Miami Zoo: Tickets, Hours & Best Things To Do 2025

Planning a wild day at the Miami Zoo? I’ve got you covered! Zoo Miami, officially Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens, is Florida’s largest zoo, perfect for giraffe selfies or kid-friendly adventures.

Table of Contents

This 2025 guide covers Miami Zoo tickets, hours, and top activities. Spanning 750 acres with 340 developed acres, it’s home to over 3,000 animals! Let’s plan your visit and avoid costly surprises (parking’s $10!).

Download PDF Guide: Miami Zoo

Why Visit Zoo Miami?

Overall Rating: 4.5/5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) | Based on 18,911 Reviews. Google Reviews

Zoo Miami is the largest and oldest zoological garden in Florida, covering over 750 acres and home to more than 3,000 animals from Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas. The Miami Zoo is a family favorite, earning a 4.6/5 rating on Yelp with over 2,300 reviews

Unlike traditional zoos, it’s designed as an open-air zoo with cageless habitats, replicating natural environments, and allowing animals to roam freely, yet safely. This design helps both animal welfare and visitor immersion. Shaded trails make it comfortable in Miami’s heat, and it’s more budget-friendly than other $50+ attractions. Feeding giraffes for $10 was my summer highlight! Ready for a wild day

In my opinion, Zoo Miami is a must-visit if you’re in South Florida. It’s not just a zoo—it’s a conservation-driven experience that feels both fun and purposeful.

Location & How to Get There

Address:
12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177, USA

Zoo Miami is located about 30–40 minutes from Downtown Miami and 45 minutes from Miami Beach. You can reach it by car or take a combination of public transport and ride-share.

Location on Map:

Miami Zoo Tickets: Prices & Deals

Curious about Miami Zoo tickets? Here’s the 2025 pricing:

Adults (13+): $25.95
Kids (3–12): $21.95
Under 3: Free
Seniors (65+): ~$19.46 (25% off)
Military: ~$12.98 (50% off, active)

Savings Tips:

Buy online to avoid ticket booth lines.
Look for ~15% off deals on Groupon.
An Annual Pass (~$89/adult) pays off after three visits.
Miami-Dade residents get free admission on select Mondays (check @ZooMiami).

Pro Tip: Book Zoo Lights tickets (~$25, December) early for holiday fun.

Miami Zoo Hours & Best Times to Visit

What are Miami Zoo hours? The zoo operates:

Daily: 10 AM–5 PM (last entry 4 PM)
Holidays: Christmas (12 PM–5 PM), Thanksgiving (10 AM–3 PM).

Best Times:

Weekdays (Mon–Wed): Fewer crowds, shorter lines for rides ($3–$6).
Morning: Animals are active, and it’s cooler.
Winter (Nov–Feb): Comfortable 70–80°F vs. summer’s 90°F+.

Pro Tip: Arrive by 10:30 AM for elephant feedings at 11 AM. Check @ZooMiami for weather closures.

Best Time to Visit Zoo Miami

Morning (10 AM – 1 PM) is ideal: cooler temperatures, active animals, and fewer crowds.
Weekdays are better than weekends for a peaceful experience.
Bring sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and comfortable shoes—it’s a big zoo!

Top 6 Things to Do at Miami Zoo

The Miami Zoo offers over 100 exhibits across 340 developed acres. Yelp reviewers love these activities:

Giraffe Feeding: $10, 11 AM–3 PM. A kid-favorite!
Amazon & Beyond: Jaguars, anacondas, and piranhas in a rainforest setting.
Critter Connection: Free petting zoo, 10:30 AM–4 PM.
Wings of Asia Aviary: Over 300 birds, including flamingos.
Cycle Boats: $15 for 30 minutes with lake views.
Monorail: $3 for a 4-mile tour in 20 minutes.

For Kids: Free splash pads, playgrounds, and camel rides ($6) keep little ones happy.

Pro Tip: Rent a stroller ($12) or safari cycle ($35/hour) for 3 miles of walkways.

Miami Zoo Animals: What to See

Wondering about Miami Zoo animals? Over 3,000 critters across 500 species await:

African Stars: Lions, giraffes, elephants, rhinos.
Asian Icons: Tigers, orangutans, Komodo dragons.
Australian Oddballs: Kangaroos, koalas, emus.
Florida Natives: Alligators, panthers, manatees.

