Planning a trip to Miami Zoo, Miami Metro Zoo? Find out the Miami Zoo hours, Miami Zoo Prices, Get all the information about Miami Zoo tickets, Miami Zoo and see the Miami Zoo Map here.
The Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens, branded and commonly known as Zoo Miami, and formerly known as Miami MetroZoo, is the largest and oldest zoological garden in Florida, and the only tropical zoo in the United States.
The zoo houses over 3,000 animals on nearly 750 acres, 324 acres of which are developed. It is about 3 mile around if walked or biked on the path, and features over 100 exhibits. There are four main exhibit sections in the zoo: Asia, Africa, Amazon and Beyond, and Australia.
Our favorite animals are the elephants, giraffes and rhinoceros.
Miami Zoo Tips
When we went as a family we rented the bikes. It was so nice to have a faster way around the zoo. You can almost feel a breeze. The monorail is also a nice way to get around the zoo and get some AC but it is really about getting from point A to B and not seeing the animals.
They have a number of cooling stations around the zoo. We took advantage of a lot of them. They have a zoo app. I downloaded it but did not get a lot of value out of it. If you are green and don't want a paper map it does have a good digital map.
The carousel is in the children's area and is fun with lots of animals to pick from. They charge $2.50/ride (parent's can ride free).
Giraffe and Parrot Feedings - these experiences allow you to have an up close encounter with the animals. We have done giarffe Feedings at Lion Country Safari before so we knew it would be a hit. The parrot feeding was surprisingly fun. We almost skipped it because they only allow 12 people in an they get 10 minutes so the wait was long, but the birds were beautiful and the interactions were a blast.
What to Bring to Miami Zoo
I recommend bringing the following items: camera, binoculars (if your kids are old enough to use them), comfortable shoes, swimsuit, towel and change of clothes (for the splash area), sunscreen, water shoes, hats, sunglasses, stroller (even if it is just to carry your bags, if you are going to use the bikes bring a smaller stroller that can go on top of the stroller or leave it in the car). Lunch and snacks - there are lots of benches in front of animal exhibits and a huge outdoor area with picnic tables with "fast food" food for purchase. The sign says no food or drink. We brought a soft sided cooler and did not have any issue. We had the ice cream and it was perfect on a hot summer day.
Below is a picture of the water area. We have been to the zoo a number of times this summer but have not made it into this area yet because it is always so crowded. 
Miami Zoo Hours
Miami Zoo Hours are the same every day of the year except: Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (last ticket sold at 4 p.m.)
Thanksgiving Day
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. (last ticket sold at 2 p.m.)
Christmas Day
12 p.m. - 5 p.m. (last ticket sold at 4 p.m.)
Miami Zoo Price for Miami Zoo Tickets *
| Guest | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (13+) | $22.95 |
| Child (3-12) | $18.95 |
| Children 2 and under | FREE |
| Zoo members | FREE |
| Parking | FREE |
Miami Zoo Coupons or Miami Zoo Discount
Miami Zoo Coupons include lots of Miami Zoo Discounts including:
Miami-Dade County Employees
$3 off regular adult or child admission for up to six people. Photo identification and proof of employment are required at time of purchase.
Military
50% off regular adult admission for active or retired U.S. military personnel plus 25% off regular admission for up to six additional guests. Military photo identification is required at time of purchase.
Seniors (age 65 & over)
25% off regular admission. Photo identification with date of birth is required at time of purchase.
Tour Operators
For net rates contact Michael Cotto, Sales & Events Manager, at [email protected]
Gift Certificates
Looking for a unique gift no one else has? Think about giving that special someone the gift of an unforgettable experience at Zoo Miami, such as one of our special tours or having him or her enjoy a day at the zoo! These gifts are perfect for any occasion: holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and more. Contact the Sales and Events Department at [email protected] or 305-251-0400 for more information.
Florida Value Packages
The Go Miami® Card is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility when visiting Miami. Save up to 55% off retail prices with this all-access pass that includes admission to 35 top attractions and activities including Zoo Miami, Miami Seaquarium, Jungle Island, Key West tour, Everglades tour and much more for one low price. Enjoy the flexibility of picking your attractions when you get to Miami and do as much as you want in a day.
Miami Zoo Map *
Miami Zoo Early History
The history of the zoo can be traced back to 1948, when 3 monkeys, a goat and 2 black bears were purchased for $270 from a small road show stranded near Miami. These 6 animals were the beginning of the Crandon Park Zoo on the island of Key Biscayne, just southeast off the coast from downtown Miami. The Crandon Park Zoo occupied 48 acres of the park. The first animals in the zoo, including some lions, an elephant and a rhinoceros, had been stranded when a circus went out of business in Miami. Some Galapagos tortoises, monkeys and pheasants were added from the Matheson plantation.By 1967, the Crandon Park Zoo had grown to over 1,200 animals, and was considered one of the top 25 zoos in the country.[6] Other animals were added, including a white Bengal tiger in 1968.
Learn more on their website
Do you have a favorite zoo?
*All information is as of April 2019
Pin for Later: Miami Zoo
In Miami? You may also want to visit Miami Seaqurium
The crazy stork lady says
Loving the giraffe pics! I have a special place in my heart for giraffes. I think my favourite is Bronx Zoo just because the architecture there is so amazing. I think conservation zoos are amazing in terms of raising awareness of endangered species, research and letting people see something they wouldn't otherwise. But... at the same time it does make me sad to see these amazing wild animals in cages. Tough one though. Part of the reason I love animals so much is because of many happy childhood trips to the zoo. Do you ever get those mixed emotions about it? x
HappyFamily says
I have never been to the Bronx Zoo. Have to add it to the list. I have struggled with the cages before. To write this post I did a lot research about the zoo and all the good they do for educational purposes and saving injured animals. Our zoos don't have "cages" which somehow makes me almost forget that they are trapped. Thank you for reading and commenting.
The crazy stork lady says
My pleasure. There's no doubt that good, reputable zoos do huge amounts of good work. X
bumbismom says
Great info! Haven't been to the Miami Zoo since I was a kid. Great tips for us to use!
HappyFamily says
Let us know if you go and how your time is. It is a long drive down, but it is a totally different experience than the West Palm Zoo. A number of people there bought a groupon which is also a great idea.
Kerry @ Noah & the Girls says
That looks like a really lovely place to visit. We went to a nearby Safari park with the kids over the summer and it was great fun. I love the giraffes in your photos, they are beautifully patterned. I hope you didn't abuse the 'parents ride free' rule, I'd have been tempted to!! xx
HappyFamily says
My hubby was a good sport and rode with our daughter. I get so dizzy spinning around and watching her. I love the giraffes. It was cool to see them in full gallop. A safari park sounds like fun.
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Wow that was odd. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn't appear.
Grrrr... well I'm not writing all that over again.
Anyhow, just wanted to say fantastic blog!