Zoo Atlanta in Grant Park is a special place for families – both human and animal. From the fuzzy warm cuddles of Ya Lun and Xi Lun, the adorable panda twins, to the wiggles and wonders of the Scaly Slimy Spectacular Amphibian and Reptile Experience…there is so much to do and love in a world that is home to more than 1,000 animals representing more than 200 species! Atlanta Zoo in Georgia does not disappoint!

These are the questions we primarily get from social media, email, etc….answered for you based our visit.
ZOO ATLANTA QUESTIONS ANSWERED
HOW CAN I GET ZOO ATLANTA TICKETS AT A DISCOUNT?
Our first advice is to use CityPASS Atlanta for the ultimate discount. You’ll save over 40% off general admission prices. Once the City Pass has been activated, you have nine consecutive days to use it at participating attractions.
Second, tickets purchased via the Zoo are cheaper is you schedule a visit Monday through Thursday.
The ultimate discount is FREE, right? With your library card, Georgia residents can check out the Zoo Atlanta Library Pass for FREE admission. The pass is only valid Monday through Friday excluding blackout dates* and is valid for three general admissions. (Yes, Fulton County libraries are open!)
WHAT’S NEW AT THE ZOO
If you ask us, the most exciting new addition to the zoo is the African Savanna exhibit for the elephant, giraffes, zebras, rhino and more. The new elephant environment here is more than 3x the size of the elephants’ former habitat! It includes three small ponds with waterfalls, a gentle slope mimicking the African plains and an enrichment wall.
A mixed-species habitat, adjacent to the elephant environment, will be shared by giraffes, zebras and ostriches. This new, flatter habitat provides the giraffe herd with more usable space than ever before and gives guests an opportunity to explore pathways at ground level, looking up to appreciate the true height of Earth’s tallest living mammals.
Zoo Atlanta’s three African elephants are not the only ones who received a new home. There are giraffes, zebras, elephants, and ostriches share a new space – bordered by habitats for the meerkats and warthogs.
Last but not least, Mumbles (who at 9 years old weighs over 4,300 pounds) arrived to the zoo last year- and he is adorable! The newest member of the African Savanna, Casper the bontebok arrived in 2022.
For more news about what’s new be sure to join the newsletter.
THERE IS A ZOO PANDA CAM? TELL ME MORE!
We adore the Panda Cam!! Click on the link to see it. If they are not visible, you can see our video of the pandas wrestling together during our last visit. Cooper told me the red pandas were his favorite – until he saw these twins playing together. In 2021, they celebrated their fifth birthday!
At the zoo, the giant pandas may be seen year-round at virtually any time of day. Because they are native to high-elevation cool mountain forests, in the warmer months they will generally be in their climate-controlled dayroom habitats. In the cooler months here in Atlanta, they may be either indoors or in their outdoor habitats.
IS IT TRUE THAT IVAN (FR0M THE BOOK AND DISNEY MOVIE) WAS AT ZOO ATLANTA?
The kids and I read The One and Only Ivan a few years ago – crying and laughing our way through it the whole time. We love how Disney recently released the movie, too!
For those of you not in the know, I don’t want to be a spoil-sport – but Ivan finds his way to a new home in the end. And in real life, that home was at Zoo Atlanta. (OK, it’s not a documentary, but it is truly based on Ivan, who is a real gorilla.)
He was placed at Zoo Atlanta because it houses the largest group of captive western lowland gorillas in the nation. You can’t see him today – Ivan died in 2012 at the age of 50 – but his memory lives on.
WHAT ARE THE COOLEST ZOO ATLANTA EVENTS?
Brew at the Zoo is one of the Zoo’s most popular events that is usually each Memorial Day weekend. Enjoy beer and wine samples from breweries all over Georgia, live music throughout the Zoo, yard games, and so much more while savoring incredible views of our animals.
The event includes beer and wine tastings, free carousel and train rides, music and access to special Keeper Talks, animal demonstrations and more around the Zoo. This event is for 21+.
Wild World Weekend will be July 29 and 30 in 2023 and guests are invited to travel from Africa to the Americas, and from Europe to Asia and the Pacific, via special entertainment and activities for the entire family. Help us celebrate our world’s amazing wildlife and the beautiful places they call home.
Boo at the Zoo is Atlanta’s favorite fun family Halloween festival! During the last two weekends of October from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., enjoy trick or treating, plenty of photo opportunities, themed entertainment and activities, costumed characters, and so much more. Costumes are welcome.
WHAT’S PARKING LIKE?
Let’s be honest – it can be difficult or expensive to park at some of Atlanta’s attractions. But in this case, it’s fairly affordable. Parking is conveniently located in the lot on Cherokee Avenue and in the new Grant Park Gateway parking facility on Boulevard.
Rates will be $3 an hour for a maximum of $12 a day. To aid you in your planning, we estimate the average Zoo visit to be around three or four hours.
IS MEMBERSHIP WORTH THE COST?
Membership options are so affordable, and considering all that the zoo has to offer, they are well worth the investment.
A family membership includes two adults and four children. You can gain access to member-exclusive events, as well as discounted admission for guests or other zoo events. This would be a great gift to give too; I’ll be keeping this on my list of ideas when Christmas rolls around. These are around $150. If you visit more than a couple of times, these pay for themselves!
