The Maryland Zoo
The Maryland Zoo
4
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Visitors meet more than 1,500 animals including chimpanzees, elephants, leopards and warthogs as they journey on an African safari, groom goats in the Farmyard, explore the winding trails through the Lyn P. Myerhoff Maryland Wilderness and watch the polar bears swim next to you at the underwater viewing window. Plus, don't miss the new, award winning Penguin Coast exhibit featuring the most successful breeding colony of endangered African penguins in North America.
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- Alexx Phoenix65 contributionsI'm a local, so I remember better daysI've been hauling my kids to the MD/Baltimore zoo for 20 years now. Honestly, there used to be double the exhibits that are now available to see. I realize they are working hard to direct foot traffic during Covid restrictions, but it really is a disappointing visit now. It costs a pretty penny to get in, many areas are closed, and any refreshments available are crazy expensive. Be VERY warned that the shuttle that connects the entrance to the rest of the zoo is closed, and most of your visit is spent hiking up and down a monster hill just to reach anything. On a good note, they have updated some enclosure to be nicer for the animals, and there's a fun playground area for small people, but overall, it isn't that great an experience. Honestly, I am going to recommend a walk in a state park over a zoo trip. Try it in a couple of years!Visited April 2021Written April 24, 2021
- rmartinmitchBoston, Massachusetts550 contributionsBreakfast with the ChimpsDuring our recent trip to Baltimore, we participated in the zoo's Breakfast with the Chimps program. What fun! The event was limited to 35 participants, who came to the zoo early and had a buffet breakfast in the monkey area. It was centered around kids, with special activities and speakers. Zoo staff and volunteers were there to run the show. The staff was fantastic and the event was really, really special. Afterwards we had an opportunity to explore the zoo. Not the largest zoo we have ever visited but very clean and well organized with just enough animals to make it all interesting. A great event, the zoo advertises other breakfast programs, including with the penguins. Highly recommended. You will need advance reservations.Visited March 2020Written March 22, 2020
- Passport32821283769Jackson, Michigan2 contributionsAverage. Nothing ExcitingWe are out of towners that were looking for something to do. It was a beautiful day, so we decided to try the Maryland Zoo. We had never been to Baltimore so hey, why not? We tend to visit Zoos in different cities as we travel. Overall, the Maryland Zoo is at best, average. It's small, it lacks the depth (no aquarium, very little in the area of reptiles and birds). The exhibits that they do have a very nice and well done, they just don't have many of them. It was a good 1/2 day zoo. We traveled during the pandemic and they were very strict about how many people could be in the indoor exhibits, and how you traveled the paths through the zoo. Not a bad thing, just sharing as an FYI.Visited March 2021Written March 31, 2021
- Joey R1 contributionPenguin “encounter”They have completely changed the penguin encounter, but without making that clear in the description of the animal experience. They made it seem like you would just have to be socially distanced and such. In reality, it’s changed from an interactive experience where you can touch and really meet the penguins into watching a video for about 10 minutes, and then they let two penguins in the room and they can walk around. The grand finale is that they put the penguins on a table and you can get in a picture with them (still not touching). Considering each experience ticket is more than $60, and you need to purchase regular admission in addition to that, this feels like a complete scam. I would look very closely at the wording of any “interactive” animal experience they have there because there seems to be a very good chance that you’re paying a o of money for a chance to look at an animal slightly closer. Interactive is truly stretched to its limits as a definition as Maryland Zoo puts it.Visited May 2021Traveled as a coupleWritten May 6, 2021
- Jessica SissonMogadore, Ohio23 contributionsWaste of time! Will not return. Thankful for our wonderful Ohio Zoos!What an absolute waste of time and money! I would NEVER come back. The walk in to the zoo is long and bland. Exhibits did not seem properly cared for/maintained, which made us question how well the animals were being cared for. (Especially with how expensive our tickets were) The viewpoints and glass were so dirty, it ruined the view and I didn’t want the kids touching anything. No good photo opportunities - even the signs into the zoo seemed “makeshift.” Took only two hours to see the entire zoo, which is smaller than our little Akron Ohio zoo. The Cleveland and Toledo zoos offer so much that it’s difficult to see the entire zoo in a full day! We weren’t sure if we should visit the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, or the Smithsonian Zoo (which is FREE). We chose wrong.Visited September 2021Traveled with familyWritten October 3, 2021
- darlene H1 contributionBrew at the Zoo HorrorWe had bought $130 tickets to go to the Brew at the Zoo event. Someone did not pay any attention as to how many tickets they should sell for one day at this event. When we arrived just 30 minutes after they opened the gates to enter there must have been at least 5K people in a long line that went ( I kid you not ) from the zoo entrance around the front of the entrance twice to the side parking lot up the driveway up the to road past the old reptile house . We went to the event last year and they keep the main event with the vendors in a confined area This was so crazy. You would just be in endless lines trying to get food or drinks, wall to wall people. We did not come with little ones but if we did I would have not felt it safe for them to be at such a event with drinking involved and that many people. We left and basically lost our money paid for our tickets. Unless they put a limit on how many to attend this event We will never recommend it nor will we ever attend it again.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 28, 2023
