Nashville Zoo Tours

Nashville Zoo featuring bird life, zoo animals and a garden
Nashville Zoo showing zoo animals and dangerous animals
Nashville Zoo showing zoo animals and dangerous animals
Nashville Zoo featuring bird life and zoo animals
Nashville Zoo which includes marine life, zoo animals and interior views


Song birds, mating calls and monkey screeches; the residents of this attraction make their own special brand of music.

Established in 1996, Nashville Zoo is relatively young compared to other major zoological gardens in the USA. What the zoo lacks in years, it makes up for in species diversity and community engagement. The centerpiece of this ever-expanding zoo is the nationally registered Grassmere Historic Farm and Home.The zoo is arranged in three sections: Zoo Central, the Jungle Loop and the Savannah Loop. Once you enter the zoo, follow the main path into Zoo Central, passing hyacinth macaws, red-crowned cranes and white-cheeked gibbons sitting on their own island. The zoo’s central village, with its café and gift shop, is just beyond. If you have children, prepare to stop a while at the Jungle Gym. The kids can swing, slide and splash through an incredible community-built adventure playground. Zoo Central is also home to the Unseen New World exhibit, an indoor section that features reptiles, an aquarium and aviary. Don’t miss the red-bellied piranhas, alligator snapping turtles and gila monsters.The mostly shaded Jungle Loop lays to the south of Zoo Central. Flamingo Lagoon, Alligator Cove and the Critter Encounters petting zoo are along the pathway. On the Bamboo Trail meet some of the zoo’s rarest species: clouded leopards and red pandas.Stretch your legs on the Savannah Loop, and see elephants and giraffes. Continue on to the Grassmere Historic Farm and Home where you can take a tour of the Croft House, built in 1810. Tours are offered seasonally and the price is included in zoo admission.Little ones will enjoy picking their own animal to ride on the Savannah Loop's carousel. They can also board a pint-sized train in the Jungle Loop to see areas not normally accessed by the public. The zoo is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. It offers various seasonal activities such as Slumber Nights, Brew at the Zoo beer festival, and the annual Halloween extravaganza, Ghouls at Grassmere. The zoo is six miles (10 kilometers) south of downtown and is serviced from here by an MTA bus. There is parking on site, with a small fee per vehicle.

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Best Lodging Options Near Nashville Zoo

Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Nashville Fairgrounds

Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Nashville Fairgrounds

2.5 out of 5
4271 Sidco Dr, Nashville, TN
Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Nashville Fairgrounds
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Nashville South

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Nashville South

3 out of 5
4311 Sidco Dr, Nashville, TN
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Nashville South
Candlewood Suites Nashville South by IHG

Candlewood Suites Nashville South by IHG

2.5 out of 5
4697 Trousdale Dr, Nashville, TN
Candlewood Suites Nashville South by IHG
BIG BEAUTIFUL New-Renovated 4BR 2BA with Hot Tub near downtown!

BIG BEAUTIFUL New-Renovated 4BR 2BA with Hot Tub near downtown!

Nashville
BIG BEAUTIFUL New-Renovated 4BR 2BA with Hot Tub near downtown!
HOT TUB! GAME ROOM! BIG 8-Beds 4BR 4BA GRILL EASY 10 mins TO dwntown QUIET AREA!

HOT TUB! GAME ROOM! BIG 8-Beds 4BR 4BA GRILL EASY 10 mins TO dwntown QUIET AREA!

Nashville
HOT TUB! GAME ROOM! BIG 8-Beds 4BR 4BA GRILL EASY 10 mins TO dwntown QUIET AREA!
WoodSpring Suites Nashville Airport

WoodSpring Suites Nashville Airport

2.5 out of 5
515 Metroplex Dr, Nashville, TN
WoodSpring Suites Nashville Airport
The Iris Motel

The Iris Motel

2.5 out of 5
656 West Iris Drive, Nashville, TN
The Iris Motel
Somatel Nashville Airport Hotel

Somatel Nashville Airport Hotel

2 out of 5
420 Metroplex Dr, Nashville, TN
Somatel Nashville Airport Hotel
Executive Inn & Suites

Executive Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
323 Harding Pl, Nashville, TN
Executive Inn & Suites
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 Nashville Zoo

Nashville Zoo offers a variety of exciting activities for visitors, including wildlife viewing, engaging tours, and friendly attractions. Guests can enjoy themed experiences and explore nearby hiking trails. Consider booking a Nashville Zoo vacation package for a complete adventure, and don’t miss the chance to experience the vibrant live music scene in the area. Make your visit a wild time filled with fun and exploration!

Shopping

For shopping near Nashville Zoo, visit Nashville Armory, just 1 mile away, for unique items. The Farmer's Market, located 6 miles away, offers local produce and crafts. If you're up for a drive, check out the Mall at Green Hills, 4 miles away, featuring diverse shops and entertainment options.

Recreation

Nissan Stadium offers a vibrant atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, just 6 miles from the zoo, perfect for catching a game or enjoying a lively event. Ryman Auditorium, located 5 miles away, immerses visitors in rich musical history and entertainment vibes, while Ford Ice Center Antioch provides fun ice skating adventures, also 5 miles from the zoo.

Adventure

For an exciting adventure, visit Nashville Paddle Co. for water sports 6 miles from the zoo. Try climbing at Climb Nashville, located 7 miles away, or enjoy tennis at Centennial Sportsplex Tennis Center, also 6 miles from the zoo. Each venue offers thrilling outdoor experiences.

Nightlife

Experience the thrill at The Escape Game Nashville, just 2 miles away, for an immersive adventure. Enjoy a captivating performance at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, 4 miles from the zoo, or unleash your energy at Sky High Sports Trampoline Park, also 4 miles away, for family fun.

Find the best attractions near Nashville Zoo

While visiting Nashville Zoo, explore the vibrant local culture with nearby attractions like music museums, historic colleges, and urban parks. These points of interest offer a mix of family-friendly activities and outdoor experiences. Don't miss out on checking Nashville Zoo reviews and other animal attractions to enhance your visit. With plenty of Nashville attractions near the zoo, you'll find something for everyone to enjoy during your stay.

  • Vanderbilt University: Explore this historic university known for its stunning architecture and vibrant campus culture. The beautiful grounds are perfect for a leisurely stroll, and you can soak in the rich tradition of education and innovation.
  • Broadway: Experience the lively atmosphere of Broadway, where family-friendly entertainment and outdoor fun abound. Enjoy live music, dine in charming restaurants, and explore eclectic shops, all while taking in the energetic vibe of Nashville.
  • Music City Center: This state-of-the-art venue hosts a variety of conferences and events, showcasing Nashville's business side. Its modern design and expansive space make it a hub for both professionals and visitors looking to engage with the city’s vibrant community.

Best time to go to Nashville Zoo

Visitor numbers around Nashville Zoo is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Nashville Zoo can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Nashville Zoo falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Nashville 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
January37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March50.5°F (10.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May68.0°F (20.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June76.5°F (24.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July79.2°F (26.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August77.7°F (25.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September72.1°F (22.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
November49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Nashville Zoo

To save money on your visit to Nashville Zoo, consider traveling during the cheaper months of December to February, with Tuesday being the least expensive day to stay. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotel options by sorting prices from lowest to highest, and consider booking a package deal that combines flights, hotels, and activities for added savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also yield exclusive discounts and earn you 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 Nashville Zoo are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and October, 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 Nashville Zoo is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Nashville Zoo is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy for you to set your budget, choose your ideal location, and more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Nashville 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.