United States
Arizona (AZ)
Tucson
Things to Do in Tucson
Reid Park Zoo
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Reid Park Zoo

See all things to do
See all things to do
Reid Park Zoo
4.5
1,054 reviews
#20 of 355 things to do in Tucson
Zoos
Read more
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
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About
Reid Park Zoo is a hidden gem, nestled in the center of Tucson, and is the perfect place to enjoy time outside while discovering the wonders of wildlife.
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Top ways to experience Reid Park Zoo and nearby attractions

The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
457 within 3 miles
McDonald's
5
0.2 mi
Mariscos Chihuahua
30
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Seafood
Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen
259
0.9 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Vegetarian Friendly
El Con Club and Grill
3
0.6 mi
Alvernon Donut Shop
19
0.7 mi$ • Bakeries
In-N-Out Burger
295
0.9 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Fast Food
Dutch Bros Coffee
3
0.7 mi
Barrio Bread
55
0.9 mi$ • Bakeries
Le Cave's Bakery & Donuts
7
0.8 mi$ • Bakeries • Cafe
Taco Bell
2
0.7 miMexican
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Attractions
202 within 6 miles
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0.1 miParks
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1
0.2 miMonuments & Statues
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2
0.3 miChurches & Cathedrals
Reid Park
127
0.8 miParks • Playgrounds
University of Arizona
591
2.8 miUniversities & Schools
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1,039
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742
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See what travelers are saying
  • Jayne C
    Belleville, Wisconsin176 contributions
    Small zoo
    This is a nice zoo but small. Not a lot of species of animals compared to other zoos we've been to. The layout is a bit odd as there are many deadend spaces - walk in see the animals and then have to turn around and walk out. With the pandemic, the layout didn't work well as you were always very close to others. The zoo does require masks for indoor spaces. Most people wore masks all the time which was easiest so you didn't forget to put them on in the buildings. Unfortunately, there were many people that did not put masks on in those spaces.
    Visited January 2022
    Written January 26, 2022
  • Valerie
    El Paso, Texas244 contributions
    On the smaller scale but worth a visit
    The zoo is small but had a nice variety of animals. It became very crowded around noon. No outside food or drink allowed as per the zoo’s website but there were a few food trucks outside the entrance. There is one eatery inside but it was closed at the time of our visit and only 2 kiosks selling snacks (so lines were loooonnnggg). We did all the things (carousel included) and finished the zoo in 2 hours.
    Visited March 2022
    Traveled with family
    Written March 15, 2022
  • Rex F
    Snowflake, Arizona19 contributions
    Would definitely go again
    It takes 4 hours to drive to Tucson from our home, but we have been to the Reid Park Zoo several times. We enjoy it much more than the Phoenix Zoo. The prices are much better. The animals are esier to see. It takes the right amount of time to see the entire zoo. The kids were not worn out 1/4 of the way through (like bigger zoos) They got tired right about the time we had seen everything.
    Visited March 2020
    Written March 22, 2020
  • TrudiC44
    Rio Rancho, New Mexico567 contributions
    Nice way to spend part of a day
    This zoo appears to be well cared for. All the animals looked healthy and alert. The Chinese Lantern Festival exhibits were on display with many realistically looking animals shown in family groups. As we arrived in the morning many zoo animals were alert and walking around, which definitely made the visit more interesting. All the paths were paved.
    Visited February 2020
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 18, 2020
  • Debbie B
    Green Cove Springs, Florida100 contributions
    Asian Lantern Festival
    Colorful lanterns, many of them life-size depictions of animals, are lighted along the walkways of the zoo. Mixed with colorful strings of lights, it’s an absolutely beautiful and unique experience. The walkways are paved and wide, with plenty of benches to rest and enjoy the view. There are activities for children, and a stage for entertainment. We watched a really good acrobatic performance. It was all well organized, and there is a large parking area available so no need to find parking on the street. I highly recommend it.
    Visited March 2020
    Written March 9, 2020
  • Robwil71
    42 contributions
    An Excellent Zoo
    This is a smaller zoo but it has a wonderful variety of animals, including giraffes, rhino, elephants and giant anteater. The animal enclosures are well suited to meet animal needs as well as providing visitors with excellent views. The zoo is well laid out so visitors get around easily. One of our favourite visits in Tucson.
    Visited March 2020
    Written March 27, 2020
  • Peggy B
    Columbia, Missouri56 contributions
    Nicely designed small zoo
    This zoo is located inside Tucson and is fairly small. However, the exhibits are well done, and the animals appear well-cared for and most were engaged in their environments. I saw many keepers tending to them during my visit. Easy to get to on the city bus, and an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours. Closes early in summer - go in the morning if possible.
    Visited September 2021
    Written September 30, 2021
  • ZimplyZuperb
    47 contributions
    Wonderful little zoo
    This is a great option to spend a few hours in Tucson. It's a compact zoo, but very well maintained. All animals appeared to be well cared for. Around 1:00 PM they feed the elephants, and an employee gives some commentary about the resident elephant family and some behaviors of elephants. When we were there, they spread out things like pumpkins, lettuce, and other stuff in the elephant enclosure, and let out a mom and kid elephant to feed on them. The way the little elephant was excitedly running to the food, and the sloppy way in which it was trying to feed, was just adorable. They also have a few animals that you rarely find in a zoo, such as African wild dog, giant anteater, and the sun bear. And the admission is very fairly priced.
    Visited December 2021
    Written January 17, 2022
  • Raff02
    3 contributions
    Beautiful Zoo at an affordable price
    We visited this Zoo on a whim and boy are we glad we did. Our grandchildren 5 and 6 years old, LOVED the many near extinction animals that the Phoenix Zoo does not have. Much of the zoo is shaded which is a welcome, when temperature is 90. Almost all of the walkways are cement some with leaf imprints. The volunteers provide helpful information. Well worth your time to visit. Never too old to visit the zoo. This zoo seemed had more active animals in living areas, than the Phoenix Zoo has many living areas empty.
    Visited November 2021
    Written November 8, 2021
  • Dawn M
    17 contributions
    Pleasant, kid-friendly zoo
    This was a clean, attractive zoo with lots of activities for small kids. Admission price was reasonable. It is a relatively small zoo, but the animals have large enclosures with enrichment and appear to be well cared for. Food was expensive but the pretzels were very good. It would have been nice to have a map to carry with us, but there is a map posted near the entrance. It was a pleasant way to spend an hour or two.
    Visited January 2023
    Written January 29, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,054 reviews
Excellent
595
Very good
348
Average
85
Poor
14
Terrible
12
TrudiC44
Rio Rancho, NM567 contributions
Nice way to spend part of a day
Feb 2020 • Couples
This zoo appears to be well cared for. All the animals looked healthy and alert. The Chinese Lantern Festival exhibits were on display with many realistically looking animals shown in family groups. As we arrived in the morning many zoo animals were alert and walking around, which definitely made the visit more interesting. All the paths were paved.
Written February 18, 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.
Debbie B
Green Cove Springs, FL100 contributions
Asian Lantern Festival
Mar 2020
Colorful lanterns, many of them life-size depictions of animals, are lighted along the walkways of the zoo. Mixed with colorful strings of lights, it’s an absolutely beautiful and unique experience. The walkways are paved and wide, with plenty of benches to rest and enjoy the view. There are activities for children, and a stage for entertainment. We watched a really good acrobatic performance. It was all well organized, and there is a large parking area available so no need to find parking on the street. I highly recommend it.
Written March 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.
Robwil71
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada42 contributions
An Excellent Zoo
Mar 2020
This is a smaller zoo but it has a wonderful variety of animals, including giraffes, rhino, elephants and giant anteater. The animal enclosures are well suited to meet animal needs as well as providing visitors with excellent views. The zoo is well laid out so visitors get around easily. One of our favourite visits in Tucson.
Written March 27, 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.
Peggy B
Columbia, MO56 contributions
Nicely designed small zoo
Sep 2021
This zoo is located inside Tucson and is fairly small. However, the exhibits are well done, and the animals appear well-cared for and most were engaged in their environments. I saw many keepers tending to them during my visit. Easy to get to on the city bus, and an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours. Closes early in summer - go in the morning if possible.
Written September 30, 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.
ZimplyZuperb
USA47 contributions
Wonderful little zoo
Dec 2021
This is a great option to spend a few hours in Tucson. It's a compact zoo, but very well maintained. All animals appeared to be well cared for. Around 1:00 PM they feed the elephants, and an employee gives some commentary about the resident elephant family and some behaviors of elephants. When we were there, they spread out things like pumpkins, lettuce, and other stuff in the elephant enclosure, and let out a mom and kid elephant to feed on them. The way the little elephant was excitedly running to the food, and the sloppy way in which it was trying to feed, was just adorable.