- PFGriff22Maryland3 contributionsPenguin Encounter at the Maryland ZooFor my wife's birthday, I signed up for a penguin encounter at the zoo, which costs about $60 per person and is well worth the extra cost. Encounters are limited to 6 people and last about 30 minutes. We learned all about the penguins from Becky and Abby, two knowledgeable and friendly staff members that work with the ambassador penguins. Our encounter was in a separate area with a small pool where we sat while the keepers spoke to us, and 11 African penguins walked around us. We were able to pet them and take video and photos. Overall, it was a wonderful experience that is sure to be a lasting memory for any animal lover!!!Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 13, 2023
- Ashley CPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania2 contributionsNot with it. Save your money.Planned a Father’s Day trip for my husband to Baltimore and the Zoo. I was embarrassed that I decided to take him here. We saw less than 10 animals the whole time. We paid extra for the the Dino exhibit and saw more statues of dinosaurs than we did real animals. We were able to get through the zoo in less than an hour and a half because have the exhibits were empty (not closed, empty). We could have done it in 30 mins but everything is pretty spaced out. Felt more like a hike that we paid for than an enjoyable zoo visit. Would not recommend or return, much better options of things to do.Visited June 2022Traveled with familyWritten June 21, 2022
- mayaphototripsBaltimore, Maryland223 contributionsSummertime at the zooPerfect weather during Juneteenth weekend to visit the zoo. However due to avian flu, several of the bird areas were closed. Although the flamingos were out and pretty in their orange pinkish closing. They are found along the African wildness The zoo visit is expensive. If you live in the area, you are financially better to buy membership and come as often as you like. If you like to photograph animals. This is the place. From May to November 2022, there is a Dino experience. Dinosaurs are very realistic and with sounds. Additional cost for dinos experience. However we'll worth it. My family loves zoos. Would highly recommend. There was on ly one issue, an employee operating the shuttle from the front of the zoo was very rude, didn't assist a woman on a walker with using the lift to try and climb into the shuttle. Wish I had gotten his name as would have reported to management. Otherwise, the zoo was fantastic. Shootout to the employee that went beyond expectations to clean our table and chairs near the carousel. He was A+Visited June 2022Traveled with familyWritten June 19, 2022
- Jacob H1 contributionRude rude rude workers!!I recommend fireing most of the workers there. iv never been treat so poorly in my life. its extremely obvious they dont want to be there. this zoo is extremely far from my home and these jerks made our trip down right awful and one male worker even went so far as to follow us around the zoo. Weve payed to be a member here for years. next year i will be paying to be a member elsewhere. if u ppl cant handle working during covid then shut down till its over. If ur open to the public then act right.Visited November 2020Traveled with familyWritten December 8, 2020
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
4.0
711 reviews
Excellent
274
Very good
234
Average
121
Poor
45
Terrible
37
Joey R
1 contribution
May 2021 • Couples
They have completely changed the penguin encounter, but without making that clear in the description of the animal experience. They made it seem like you would just have to be socially distanced and such. In reality, it’s changed from an interactive experience where you can touch and really meet the penguins into watching a video for about 10 minutes, and then they let two penguins in the room and they can walk around. The grand finale is that they put the penguins on a table and you can get in a picture with them (still not touching). Considering each experience ticket is more than $60, and you need to purchase regular admission in addition to that, this feels like a complete scam. I would look very closely at the wording of any “interactive” animal experience they have there because there seems to be a very good chance that you’re paying a o of money for a chance to look at an animal slightly closer. Interactive is truly stretched to its limits as a definition as Maryland Zoo puts it.
Written May 6, 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.
Jessica Sisson
Mogadore, OH23 contributions
Sep 2021 • Family
What an absolute waste of time and money! I would NEVER come back. The walk in to the zoo is long and bland. Exhibits did not seem properly cared for/maintained, which made us question how well the animals were being cared for. (Especially with how expensive our tickets were) The viewpoints and glass were so dirty, it ruined the view and I didn’t want the kids touching anything. No good photo opportunities - even the signs into the zoo seemed “makeshift.” Took only two hours to see the entire zoo, which is smaller than our little Akron Ohio zoo. The Cleveland and Toledo zoos offer so much that it’s difficult to see the entire zoo in a full day! We weren’t sure if we should visit the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, or the Smithsonian Zoo (which is FREE). We chose wrong.
