Louisville Zoo Tours

Louisville Zoo featuring bird life and zoo animals
Louisville Zoo showing marine life as well as a family
Louisville Zoo featuring zoo animals and land animals
Louisville Zoo featuring zoo animals and bird life
Louisville Zoo which includes rides as well as a small group of people


A zoo visit promotes respect for animals and their well-being. Share a day with family at this city zoo with its abundance of species and activity areas.

Louisville Zoo is clean and respectful of its animals, providing a wonderful opportunity to see species that might otherwise be geographically impossible to view. Visit these majestic creatures and understand more about the importance of conservation. 

In the Africa section, stately African and Asian elephants plod slowly through their days and pygmy hippos loll about between baths. Observe lions sedately perusing their landscape and meerkats continually watching as they balance on their hind feet. This section’s Gorilla Forest is extremely popular for the expressive behavior of its 10 western lowland gorillas.

Experience the African savannah by taking a camel ride. Watch a tall giraffe stretch its neck from the ground to the tops of trees. Stop at the supervised African petting zoo and enjoy the garden featuring a number of sculptured animals.

Visit Glacier Run for cold weather animals such as polar and grizzly bears, as well as playful seals in their enclosure resembling a small Canadian town. Sit in a truck’s cab while bears look for food in the back on the other side of a protective glass wall. Gaze upward to see eagles and snowy owls. Bring swimsuits for children to play in the splash park and playground areas.

The penguins will seek your attention in the Islands section. Find orangutans and Sumatran tigers in the Indonesian Village. Travel to South America to view jaguars and snow leopards. Australia’s unique species include wallabies and wallaroos. Feed the friendly lorikeet birds with nectar purchased at the zoo.

Visit the HerpAquarium for less visible animals, such as Gila monsters, boa constrictors, the endangered Cuban crocodile and the threatened hellbender salamander. In additional conservation efforts, the zoo is helping to resurrect the black-footed ferret that faced extinction in North America.

The attraction has a hilly terrain. Walk, take the zoo train or shuttle around the 134 acres (54 hectares). Drive to Louisville Zoo in 15 minutes from the downtown area. The zoo is open daily except select holidays. Purchase admission and parking passes online. Note that weather plays an important role in being able to see certain animals.

Reviews of Louisville Zoo

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
72
5 - Excellent 53%
4 - Good
48
4 - Good 35%
3 - Okay
16
3 - Okay 12%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The Zoo Louisville is a must see!!!!

3/5 - Okay

Michael

I always look forward to seeing the elephants at any zoo. Well there were no elephants because Mommy had a baby elephant. There were other exhibits with no animals in them. Never saw any polar bears. The "big ticket" animals were absent.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Website says you can take your own water bottles in and re-fill them, but we only saw one water fountain. Bring plenty of water, or be prepared to buy from the zoo.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Louisville Zoo

Derby City Gaming & Hotel -  A Churchill Downs Property

Derby City Gaming & Hotel - A Churchill Downs Property

4 out of 5
4520 Poplar Level Rd, Louisville, KY
Derby City Gaming & Hotel - A Churchill Downs Property
Wingate by Wyndham Louisville Fair and Expo

Wingate by Wyndham Louisville Fair and Expo

2.5 out of 5
3200 Kemmons Drive, Louisville, KY
Wingate by Wyndham Louisville Fair and Expo
Red Roof Inn Louisville Fair and Expo

Red Roof Inn Louisville Fair and Expo

2 out of 5
3322 Red Roof Inn Pl, Louisville, KY
Red Roof Inn Louisville Fair and Expo
Candlewood Suites Louisville Airport by IHG

Candlewood Suites Louisville Airport by IHG

2.5 out of 5
1367 Gardiner Ln, Louisville, KY
Candlewood Suites Louisville Airport by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Louisville Airport Expo Center by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Louisville Airport Expo Center by IHG

2.5 out of 5
1921 Bishop Ln, Louisville, KY
Holiday Inn Express Louisville Airport Expo Center by IHG
Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Expo Ctr by IHG

Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Expo Ctr by IHG

3.5 out of 5
830 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY
Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Expo Ctr by IHG
Best Western Louisville Airport Expo

Best Western Louisville Airport Expo

2.5 out of 5
4125 Preston Hwy, Louisville, KY
Best Western Louisville Airport Expo
Courtyard by Marriott Louisville Airport

Courtyard by Marriott Louisville Airport

3 out of 5
819 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY
Courtyard by Marriott Louisville Airport
5 Bd/3 Ba-Near Expo/UL/Fair/YUM/Zoo

5 Bd/3 Ba-Near Expo/UL/Fair/YUM/Zoo

3 out of 5
4327 Cavelle Ave, Louisville, KY
5 Bd/3 Ba-Near Expo/UL/Fair/YUM/Zoo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Louisville Zoo

While visiting the Louisville Zoo, you can enjoy a variety of activities and attractions nearby, including sports events, live music performances, and baseball games. The zoo offers a unique outdoor experience where you can explore diverse animal exhibits and engage with nature. Additionally, the vibrant city of Louisville provides an array of exciting city experiences that complement your visit to the zoo, making it a memorable part of your vacation.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Louisville Zoo, check out Nulu Market Place, just 6.4km away, and Bardstown Square Shopping Center, only 4.8km away, both offering vibrant family vibes. If you're up for a drive, Great Clips Festival Shopping Center is 8.0km away for more shopping options.

Recreation

L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts, while Headliners Music Hall provides a lively setting for music lovers to unwind. For a peaceful retreat, Seneca Park’s natural beauty and tranquility create an ideal environment for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Atlantis Waterpark, located 9.7km from Louisville Zoo, offering exciting water rides and family-friendly fun. For a quick adventure, the Louisville Tennis Center, only 322m away, invites you to play. Explore the scenic Lannan Park Trailhead, also 9.7km away, for a refreshing hiking experience.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Louisville Zoo with a visit to the historic Louisville Palace for a romantic show, or enjoy family fun at Vernon Club & Lanes, an exciting arcade. For more cultural entertainment, check out Baron's Theater, where romance and excitement await.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Louisville Zoo

While visiting the Louisville Zoo in Louisville, Kentucky, explore nearby urban parks and vibrant streets for a cultural and family-friendly experience. Don’t miss out on the best attractions around the zoo, where you can enjoy diverse activities catering to various interests. Whether you're looking for local points of interest or just want to soak in the atmosphere, the Louisville Zoo and its surroundings offer plenty to discover.

  • Kentucky Exposition Center: Located 3.2km from Louisville Zoo, this vibrant event venue hosts a variety of conventions and exhibitions. Its spacious facilities and business atmosphere make it perfect for professional gatherings and large-scale events.
  • University of Louisville: Situated 4.8km away, this modern university boasts a dynamic campus with cutting-edge facilities. Experience the lively city vibes while exploring its beautiful grounds, art installations, and local events that celebrate education and culture.
  • Kentucky Kingdom: Just 3.2km from the zoo, this thrilling theme park offers fun for the whole family. From roller coasters to water rides, it provides a perfect blend of entertainment and excitement for visitors of all ages.

Best time to go to Louisville Zoo

The best time to visit Louisville Zoo can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Louisville Zoo falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Louisville Zoo falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February36.5°F (2.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March46.2°F (7.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June73.9°F (23.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July77.2°F (25.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August75.6°F (24.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September69.8°F (21.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
November45.9°F (7.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December38.8°F (3.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Louisville Zoo

To save on your visit to the Louisville Zoo, consider traveling between November and January, as hotel prices are lower during these months. Mondays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Fridays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to compare hotel rates, focusing on eco-certified options for budget-friendly, sustainable stays. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal can also lead to significant savings. Take advantage of public transport to get around affordably, and look for free activities in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Louisville Zoo are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Louisville Zoo is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Louisville Zoo is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to choose your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to narrow down your choices by hotel type—selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly accommodations available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Louisville Zoo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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