Louisville Zoo Tours

Louisville Zoo featuring bird life and zoo animals
Louisville Zoo showing marine life as well as a family
Louisville Zoo featuring zoo animals and land animals
Louisville Zoo featuring zoo animals and bird life
Louisville Zoo which includes rides as well as a small group of people


A zoo visit promotes respect for animals and their well-being. Share a day with family at this city zoo with its abundance of species and activity areas.

Louisville Zoo is clean and respectful of its animals, providing a wonderful opportunity to see species that might otherwise be geographically impossible to view. Visit these majestic creatures and understand more about the importance of conservation.

In the Africa section, stately African and Asian elephants plod slowly through their days and pygmy hippos loll about between baths. Observe lions sedately perusing their landscape and meerkats continually watching as they balance on their hind feet. This section’s Gorilla Forest is extremely popular for the expressive behavior of its 10 western lowland gorillas.

Experience the African savannah by taking a camel ride. Watch a tall giraffe stretch its neck from the ground to the tops of trees. Stop at the supervised African petting zoo and enjoy the garden featuring a number of sculptured animals.

Visit Glacier Run for cold weather animals such as polar and grizzly bears, as well as playful seals in their enclosure resembling a small Canadian town. Sit in a truck’s cab while bears look for food in the back on the other side of a protective glass wall. Gaze upward to see eagles and snowy owls. Bring swimsuits for children to play in the splash park and playground areas.

The penguins will seek your attention in the Islands section. Find orangutans and Sumatran tigers in the Indonesian Village. Travel to South America to view jaguars and snow leopards. Australia’s unique species include wallabies and wallaroos. Feed the friendly lorikeet birds with nectar purchased at the zoo.

Visit the HerpAquarium for less visible animals, such as Gila monsters, boa constrictors, the endangered Cuban crocodile and the threatened hellbender salamander. In additional conservation efforts, the zoo is helping to resurrect the black-footed ferret that faced extinction in North America.

The attraction has a hilly terrain. Walk, take the zoo train or shuttle around the 134 acres (54 hectares). Drive to Louisville Zoo in 15 minutes from the downtown area. The zoo is open daily except select holidays. Purchase admission and parking passes online. Note that weather plays an important role in being able to see certain animals.

Plan a trip to see Louisville Zoo

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Expo Ctr by IHG
Galt House Hotel Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Hyatt Regency Louisville

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Louisville Zoo

Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Expo Ctr by IHG

Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Expo Ctr by IHG

3.5 out of 5
830 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY
Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Expo Ctr by IHG
Wingate by Wyndham Louisville Fair and Expo

Wingate by Wyndham Louisville Fair and Expo

2.5 out of 5
3200 Kemmons Drive, Louisville, KY
Wingate by Wyndham Louisville Fair and Expo
Candlewood Suites Louisville Airport by IHG

Candlewood Suites Louisville Airport by IHG

2.5 out of 5
1367 Gardiner Ln, Louisville, KY
Candlewood Suites Louisville Airport by IHG
Derby City Gaming & Hotel -  A Churchill Downs Property

Derby City Gaming & Hotel - A Churchill Downs Property

4 out of 5
4520 Poplar Level Rd, Louisville, KY
Derby City Gaming & Hotel - A Churchill Downs Property
Holiday Inn Express Louisville Airport Expo Center by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Louisville Airport Expo Center by IHG

2.5 out of 5
1921 Bishop Ln, Louisville, KY
Holiday Inn Express Louisville Airport Expo Center by IHG
Red Roof Inn Louisville Fair and Expo

Red Roof Inn Louisville Fair and Expo

2 out of 5
3322 Red Roof Inn Pl, Louisville, KY
Red Roof Inn Louisville Fair and Expo
Close to Everything in Louisville!!!

Close to Everything in Louisville!!!