Fun Fact: The zoo’s black rhino conservation efforts are a global success.

Pro Tip: Use the Zoo Miami app for animal talk schedules, like lions at 1 PM.

Getting to Miami Zoo & Parking

The Miami Zoo is at 12400 SW 152 St, Miami, FL 33177, about 20 miles from Downtown. Here’s how to get there:

By Car: 30 minutes from South Beach via FL-874. Parking costs $10 per day, not free as some websites claim.
Public Transit: Take Metrorail to Dadeland South ($2.25), then Bus 152 ($2.25) or Bus 52 to SW 152 St & SW 94 Ave, transferring to Bus 152. Total ~$4.50 round-trip, about 1 hour. Use the Miami-Dade Transit app for schedules, as routes vary by day.
Rideshare: Lyft or Uber from Downtown costs ~$25–$35.

Savings Tip: Skip the $10 parking fee with transit. Check the Miami-Dade Transit app for routes.

Parking Fee (Corrected & Verified)

Contrary to earlier information, parking is not free with admission. A separate fee is charged in the zoo’s garage:

Standard Parking: $10 per vehicle per day (miamizoo.org)
Preferred / electric vehicle with charging: slightly higher fee

Please bring exact cash if paying in the booth to ensure a smooth entry. This correction is critical—wrong details here are a major trust issue.

Major Zoo Areas: What to See (& When)

Amazon & Beyond

Features jaguars, river otters, and a freshwater aquarium.
Best in the morning—shade and indoor aquariums offer cool relief.

African Plains

Wide stretches with giraffes, zebras, and elephants.
Visit mid-morning before the heat intensifies.

Wings of Asia Aviary

Large open-air bird exhibit with free-flying species.
Great mid-day visit when birds are most active.

Australia & Children’s Zoo

Kids can ride kangaroos or feed friendly animals.
Shade-filled paths make this excellent after lunchtime.

Mission Everglades

Native Florida wildlife with an airboat ride option (extra fee).
Ideal late afternoon when shaded walkways offer cool respite.

Wild Connection (New in 2025)

Ambassador species like cheetahs and vultures in modern habitats.
A big hit with visitors. Best seen mid-afternoon or right after lunch.

Dinos Among Us Exhibit

Animatronic dinosaurs spread across the zoo.
Included with admission. Especially engaging for children.

Rentals at Zoo Miami – Easy Options for Everyone!

Zoo Miami offers a variety of rental options to help make your visit more fun and comfortable. Whether you’re with kids, family, or just want a unique way to explore the zoo, there’s something for you!

1. Safari Cycle Rentals – Ride Around the Zoo with the Family!

What are Safari Cycles?
They’re fun, pedal-powered carts that let you ride around the zoo together!

Size	Fits	3-Hour Price	Extra Hour
Small Cycle	2 adults + 2 small kids (ages 1–4)	$54	$20
Large Cycle	4 adults + 2 small kids (ages 1–4)	$69	$25

🕒 Rental Time: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Last rental at 4:00 p.m.)
📞 Questions? Call: 786-798-4752
👥 Must be 18+ to rent
🎉 Zoo Members get 20% off

📅 Tip: Safari Cycles often sell out on weekends and holidays. Book ahead online. Make sure to pick up your cycle 30 minutes before your booked time.

🚫 No refunds or changes after 10 a.m. the day before your visit.

🕓 On days with night events, the zoo closes at 4:00 p.m. — last rentals are done by 3:00 p.m.!

2. Strollers, Wagons, and Wheelchairs

Need help getting around? Zoo Miami has rentals for families and guests with mobility needs.

Item	Price per Day
Single Stroller	$11
Double Stroller	$13
Wheelchair	$11
Electric (Motorized) Wheelchair	$35

💡 Zoo Members get 20% off (except motorized wheelchairs).
📅 These sell out fast! Book online early, especially on weekends.
📌 Rentals are for the full day – returns are not guaranteed before closing.

🚫 No refunds or changes after 10 a.m. the day before your visit.

3. Rydables – Fun Animal Rides for Kids & Adults!

Ride through the zoo on a cute, animal-themed motorized vehicle — called a Rydable! Great for photos and fun with family.

