamingos, the reptile house, and maybe a couple others. It’s dark though, so you don’t see many of the animals. The cost for Zoolumination isn’t all that much since you’re not seeing the animals and all the zoo stuff.
If you’ve even just kind of thought of going- DO IT! You definitely won’t regret going!
You enter after typical zoo hours and everything is lit up with lights and Chinese lanterns. There are snack and drink vendors around the zoo- try the spiked hot chocolate!
You are able to see a few of the animals- we saw tigers, flamingos, the reptile house, and maybe a couple others. It’s dark though, so you don’t see many of the animals. The cost for Zoolumination isn’t all that much since you’re not seeing the animals and all the zoo stuff.
If you’ve even just kind of thought of going- DO IT! You definitely won’t regret going!
Written January 2, 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.
The Visit section of the zoo website has a link to accessibility information. Here's what is stated:
"Zoo visitors in need of a wheelchair are welcome to rent a manual wheelchair or one of our electric scooters at the Zoo entrance. Wheelchairs are available for rent on a first-come, first-serve basis. Due to the popularity of these rentals, we are unable to guarantee availability and this equipment cannot be reserved in advance."
Written July 19, 2023
Purchased 7 tickets for family. All tickets state me as guest for the Zoolumination. Will the tickets for my family be valid without their names as guest?
Written December 10, 2022
Ordered 7 tickets for family & all tickets state me as guest. Are tickets valid without each person's name.
Written December 10, 2022
How much time should you allowed to visit at the zoo?
Written October 14, 2019
I looked for myself as I’m recovering from a broken foot and wasn’t sure how much walking I could do. (4 miles to make one full loop, not including indoor exhibits). Rental wheelchairs are $11, and electric wheelchairs are $32 to rent. I see your question is old but hopefully this helps others.
Written March 26, 2021
There were no metal detectors when we walked in. But I honestly can’t remember seeing if there were signs posted. Online the site says they are not allowed.
Written September 13, 2018
That depends on if you don't mind being wrt. That's not my idea of a good fau.
Written March 17, 2019
Has anyone attended the Zzzoofari Slumber camp over night event - if so, was it a fun time? Did you get to explore the zoo and see animals with the cost or did you need to purchase a separate admission ticket?
Written March 5, 2018
I have not attended this event but usually these events include zoo tours or exploration.
Written March 5, 2018
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