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
Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore Inner Harbor
Historic Inns of Annapolis

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Best Lodging Options Near Maryland Zoo

Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor

Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor

4 out of 5
300 Light Street, Baltimore, MD
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guesthouse by good neighbor

guesthouse by good neighbor

2 out of 5
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Top floor palace #3

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Modern Retro Hun Suite- Hampden 1 Br/1 Bth-On The Avenue - Near JHU/ Downtown

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Modern Retro Hun Suite- Hampden 1 Br/1 Bth-On The Avenue - Near JHU/ Downtown
Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel

Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel

4 out of 5
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Reservoir Hill Mansion - Charming 4-bedroom house w/ 3 full bathrooms

Reservoir Hill Mansion - Charming 4-bedroom house w/ 3 full bathrooms

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Reservoir Hill Mansion - Charming 4-bedroom house w/ 3 full bathrooms
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 exciting activities and nearby attractions, including sports events, baseball games, and local festivals. Visitors can explore the zoo's diverse animal exhibits, participate in special events, and enjoy educational programs. To enhance your experience, check the zoo's website for updates on upcoming events and activities. Don't miss the chance to discover what the zoo has to offer during your visit!

Food and drinks

For a unique experience, visit Guinness Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House for craft brews and a romantic atmosphere. If you're in the mood for spirits, check out Sagamore Spirit Distillery. For a delightful meal, Captain James Landing offers a family-friendly vibe with stunning city views.

Shopping

During your visit to the Maryland Zoo, check out Cheap Chic Interiors, just 1 mile away for unique gifts. Lexington Market, 3 miles away, offers a vibrant local vibe. If you're up for a drive, Arundel Mills Mall, located 12 miles away, features a wide variety of shops and entertainment.

Recreation

Explore Oriole Park at Camden Yards for an exciting sports atmosphere while catching a game. For relaxation, head to the Jewish Community Center of Baltimore, where you can enjoy wellness activities. If you prefer the outdoors, the Forest Park Golf Course offers a refreshing golfing experience in nature.

Adventure

Experience the adventurous BWI Trail, a scenic hiking trail located 6 miles from the Maryland Zoo, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For climbing enthusiasts, Earth Treks Climbing Center offers thrilling climbs 13 miles away, while the B&A Trail, 16 miles from the zoo, provides another scenic hiking experience.

Nightlife

At Maryland Zoo, the nightlife comes alive with nearby attractions like Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, offering exciting gaming and romantic vibes. Enjoy cultural performances at Hippodrome Theatre or catch a family-friendly film at Senator Theater, both just a short distance away, providing a perfect blend of entertainment and atmosphere.

Find the best attractions near Maryland Zoo

When visiting the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to culture, outdoor adventures, and family experiences. Explore historic colleges and universities, enjoy the urban park atmosphere, and take in the excitement of nearby attractions like the Baltimore Museum and Oriole Park. The zoo itself offers a delightful experience, making it a perfect spot for both relaxation and exploration.

  • Johns Hopkins University: Immerse yourself in the historic and cultural vibes of one of the leading research universities in the world. Explore beautiful architecture and lush green spaces while enjoying a vibrant academic atmosphere just 2 miles from the Maryland Zoo.
  • Baltimore Inner Harbor Marina: Experience adventure and outdoor fun at this stunning marina, located 4 miles from the zoo. Enjoy activities like boating, kayaking, and waterfront dining, all while soaking in the beautiful harbor views and beach vibes.
  • Baltimore Convention Center: Discover the bustling business vibes of this major event venue, situated 3 miles away. Attend various conferences, trade shows, and exhibitions, or simply admire the impressive architecture of this hub for professional gatherings.

Best time to go to Maryland Zoo

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

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January33.8°F (1.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February36.1°F (2.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
April54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
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 SunnyAverageAverage
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 SunnyLowSlightly Low
December39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Maryland Zoo

To save money on your visit to the Maryland Zoo, plan your trip between November and January when prices are lower. Utilize public transport or walk to nearby free attractions like Johns Hopkins University and Horseshoe Casino Baltimore. Use Expedia to find affordable hotel options by sorting prices from low to high, and consider booking a package for savings on flights and activities. Join Expedia’s One Key membership for additional discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Always compare room rates and read reviews to ensure you get the best deals.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Maryland Zoo are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to June, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool lets you specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type—if you're interested in sustainability, simply check the "Eco-certified" hotels filter to see a selection of eco-friendly accommodations available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Maryland Zoo with your flights and activities by booking an Expedia package.
  • 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.