Interactive Family Guide to Nashville Zoo
Your family's adventure through 188 acres of wildlife wonders and conservation stories.
Ready for Your Zoo Adventure?
This interactive guide transforms your zoo visit into an engaging educational experience. Explore interactive animal exhibits, plan your perfect day with pricing guides, discover the zoo's conservation mission, and create lasting memories with family-friendly activities and strategic planning tools.
🐾 Meet the Animals
Discover amazing wildlife through interactive animal cards, explore different habitats, and learn fascinating facts that make every encounter memorable.
🎢 Plan Your Perfect Day
Navigate pricing options, explore rides and attractions, and discover the zoo's conservation mission with interactive planning tools and cost comparisons.
🗺️ Build Your Adventure
Create your ideal zoo experience with customizable itineraries, family-friendly activity suggestions, and strategic planning guides for maximum fun.
Interactive Family Guide to Nashville Zoo
Your Nashville Zoo Adventure
Get ready for a day of wonder! This interactive guide will help you and your family discover the animals, plan your day, and create unforgettable memories at one of the nation's top zoos.
Plan Your Adventure
A great day starts with a great plan. Here's everything you need to know before you go, from tickets to snack time. We've simplified the key information from the zoo's guide to make your preparation easy and stress-free.
Dynamic Tickets
Prices change based on demand. The #1 tip: buy your tickets online at least two weeks in advance for the best price!
Easy Parking
Parking is $10 per vehicle and is automatically added when you buy tickets online. No need to pay at the gate.
Pack a Picnic
You can bring your own food, drinks, and coolers. Just remember: no glass, disposable straws, or plastic lids allowed.
Rentals
Single strollers are ~$12 and doubles ~$14. Wheelchairs and ECVs are also available for rent near the entrance.
Get the App
Download the official Nashville Zoo app for a GPS map, daily schedules, and your digital tickets. It's your best friend in the park!
Family Amenities
The zoo is very stroller-friendly and has a private, air-conditioned Nursing Mothers' Room at the entrance.
Ticket Pricing Insight
To show how dynamic pricing works, this chart illustrates a sample price difference. Booking ahead for a weekday is often the most budget-friendly choice.
Meet the Animals
Ready to explore? The zoo is organized into amazing habitats that take you all over the world. Click on an area below to discover the incredible animals that live there and learn fun facts to share with your kids.
Play & Ride Fun Zone
The Nashville Zoo is famous for more than just animals! It's home to one of the country's best playgrounds and classic rides. This section consolidates all the information on these can't-miss attractions, perfect for when your little ones need to burn off some energy.
🌳 Jungle Gym & Promise Park
A legendary 66,000-square-foot playground with a giant tree house and snake tunnel. Includes Promise Park, an inclusive area for children of all abilities.
🦅 Soaring Eagle Zip Line
A seated, two-person zip line that takes you 110 feet up for amazing views of the zoo and Nashville. Must be 42" tall.
🎠 Wild Animal Carousel
A beautiful, classic carousel featuring 39 unique animal figures. A whimsical ride perfect for all ages.
🚂 Wilderness Express
A gentle train ride perfect for the youngest visitors (recommended for ages 5 and under). A relaxing way to see a part of the park.
🦜 Lorikeet Landing
Walk into an aviary filled with friendly, colorful parrots. Purchase a cup of nectar and they may land right on you!
🐐 Critter Encounters
The zoo's petting zoo area. Get up close and personal with gentle goats, alpacas, and giant Sulcata tortoises.
Ride & Attraction Costs
Most rides require a small fee. This chart shows the individual cost per person. An unlimited "Adventure Pass" is also available for purchase at the zoo.
More to Explore
Your visit supports more than just what you see. The zoo is a historic site and a global conservation leader. This section delves into the rich history of the land and showcases how your ticket helps protect wildlife around the world.
The History of Grassmere
1810
The Grassmere Historic Home is built by the Dunn family. It's now the 2nd oldest home in the county open to the public.
1964
Sisters Margaret and Elise Croft, the last descendants, will the property to be used as a "nature study center."
1996
The city invites the Nashville Zoo to move to the Grassmere property, fulfilling the Croft sisters' wish.
Today
You can tour the historic home and gardens, stepping back in time during your visit.
A Force for Good
🌍 AZA Gold Standard
The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), meeting the highest standards for animal care, welfare, and conservation.
❤️ Wild Works Program
A portion of your ticket supports conservation worldwide. In 2023, the zoo gave over $800,000 to partners protecting rhinos, tigers, and more.
🧬 Breeding for Survival
Many animals here are part of Species Survival Plans (SSPs), a cooperative breeding program that acts as an insurance policy against extinction.
Build Your Perfect Day
The biggest challenge with kids is balancing the animals with the amazing Jungle Gym. Here are two proven strategies from the guide. Click on the plan that best fits your family to select it as your game plan!
Nashville Zoo Family Adventure Infographic
NASHVILLE ZOO
188 Acres of Wildlife Wonder
Discover amazing animals from around the world, learn about conservation efforts, and create unforgettable family memories at one of the Southeast's premier zoological experiences.
Nashville Zoo by the Numbers
188
Total Acres
Of natural habitat
3,000+
Animals
From 300+ species
1M+
Annual Visitors
From around the world
1996
Opened
At Grassmere
Conservation Impact
🌍 Global Conservation Projects
Nashville Zoo contributes over $800,000 annually to wildlife conservation projects worldwide, supporting endangered species protection and habitat restoration efforts.
🐅 Tiger Conservation
Supporting tiger protection programs in Asia and anti-poaching efforts.
🎓 Education Programs
The zoo educates over 150,000 students annually through interactive programs, field trips, and hands-on experiences that inspire the next generation of conservationists.
🏫 School Programs
Curriculum-based field trips and distance learning opportunities for all ages.
🔬 Research & Breeding
Nashville Zoo participates in Species Survival Plans (SSPs) and conducts important research to help save endangered species through breeding programs and behavioral studies.
🐘 Elephant Program
Renowned for elephant care and contributing to elephant conservation research.
Visitor Experience by Season
🌡️ Best Times to Visit
Animal activity and comfort levels vary by season. Plan your visit for the best experience!
Featured Animals
African Lions
Majestic predators with powerful social bonds. Watch for impressive manes and family interactions.
Asian Elephants
Gentle giants with incredible intelligence. Nashville Zoo is renowned for elephant care.
Giraffes
World's tallest animals with unique spotted patterns. Tongues can be 18 inches long!
Penguins
Playful swimmers perfectly adapted for aquatic life. Watch them dive and play!
Kangaroos
Unique marsupials with powerful hind legs. Experience Australia up close!
Sumatran Tigers
Critically endangered big cats. Nashville Zoo supports tiger conservation efforts.
Plan Your Perfect Visit
💰 Admission Prices
⏰ Best Visit Strategy
- • Visit weekdays for smaller crowds and lower prices
- • Arrive early when animals are most active
- • Allow 4-6 hours for a full experience
- • Bring water bottles and comfortable shoes
Family-Friendly Attractions
Carousel & Train
Historic carousel and zoo train tours around the grounds
Adventure Playground
Nature-themed play areas and climbing structures
Zip Line Adventure
Canopy zip line with aerial views of the zoo
Historic Grassmere
1810s historic home and interactive farm experience