IS THE SLIMY SPECTACULAR EXHIBIT REALLY JUST A BUNCH OF SNAKES?
Snakes? Yes – but so much more, too!
The Scaly Slimy Spectacular exhibit is one of the best I’ve ever seen, with 100 animals representing 70 species. Entering through the 45 ft tall glass dome, my boys soaked up everything about this creepy, crawly world! We loved seeing the alligator snapping turtle SO close, comparing the sizes of the anaconda and boa constrictor, and seeing all the different colors that frogs come in.
They have an amazing variety of snakes, lizards, frogs and turtles; you never felt like you were looking at the same snake in every glass box. They even have a couple of cobras!
WHAT’S UP WITH TREETOP TRAIL?
Zoo Atlanta’s Treetop Trail encourages you to “walk on the wild side!” It’s an aerial adventure with ladders, bridges, nets, tightrope-style walking…and so much more! Here are five things you need to know about this new Zoo Atlanta attraction.
IT’S OPEN TO ALL AGES, BUT…
There are no height or age restrictions to partake in the Treetop Trail fun, but you must be able to safely fit in the harness. I spoke with the staff, and they told me that the youngest they’ve seen up on the ropes was a very tall 3yo. My youngest is an average-sized 4.5 yr old, and he had to stretch his abilities in order to do everything.
Kids too little for Treetop Trail? Now, there’s an adventure just for them! Check out Treetop Tykes Trail.
Kids under 48″ tall (like my 4 yo) will need an adult with them to help them through the course. There were some areas where he was a little scared and wanted to hold my hand across…other areas where we almost ran with glee. Since he is shorter, we stayed on the lower level with the easier aerial obstacles.
Cooper was 48.5″ tall when we visited, so he was just barely able to play “without mom” but he did get stuck in a few places because he wasn’t tall enough/strong enough to push the connector through the track. No worries – the staff were on spot to help him in no-time. And after a while, he seemed to figure it out and didn’t need any additional help.
I should note that there are no age restrictions on BOTH ends of the spectrum. Adults will have a great time on the Treetop Trail, also! I loved it!!
THERE ARE TWO SECTIONS
The lower section is called SkyTrail…the upper section is called SkyRail and it includes a short zipline. It’s unlike any I’ve seen, with really cool take-off and landing pads.
In order to take flight on SkyRail, kiddos have to be 48″ tall…even with assistance, shorter children are not permitted.
The SkyTrail ropes courses are challenging! My 8 yo was not able to do everything…and he was a little afraid of climbing to the top level. It was still fun for him (TONS of fun!) and worth the cost, but be prepared that your kiddo might be a little timid.
ADVENTURES LAST ABOUT 30 MINUTES
There is not a set “path” through the Treetop Trail. Climbers are welcome to explore in any direction they want to – left, right, up or down. So how do you know when you’re done? The staff gives you about 30 minutes of exploring time.
If there are not very many people, they may be a little forgiving, but if you’re visiting during peak hours (with a line waiting) then expect them to be more strict about your time being up.
PICTURES AND WALLETS
There is a great platform to wait for your kiddos and taking pictures. The aerial park is over the playground in the Kid Zone of the park, so heading into the playground and looking UP is another great photo option.
You cannot, however, take your camera on the ropes course for photos or video because of the proximity over the playground. If something were to fall out of your pockets or hands, it could spell trouble below.
So, on the course: no phones, cameras, keys, wallets…NOTHING can be in your pockets. While I was there, I stored my camera bag and purse on the cart that holds the harnesses. The staff was there to keep an eye on it (and they were not busy) but they are not responsible for any missing items. So, if that concerns you, make sure you leave someone behind to watch your things.
TREE TOP IS NOW OPEN!
Yup – it’s open for everyone…just in time for Spring Break and Summer Fun! It’s also right near the front of the park…just take a quick right after you head through the tickets booth.
The course is an add-on item to your Zoo ticket, and is NOT included as part of the All-Rides Wristband or Fun Pass. It is $14.95 for general admission and $11.95 additional for members.
MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR AQUARIUM VISIT
- YOUR GEORGIA VACATION
- GEORGIA AQUARIUM: ATLANTA’S BELOVED ATTRACTION LIVES UP TO THE HYPE
- COCA-COLA: 5+ WAYS TO PAUSE AND REFRESH AT ATLANTA’S AMAZING WORLD OF COKE MUSEUM
- MORE ATLANTA: 53+ THINGS TO DO IN ATLANTA
ATLANTA FAQ
What are Atlanta’s top attractions?
Atlanta’s top attractions are the Georgia Aquarium, The World of Coca-Cola, Atlanta Botanical Garden, and Zoo Atlanta.
What is Atlanta known for?
Atlanta is known for having the largest airport in the United States, plus a thriving cultural scene, and prominent role in Civil Rights history.
What famous people call Atlanta home?
Several famous people call Atlanta home. Rappers Cardi B and Ludacris, country singer Zac Brown, and Sir Elton John.
STAY OVERNIGHT NEAR ZOO ATLANTA



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