Written October 3, 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.
darlene H
1 contribution
May 2023 • Couples
We had bought $130 tickets to go to the Brew at the Zoo event. Someone did not pay any attention as to how many tickets they should sell for one day at this event. When we arrived just 30 minutes after they opened the gates to enter there must have been at least 5K people in a long line that went ( I kid you not ) from the zoo entrance around the front of the entrance twice to the side parking lot up the driveway up the to road past the old reptile house . We went to the event last year and they keep the main event with the vendors in a confined area This was so crazy. You would just be in endless lines trying to get food or drinks, wall to wall people. We did not come with little ones but if we did I would have not felt it safe for them to be at such a event with drinking involved and that many people. We left and basically lost our money paid for our tickets. Unless they put a limit on how many to attend this event We will never recommend it nor will we ever attend it again.
Written May 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.
PFGriff22
Maryland3 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
For my wife's birthday, I signed up for a penguin encounter at the zoo, which costs about $60 per person and is well worth the extra cost. Encounters are limited to 6 people and last about 30 minutes. We learned all about the penguins from Becky and Abby, two knowledgeable and friendly staff members that work with the ambassador penguins. Our encounter was in a separate area with a small pool where we sat while the keepers spoke to us, and 11 African penguins walked around us. We were able to pet them and take video and photos. Overall, it was a wonderful experience that is sure to be a lasting memory for any animal lover!!!
Written July 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.
Ashley C
Philadelphia, PA2 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Planned a Father’s Day trip for my husband to Baltimore and the Zoo. I was embarrassed that I decided to take him here. We saw less than 10 animals the whole time. We paid extra for the the Dino exhibit and saw more statues of dinosaurs than we did real animals. We were able to get through the zoo in less than an hour and a half because have the exhibits were empty (not closed, empty). We could have done it in 30 mins but everything is pretty spaced out. Felt more like a hike that we paid for than an enjoyable zoo visit. Would not recommend or return, much better options of things to do.
Written June 21, 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.
mayaphototrips
Baltimore, MD223 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Perfect weather during Juneteenth weekend to visit the zoo. However due to avian flu, several of the bird areas were closed. Although the flamingos were out and pretty in their orange pinkish closing. They are found along the African wildness
The zoo visit is expensive. If you live in the area, you are financially better to buy membership and come as often as you like.
If you like to photograph animals. This is the place.
From May to November 2022, there is a Dino experience. Dinosaurs are very realistic and with sounds. Additional cost for dinos experience. However we'll worth it.
My family loves zoos. Would highly recommend. There was on ly one issue, an employee operating the shuttle from the front of the zoo was very rude, didn't assist a woman on a walker with using the lift to try and climb into the shuttle. Wish I had gotten his name as would have reported to management. Otherwise, the zoo was fantastic. Shootout to the employee that went beyond expectations to clean our table and chairs near the carousel. He was A+
The zoo visit is expensive. If you live in the area, you are financially better to buy membership and come as often as you like.
If you like to photograph animals. This is the place.
From May to November 2022, there is a Dino experience. Dinosaurs are very realistic and with sounds. Additional cost for dinos experience. However we'll worth it.
My family loves zoos. Would highly recommend. There was on ly one issue, an employee operating the shuttle from the front of the zoo was very rude, didn't assist a woman on a walker with using the lift to try and climb into the shuttle. Wish I had gotten his name as would have reported to management. Otherwise, the zoo was fantastic. Shootout to the employee that went beyond expectations to clean our table and chairs near the carousel. He was A+
Written June 19, 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.
Jacob H
1 contribution
Nov 2020 • Family
I recommend fireing most of the workers there. iv never been treat so poorly in my life. its extremely obvious they dont want to be there. this zoo is extremely far from my home and these jerks made our trip down right awful and one male worker even went so far as to follow us around the zoo. Weve payed to be a member here for years. next year i will be paying to be a member elsewhere. if u ppl cant handle working during covid then shut down till its over. If ur open to the public then act right.
Written December 9, 2020
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.
John H
Hanahan, SC141 contributions
Sep 2021
Nice zoo. Agreed with the longish walk to see the exhibits; not a problem for two mobile people on a beautiful day, but if you're not fit or it's a crummy weather day it might be unpleasant.
Animals were good; happy, active, good exhibits. Clean.
Food service was good; actually better than average for zoos.
The only issues aren't zoo specific but visitors need to be aware.
The surrounding neighborhoods require heightened situational awareness. You are not in Mayberry, so pay attention.
