Did you know that visiting the zoo is good for your health? According to an April 2020 study by researchers at the Saint Louis Zoo, “immersive, naturalistic exhibits in zoos can elicit positive changes in physiological and psychological measures of health and well-being of visitors.” What better reason could there be to visit the Saint Louis Zoo? Well, other than a fun day out with your kiddos…
Before you go, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.
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History and Overview
Unofficially, the Saint Louis Zoo got its start with the 1904 World’s Fair Flight Cage. You can still visit the structure today; it’s now home to the Cypress Swamp, where you can see various species of North American birds. The flight cage spurred the city to develop a full-blown zoo—the first municipally supported zoo in the world. The zoo’s official beginning occurred in 1910 when the Zoological Society of St. Louis was formed.
Today, the zoo is dedicated to conserving animals and their habitats through animal management, research, recreation, and education programs for the public. It’s home to 16,000 animals and 500 species across six different zones: River’s Edge, Discovery Center, Lakeside Crossing, The Wild, Historic Hill, and Red Rocks.
Must-See Exhibits & Attractions
Connected to the Primate House, you’ll find one of the zoo’s newest additions: the Michael and Quirsis Riney Primate Canopy Trails. This expansion includes eight outdoor habitats, a climbing structure where you can explore the forest canopy and see the animals at eye-level, a garden where keepers can gather food for the primates, and more.
McDonnell Polar Bear Point is among the zoo’s most popular exhibits, says Christy Childs, public relations manager for Saint Louis Zoo. Watch Kali, an orphaned polar bear from Alaska, swim and play, and be sure to stop by the “sea” area. You’ll want to snap a few unforgettable pics of your kids with Kali if you see him swimming there. Right next door you’ll find Penguin & Puffin Coast—the first open-air penguin habitat of its kind in North America—where you’ll see four species of penguins (we’re particularly fond of the southern rockhopper) and two species of puffins.
One of Saint Louis Zoo’s most popular attractions is the Emerson Zooline Railroad. Hop aboard for a 20-minute narrated tour around the zoo. It runs year-round (weather permitting) and is ADA accessible. Best of all, your ticket allows you to hop on and off the train at any of the four stops all day.
Read more: The zoo is planning to open WildCare Park in North County in 2027. Learn more here.
Seasonal Attractions
The can’t-miss Sea Lion Show begins in the spring season and runs through the fall. During the show, trainers explain the animal’s behavior, positive-reinforcement training, and animal facts. You’ll even see the sea lions perform Olympic-style dives, tricks, and more. Check the zoo’s website for schedule details, as they change seasonally.
Have a little dino-lover on your hands? Then you absolutely don’t want to miss the Emerson Dinoroarus, open March 15–May 27, 2024. The exhibit features 14 groupings of animatronic and stationary dinosaurs, including a life-sized triceratops, a 12-foot-tall tyrannosaurus rex, and an 18-foot tall brachiosaurus. The area also features a digging space, a magnetic wall where kids can build their own prehistoric creatures, and a dino-themed playground.
Starting in the spring season, be sure to stop by to see the Stingrays at Caribbean Cove presented by SSM Health. Here, you can see stingrays and bamboo sharks up close, and you can pet the stingrays as they swim by. You can even purchase a cup of stingray food and give them some treats.
Hidden Gems
The Bayer Insectarium is an often-overlooked gem, Childs says. It’s home to more than 100 species of bugs and insects—they might make your skin crawl, but your little ones will surely find them fascinating! It includes the Mary Ann Lee Butterfly Wing, a tropical oasis where you can walk among fluttering butterflies, dragonflies, and moths. Don’t miss the Missouri Meadow outside the Insectarium; you’ll see native pollinators and plants. “It’s especially lovely in summer and fall,” Childs says. And a “great place to get some ideas for your own garden.”
Must-see hidden gems? The Bird House and Charles H. Hoessle Herpetarium. These indoor spots house intriguing species of birds and reptiles respectively. Bonus: “These areas are temperature controlled and great for a heat or cold respite during your zoo outing,” Childs says. The Bird Garden is actually a bit hidden between the Bird House and the 1904 World’s Fair Flight Cage, Childs adds. It’s a shady, serene area that’s open year-round with some unique bird species (but some birds aren’t on view in the winter).
Have you ever met a penguin, taken a selfie with a sea lion, or fed a rhino? The zoo’s Behind-the-Scenes Tours allow you to do just that! They offer visitors access to some of the zoo’s areas that are usually off-limits to visitors and up-close encounters with birds, giraffes, penguins, reptiles, sea lions, sloths, bears, insects, rhinos, turtles, and hippos. Tours of some of the zoo’s facilities are also available, like the Vet Hospital and the Animal Nutrition Center. Advanced registration is required for all behind-the-scenes tours ($35–$175 per person).
