Smart Tips for Visiting Zoo Atlanta

Heading to Zoo Atlanta? Then check out my Smart Tips for Visiting Zoo Atlanta with helpful tips like the best time to visit, ways to save money, and more! 

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Smart Tips for Visiting Zoo Atlanta

Hey everyone! Hope you all are having a great week so far. After a busy last three weeks I ended up taking this past Monday off to re-charge and it was much needed. My husband, boys, and I had a super relaxing long weekend and I completely un-plugged from social media, which was amazing.

Today I’m back on my normal schedule and I wanted to share with you a recap of our recent trip to Zoo Atlanta while visiting Atlanta, Georgia. In case you’ve never visited, I’m also sharing smart tips for visiting Zoo Atlanta and ways that you can make the most of your trip!

Related: Family Weekend Getaway at Sonesta Gwinnett Place Atlanta

Smart Tips for Visiting Zoo Atlanta

Buy Tickets Online to Save Time/Money

To avoid waiting in a long line, purchase your tickets online ahead of time. You can also check out the many discounts and special offers they have over here, including free admission for U.S. military members, group discounts, combo discounts and more!

One offer in particular that I wanted to share for Georgia residents is The Library Pass Program which offers a family of four one free admission to Zoo Atlanta. Check out the details for taking advantage of this amazing deal here. Kids 2 and under also get in for free.

Grab a Map and Plan To Watch a Feeding

When you first enter the zoo, be sure and get a map of the park. This will not only help you find your way around the zoo, but you’ll be able to plan out your trip around special animal feedings and keeper talks. This is great for both families and kids, as you can ask the keeper’s questions and watch the animals interact. Check out a listing of all the current keeper talks and feedings over here.

Bring Your Own Snacks and Drinks

To save money and time waiting in line at busy food stands, pack your own snacks and drinks in a sturdy backpack like this one. We always love bringing items like granola bars, cracker packs, and water, and there are plenty of benches and picnic areas located throughout the park where you can stop and take a break.

Check The Weather/Plan Accordingly

It’s always best to check the weather ahead of time to avoid visiting during a rainstorm. If there’s any possibility of rain for the date you’ll be visiting, be sure and pack a rain jacket or cute poncho like this one, and bring an umbrella in your bag just in case. They also sell these in the gift shop stores, but note you’ll pay more.

Wear Sunscreen, Hats, and Comfortable Shoes

A trip to the zoo means you’ll be walking around A LOT and most likely on a hot, sunny day. Don’t forget to slather on the sunscreen to avoid getting sunburnt and throw on a hat and pair of sunnies to help keep you feeling cooler. It also goes without saying a comfortable pair of shoes is a must.

I ended up wearing these adorable glitter sneakers and they were super comfortable and I got so many compliments.

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Visit the Petting Zoo For a Free, Hands-On Experience

Located in the Children’s Zoo section of the park, visitors can pet and interact with goats and sheep. Our boys had a blast in this section of the Zoo and they loved being able to pet some of the animals. This area of the zoo also has several other fun things for kids including a playground, a splash pad, carnival rides, and a train ride.

Plan a Trip For a Special Event Date

If your dates are flexible, plan a trip on a holiday or when the zoo is offering special activities for visitors. Boo at the Zoo is always a fun event where kids can dress in costumes, meet their favorite story-book characters, and sample yummy treats. Check out Zoo Atlanta’s event calendar over here.

Things to Know Before You Go

Best Time to Visit– Weekends are the most crowded times, with Saturday being the busiest day. If possible plan to visit on a weekday or if visiting on a Saturday plan for either early morning when the park first opens or between 1-2 pm when most people are eating lunch.

Parking- The two main parking lots located on the Zoo Atlanta property fill up quickly, so it’s best to arrive a little early if you want to secure a spot. If planning a trip for later in the day, you will most likely have to parallel park on one of the neighboring streets and walk to the zoo entrance. (Don’t worry there are plenty of sidewalks and crosswalks, so safety isn’t an issue).

Seeing the Animals- Depending on the time of day you visit, some of the animals may be asleep. To get the best zoo experience, plan to double-back later in your visit when the animals are more likely to be awake and alert. We actually encountered this with the lions when we visited in early afternoon, but were able to successfully see them awake right before leaving.

Snapshots of the Animals & Our Trip to Zoo Atlanta

 

 

  

Plan Your Zoo Atlanta Visit:

Website: www.zooatlanta.org

Location: 800 Cherokee Ave SE Atlanta, Georgia

Hours: Monday- Friday 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM and Saturday-Sunday 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM

Tickets: Check out admission prices and special discounts over here

 

Thank-you to Zoo Atlanta for providing complimentary admission for me and my family. As always all opinions are 100% my own. 

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I hope you enjoyed today’s post on Smart Tips for Visiting Zoo Atlanta, and if you’ve never been I highly recommend a trip when visiting Atlanta, Georgia. It’s such a beautiful zoo and I love the variety of exotic animals you can see when visiting. (The pandas are my fave!)

Have you ever been to Zoo Atlanta? If so, what was your favorite exhibit?

Thanks for stopping by! – Cara