Zoo Miami (Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens) Tours
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Thanks in part to its subtropical climate (which allows for large swathes of natural habitat), Miami’s zoo is one of the best in the country, filled with a variety of animals from Asia, Australia, and Africa. More than 200 species roam the cageless exhibits, separated from visitors by cleverly-designed moats.
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, then learn about animal welfare and environmental conservation through hands-on activities at the Animal Fun Factory. Visitors can also feed the giraffes, rhinos, and other animals, 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.
- Local attraction 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.
Address: 12400 SW 152 Street, Miami, Florida 33177, USA
Admission: Varies
3 Tours and Activities to Experience Zoo Miami (Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens)
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Skip the Line: Zoo Miami Ticket with Optional Upgrade
Ensure a fun-filled family day out by booking your general admission ticket to Zoo Miami in advance. Inside the cageless zoo, animals such as elephants, koalas, monkeys, and rhinoceroses roam freely in habitats separated by moats. Upgrade your ticket to include an all-day monorail pass and entry to a feeding session involving either camels, giraffes, parrots, or tortoises.
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From
$24.57
From
$24.57
Go Miami All-Inclusive Pass with Hop-on Hop-off and Zoo Miami
The Go Miami™ Pass is an all-inclusive pass offering the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility when visiting Miami and South Beach. Choose 1-, 2-, 3-, or 5-day passes and save up to 55 percent versus paying at the gate—like a trip to the Key West Day Trip or an Everglades airboat ride, just to name a few. Each pass is good for two weeks from first use. Access on your mobile device or print and go. It’s that simple to experience some of Miami’s best attractions.
Please note: Enjoy the extra flexibility in case your travel plans need to change: All passes are valid for two year from purchase date and only become activated with your first attraction visit. After activation your pass will be valid for 30 days and/or the remaining number of attraction choices purchased.
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From
$81.00
From
$81.00
Skip the Line: Zoo Lights Miami Package Ticket
Zoo Lights is a special holiday event at Zoo Miami that only takes place one month a year. Prebook your admission tickets in advance to gain after-hours access to the zoo, and explore animal encounters; go on river boat rides; and get a cup of hot chocolate and two cookies, too. Perfect for families—Zoo Miami is stroller accessible and has something for all ages.
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From
$19.22
From
$19.22
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