Zoo Miami (Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens)

The basics

Zoo Miami (also known as the Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Garden) is home to over 3,000 animals, including mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles. The Florida: Mission Everglades habitat also allows visitors to explore a local ecosystem and see animals like the roseate spoonbill, the Florida panther, black bears, burrowing owls, gopher tortoises, bald eagles, crocodiles, alligators, and Florida box turtles.

For an overview of the park, hop on the monorail or join a narrated Zoo Miami tour via tram or golf cart. Then, learn about animal welfare and environmental conservation through hands-on activities at Zoo Miami’s Conservation Action Center (CAC) and Animal Fun Factory. Visitors can also feed the giraffes and rhinos through animal encounter experiences, and attend talks and presentations.

Things to know before you go

• The zoo is handicap accessible, and service animals are allowed.

• Visitors typically spend about four hours exploring the zoo.

• Expect to do a bit of walking, as the zoo is quite large, and the distance between animal habitats is often great. You can also rent a safari cycle, take a tram tour, or ride the monorail to get around.

• Strategically-placed benches and shaded gazebos provide convenient rest stops.

• Miami sightseeing passes, such as the Explorer Pass and the Go Miami card, include the zoo among their attractions.

How to get there

Zoo Miami is about 45 minutes south of the city center. To get here, take US-1 south, then turn right on SW 152nd Street and follow signs to the zoo entrance. If you’re coming from the Florida Turnpike, take exit 16. You can also reach the park via bus route 252; a bus stop is located at the zoo entrance.

When to get there

The zoo is open from mid-morning through early evening, and animals begin to head to their sleeping enclosures in the late afternoon. The zoo also hosts some evening events that allow you to see the animals in their nocturnal state; check the schedule for details. If you’re looking to see a specific critter at the zoo, call ahead to make sure they are on the exhibit; weather conditions, maintenance, and health issues can all affect the animals’ activity.

The Miami Children's Museum

Another family-friendly attraction, the Miami Children's Museum lets kids engage in real-life activities like food shopping and banking through interactive exhibits. There are also special programs geared toward infants and toddlers and toward children with autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorders, and developmental delays. Visit to make some art, learn some skills, and enjoy some play time, then check out the museum’s classes and educational programs.

How long is the walk around Zoo Miami?

Zoo Miami is home to four miles (6.4 kilometers) of walkways. Visitors can explore by walking or joining a tram tour. Most visitors plan to spend four to five hours exploring Zoo Miami. However, it is possible to spend an entire day walking around Zoo Miami.

What is the best time to visit the Zoo Miami?

The best time to visit Zoo Miami is in the morning when it opens at 10am. By arriving then, you avoid the afternoon heat and see animals when they're active. When afternoon temperatures peak, animals can be less active. If possible, choose a weekday over a weekend to avoid crowds.

Do you have to make reservations for Zoo Miami?

No, reservations are not required for Zoo Miami. However, booking Zoo Miami tickets ahead of time ensures that there is availability on the day you want to visit. Making reservations also allows you to skip the lines once you arrive at Zoo Miami. Children age 2 and younger enter free.

Is Zoo Miami worth it?

Yes, Zoo Miami is worth it. This attraction is home to more than 2,500 animals and offers educational opportunities throughout. With four miles (6.4 kilometers) of walkways, a tram tour, and nearly 400 different animal species, Zoo Miami is a top attraction for animal lovers in south Florida.

Is parking free at Zoo Miami?

Yes, parking is free and plentiful at Zoo Miami. Some visitors choose to reserve zoo admission tickets online ahead of time, but pre-booked reservations are not required for parking. Park in any free space when you arrive at Zoo Miami.

Can you take food to Zoo Miami?

No, you cannot take food inside Zoo Miami. Exceptions include one water bottle per guest, baby formula, baby bottles, and individual snack portions for kids. You can store food with the receptionist at Zoo Miami. When you're ready to eat, retrieve your food and utilize picnic tables outside the zoo.

Ways to explore

Zoo Miami—also known as the Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Garden—is a massive site that spans over 750 acres (303.5 hectares), making it the largest zoo in Florida. Tickets offer day admission, but you can also book guided tours, animal experiences, or rent safari bikes for up to six people to travel around on. Kids can run around the play areas, glide along in pedal boats, and ride the carousel, and the zoo also offers giraffes, parrots, and camel feedings.

Accessibility

Zoo Miami is accessible for both strollers and wheelchairs. You can reserve rental strollers, wheelchairs, and motorized wheelchairs online in advance. Service animals are welcome.

Age limits

None; children aged 2 and under enter for free, and there’s a reduced rate for kids aged 3–12.

What to pack

Water, sunblock, bug spray, umbrella

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes, hat

Not allowed

Feeding the animals (unless it’s a feeding event), bringing your own food into the zoo (picnics can be stored and collected to eat at tables outside the entrance), pets, straws, balloons, glass containers

Amenities

Restrooms, free parking, concession stands, picnic tables outside the entrance

Address

Zoo Miami is located south of the city center. Most visitors arrive by car, but you can also book tours that include transportation.

Driving

If you’re driving, take the Florida Turnpike and turn off at Exit 18 to reach Zoo Miami. On-site parking is free. Alternatively, you can easily get a rideshare service or taxi from Miami Beach.

Public transportation

The 152 bus stops at the zoo only on weekends and various annual holidays between 9am and 6pm. On weekdays, the closest bus stop to the zoo is on SW 124 Avenue and 152 Street, a 40-minute walk from the main entrance. However, the zoo offers complimentary weekday rides from the bus stop to the entrance.

Best times to visit

It’s best to get there right at 10am when the zoo opens, as there’s limited capacity—you’ll beat the crowds, and it won’t be as hot earlier in the day.

Best days to visit

Weekdays often see fewer crowds, so visit Monday through Friday to explore without long lines and waits.

Best months to visit

The zoo is open year-round, but November to April see warm and pleasant weather—though this time of year is busier. To avoid crowds, consider a trip during the rainy months, such as summer, but prepare for high temperatures and humidity.

Special events

Zoo Miami hosts events year-round, including farmers markets and kids' camps. Zoo Lights is one of the best ways to enjoy the holiday season in Florida—see the zoo lit up and decorated from late November to the end of December each year.