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Location
Visitor tip
Plan your route carefully: take the left path around the circuit to avoid steep uphill sections, especially if you're bringing strollers or have mobility concerns
Best time
Visit on weekday mornings (like Thursday) for a quiet, low-stimulation experience that's ideal for neurodivergent children and those who are sensory-sensitive
Visitor tip
Don't miss the Ross Park Carousel and playground—these provide excellent breaks during your visit and are popular highlights mentioned by families
About Ross Park Zoo
Rare animal & bird viewing since 1875. Birds of prey, big cats & panda bears among the species on display at this long-running zoo.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Zoo
- Founded
- 1875 — America's 5th zoo
- Animals
- 34 unique species
- Hours
- Daily 10 am - 4 pm (last admission 3 pm)
What visitors say
We brought our family to the Ross Park Zoo for a few hours. It is absolutely beautiful and if you are bringing strollers, definitely take the path left and around the circuit to make it easier otherwise it is all uphill. The staff were…
Not bad, have bunches of animals to explore. Not really that neat but it’s a fun place to spend the day specially if you have kids or as a date with beloved ones. Just get ready to take a mountain walk for a mile. A lot of the animals…
Very nice zoo. Everything was clean and all the staff was friendly and helpful. We were able to see all the animals moving around. There is plenty of shade for boot days
From 1,671 Google reviews Read all reviews
Did You Know?
- Ross Park Zoo has been operating since 1875, making it nearly 150 years old and one of the long-established zoological institutions in the United States
- The zoo houses 34 unique and vibrant species, including endangered species that are part of Species Survival Plans (SSPs), contributing to global conservation efforts
- Red pandas are among the most frequently mentioned animals in visitor reviews with 39 mentions, indicating they are a major attraction and highlight of the zoo
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