10 AM – 6 PM

317 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, San Antonio

2-3 hours approx.

From $ 104.00

San Antonio Zoo Tickets – Book Your Tickets Online

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4.7

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San Antonio Zoo (Flexible Entry)

Highlights

Explore over 750 different animal species across diverse habitats.

Discover special zones like Africa Live!, Amazonia, and Big Cat Valley.

Experience interactive areas including the Gibbon Forest and Kronkosky’s Tiny Tot Nature Spot.

Visit the Friedrich Aquarium showcasing colorful aquatic life.

Attend seasonal exhibitions such as Big Bugs at San Antonio Zoo.

4.5

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Go City San Antonio: Explorer Pass

Highlights

Choose from 3, 4, or 5 attractions to explore in San Antonio.

Gain entry to premium experiences including tours, theme parks, and historical sites.

Enjoy the convenience of a digital pass accessible via your smartphone.

Use the free Go City app to plan your visits seamlessly.

Skip traditional ticket lines by showing your pass at the attractions.

San Antonio Zoo Tickets – Book Your Tickets Online

Discover the San Antonio Zoo, a premier destination offering an immersive wildlife experience for visitors of all ages. Explore diverse animal habitats, engage in educational programs, and enjoy unique attractions like the Congo Falls and Big Bugs exhibit. Whether you’re planning a family outing or an adventurous day, the zoo provides unforgettable moments in a vibrant, conservation-focused setting. Secure your tickets today to embark on an enriching journey through nature’s wonders.

About San Antonio Zoo

San Antonio Zoo delivers an immersive wildlife experience that blends education, conservation, and family fun. Home to diverse animals, innovative habitats like the upcoming Congo Falls, and interactive attractions, the zoo inspires visitors of all ages. With engaging programs, expanding exhibits, and global conservation efforts, it stands as a top destination for both locals and international travelers.

Key Statistics
Address: 3903 N. St. Mary’s Street, San Antonio, TX 78212-3199
Number of Annual Visitors: Approximately 1 million
Founded: 1914

Why Visit San Antonio Zoo?

From majestic lions and playful giraffes to interactive encounters and cutting-edge habitats, San Antonio Zoo offers a one-of-a-kind journey into the animal kingdom. Visitors can explore vibrant exhibits, enjoy family-friendly attractions, and discover the zoo’s commitment to wildlife conservation—all in the heart of San Antonio.

Congo Falls Habitat

Opening in 2025, the Congo Falls habitat offers an immersive experience featuring eight western lowland gorillas. Visitors can marvel at the Mays Family Silverback Peak, the tallest gorilla tower in the world at over 70 feet, designed to provide naturalistic enrichment and spectacular viewing opportunities for these remarkable animals.

Naylor Savanna Expansion

This expanded habitat doubles the space for giraffes and rhinos, while also integrating zebras, ostriches, and sitatunga in a shared environment. The Naylor Savanna allows for up-close animal encounters, providing an engaging and educational experience highlighting savanna ecosystems.

Big Bugs Exhibit

Running from May to September 2025, the Big Bugs exhibit features larger-than-life animatronic insects including a bee, dung beetle, spider, butterfly, snail, praying mantis, and scorpion. These moving and buzzing models serve to educate visitors about the important roles insects play in the environment, and admission is included for all zoo visitors.

The Ralston Event Center

This new facility hosts a variety of events with indoor capacity for over 500 guests and seating for 600+ including the patio. The Ralston offers unique views overlooking gorilla and lion habitats, the Naylor Savanna, and the downtown San Antonio skyline, blending wildlife and urban scenery in one setting.

Critter Cruisers

A family-friendly attraction located at Meme’s Pavilion, Critter Cruisers are rideable beetle vehicles designed for kids aged five and above. Available on weekends for a small fee, this interactive offering adds an extra layer of fun and engagement for younger visitors exploring the zoo.

Timings

Opening Hours

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily, with extended hours on select days for special events.
Last Entry: One hour before the zoo closes.

Best Times to Visit

Morning (Right at Opening): Cooler weather and active animals make this the perfect time to explore popular exhibits before crowds arrive.
Late Afternoon: A more relaxed atmosphere with fewer visitors, great for enjoying shaded trails, gardens, and quieter moments with the animals.

