Maryland Zoo Tours

Maryland Zoo showing zoo animals and cuddly or friendly animals
Maryland Zoo featuring zoo animals and land animals
Maryland Zoo which includes land animals and zoo animals
Maryland Zoo featuring signage
Maryland Zoo featuring landscape views and zoo animals


A small, historic animal park has a modern African safari, Arctic exhibit and children’s petting farm and play area among its top attractions.

The small Maryland Zoo is a place to come and observe or interact with animals from all over the world. The African and Arctic exhibits are complemented by a Maryland Wilderness section, which includes a Children’s Zoo. All animals are housed in enclosures that replicate their natural habitats.

Founded in 1876 as Baltimore Zoo, this is one of the oldest zoos in the country. It is set on 160 acres (65 hectares) in Druid Hill Park and started out as a donation of four swans on public display. The zoo opened its first elephant house in the 1920s and remains committed to the long-term survival of elephants in the wild.

Today you can come here to see more than 2,000 amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles from all over the globe. Follow the trails of African Journey, the zoo’s largest exhibit, and observe elephants, cheetahs, chimpanzees and many more animals from the African continent. For a small fee you can feed the giraffes.

Watch for the various presentations by zoo keepers throughout the day. You’ll learn about nature and observe animals being fed. See polar bears swim gracefully underwater at Polar Bear Watch, or grab a brush to groom a goat at the zoo’s farmyard in the Maryland Wilderness section.

There is also a Children’s Zoo, which offers activities, animal encounters and playgrounds. The popular, but quite expensive, VIP-Experience Breakfast with the Animals is only scheduled on certain days during the warmer months.

Maryland Zoo is open daily during warmer months. The limited opening hours and attractions in winter are made up for by a 50 percent discount on admission. Maryland Zoo might be small, however, it is less than 10-minutes’ drive from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and makes for a good morning out with the family when the weather is fine. Parking is free and there is a café.

Plan a trip to see Maryland Zoo

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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Laurel
Pier 5 Hotel Baltimore
Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore Inner Harbor

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Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor

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4 out of 5
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Hotel Indigo Baltimore Downtown by IHG

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guesthouse by good neighbor

guesthouse by good neighbor

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Modern Hampden Getaway– Steps to Dining with convenient Parking

Modern Hampden Getaway– Steps to Dining with convenient Parking

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Lord Baltimore Hotel

Lord Baltimore Hotel

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Blue House in Hampden

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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 Maryland Zoo

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore offers a variety of activities for visitors, including scheduled zoo times, picnic areas for family gatherings, and exciting animal encounters that provide unique experiences with wildlife. Guests can also enjoy the beauty of nature throughout the zoo and take a relaxing paddle boat ride, making it a perfect destination for both fun and relaxation.

Shopping

La Terra, located 1 mile from Maryland Zoo, offers unique gifts and souvenirs. For a broader experience, visit Lexington Market, just 3 miles away, for local delights. If you're up for a drive, Towson Town Center, 6 miles away, combines shopping with entertainment and dining options.

Recreation

At the Jewish Community Center of Baltimore, enjoy wellness classes and relaxation activities in a serene environment, just 3 miles from the Maryland Zoo. For entertainment, visit CFG Bank Arena for concerts, or catch a game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, both also 3 miles away.

Adventure

Explore the BWI Trail, located 6 miles from the Maryland Zoo, for an invigorating hike amidst beautiful scenery. For thrill-seekers, Earth Treks Climbing Center, 7 miles away, offers exciting climbing experiences perfect for adventure lovers looking to test their skills in a vibrant outdoor setting.

Nightlife

After a day at the Maryland Zoo, catch a show at the Hippodrome Theatre or enjoy a film at the Senator Theater, both just 3 miles away. For a mix of culture and romance, Center Stage Theater offers captivating performances in a family-friendly atmosphere.

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

Find the best attractions near Maryland Zoo

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore offers a delightful mix of attractions, including historic colleges, modern universities, and event venues, perfect for culture seekers and families. While exploring the zoo, visitors can also discover nearby points of interest, enhancing their city experience. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore the surrounding attractions and fully enjoy your visit to the Maryland Zoo.

  • Johns Hopkins University: Renowned for its historic significance and academic excellence, Johns Hopkins University offers a vibrant campus atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy beautifully landscaped grounds and impressive architecture, embodying a rich cultural vibe that inspires learning and creativity.
  • Baltimore Convention Center: A hub for events and conferences, the Baltimore Convention Center is known for its modern amenities and business-friendly environment. The space hosts a variety of exhibitions and gatherings, making it an ideal stop for networking and exploring Baltimore's commercial side.
  • University of Maryland Medical Center: This state-of-the-art facility combines healthcare and education, showcasing the innovative spirit of modern medicine. The university's urban setting provides a dynamic atmosphere, making it a fascinating place to learn about advancements in health and wellness.

Best time to go to Maryland Zoo

The best time to visit Maryland Zoo can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Maryland Zoo falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Maryland Zoo falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January33.8°F (1.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February36.1°F (2.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
April54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
May63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
June72.5°F (22.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July78.1°F (25.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
August76.1°F (24.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September69.8°F (21.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
November46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
December39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Maryland Zoo

To save money on your trip to the Maryland Zoo, plan your visit between December and February when prices are lower, with Mondays being the cheapest days to stay. Utilize Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodations by filtering results by price and selecting eco-certified hotels. Consider booking a package that includes flights and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership offers exclusive discounts and the opportunity to earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Maryland Zoo are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, 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 Maryland Zoo is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Maryland Zoo is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy for you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results by price, displaying the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at the Maryland Zoo with your flights and activities.
  • 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.

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