Detail	Info
Hours	10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Last rental at 4:45 p.m.)
Price	$0.49 per minute + tax + $3 activation fee
Who Can Ride	1 adult + 1 teen OR 1 adult + 2 kids
Minimum Age to Rent	18 years
App Required	Yes! Download the Rydables App before visiting.

📞 Rydables Support: 866-RYDABLE (866-793-2253)

🕓 On night event days, last Rydable rental is at 3:45 p.m. and the zoo closes at 4:00 p.m.

Miami Zoo Hacks for 2025

Maximize your visit with these tips:

Pack Snacks: Meals cost $10–$15. Bring water for refill stations.
Comfortable Shoes: You’ll walk 3 miles across 340 developed acres!
Zoo Miami App: Free, with maps and showtimes.
Sunscreen & Hats: Miami’s sun is intense year-round.
Avoid Noon–3 PM: Shorter lines for giraffe feedings early or late.

Pro Tip: Follow @ZooMiami on Instagram for flash sales and animal updates.

Where to Find Zoo Miami Discount Codes and Coupons

Looking to save money? Here are legitimate ways to find Zoo Miami promo codes and deals:

1. Zoo Miami Official Website

Check their Special Offers page regularly. They often offer:

Florida resident discounts
Student or military rates
Free admission days

2. Third-Party Sites

Sites like Groupon, RetailMeNot, and Visit Florida sometimes offer:

Limited-time Miami Zoo coupons
Promo codes for $2–$5 off per ticket

⚠️ Watch out for misleading deals claiming “free parking”—always verify terms.

3. Miami Go City Pass

If you’re visiting other attractions like Jungle Island, Everglades tours, or Miami Seaquarium, you can bundle and save with passes that include Zoo Miami.

Zoo Miami Membership: Is It Worth It?

If you’re a local or plan to visit multiple times in a year, the Zoo Miami Membership offers excellent value.

Membership Benefits:

Unlimited free admission
Free parking
Discounts on food, drinks & gift shops
Access to members-only events
Reciprocal admission to 150+ zoos across the U.S.

Cost:

Individual: $55
Family (2 adults + 4 kids): $135
Premium Family (plus guests): $180+

🔍 From personal experience, if you visit twice or more per year, a family membership pays for itself.

Sample Itinerary: Efficient and Cooler

Time	Activity	Why It Works
10:00–11:00	Amazon & Beyond, African Plains	Cooler hours, active animals
11:00–12:30	Wings of Asia Aviary, snack break	Indoor shade, mid-morning temps
12:30–1:30	Lunch and walk through Australia area	Meal time and shaded paths
1:30–3:00	Mission Everglades & Wild Connection	Activity before evening
3:00–4:00	Dinos Among Us exhibit, souvenir shop	Final sights and purchase time
4:00–5:00	Relax near entrance, exit by 5	Avoid crowds at closing

This plan helps visitors stay comfortable through the day, beat lines, and enjoy all major zones.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is parking free at Zoo Miami?

No. Parking costs $10 per vehicle, and it is not included in the admission price.

Are there any Zoo Miami discount codes?

Yes. Check Zoo Miami’s website or sites like Groupon for current discount codes and deals.

When is Zoo Miami Lights happening?

Usually from late November to early January. It’s a special holiday event with lights, music, and entertainment.

Is the Zoo Miami membership worth it?

Absolutely, especially for locals. Two visits a year can justify the cost with added perks like free parking.

Can I bring food into the zoo?

Outside food is generally not allowed, but exceptions are made for baby food and medical/dietary needs.

How long does it take to see everything?

Plan for at least 4–6 hours to explore the zoo comfortably.

Are there discounts for Florida residents?

Yes. Florida residents often receive discounted admission—ID required.

Is Zoo Miami kid-friendly?

Very! It has a dedicated Children’s Zoo, water play areas, and interactive exhibits.

Final Thoughts: Should You Visit Zoo Miami?

From my experience, Zoo Miami is one of the best family attractions in South Florida. It combines fun, education, and conservation in a spacious, beautifully maintained setting. With so much to see and do, it’s well worth the trip—just remember to prepare for the heat, budget for parking, and book early during holidays.

Whether you’re after exotic animals, holiday magic with Zoo Miami Lights, or want to save using a Zoo Miami promo code, there’s something for everyone.

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Miami Zoo: Tickets, Hours & Best Things to Do 2025