Address

Address
Directions

San Antonio Zoo is located at 3903 N. St. Mary’s Street, San Antonio, TX 78212. Nestled within the historic Brackenridge Park, the zoo is only a short drive from downtown San Antonio and popular attractions like the River Walk, making it easy to reach whether you’re visiting by car, public transport, or rideshare.

By Car
The San Antonio Zoo is conveniently located just north of downtown San Antonio, making it easily accessible by car. Visitors can use GPS navigation to reach 3903 N. St. Mary’s Street. Ample parking is available on-site for a fee, facilitating direct access to the zoo entrance.

By Public Transit
San Antonio’s VIA Metropolitan Transit system provides bus routes that service the area near the zoo. Visitors can check current bus schedules and routes via VIA’s official resources to plan a trip. The closest bus stops are within a short walking distance from the zoo entrance.

By Train and Other Modes
San Antonio’s main Amtrak station is located downtown; from there, visitors can use local transit or taxi services to reach the zoo, which is approximately 2 miles north of downtown. Ride-sharing and taxi services are also readily available throughout San Antonio for convenient transportation to the zoo.

Things to Know Before Visiting the San Antonio Zoo

The zoo is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with some special events offering extended hours.

Peak visitation times typically occur on weekends and holidays; consider visiting on weekdays for a quieter experience.

The new zoo entrance improves accessibility with smoother pathways and accommodations for guests with mobility needs.

Children of all ages are welcome, with specific programs and activities designed even for toddlers.

Tickets include general admission, with additional options for VIP experiences, guided tours, and meal deals.

Ride attractions like Critter Cruisers are available for children aged 5 and older, with a small additional fee.

Plan for several hours to fully enjoy the animal habitats, exhibits, and weekend activities such as live music and educational talks.

Pets and outside food are not permitted inside the zoo to ensure guest safety and animal welfare.

Parking and public transportation details are recommended to be checked in advance to ease arrival.

San Antonio Zoo – Additional Information

San Antonio Zoo – Additional Information
Souvenir Stores
Special Events

The San Antonio Zoo is designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all visitors. The recently upgraded entrance area includes the spacious H-E-B Plaza, offering improved accessibility and flow throughout the venue. Dining options are available through various meal deals included with admission tickets, where guests can enjoy casual meals and snacks during their visit. The zoo also features family-friendly amenities such as rideable Critter Cruisers for children aged five and older, located at Meme’s Pavilion on weekends. Rest areas and seating are thoughtfully placed to allow guests to relax between exhibits, although detailed specifics about restrooms, Wi-Fi, or cloakroom services are not prominently listed.

Visitors looking for unique keepsakes can explore the Insectería Pop-Up Tent, available on Thursdays through Sundays during the Big Bugs exhibit period from late May to early September. This pop-up offers a variety of themed merchandise including plush insect toys, edible cricket treats, scorpion and ant lollipops, and larvae worm trail mix, alongside other snacks and gifts. In addition to the insect-themed merchandise, the tent provides a fun shopping experience aligned with the zoo’s educational insect exhibit.

San Antonio Zoo hosts a range of special events throughout the year to enrich the visitor experience. Regular weekend bonus activities from Friday to Sunday include Animal Care Specialist (ACS) chats focusing on species like gibbons and Komodo dragons, live music performances on the Great Lawn, and family-friendly entertainment such as the Buggin’ Out Slide at the Go Wild! playground. Seasonal highlights include the immersive Big Bugs exhibit featuring large animatronic insects that educate visitors in an engaging way and various summer activities like superhero appearances, slime parties, and story time for youngsters. Additionally, The Ralston event center serves as a scenic venue for both zoo-related and private events, accommodating more than 500 guests indoors with panoramic views of the gorillas, lions, and the San Antonio downtown skyline.

Accessibility Facilities at San Antonio Zoo

For visitors who are visually impaired, San Antonio Zoo offers thoughtfully designed pathways and tactile exhibits within key habitats like Congo Falls and Naylor Savanna, allowing guests to engage with the animals and environment through touch and guided experiences. These features can be enjoyed by requesting assistance from guest services upon arrival to ensure personalized support throughout the visit.

