Reid Park Zoo - Attraction Guide

Reid Park Zoo Tucson

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.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Where is the Reid Park Zoo located?

Reid Park Zoo can be found in Central Tucson, off of 22nd Street (between Country Club & Alvernon). The address is: 3400 Zoo Court, Tucson.

What are the hours?

The Reid Park Zoo is open seven days a week.

  • October – May, 9:00am – 4:00pm
  • June – September, 8:00am – 2:00pm

The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

What is the parking situation at Reid Park Zoo?

Parking is free and plentiful.

Why would I visit the Reid Park Zoo?

  • To see elephants, bears, lions, zebras, anteaters, otters, rhinos, flamingos, and more
  • To feed the giraffes
  • To ride the carousel or miniature train
  • To attend a birthday party or special event

How much time should I allot for my visit to the Reid Park Zoo?

Two to three hours should suffice.

How much does it cost?

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.

What is the cost of membership? Is it worthwhile?

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!

What should I wear?

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.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a water bottler to stay hydrated during your visit.

How many bathrooms are available?

Restrooms are located conveniently throughout the property and are well-maintained.

What is the best season for visiting the zoo?

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.

What is the best time of day to visit the zoo?

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.

DINING

Due to construction, the Zoofari Café is currently closed. Food and beverages are available at carts located throughout the Zoo.

Is outside food allowed? Are picnic tables available?

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.

What dining venues are available on-site?

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.

What restaurants are located NEAR the Reid Park Zoo?

There are plenty of dining options in the area. Our top picks within a 5-mile radius are:

  • In-N-Out Burger, 3711 E. Broadway Blvd. (0.6 miles away) – burgers, fries, milkshakes
  • Tucson Tamale Company, 2545 E. Broadway Blvd. (1.0 mile away) – tamales
  • Maynards Market, 400 N. Toole Ave. (3.6 miles away) – soups, salads, sandwiches, steak, fish, vegetarian
  • Cup Cafe, 311 E. Congress St. (3.6 miles away) – indoor & outdoor seating, breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink, 101 E. Pennington St. (3.8 miles away) – pizza, pasta, drinks

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).

BABIES & KIDS

Angel Charity for Children World of Play is currently under construction with a planned opening in Spring 2023.

Should I bring a stroller?

Yes. The Reid Park Zoo also has strollers available for rent -$6 for a single stroller; $8 for a double stroller.

Is there a designated area for moms to feed their babies?

No. That said, there are a number of shaded benches located throughout the zoo.

Are changing tables available?

Yes – in all of the restrooms.

Is there a kids menu available at the Zoofari Market Cafe?

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.

EVENTS

Can I have my wedding at the Reid Park Zoo?

Yes. There are several different venues available for rent:

  • Event Garden
  • Expedition Tanzania and Pachyderm Patio
  • Conservation Learning Center (deck, meeting room, and Presentation Circle)
  • Rhino Ramada
  • South America Circle

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.

MISCELLANY

Is the Reid Park Zoo on social media?

Yes! You can follow Reid Park Zoo on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

You can also sign up to receive the zoo's enewsletter.

What else do I need to know before I go to the Reid Park Zoo?

That's about it. Have a GRRReat time!

TucsonTopia contains both paid and non-paid mentions of businesses and organizations in and around Tucson, Arizona. Any reference made here to local businesses, services, classes, etc. is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement. We encourage you to do your own research before participating in an event or engaging with a local business or organization. The intent of TucsonTopia is to provide ideas for family-friendly activities, events, and resources. Participants assume all risks for any activities they engage in. TucsonTopia is not responsible for any injuries or problems that may arise from partaking in any of these events and activities.
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