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.
Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Airport
Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Expo Ctr by IHG
Galt House Hotel Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Louisville Zoo

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Courtyard by Marriott Louisville Airport

Courtyard by Marriott Louisville Airport

3 out of 5
819 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY
Courtyard by Marriott Louisville Airport
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

While visiting the Louisville Zoo, don't miss out on the vibrant attractions nearby, including exciting sports events, live music, and baseball games. The zoo offers a fantastic outdoor experience where you can engage with wildlife and explore various exhibits. Additionally, immerse yourself in the city experiences that Louisville has to offer, making your trip to the zoo a memorable part of your overall visit to this vibrant city.

Shopping

At Louisville Zoo, enjoy shopping at Bardstown Square Shopping Center, only 3 miles away, and Nulu Market Place, located 4 miles away, both offering vibrant family-friendly atmospheres. If you're up for a drive, visit Great Clips Festival Shopping Center, situated 5 miles from the zoo, for more shopping options.

Recreation

At L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of local sports events. Enjoy live performances at Headliners Music Hall, where music fills the air. For tranquility, visit Seneca Park, offering serene walking trails and lush greenery perfect for relaxation and wellness.

Adventure

At Atlantis Waterpark, enjoy thrilling water slides and lazy river rides, creating unforgettable family fun. For a quick adventure, head to the nearby Louisville Tennis Center for some energetic matches. Don’t miss hiking the scenic Lannan Park Trailhead, where you can immerse yourself in nature and breathtaking views.

Nightlife

After a day at the Louisville Zoo, catch a show at the nearby Louisville Palace for a dose of culture and romance. For some fun, head over to Vernon Club & Lanes for arcade adventures. Wrap up your night at Baron's Theater, enjoying family-friendly entertainment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Louisville Zoo

When visiting the Louisville Zoo, you'll find a variety of attractions to enjoy, including local urban parks and cultural venues. Families can explore the nearby Louisville Nature Center and the historic Louisville Palace. For accommodations, consider staying at hotels close to the zoo. With a blend of nature and city life, the area offers a great experience for tourists seeking both adventure and relaxation.

  • Kentucky Exposition Center: Located 2 miles from the Louisville Zoo, this venue hosts a variety of events and conferences. With a professional atmosphere, it's perfect for business travelers and those interested in local exhibitions.
  • Kentucky Kingdom: Just 2 miles away, this vibrant theme park offers a thrilling escape for families. Enjoy roller coasters, water rides, and live entertainment, making it a fantastic spot for fun and excitement.
  • University of Louisville: Situated 3 miles from the zoo, this modern university showcases impressive architecture and a lively campus vibe. It's an excellent place to explore educational facilities and soak in the local culture.

Best time to go to Louisville Zoo

The best time to visit Louisville Zoo is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February36.5°F (2.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
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 SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December38.8°F (3.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Louisville Zoo

To save money on your trip to Louisville Zoo, consider visiting from November to January for lower accommodation prices. Stay on a Monday for the best rates, while Fridays tend to be more expensive. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels by sorting results from lowest to highest price and applying the Eco-certified filter for sustainable options. Booking a package that combines your hotel, flights, and activities can also yield savings. Lastly, join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future stays.

  • 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 most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Louisville Zoo is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Louisville Zoo is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget and choose your desired location, among other options. You can sort your results by price, starting from the lowest, to easily find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type—if you select the Eco-certified filter, you'll be presented with sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotel choices 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 by booking a package through Expedia.
  • 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.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia