St. Louis Zoo
St. Louis Zoo
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Visitors are wowed by this zoo that has 6,600 animals and 15 major exhibit areas.
Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- AZ to MO | Adventure MomMissouri361 contributionsAbsolutely Amazing FREE Zoo!Couldn’t believe it when a St. Louis local told us this zoo was free as well as awesome, so we had to check it out. The park is gorgeous and well-kept. Tons of incredible animals with large enclosures, yet still allowed us to easily see all the animals! Our favorites were the penguins, grizzly bears, polar bear, elephants, apes, and red panda! Bring a lunch and make a day of it! (Note, parking was not free. We paid $15 cash)Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 6 October 2023
- rickbrennanrnTrinity, Florida640 contributionsA great free attractionFree attraction that makes for a great half-day trip. Parking is $15, but much better than paying an admission fee for 6 people. Well maintained landscaping on the pathways makes for an enjoyable walk. I would not recommend showing up right at.or shortly after opening. We went in Oct and the mornings were a bit chilly. There were a lot of empty enclosures, and I'm guessing the cold was keeping the animals hunkered down a bit more into the afternoon range. Several other a la carte activities that are available for around $3 to $8. If you avoid those, makes for a very cheap outing. They have lot of elephants and the set up gives you plenty of options for good viewing. The sea lion exhibit is awesome. Had several come right up to the glass and interact with us. A definite stop if you're looking for something to do.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 17 October 2023
- travelpurplemonkeyMadison, Alabama91 contributionsIt was all wonderful in a pretty locationFor just $15 for parking this was a great experience. We only had a little less than two hours since we got there at 2:15 and they closed at 4. We got to see the grizzly bears very active, one jumping in the water. The reptiles were active too. The big cats were all asleep other than the jaguar. Some of the monkeys were entertaining but not all. Penguins were adorable as expected.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 5 November 2023
- JJW17 contributionsFree, fun place for kids and adultsEven though it was really cold, we still had a great time at the zoo. Beautiful grounds to walk around and it's all free! Would definitely come again on a warmer day so we can see more animals. The zoo staff are very knowledgeable, friendly and willing to answer all questions and talk with you as long as you would like.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 13 January 2024
- Sara G.Saint Louis, Missouri895 contributionsThe St. Louis zoo is the best place on earthThe Saint Louis Zoo is the best place on earth. It's home to Kali, the splooting polar bear! I adopt Kali every year as part of the zoo's adoptive parents program! Raja, an Asian elephant, is pretty cool too. Our zoo has a ton of events...Zootoberfest, Boo at the Zoo, Holiday lights, Jammin' at the Zoo! Make sure you sign up for their newsletter so you can attend the fantastic events!Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 7 March 2024
- jmsmasIllinois353 contributionsFabulous Zoo!!This zoo was absolutely fantastic! The enclosures are large, and the animals are well cared for. The penguin area, though, is amazing!! There were several places to dine, and between them all, they had a nice selection. Ask for extra crispy fries or they will floppy and not crispy.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 March 2024
- Vicki MOttawa, Illinois102 contributionsWow, what a great day!Went early and only planned on spending a couple hours, but we opened and closed the place! Although free, we chose to purchase a wrist band for some of the attractions, which was a good move. The zoo was clean, staff friendly and did I mention, free?? Food was reasonable and good. It's a great place to visit!Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 27 March 2024
- jpete02Lansing, Michigan985 contributionsGreat Zoo DayNot the best zoo I have been to but it does have parts that are world class and considering it is free, definitely leaves a positive impression in my mind. The parts of the zoo we enjoyed the most were the puffin and penguins exhibit, the bird house, and the sea lion and seal exhibit. The red rocks area is outdated and could use better enclosures. The river wild area was nice but a lot of the animals were not on display, even though this was a 77 degree day. Took us about 6 hours to see everything. The zoo space itself is not enormous but packs a large amount of animals in the space it has. Since the zoo is free, if coming on a hot day, may want to consider coming here first thing in the morning and spread your visit over two days. Parking at this zoo is limited and costs $20, which is another reason to get here early before the lot fills up. You can park for free on the streets surrounding the park or across the freeway and walk in. If staying in St. Louis city, another option may be to take an Uber. The South lot is the much bigger of the two lots and has the main zoo entrance. Food here was above average for a zoo and reasonably priced. Only expensive thing was bottled water at $4.50 but you can bring in your own food and drinks. Thank you to the citizens of St. Louis and St. Louis county for supporting this zoo with their tax dollars and making it free to everyone.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 30 March 2024
- Sandra M1 contributionBest zoo of all timeI absolutely love going to St. Louis Zoo. The design and layout is beautifully done. Animal shows and of course the zoo train with it beautiful scenic route. My favorite zoo of all time and free to get in.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 30 March 2024
- TimTulsa, Oklahoma39 contributionsA must see when in St. LouisMy wife and I always make it a point to see the city zoo everywhere we travel. From Europe to coast to coast in the US, we have enjoyed the best zoo's around the world. St. Louis' zoo is in my top 3 list! And you can not beat the price of admission for such a world class zoo...FREE.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 April 2024
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4.5
8,734 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
1,440
Average
329
Poor
76
Terrible
33
50stateswithtwins
Saint Louis, MO826 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
It’s pointless to go to the zoo before 10am with the new restrictions. The first hour free activities have all been taken away and the majority of animals are not out for viewing yet. The primate, bird and reptile house do not even open until 10am. In addition look closely at the other top attractions that are CLOSED now: the penguins, sea lion tunnel, ape house, antelope house, insectarium and children’s zoo. While this is a large zoo, because there are NO free activities and very FEW animals out before 10am we walked through the whole thing in an hour and a half. The zoo is free but you must make a timed reservation which they scan at the entrance. Masks for ages 9 and up is enforced. My early morning birthday visit was a huge disappointment. We might try coming the last 2 hours on a Friday or Saturday from 5-7pm and see if that is any better.
Written 26 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Pidge
Wayne, NJ609 contributions
Oct 2020
I've visited many zoos in my travels and this is one of the better ones. It's on par with famous counterparts in San Diego, Denver, and the Bronx.
I planned a couple hours and probably could have benefited from a couple more, and that's even with some exhibits and buildings closed because of pandemic-related safety concerns. The St. Louis Zoo is big and fun to explore without being completely overwhelming. Pretty much all the expected animals are featured here, as well as some usually found in aquariums.
Equally intriguing is the fact the zoo is free, yet never feels like anything was accomplished on a strict budget. The enclosures are modern and spacious; the gardens and water features are impressive; the staff is friendly and genuinely happy to enhance the experience. Arrive early and park on the street (otherwise the parking lot will set you back $15); use the money saved on parking to buy tickets for the train, carousel, and some of the other exhibits within. You'll be glad you did.
I planned a couple hours and probably could have benefited from a couple more, and that's even with some exhibits and buildings closed because of pandemic-related safety concerns. The St. Louis Zoo is big and fun to explore without being completely overwhelming. Pretty much all the expected animals are featured here, as well as some usually found in aquariums.
Equally intriguing is the fact the zoo is free, yet never feels like anything was accomplished on a strict budget. The enclosures are modern and spacious; the gardens and water features are impressive; the staff is friendly and genuinely happy to enhance the experience. Arrive early and park on the street (otherwise the parking lot will set you back $15); use the money saved on parking to buy tickets for the train, carousel, and some of the other exhibits within. You'll be glad you did.
Written 19 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ransom007
Anaheim, CA1,113 contributions
Sept 2020
The zoo charges $15 for parking but admission to the zoo is free. You do need an appointment to enter. I made mine on my cell phone while in the parking lot. There is a train ride available for a fee. This is truly one of the great zoos of the United States. I only had time to visit one section and I observed an Andean bear, painted dogs, several bird species (including eagles, hawks, falcons, and vultures), fish, and a goodly number of elephants. It is moderately hilly with good paths. There are several gift shops and dining opportunities throughout the zoo. COVID-19: the staff wear masks and visitors are expected to do the same. The zoo requests visitors to follow social distancing protocols, but I think you can imagine what happens to that when a bear makes an appearance.
Written 23 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bekahchica
Baltimore, MD251 contributions
Aug 2021
The Zoo was on countless lists of must-dos in St. Louis when I researched my trip. And it's free, hooray! That's about as far as the articles went, though, so there were a few surprises that are no issue at all if you know ahead of time:
1. Reservations are required to get in due to COVID. It is still free, but you need to register online. Most days there will be slots available that you can quickly sign up on your smartphone if you are caught by surprise in line. I did that in maybe 60 seconds while I watched plenty of other patrons get agitated and rude to staff when they couldn't walk right in.
2. Admission is free, but not all exhibits are. I was excited to see stingrays, only to find it was a paid interaction and you couldn't see them otherwise. A train and some other shows also require payment. Again, not expensive and not a big deal, but would have been nicer to know ahead of time.
Overall, still a nice time. If you can swing it on a weekday, it feels like you have the place to yourself. The only real bummer was that I visited during an especially hot week and couldn't see several animals as they were understandably "hiding".
1. Reservations are required to get in due to COVID. It is still free, but you need to register online. Most days there will be slots available that you can quickly sign up on your smartphone if you are caught by surprise in line. I did that in maybe 60 seconds while I watched plenty of other patrons get agitated and rude to staff when they couldn't walk right in.
2. Admission is free, but not all exhibits are. I was excited to see stingrays, only to find it was a paid interaction and you couldn't see them otherwise. A train and some other shows also require payment. Again, not expensive and not a big deal, but would have been nicer to know ahead of time.
Overall, still a nice time. If you can swing it on a weekday, it feels like you have the place to yourself. The only real bummer was that I visited during an especially hot week and couldn't see several animals as they were understandably "hiding".
Written 17 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rome M
Taylors, SC1,038 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
My wife and I met friends at the zoo so that we could walk, catch up, and see animals along the way.
It was horribly hot that day, not the fault of the zoo, and a lot of the animals were not visible.
The puffins, in their chilled shelter, was the best part for us. We did get to see bears, elephants, and hippos.
