Indianapolis Zoo

#19 in Best Things To Do in Indianapolis

All Things To Do

indianapolis-zoo

Key Info

1200 W. Washington St.

Price & Hours

Varies by day
Varies by season

Details

Zoos and Aquariums
Time to Spend: 2 hours to Half Day

Overview of the Indianapolis Zoo

Spread across 64 acres and home to more than 1,400 animals from 230 different species and 48,000 plant species, the Indianapolis Zoo is a family favorite in Indianapolis. The zoo is divided into five biomes: Oceans, Deserts, Plains, Forests, and Flights of Fancy. Each biome features its unique flora and fauna.

Biomes Highlights

Recent guests highlighted several attractions:

  • Oceans Biome: Underwater dolphin viewing dome (arrive at least 10 minutes before start time)
  • Chimpanzee Exhibit and Orangutan Center: Not-to-be-missed areas

Special Experiences

The zoo also offers special Zoo-More experiences (not included in general admission) such as:

  • Swimming with dolphins
  • Bathing an elephant
  • Watching a zoo animal paint a work of art (which you get to take home)

Visitor Feedback

Recent visitors praised the zoo for its cleanliness and friendly guides. However, they noted a few downsides:

  • Special experiences were considered pricey and not budget-friendly.
  • Some visitors found the food options expensive and recommended better access to water bottle filling stations.

Location

The zoo is located about a mile west of downtown Indianapolis within the White River State Park.

Hours

Operating hours vary by day and season. Typically, you can visit anytime from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It's advisable to check the zoo's website for the most up-to-date information.

Tickets

Admission prices fluctuate depending on the day. Purchasing tickets in advance online offers a discount. Expect to pay:

  • $15 to $35 for adults
  • $15 to $32 for children

Parking costs $10 per vehicle year-round.

Best Time to Visit

According to the zoo, animals are more active during moderate temperatures, making spring and fall ideal times to visit. During warmer months, visit in the morning when temperatures are cooler to see more animal activity.

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