On the day we went the children were so poorly behaved it was painful to watch or be around them. Distruptive, taunting some of the animals, all with parents who never looked up from their phones. We went as early as we could, and were glad we did.
Animals were good; happy, active, good exhibits. Clean.
Food service was good; actually better than average for zoos.
The only issues aren't zoo specific but visitors need to be aware.
The surrounding neighborhoods require heightened situational awareness. You are not in Mayberry, so pay attention.
On the day we went the children were so poorly behaved it was painful to watch or be around them. Distruptive, taunting some of the animals, all with parents who never looked up from their phones. We went as early as we could, and were glad we did.
Written September 24, 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.
Tiyonda F
1 contribution
Jul 2022
Family from Pittsburgh, PA. Perfect weather and officer name Steve was very nice and helpful as we walked to the ticket gate. As a whole family, we was wondering why we did not see anyone at the zoo. There were no discounts at the zoo (AAA, Teachers, Military or Senior Discount). I called the Zoo before coming down and I was never informed about the Zoo being under construction. We had to pay $118.00 for our tickets and $78.87 for five hotdogs, five bags of chips, and four slushies. The staff was nice and shared information about the animals. The children was very disappointed because they did not see all the animals. A lot of walking but not enough to see. I was embarrassed that I decided to take my family here from out of town. It would be nice to receive free membership or tickets when the zoo is completed and not under construction.
Written July 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.
NorthStarAries6871
Rutherford, NJ9 contributions
Jul 2021
We loved the Maryland Zoo. It isn't exceptionally large in terms of the animals that they have, pretty basic zoo animals but there exhibits are some of the best we have ever seen. The animals were all clearly visible and in most cases very close and easy to see. It is a lot of walking. The first exhibits are very far from the entrance and getting back to the exit after walking the entire zoo is a little challenging but we would definitely do it again.
Written July 23, 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.
americanpatriot73
54 contributions
Is traveling by metro from Inner Harbor to The Zoo safe? What about by bus too?
Are a lot of the animals on display at the end of October? Should I even bother going if the temperature is in the mid 50s?
Davishome
Baltimore, MD53 contributions
I visit the zoo year round and always have enjoy it.
Joseph Mastin
Wilmington, DE
Is there a petting zoo and if so are llamas one of the animals that you can actually pet?
Mark W
Denver, CO19 contributions
Yes, when I was there in May they did have a petting Zoo with Llamas.
מה מחיר הכניסה לגן החיות?
John T
Saint Paul, MN280 contributions
Seriously I can’t translate your question. I speak five languages but not that one.
Permiten mascotas
Bob O
Odenton, Maryland, United States3,532 contributions
Only Service Animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are permitted with visitors with disabilities.
tori r
Shamokin Dam, PA
Are you aloud to bring a dog to the zoo?
KimberlyCymru
Baltimore, MD37 contributions
No pets allowed.
DC_charm
Washington DC, DC53 contributions
Are we able to see the giraffes now? Some reviews say they enjoyed seeing them and some say they were disappointed because renovations prevented them from seeing the giraffes so not sure. My son wants to see giraffes up close and the zoo in DC doesn't have any.
Dianna M
South Amboy, NJ989 contributions
We were there in May 2019 and we saw the giraffes
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Claim your listingThe Maryland Zoo (Baltimore) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about The Maryland Zoo
- The Maryland Zoo is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- We recommend booking The Maryland Zoo tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 The Maryland Zoo tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near The Maryland Zoo:
- (2.35 mi) The Ivy Hotel
- (2.97 mi) Rachael's Dowry Bed and Breakfast
- (1.39 mi) Wilson House Bed and Breakfast
- (2.58 mi) Hotel Indigo Baltimore Downtown, an IHG Hotel
- (3.38 mi) 1840s Carrollton Inn
- Restaurants near The Maryland Zoo:
- (0.68 mi) Woodberry Kitchen
- (1.04 mi) The Food Market
- (0.68 mi) La Cuchara
- (0.63 mi) Birroteca
- (0.46 mi) Hip Hop Fish & Chicken
- Attractions near The Maryland Zoo:
- (0.34 mi) Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens of Baltimore
- (3.60 mi) Horseshoe Casino
- (1.61 mi) Baltimore Museum of Art
- (1.77 mi) The Johns Hopkins University
- (2.52 mi) The Walters Art Museum
The Maryland Zoo Information
| Excellent Reviews | 274 |
|---|---|
| Very Good Reviews | 234 |
| The Maryland Zoo Photos | 745 |





































