The train ride was nice, it was just horridly hot.
I would recommend this zoo to anyone, just pick a cooler day, and make sure you are ready for the high concession prices.
It was horribly hot that day, not the fault of the zoo, and a lot of the animals were not visible.
The puffins, in their chilled shelter, was the best part for us. We did get to see bears, elephants, and hippos.
The train ride was nice, it was just horridly hot.
I would recommend this zoo to anyone, just pick a cooler day, and make sure you are ready for the high concession prices.
Written 13 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AmyTrips27
Little Rock, AR76 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
So yes, the zoo is free and yes there is lots to see without paying anything. You can even Save $$ and Park on the other side of the freeway along the residential area and there is a safe large walkway across the freeway. Now all of that to say, we purchased the very reasonably priced Adventure Pass for 12.99/person, and that got us into the Sea Lion show, the Penguins exhibit, the Stingray exhibit, and as many train and carousel rides as we all wanted. The train is an excellent zoo train with lots of extra views of the elephants and tunnels too. Beware, the zoo is basically NO CASH usage, only your credit/bank cards are allowed for purchases.
Written 28 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VintageFarmGirl74
Iowa237 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
Free to enter, you just have to make an online reservation of the day you want and then morning or afternoon time slot. Some of the zoo is closed off as is most of the drink and snack stations. There’s still a lot of animals to see and fun to be had.
Written 14 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cb Sutcliffe
26 contributions
Jul 2020
We had to make an unexpected overnight trip through Saint Louis and decided to visit the zoo since it was free and is outside with mask requirements for safety. My teen son and I were very impressed with the cleanliness, landscaping, exhibits, and staff helpfulness.
There were several exhibits we were keen to see, but the surprise for us was the prairie dog enclosure. Although we have seen them on Nature shows, we had never seen them live before and were enchanted. There were many pups and very active adults. We didn't seek them out or expect to be wowed by them, but we were. Definitely plan to take a few minutes there.
Grizzly bears, hippos, rhinos, Asian elephants and the orangutan were also highly memorable. We look forward to visiting again and enjoying one of the pineapple drink treats.
There were several exhibits we were keen to see, but the surprise for us was the prairie dog enclosure. Although we have seen them on Nature shows, we had never seen them live before and were enchanted. There were many pups and very active adults. We didn't seek them out or expect to be wowed by them, but we were. Definitely plan to take a few minutes there.
Grizzly bears, hippos, rhinos, Asian elephants and the orangutan were also highly memorable. We look forward to visiting again and enjoying one of the pineapple drink treats.
Written 6 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kotam32
Pearland, TX117 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
While visiting family, we went to the zoo and were intrigued that it was free. It’s free....but...for some of the more exciting attractions, you pay per person. It was $7.95 to ride the train. $3.95 to pet the stingrays. I think $3.95 to watch the sea lion show. During COVID, you are required to wear a mask if you are 9+ years old. This was miserable because it was so hot. And the employees WILL ask you to out your mask on, if you take a break.
However I think it is one of the most natural looking zoos I have been too. I am extremely impressed!
However I think it is one of the most natural looking zoos I have been too. I am extremely impressed!
Written 20 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Geetha Pravalika
Saint Louis, MO732 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
We had been here at least 10-15 times and we take here little one in summer every other week. You do have parking lots to park your car with minimum $$$ and also you get to park on sides too for free depending upon audience on that day!! Free space gets full quicker. If you get quickly on weekends, you can find parking spot!!!
We got a chance to stay overnight at zoo for one of the community events which was different experience! We get to watch animals in the night and the animals that wake up early morning!!
We got a chance to stay overnight at zoo for one of the community events which was different experience! We get to watch animals in the night and the animals that wake up early morning!!
Written 2 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Curiosity65690075460
Poplar Bluff, Missouri
Are there electric scooters available to rent at the zoo
Written 8 July 2024
Yes $35 a day you have to be 18 weight limit 400 and a government i d is required/
Written 9 July 2024
What areas near the zoo (up to 20 minutes away) are safe and have safe hotels to stay in/restaurants to eat at? Thanks!
Written 15 June 2024
We stay in Belleville which was a about s20 minute drive to the zoo and there are some wonderful hotels here and lots of restaurants.
Written 15 June 2024
I may need to take a business call while at the zoo. Is there a quiet area that I could escape to and take the call?
Written 30 May 2024
Yes, there are plenty of small areas for privacy for a call while walking around the zoo.
Written 31 May 2024
They had plenty when I was there. There are certain places you can't go because of the incline on some of the paths. They do give you a maps as to the spots the scooter can and can't go. I paid $25. for the whole day. You can basically go most places and the scooters have a canopy to block sun and bad weather. Very nice and large zoo.
Written 6 October 2023
Yes, I saw others with teacup dogs in slings, and one in a backpack
Written 13 August 2023
Per the STL Zoo website: "For the safety and welfare of our animals and visitors, the following are prohibited ... Dogs or other pets. Service animals are permitted, except in the Cypress Swamp (1904 Flight Cage), Bird House and Winging It Bird Show. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are not permitted inside the Zoo ..."
Written 19 July 2023
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