Plan Your Visit to the Maryland Zoo
Bring your spirit of adventure for an up-close look at some of the world's most impressive wildlife.
Tucked into bucolic Druid Hill Park, a 745-acre expanse in the heart of the city, Baltimore’s Maryland Zoo feels like a secret find—of the best possible variety. Home to more than 1,500 animals from 200 species, the zoo is not only impressive in its range, but it’s also one of the country’s oldest, dating back to 1876. Ready to check out some wildlife? Read on for all the info you’ll need for planning your day at Baltimore’s Maryland Zoo.
Must-See Exhibits
Penguin Coast
The Zoo’s award-winning Penguin Coast is home to over 100 African black-footed penguins, making it the most successful breeding colony of this critically endangered species in North America. Watch them waddle, swim and play in a habitat designed to mirror their native South African coastline. Step inside the Penguin Education Center for an incredible underwater view, where you can see these agile birds in action. For even more penguin fun, catch one of their daily fish feedings held in the late morning and mid-afternoon; you’ll learn all about the species while watching them enjoy a meal.
Visit 60 African black-footed penguins and white breasted cormorants.
African Journey
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the African Journey, where you’ll come face-to-face with some of the continent’s most iconic wildlife. Get eye-level views of majestic elephants, powerful lions, striking zebras, towering ostriches and mighty rhinos. And don’t miss the chance to hand-feed a giraffe—it’s an experience you’ll never forget!
Maryland Wildnerness
Head into the Maryland Wilderness for an immersive journey through the state’s native wildlife, featuring everything from slithering snakes and leaping frogs to sleek river otters and stealthy bobcats. Get hands-on in the Farmyard, where you can meet friendly alpacas, miniature donkeys, pigs and sheep up close. Plus, step into the Goat Corral to pet and groom the playful goats.
Step into the Goat Corral to groom the friendly goats at the Maryland Zoo!
Other Attractions
Make your Zoo visit even more memorable with an up-close animal experience. Meet African penguins or get eye-to-eye with a rhino during a special ticketed encounter. Children (and kids at heart) will love the charm of a classic carousel ride and a scenic ride on the Zephyr train, a 10-minute journey departing from the Farmyard. Both rides are included with Zoo admission or membership.
Take a carousel ride in between animal sightings at the Maryland Zoo.
Visiting in Cooler Weather
The Maryland Zoo is open year-round, and every season brings something wild to see. Chilly or rainy day? No problem—head indoors to Chimpanzee Forest to hang out with energetic primates and crocodile, or watch African penguins glide underwater at the Penguin Education Center. Many animals, like river otters, bobcats, flamingos and the elusive Amur leopard, don’t mind the cold—so bundle up and discover which creatures come to life in cooler weather.
Hang out with the chimpanzees in the cooler months.
Hours, Tickets and Parking
From March through December, the Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with winter hours (January and February) limited to Friday through Monday. Guests can enjoy a variety of concession areas, or bring their own food and picnic on Zoo grounds. Admission includes rides on the train and carousel, and a Zoo membership offers unlimited visits for a full year—paying for itself in just two trips! Plus, parking is always free.
General admission: $33 (Ages 2-64)
Senior admission: $28 (Age 65+)
ZooMore+: $41 (Age 5+, includes VR ride)
