Nashville Zoo
Nashville Zoo
4
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 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.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
Features animals
Learn more about animal welfare in tourismSuggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
183 within 3 miles
Attractions
178 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,607 reviews
Excellent
718
Very good
513
Average
237
Poor
90
Terrible
49
TNLikes2Travel
Tennessee84 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.
P J Avery
Edmond, OK885 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.
Robert G
Overland Park, KS114 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.
A M
Columbus, IN68 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.
bfpadma
Clarksville, TN59 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.
Tisha
Morrison, TN6 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.
Dana W
Las Vegas, NV33 contributions
Aug 2022
Huge place!! Great animals, some unique animals and some “standard”. Reasonable price for a zoo, I thought and though we didn’t eat there, it has several choices for food if you get hungry. We’d come back if we’re ever in Nashville again!!
Only thing was we couldn’t buy tickets online ahead of time because they want to charge for parking and we wouldn’t need to park, coming from out of town, and there was no option online to remove the parking charge. The line was short to buy tickets on site though, so we didn’t wait long. And most of the paths around the zoo and looking at the animals are shaded by trees and foliage. Beautiful place!
Only thing was we couldn’t buy tickets online ahead of time because they want to charge for parking and we wouldn’t need to park, coming from out of town, and there was no option online to remove the parking charge. The line was short to buy tickets on site though, so we didn’t wait long. And most of the paths around the zoo and looking at the animals are shaded by trees and foliage. Beautiful place!
Written August 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Melissa W.
Chattanooga, TN101 contributions
Apr 2022
I was kind of surprised at how much I loved the Nashville Zoo, and wish we could have spent more than four hours here for the day. We weren't able to do a couple of things, but thoroughly enjoyed the vast majority of the zoo. I think only the tiger habitat was closed off due to construction, although there were signs at other habitats that animals may be inside due to the weather (there were bad storms the night before). I was able to take a ton of amazing pictures, and the day was not too sunny and hot, at least!
It was incredibly crowded, but found we were able to still enjoy ourselves and see every animal available. The aviary and reptile house is awesome, and really enjoyed so many habitats. We did think it was weird that you had to pay an extra $4 for the DinoTrek, but these two adult dinosaur lovers thought it was well worth it. We didn't do any of the other activities and glad we didn't pre-pay for the adventure pass, as the lines were too long. The walking paths are mostly shaded and surrounded by beautiful trees and plants. It was very relaxing. I loved the bamboo forest!
I do wish parents would teach their kids not to scream at the animals, though. I was on the other side of several screaming kids, and it wasn't nice. One thing I do wish they had were vending machines that took cards, because we had no cash. There weren't any vendors open that we passed, and forgetting a water bottle was a huge mistake on our part. It was about 3 hours into our day before we were able to buy something to drink.
I'd like to go back when they finish their expansion, and be able to spend the entire day!
It was incredibly crowded, but found we were able to still enjoy ourselves and see every animal available. The aviary and reptile house is awesome, and really enjoyed so many habitats. We did think it was weird that you had to pay an extra $4 for the DinoTrek, but these two adult dinosaur lovers thought it was well worth it. We didn't do any of the other activities and glad we didn't pre-pay for the adventure pass, as the lines were too long. The walking paths are mostly shaded and surrounded by beautiful trees and plants. It was very relaxing. I loved the bamboo forest!
I do wish parents would teach their kids not to scream at the animals, though. I was on the other side of several screaming kids, and it wasn't nice. One thing I do wish they had were vending machines that took cards, because we had no cash. There weren't any vendors open that we passed, and forgetting a water bottle was a huge mistake on our part. It was about 3 hours into our day before we were able to buy something to drink.
I'd like to go back when they finish their expansion, and be able to spend the entire day!
Written April 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SarahMo
Illinois12 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Our kids are ages 13, 11, and 5 and there was something for everyone at this zoo! The reviews about the lovely SHADED walkways are spot-on… a wonderful break from the Tennessee heat and humidity! I enjoyed the historic info about the residents and owners of the original property. My husband and teen got a thrill from the zip line; it costs $8 a person and you can buy tickets for that AT the attraction. The elegant wooden carousel was $2 a ride and I did not have to pay since I was helping my littlest one. I was impressed with the size and quality of the enclosures for the animals, and the tiger exhibit was particularly educational in the viewing building. Everyone loved getting to pet the kangaroos, and our five and eleven year-olds were amused by the horde of guinea pigs. Be sure to check out the women’s bathroom by the guinea pigs…. 🐒🐒🐒🐒🐒in a cage in the bathroom, no joke!