Visitors with mobility challenges benefit from the zoo’s enhanced accessibility, especially following recent entrance improvements that include ramps, smooth pathways, and accessible restrooms to facilitate easy movement across the grounds. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the main entrance, and guests are encouraged to inquire at guest services for availability and additional accommodations.

For those who are hearing impaired, the zoo provides visual aids and clearly marked signage throughout exhibits and event spaces, supplemented by captioned videos in educational programs and select presentations. To make use of these facilities, visitors may contact guest services ahead of their visit to arrange for any necessary accommodations or to learn about scheduled events featuring enhanced visual communication.

Which Ticket Should I Buy to San Antonio Zoo?

If you’re wondering which ticket to choose, the San Antonio Zoo (Flexible Entry) ticket is your best bet. It gives you the freedom to visit on any day during operating hours, making it perfect for travelers with changing plans. With this ticket, you can explore over 750 species across unique zones like Africa Live!, Amazonia, and Big Cat Valley, enjoy interactive areas such as the Gibbon Forest and Kronkosky’s Tiny Tot Nature Spot, and even visit the vibrant Friedrich Aquarium. Plus, it includes access to special seasonal exhibitions, with the option to add experiences like behind-the-scenes feedings or breakfast with animals. Children under 3 enter free, and flexible refund options make it a worry-free choice for any visitor.

Intersting Facts about the San Antonio Zoo

Mays Family Silverback Peak: The world’s tallest gorilla tower, standing over 70 feet high.

Mexican Blindcat Discovery: San Antonio Zoo’s conservation team found this rare species in Texas for the first time.

Texas Horned Lizard Project: Dedicated to reintroducing and reviving the state reptile’s population.

Project Selva: Supports indigenous communities in the Peruvian Amazon by selling their crafts sustainably.

Congo Falls (Coming Soon): A 2-acre habitat for eight western lowland gorillas.

Naylor Family Savanna: Expanded area with close encounters of giraffes, rhinos, zebras, ostriches, and sitatungas.

Big Bugs Exhibit: Life-sized animatronic insects that move and make realistic sounds.

Critter Cruisers: Rideable beetle-themed vehicles for kids ages five and older.

Ralston Family Event Center: Panoramic views of animal habitats and the downtown San Antonio skyline.

New Entrance: Features the H-E-B Plaza and Lemur Skywalk for better visitor flow and accessibility.

Weekend Bonus Experiences: Live music, animal chats, and interactive family activities.

San Antonio Aquarium - Highlights in Pictures

FAQs

What are the San Antonio Zoo's regular opening hours?

The zoo is open daily from 9am to 5pm.

Where is the San Antonio Zoo located?

It is located at 3903 N. St. Mary’s Street, San Antonio, TX 78212-3199.

What animals can visitors expect to see at the zoo?

Visitors can see a wide range of animals, including giraffes, rhinos, western lowland gorillas, zebras, and various insects.

Is the zoo family-friendly and suitable for young children?

Yes, the San Antonio Zoo offers programs and attractions for all ages, including special activities for toddlers.

What is the Congo Falls habitat?

Congo Falls is a new 2-acre habitat opening in 2025 designed for western lowland gorillas with immersive features like the world's tallest gorilla tower.

Are there any special exhibits for insect enthusiasts?

Yes, the Big Bugs Exhibit features life-sized animatronic insects such as bees and scorpions, included with zoo admission.

What accessibility features does the zoo provide?

The new entrance improves flow and accessibility to accommodate all visitors comfortably.

Is there a place to eat inside the zoo?

Yes, the zoo offers Admission + Meal Deals and dining options near the entrance plaza.

Can visitors take guided tours at the zoo?

Yes, the zoo provides various experiential tours and behind-the-scenes opportunities.

Are there activities specifically for young children?

Yes, attractions like the Critter Cruisers ride and the Texas Natives Carousel cater to young visitors.

What conservation projects is the zoo involved in?

The zoo supports several conservation initiatives, including the Mexican Blindcat Project and Texas Horned Lizard Reintroduction.

Can visitors use the zoo for events or private gatherings?

Yes, The Ralston event center hosts events indoors and outdoors with views of animals and the downtown skyline.

Are there opportunities to learn about animals at the zoo?

Educational programs and live chats with animal care staff are available on weekends and special events.

Are pets allowed inside the zoo?

Pets are generally not permitted to ensure the safety and comfort of animals and visitors.