This post covers how to get discounted tickets to the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, including discount passes, how to get there, and what exhibits you can see.
It's the perfect way to spend some time with the family discovering alligators, giraffes, and exotic birds.
NOTE: The Nashville Zoo is open for business. However, this could change at any time in the next few months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some attractions and events have been temporarily closed. Face coverings are no longer required and you do not need advanced tickets.
Disclosure: While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the full text.
TICKETS
This section will give you an overview of ticket types and ticket prices.
TIP: To get a discount of up to 50% on your tickets, check out the attraction discount pass below.
General Admission
- Adults and Teens: $16-$23
- Children (2 - 12 years): $12-$19
- Children under 2 get in for free.
- Purchase your Nashville Zoo Tickets.
Parking Pass
- $8 per vehicle.
- Free for members.
8 NASHVILLE ZOO DISCOUNTS
This section lists the discounts available for the zoo, including a city pass and military discount.
1. Tourist Attraction Discount Passes
Discount passes work by bundling admission tickets to multiple attractions to offer big discounts, and one of Nashville's popular passes includes entry to the zoo.
Music City Total Access Pass
This preset attraction pass includes 4 attractions of your choice - one of which is the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere - as well as discounts on Gray Line bus tours and Music City merchandise.
If you want a great tour of Nashville plus entry into some of the most popular attractions, this is a great pass to purchase.
2. Military Discount
Visitors with valid military ID and their entire party receive between 47% - 50% off ticket prices at the gate.
3. AAA Discount
Unfortunately, there is no AAA discount for the Nashville Zoo.
4. Coupon Sites
Make sure to check with Groupon and LivingSocial for occasional discounts.
5. Group Rates
If you purchase 20 or more tickets, you will qualify for the group discount of $9 off tickets, making them $14 for Adults & Seniors, and $10 for Children.
6. Children's Discount
As you may have noticed, tickets for kids from the age of 2-12 are $4 less than adult admission. It's also worth noting that kids under 2 get in for free.
7. Become a Member
Zoo members get free admission whenever they want for a full year. You'll also receive 10% off concessions and retail purchases.
There is also a $1 discount on stroller & wheelchair rentals as well as $1 off admission for additional guests.
Membership runs from $75 for a single adult to $150 for a household with 1 adult, 1 guest and up to 6 children.
8. Follow Their Social Media
Nashville Zoo will sometimes announce special limited time discounts on their social media platforms and their events calendar.
If you're still looking for a way to save money on tickets, this could be a good option.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
This section will list directions, opening hours, best times to visit, and other useful tips for planning your visit to the zoo.
How to Get to the Zoo
The Nashville Zoo is located at 3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211.
The Zoo is a 20-minute drive south from downtown Nashville, so we suggest using this Google link to get exact directions.
Driving
- Use either I-65 or I-24 at the Harding Place Exit
Bus Routes
- Route 52 includes a 15 to 20 minutes' walk from the Zoo stops
Opening Hours
- Open Daily
- October 12 - March 7 from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
- March 8 - October 10 from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day
Best Times to Visit
Weekends are the busiest time to visit the zoo, with the busiest hours hitting between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Luckily, however, the crowds start thinning out after 3:00 pm. This should give you plenty of time to enjoy the whole zoo.
However, if you’re looking for the most animal activity, the zoo recommends you visit in the morning.
How long should you stay?
Most people stay for 2 to 3 hours at the zoo. If you’re a fan of catching zookeeper demonstrations, feedings, or the zoo’s train, you might want to budget some extra time.
Security
The Zoo prohibits guests from bringing in glass, disposable straws or lids, and balloons because these items can be hazardous for the animals.
Alcohol and any weapons are also prohibited. You may bring in a cooler for a picnic, however.
Dining Options
You can find multiple dining options available at the zoo.
The Zoofari Cafe is open every day with burgers, salads, sandwiches, and pizzas.
There will also be seasonal food stands throughout the park with BBQ, popcorn, pretzels, and soft drinks.
Guests are allowed to bring in outside food to enjoy at the picnic dining areas.
Are there Lockers?
No, the zoo does not have storage or backpack lockers.
If you want to keep something safely stored for the day, why not use one of these bag storage services in Nashville?
EXHIBITS
This section outlines a few of the interactive exhibits, rides, and play areas the Nashville Zoo has to offer.
Critter Encounters Petting Zoo
You can take selfies with a camel or pet a goat at Critter Encounters. This exhibit also houses Galapagos tortoises, an alpaca, and several species of birds.
Keeper Talks
If you've ever wondered what exactly the animals eat, or need in their habitats to be happy and healthy, be sure to catch a Keeper Talk!
The zookeepers give entertaining and educational talks at specific exhibits on eating habits and what it takes to keep the animals thriving in their habitats.
Check out the daily Keeper Talk schedule on the zoo's website here.
Jungle Gym
Kids will love the jungle gym that features a huge treehouse with bridges, ladders, slides, and a giant snake tunnel.
The playground is 66,000-square feet, which leaves plenty of room for all the young visitors to enjoy.
Kangaroo Kickabout
You don’t need to go to Australia to get up close and personal with a kangaroo.
Visitors can interact with the kangaroos in the Australian habitat. You must stay on the sidewalks and footpaths, but the kangaroos can approach you!
Soaring Eagle Zip Line
If you’re looking for something with a little bit more adrenaline, why not try the zip line?
You can ride the line both directions 110 feet over the zoo. The ride costs $8 per passenger.
Wilderness Express
The Wilderness Express train travels through a wooded area of the property on a small circular track. It is recommended for children up to 5 years old.
Train cars are decorated with leopard, peacock, and giraffe patterns, and tickets cost $2 per ride.
Animal Exhibits
Of course, at the Zoo, you’ll find a myriad of animal species and habitats, from arthropods, reptiles, and mammals to fish, birds, and amphibians.
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