The $8 payment to park was on the honor system it seemed, since we simply were asked if we parked in the lot and then paid an additional $8 for that and no one checked on the way out. Our membership at another US accredited zoo saved us 50% on admission so that softened the cost of the expensive day as well!
We did not try any of the restaurant or cafe items on site but it seemed there were a lot, and what you would expect for prices at a zoo.
It was an eclectic group of people that were visiting and all the guests we encountered were happy to be there and friendly!
We spent about 4 hours there, could have rushed through in 2 to see what we wanted and also could have had a whole day of it. I will say we are slightly spoiled with convenient access to the Chicago Zoos and the St. Louis Zoo and in terms of the number of animals and exhibits it didn’t top those… but still a worthwhile use of an afternoon on our Nashville vacation!
One last note—the elaborate children’s climbing / play area is under construction and unfortunately we did not find any other little mini play type areas around the zoo for our littlest.
The $8 payment to park was on the honor system it seemed, since we simply were asked if we parked in the lot and then paid an additional $8 for that and no one checked on the way out. Our membership at another US accredited zoo saved us 50% on admission so that softened the cost of the expensive day as well!
We did not try any of the restaurant or cafe items on site but it seemed there were a lot, and what you would expect for prices at a zoo.
It was an eclectic group of people that were visiting and all the guests we encountered were happy to be there and friendly!
We spent about 4 hours there, could have rushed through in 2 to see what we wanted and also could have had a whole day of it. I will say we are slightly spoiled with convenient access to the Chicago Zoos and the St. Louis Zoo and in terms of the number of animals and exhibits it didn’t top those… but still a worthwhile use of an afternoon on our Nashville vacation!
One last note—the elaborate children’s climbing / play area is under construction and unfortunately we did not find any other little mini play type areas around the zoo for our littlest.
Written July 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nashville Locals
Nashville, TN312 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
This zoo is very green, it’s like a hidden gem in the city. I will warn you it’s a LOT of walking but we have an 8 and 10 year old and they loved it. The animals have so much space in their living areas compared to other zoos around the country. We had a membership to anther zoo and we were given a 50% discount. The website says you have to buy tickets online, NOT true, you can get them at the entrance. Great day and lots of shade on the walkways will go back for sure.
Written June 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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?
Ordered 7 tickets for family & all tickets state me as guest. Are tickets valid without each person's name.
scotttimkim
Leola, PA209 contributions
How much time should you allowed to visit at the zoo?
Erinleann S
Dickinson, ND336 contributions
A couple hours.
Can you rent wheel chairs
bfpadma
Clarksville, TN59 contributions
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.
kelleycas
Selmer, TN
is it a waste to come while it's raining
KarenLynnRS
Spring Hill, TN70 contributions
That depends on if you don't mind being wrt. That's not my idea of a good fau.
kaydee5562
13 contributions
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?
Clara C
12 contributions
I have not attended this event but usually these events include zoo tours or exploration.
Nashville Zoo - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Nashville Zoo
- Nashville Zoo is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Hotels near Nashville Zoo:
- (3.83 mi) Caroline House Nashville Historic Inn
- (3.82 mi) The Timothy Demonbreun House
- (4.84 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites Nashville-Green Hills
- (4.03 mi) Belmont Blvd Bed and Breakfast
- (5.14 mi) Thompson Nashville
- Restaurants near Nashville Zoo:
- (0.13 mi) Pupuseria Lucy's Restaurant Salvadoreño
- (0.13 mi) Cafe Mineiro and Bakery
- (0.18 mi) Erbil Kabob
- (0.19 mi) Los Arcos
- (0.23 mi) Edessa Restaurant
- Attractions near Nashville Zoo:
- (0.42 mi) Plaza Mariachi Music City
- (1.61 mi) Trapped Escape Game Nashville
- (5.52 mi) Ryman Auditorium
- (5.28 mi) Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
- (2.48 mi) The Escape Game Nashville (Berry Hill)