The Indianapolis Zoo is loaded with activities for the entire family, with an aquarium and botanic garden as well as a wide variety of animal exhibits. It’s home to 300 species housed within five biomes, large areas designed to mirror the habitats of the animals. Explore the forests and observe red pandas hanging from the trees and Amur tigers prowling in the undergrowth. Step into the desert to see rare reptiles such as the Jamaican iguana, or roam the African plains where you’ll encounter zebras, cheetahs and giraffes. Kids will thrill to reaching out and actually touching the coarse skin of the sharks as they cruise by in the Ocean Biome.If you arrive early, make the Forest Biome your first stop. Mornings are when the songbirds and insects are at their most vocal. And be sure to visit the Plains Biome before evening falls, as many of the animals head inside at dusk. Don’t miss the entertaining daily shows in the Marsh Dolphin Adventure Theater. Children will also love the Kroger Splash Park, open in the warm months, when the temperature averages over 70 F (21 C). A change of clothes is advisable if you intend to visit this attraction. Jump aboard the White River Junction for an informative 10-minute train tour of the zoo, or test your nerves on the Kombo Family Roller Coaster these rides cost extra. After you’ve explored the wildlife in thezoo, head next door to the White River Gardens and soak up the serenity in the Hilbert Conservatory or find a spot to relax in the Shade Garden. The Indianapolis Zoo is located on the riverbank within the White River State Park, one mile (1.6 kilometers) from downtown Indianapolis. The admission price includes entry to the garden and aquarium. The zoo is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays in the cooler months, and on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. Café on the Commons is open year-round there are other places to buy food and drink but they are open only in summer.
Indianapolis Zoo Tours
Visit Indianapolis Zoo
Plan a trip to see Indianapolis Zoo
Wingate by Wyndham Indianapolis Airport-Rockville Rd.
Reviewed on May 31, 2024
Reviews of Indianapolis Zoo
5/5 - Excellent
Worth the money to see the orangutan and dolphin exhibits.
5/5 - Excellent
We hadn't been for quite awhile and enjoyed the updates. The orangutan exhibit was especially impressive!
5/5 - Excellent
Buy tickets online for cheaper prices. The more in advace you buy the cheaper they are
5/5 - Excellent
Buy tickets online for cheaper prices. The more in advance you buy the cheaper they are.
5/5 - Excellent
Close enough that we walked there. Approximately 1 mile away.
5/5 - Excellent
Awesome Zoo
Popular places to visit
White River State Park
Museums, galleries, a world-class zoo and an award-winning sports stadium are all packed into Indianapolis’ favorite park.
White River Gardens
With its famous glass conservatory and its green displays of unusual and creative designs, this riverside park is an idyllic and intriguing setting.
NCAA Hall of Champions
A celebration of 24 types of college sport, this museum pays homage to student competitors, while its simulators provide a taste for pace.
Victory Field
One of the nation’s best minor league baseball parks provides insights into the local passion for sports in downtown Indianapolis.
Indiana State Museum
A blend of local and natural history, as well as the largest IMAX theater in the state, make for an engaging outing.
The Lawn At White River
Catch an event at The Lawn At White River during your trip to Indianapolis. Discover the area's fascinating museums and notable monuments.
Best Lodging Options Near Indianapolis Zoo
Check availability on hotels close to Indianapolis Zoo
- Vacations and getaways similar to Indianapolis Zoo
- Other Hotels near Indianapolis Zoo, Downtown Indianapolis
- Hotels near popular Indianapolis Attractions
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Lucas Oil Stadium
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- Gainbridge Fieldhouse
- Indiana Convention Center
- Children's Museum of Indianapolis
- Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
- Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center
- Fashion Mall at Keystone
- Indiana State Fairgrounds
- Butler University
- Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park
- White River State Park
- Grand Park
- Old National Centre
- Circle Center Mall
- The Alexander, a Dolce by Wyndham
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown IUPUI
- Staybridge Suites Indianapolis Downtown - Convention Center, an IHG Hotel
- Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel
- The Westin Indianapolis
- Hampton Inn Indianapolis Downtown IUPUI
- Holiday Inn Indianapolis Downtown, an IHG Hotel
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown
- Hyatt House Indianapolis Downtown
- Conrad Indianapolis
- Hampton Inn Indianapolis Downtown Across from Circle Centre
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Indianapolis Downtown
- Hotels near White River State Park
- Hotels near White River Gardens
- Hotels near Lucas Oil Stadium
- Hotels near Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- Hotels near Gainbridge Fieldhouse
- Hotels near Indiana Convention Center
- Hotels near Children's Museum of Indianapolis
- Hotels near Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
- Hotels near Fashion Mall at Keystone
- Hotels near Indiana State Fairgrounds
- Hotels near Butler University
- Hotels near Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park
- Hotels near Old National Centre
- Hotels near Circle Center Mall
- Hotels near Eagle Creek Park
- Hotels near Monument Circle
- Hotels near St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital
- Hotels near Dave & Buster's
- Hotels near Riley Hospital for Children
- Hotels near 8 Seconds Saloon