They also have a few animals that you rarely find in a zoo, such as African wild dog, giant anteater, and the sun bear. And the admission is very fairly priced.
Written January 17, 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.
Raff02
Chandler3 contributions
Beautiful Zoo at an affordable price
Nov 2021
We visited this Zoo on a whim and boy are we glad we did. Our grandchildren 5 and 6 years old, LOVED the many near extinction animals that the Phoenix Zoo does not have. Much of the zoo is shaded which is a welcome, when temperature is 90. Almost all of the walkways are cement some with leaf imprints. The volunteers provide helpful information. Well worth your time to visit. Never too old to visit the zoo. This zoo seemed had more active animals in living areas, than the Phoenix Zoo has many living areas empty.
Written November 8, 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.
Dawn M
17 contributions
Pleasant, kid-friendly zoo
Jan 2023
This was a clean, attractive zoo with lots of activities for small kids. Admission price was reasonable. It is a relatively small zoo, but the animals have large enclosures with enrichment and appear to be well cared for. Food was expensive but the pretzels were very good. It would have been nice to have a map to carry with us, but there is a map posted near the entrance. It was a pleasant way to spend an hour or two.
Written January 30, 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.
travelkitty50
Frederick, MD955 contributions
A Fun Local Zoo
Jan 2022
We were 5 minutes away from this zoo in Tucson (separate review) and it was open the day we were in the area. It was a perfect day to walk around outside and this zoo is well kept and clean. The animals in it seem happy too, which is something that I always look for. Even the 4-6 elephants there had some room to roam. This zoo is well worth supporting.
Written February 1, 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.
C E
Seattle, WA352 contributions
A lovely, compact zoo
Jan 2022
We went to see the animals while we visited Tucson. This is a wonderful, child and senior-friendly zoo. The walkways are smooth and winding through the space with animal enclosures on both sides. It feels like you are up close, and personal with the biggest of them.
Written January 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.
Susan B
Ontario, Canada713 contributions
nice little zoo
Feb 2023
We have been here twice now, and it is a good little zoo.
Lots of animals to see and not too much walking.
The docents around the zoo are very friendly and we enjoyed talking to the one in the south america section.
About 2-3 hours would get you to see everything taking your time to watch along the way.
Written February 18, 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.
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Reid Park Zoo - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo is open:
  • Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Reid Park 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 1 Reid Park Zoo tours on Tripadvisor
Restaurants near Reid Park Zoo: View all restaurants near Reid Park Zoo on Tripadvisor

Reid Park Zoo Information

Excellent Reviews

595

Very Good Reviews

348

Reid Park Zoo Photos

617