Inspiring a love of wildlife and conservation, 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 more than 250 animals.
In addition to naturalistic habitats featuring animal species found throughout the world, the zoo also offers a carousel, a miniature train, a giraffe experience, an air-conditioned restaurant, and a number of educational programs.
Reid Park Zoo is also the host of several signature family events such as ZooLights: Holiday Magic as well as 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.
Reid Park Zoo is open 9:00am to 4:00pm between October – May and 8:00am to 2:00pm between June - September.
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.
Admission rates are as follows:
*Note that there are several attractions that require an additional fee:
There are four different membership levels:
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.
Yes! In late August 2023, Reid Park Zoo will welcome a new addition to its South America Loop – a Linne’s Two-Toed Sloth. These notoriously slow dwellers of the rainforest canopies of Central and South America have faces that look as if they are always smiling. They are so slow and sedentary that algae can grow on their fur!
In late September 2023, the Zoo is expected to open the Angel Charity for Children World of Play. This unique nature play adventure zone will enable children of all ages to explore several continents hands-on as they make like a penguin and whoosh down a frigid Antarctic ice cave, climb a towering 30-ft Sequoia tree, pretend they are on the lookout for tigers in a field station and uncover clues on the rainforest floor.
The Zoo will soon begin construction on a new 3.5 acre Pathway to Asia addition that will showcase the rich biological diversity of Asia and its animals, bringing new species such as red panda, Komodo dragon, Egyptian fruit bats, and siamangs. With Pathway to Asia, Reid Park Zoo will also be a breeding facility and conservation center for endangered Malayan tigers.
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.
Flamingo Grill features fresh salads, sandwiches, pizza, and snacks, including a children’s menu, while affording views of nearby Flamingo Lagoon. You can browse the full menu here.
Snacks and treats - such as popcorn, churros, and Dippin' Dots - are also available for purchase at Flamingo Grill.
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).
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 five Kid's Meal options available for ages 12 and under - Hot Dog, Corn Dog, Pizza, Burger, and Mac & Cheese. All meal options are $7.50. Kid's Meals include a side: fruit, chips, or fries.
From an Antarctic ice cave to the South American rainforest to the towering North American redwoods, kids can explore their world in a single afternoon at Reid Park Zoo's new World of Play adventure zone. In this sensory nature playground, kids of all ages and abilities can learn about nature through the animals' eyes as they slither through a rope bridge, whoosh down an ice slide, climb a 30-ft sequoia tree, and enjoy a series of unstructured play areas. As the kids play, parents can relax and watch from a nearby covered pavilion.
What is the target age range for World of Play?
World of Play is designed for children ages 3 to 12, but is appropriate for kids of all ages, including adults.
Where is World of Play located in the zoo?
World of Play is located inside the Zoo adjacent to the Conservation Learning Center.
Yes. Several areas of the Zoo are available to rent, providing a wildly different and elegant backdrop for private events from weddings to corporate functions, birthdays, family reunions, and memorial services. Catering and full-bar services are available. To inquire about hosting your event at the zoo, email [email protected] or call 520-881-4753.
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!