Best Photo Ops
Looking to take some great Instagram-worthy photos of your outing? Snap an “underwater” selfie with sea lions and seals in the Sea Lion Sound’s 35-foot underwater tunnel, the polar bear swimming in his deep pool, or the hippos hanging out in their pool. The elephants and giraffes make for a good backdrop for photos. And don’t forget to pose with Phil the gorilla statue—“some consider this spot a family tradition photo op,” Childs says.
Special Events
Saint Louis Zoo hosts a variety of family-friendly events year-round. New this spring, the zoo is introducing the Animals Aglow lantern festival from March 13–May 5. The nighttime festival will feature more than 60 Chinese lanterns and interactive light displays.
Also in the spring (May 19, 2024), St. Louis Children’s Hospital Make Tracks Through the Zoo, a 5K/1-mile/kids’ run, raises money to support the zoo’s conservation efforts. Advanced registration is required.
To celebrate Halloween in the fall, kids are encouraged to come in costume for Boo at the Zoo, presented by SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. You can enjoy spooktacular decorations, entertainers, special food and drink menus, and more at the not-so-scary celebration. A sensory-friendly night is scheduled annually as well. Advanced tickets are required.
Come wintertime, the zoo gets a glow up for U.S. Bank Wild Lights, when animal- and nature-themed holiday light displays take over the zoo. You can also enjoy festive family fun, photo ops, seasonal treats, and more. A sensory-friendly night is scheduled annually as well. Advanced tickets are required.
Sensory-Friendly Experiences
Saint Louis Zoo has earned Sensory Inclusive™ certification through a partnership with KultureCity, a nationally recognized nonprofit that provides sensory inclusion training and tools to venues and large-scale events. As such, the zoo offers:
Stroller, wheelchair, and electric convenience vehicle rentals; the majority of the zoo is accessible, including the Zooline Railroad.
Sensory Bags for individuals with sensory processing challenges that come with noise-canceling headphones, weighted lap pads, fidgets, and more. They’re free to use during your visit and are available at the Welcome Desks.
Signage throughout the zoo, indicating areas that might have sensory challenges as well as quiet spaces for individuals who are overstimulated and need a break.
Membership Perks
While admission is always free, there are certain perks of a membership that make the annual program worth it. (It also makes a great gift for any animal-lover in your life.) There are multiple membership options, but we recommend the Patron ($79) or Family/Grandparent ($99) membership if you plan to visit a few times. They both include free parking for six visits, tickets for the attractions, and discounts on gift shop and food purchases. The Family/Grandparent also comes with a free birthday lunch for kids ages 12 and younger. If your family really loves the zoo, the Loyalist level ($199) includes unlimited free parking and 60 tickets for attractions. Bonus: First responders and active and retired military personnel are eligible to receive a discount on certain membership levels.
Tips for Visiting
Avoid crowds in the spring and summer by visiting earlier in the day and on weekdays.
Visit in the fall and winter. It’s “a pretty special experience and sometimes you get the place practically to yourself,” Childs says. “And, of course, with St. Louis weather, we get really nice days in winter, too, so it’s a great place to just take a walk among nature,” she adds.
What about parking? The South Lot is larger, but Childs says it might be easier to get into the North Lot—though it really depends on how you get to the zoo. On really busy days, there are additional lots and a parking garage on the other side of I-64, off of Oakland Avenue in Dogtown. “It’s a 10- to 15-minute walk to the zoo, but it’ll save guests time waiting in their cars,” Childs says.
Fast Stats
Good for: Animal-lovers of all ages! Little ones will especially delight in riding the Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel and Zooline Railroad.
Price: General admission to the zoo is always free (except for special ticketed events). However, some of the attractions do cost extra, including Conservation Carousel ($2.95; free for children younger than 2), Dinoroarus ($5.95; free for children younger than 2), Zooline Railroad ($7.95; free for children younger than 2), Stingrays at Caribbean Cove ($4.95; free for children younger than 2; $1 for a cup of stingray food), Sea Lion Show (Earlier in season: $2; free for children younger than 2. Later in season: $3.95; free for children younger than 2), and 4D Theater ($4.95; $3.95 for members). Those attractions are included in the Adventure Pass (prices for this change seasonally, so it’s best to call guest services for more information). Parking costs $10 for a car and $20 for an oversized vehicle.
Hours: The zoo’s hours change seasonally. For the spring (March 2–May 23, 2024), the zoo is open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Is there food? Yes! There are 20 eateries in the zoo, from candy stores and Starbucks to cafés. The zoo offers an allergy-friendly menu and some plant-based options. Visiting in the summer? The fan-favorite Dole Whip is available at the zoo during the warmer months, Childs says.
Location: 1 Government
Website: stlzoo.org
Phone: 314-781-0900