Louisville
Close to Everything in Louisville!!!
Best Western Louisville Airport Expo

Best Western Louisville Airport Expo

2.5 out of 5
4125 Preston Hwy, Louisville, KY
Best Western Louisville Airport Expo
Highlands Bungalow Close to All / 3000+ sq ft

Highlands Bungalow Close to All / 3000+ sq ft

Louisville
Highlands Bungalow Close to All / 3000+ sq ft
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Louisville Zoo

At the Louisville Zoo in Louisville, Kentucky, visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions and activities, including sports events, live music, and baseball games nearby. The zoo itself offers a rich experience, showcasing diverse animal exhibits and educational programs. Don't miss the nearby Louisville Steamboat for a unique river experience, making your visit to the zoo an exciting part of your vacation in this vibrant city.

Food and drinks

Enjoy a delightful visit to the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, offering a taste of local spirits just 5 miles from the zoo. For a sweet treat, Schimpffs Confectionery is also nearby, providing a family-friendly atmosphere perfect for indulging your sweet tooth.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Mall St. Matthews, located 5 miles from Louisville Zoo, offering a variety of family and entertainment options. If you're up for a drive, check out Outer Loop Plaza Shopping Center, 7 miles away, for more family-friendly experiences and shops.

Recreation

The KFC Yum Center, located 4 miles from the Louisville Zoo, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports events. For relaxation, visit Riverfront Plaza Belvedere, 5 miles away, where you can unwind by the water. Seneca Park, 3 miles from the zoo, provides tranquil pathways for leisurely strolls.

Adventure

Experience thrilling racing at Bluegrass Indoor Karting, located 9 miles from Louisville Zoo, where adrenaline meets speed. For a scenic hike, visit Lannan Park Trailhead, 6 miles away, offering beautiful outdoor trails. Explore the Watson Lane Trailhead, 15 miles distant, perfect for adventurous trail access in nature.

Nightlife

At Louisville Zoo, experience vibrant nightlife at the Louisville Palace, offering cultural shows just 4 miles away. The Bard's Town, 2 miles away, serves delightful drinks in a romantic pub atmosphere. For a thrilling night, try the Horseshoe Southern Indiana Casino, 11 miles away, where excitement meets city vibes.

Find the best attractions near Louisville Zoo

During your visit to the Louisville Zoo in Louisville, Kentucky, you'll find a variety of attractions including urban parks, event venues, and sports museums. These points of interest provide a blend of cultural experiences, outdoor activities, and family-friendly fun. Additionally, you can explore other local attractions and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the area. For more information, consider reaching out to the zoo directly or checking out nearby sites.

  • Kentucky Exposition Center: Just 2 miles from the Louisville Zoo, this expansive event venue hosts a variety of conventions, trade shows, and community events, offering a bustling atmosphere that showcases the business and culture of Kentucky.
  • University of Louisville: Located 3 miles away, this modern university combines vibrant city life with a rich academic environment. Enjoy its beautiful campus, diverse programs, and cultural events that reflect the dynamic spirit of Louisville.
  • Louisville Mega Cavern: Only 0.3 miles from the zoo, this unique underground adventure offers zip-lining, tram tours, and more, all set within a massive cavern. Experience the thrill of outdoor adventure in a one-of-a-kind setting!

Best time to go to Louisville Zoo

Visitor numbers around Louisville Zoo is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Louisville Zoo can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Louisville Zoo falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Louisville Zoo falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February36.5°F (2.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March46.2°F (7.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
June73.9°F (23.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July77.2°F (25.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August75.6°F (24.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September69.8°F (21.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November45.9°F (7.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December38.8°F (3.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Louisville Zoo

To save money during your visit to the Louisville Zoo, plan your trip between November and January for lower hotel rates. Utilize public transport and take advantage of free nearby attractions like the University of Louisville and Louisville Waterfront Park. Book accommodations a month in advance or explore last-minute deals on Expedia for potential savings. Consider bundling your hotel stay with flights and activities for additional discounts. Join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive offers and OneKeyCash rewards on future bookings, ensuring you find the best rates and availability.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Louisville Zoo are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Louisville Zoo is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool is designed to help you easily find accommodations that fit your budget and preferred location, among other criteria. You can sort the results by price, starting with the most affordable options, so you can quickly find the best deals on hotels. Additionally, you have the option to filter your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Louisville Zoo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.