Reid Park Zoo is one of Tucson's most beloved and recognized attractions. Boasting 500,000 visitors each year, Reid Park Zoo is a clean, well-kept, and moderately sized zoo.
Located in mid-town Tucson and bordered by Gene C. Reid Park and two Tucson City Golf courses, the 24-acre zoo was founded in 1965 and is home to hundreds of animals.
In addition to animal exhibits, the zoo also offers a carousel, a miniature train, a giraffe experience, an air-conditioned cafe, and a number of educational programs.
Reid Park Zoo is also the host of many interesting and well-done adult events throughout the calendar year - including ZOOcson, Brew at the Zoo, and Wine Gone Wild.
Reid Park Zoo can be found in Central Tucson, off of 22nd Street (between Country Club & Alvernon). The address is: 3400 Zoo Court, Tucson.
The Reid Park Zoo is open seven days a week.
The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Parking is free and plentiful.
Two to three hours should suffice.
Zoo admission is FREE for members.
For non-members, rates are as follows: $10.50/adults (ages 15-61), $8.50/seniors (ages 62+), $6.50/children (ages 2-14). and free for little ones (ages 0-1).
*Note that there are several attractions that require an additional fee. Carousel rides are $3/person, giraffe encounter is $3/person, and the Reid Park Zoo Express Train is $3/person.
There are four different membership levels: Individual ($37/year), Senior ($27/year), Family ($80/year), and Gold ($130/year).
Membership qualifies you for free admission to the zoo all year long, discounts at the cafe and gift shop, and member pricing for special events. PLUS, you'll receive free reciprocal or discounted admission to 160 zoos and aquariums around the USA.
For a family of four, you would quickly pay for your membership if you visited the zoo more than two times in one year. Stated another way, family memberships are less than $7 a month for FREE access to Reid Park Zoo year round!
Sun safety is encouraged while visiting the zoo! Prepare for a perfect day in the sun with a hat, drinking water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and good walking shoes.
Bring a water bottler to stay hydrated during your visit.
Restrooms are located conveniently throughout the property and are well-maintained.
October thru April are ideal because the temperatures tend to be more moderate than in the summer months. That said, summer visits can also be fun if you visit in the mornings or evenings.
Animals tend to be most active and visitor attendance tends to be lowest early in the morning and just prior to closing.
* School group visits are popular each morning March through May. This is a great time to visit if you enjoy the excitement and energy of youngsters exploring their Zoo.
Due to construction, the Zoofari Café is currently closed. Food and beverages are available at carts located throughout the Zoo.
Although outside food is not permitted in the Zoo, there is an air-conditioned cafe that features a variety of menu items. You may also choose to bring your own food and picnic in one of the many areas just outside the Zoo in Reid Park. Bottled water is always permitted (and encouraged!) in the Zoo.
The Zoofari Market Café at Reid Park Zoo, open daily between 9:00am and 4:00pm, welcomes guests with a 2,200-square-foot indoor space with air conditioning and inside seating for 93. Two adjacent outdoor patios can seat an additional 100 people.
In addition to salads, sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, and pizza, you can also purchase churros, cotton candy, and Dippin' Dots to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Snack stands are also occasionally open throughout the zoo during peak hours.
There are plenty of dining options in the area. Our top picks within a 5-mile radius are:
If it’s hot outside and you’re up for a cold slushee style drink, go to Eeegee’s at 1875 S. Alvernon Way (1.1 miles away).
Angel Charity for Children World of Play is currently under construction with a planned opening in Spring 2023.
Yes. The Reid Park Zoo also has strollers available for rent -$6 for a single stroller; $8 for a double stroller.
No. That said, there are a number of shaded benches located throughout the zoo.
Yes – in all of the restrooms.
Yes. There are six Kid's Meal options - Hot Dog, Corn Dog, Chicken Tenders, Mac & Cheese, PB & J, and Grilled Cheese. Kid's Meals include applesauce, teddy grahams, and whole milk.
Yes. There are several different venues available for rent:
Generally, private events begin after the Zoo closes and the public guests have had a chance to exit (at approximately 4:30 pm). You must use the zoo's provided caterer.
Yes! You can follow Reid Park Zoo on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
You can also sign up to receive the zoo's enewsletter.
That's about it. Have a GRRReat time!
