If you're looking for a fun activity in Nashville that the whole family will enjoy, it's hard to beat the zoo!
This post will cover how to get Nashville Zoo tickets, opening hours, how to get here, and details about what kind of wildlife you can expect to see.
We'll also include information about nearby hotels and restaurants, just in case you want to stay in the area a bit longer.
NASHVILLE ZOO TICKETS
This section will give you an overview of ticket prices.
Unlike other attractions in this city, Nashville Zoo at Grassmere only has general admission, and that covers every area on the grounds of the estate.
Ticket prices vary depending on when you want to visit. Peak periods such as the summer and weekends typically cost more. If you want to avoid paying the highest price, consider coming on a weekday.
The zoo in Nashville, TN also offers stroller and wheelchair rentals for those who need them, and they also have additional attractions you can add onto your ticket.
TIP: To get up to 50% off general admission, check out our post covering Nashville Zoo discount tickets.
General Admission
- Adults and Teens: $16-$26
- Children (2 - 12 years): $12-$22
- Children under 2 get in for free.
- Purchase your Nashville TN Zoo Tickets.
Additional Attractions
The Nashville Zoo uses attraction tickets for all of their additional attractions. Tickets cost $2 each, so if you need 4 tickets for an attraction, it will cost $8 extra in addition to general admission.
- Wilderness Express Train Rise | 1 ticket
- Lorikeet Landing Feeding | 1 ticket
- Wild Animal Carousel | 1 ticket
- Adventure 4D Theater | 2 tickets
- Soaring Eagle Zipline | 4 tickets
If you don't want to mess with individual tickets, you can get an unlimited rides Adventure Pass for just $11.
Parking Pass
- $8 per vehicle.
- Free for members.
Nashville Zoo Hours
- Open Daily
- October 11 - March 9 from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
- March 10 - October 11 from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day
How to Get to Nashville 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
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.
Nashville Zoo Map
Once you've arrived to the zoo, consider downloading the Nashville Zoo app for immediate access to the official map showing you where to find each animal and attraction on the grounds.
The app also provides details about each animal and activity available at Nashville Zoo, allowing you to learn about each exhibit in greater detail.
Alternatively, you can click here to view or download the Nashville Zoo map.
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.
You can also find several notable restaurants near Nashville Zoo, click here to know more.
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 AND ANIMALS
This section outlines a few of the interactive exhibits, rides, and play areas the Nashville Zoo has to offer.
You can download the zoo map app (Apple, Android) on your phone or download the maps using this link to get around the zoo.
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.
NEARBY HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS
This section will cover some of the best hotels and restaurants near the Nashville Zoo.
Hotels Near Nashville Zoo
- La Quinta Inn by Wyndham | $
- Four Points by Sheraton | $$
- Holiday Inn Express | $$$
- Candlewood Suites | $$$
- Hyatt Place | $$
Restaurants Near Nashville Zoo
- King Tut's | $$
- Chismes Cafe | $
- Juicy Seafood | $
- Whitt's Barbecue | $
- Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet | $
