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, the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore 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 the Baltimore zoo.
Must-See Exhibits
Penguin Coast
The zoo’s award-winning penguin exhibit is home to nearly 60 African black-footed penguins and white breasted cormorants. They waddle around a recreation of their natural South African habitat—the most successful breeding colony of this endangered penguin species in North America. The experience includes an underwater viewing window and view of a tidal pool area. Want even more penguin action? Make time to see one of their fish feedings and learn more about the endangered birds—the feedings happen each day in late morning and mid-afternoon.
Meet some of the penguin ambassadors at The Maryland Zoo In Baltimore.
African Journey
The recently renovated African Journey exhibit gives improved viewing areas for eye-level sightings of the animals from the African continent, including elephants, giraffes, lions, chimpanzees, zebras, ostriches and a rhinoceros. You can even help feed a giraffe!
Catch a lion training demonstration at the African Overlook.
The Farmyard
Make sure to swing by the farmyard exhibit to get close to animals like alpacas, miniature donkeys, pigs, peacocks and sheep. Enter the goat pen to help groom and pet the goats.
Up-Close Encounters
The Maryland Zoo’s calendar is loaded with animal education programs ranging from otter training to goat grooming. Plus, special events like breakfast or yoga with the animals. Check out the zoo’s website for specifics on timing, tickets and more details.
Other Attractions
Beyond the animal exhibits, the zoo features a number of other kid-friendly attractions, including a playground, an old-fashioned carousel and the Zephyr, a replica of a 1863 train that takes a 10-minute cruise around the the periphery.
Off-Season Tips
The Maryland Zoo is open year-round, but the weather does impact which animals are most visible. If it’s cold or raining, try the Penguin Education Center, visit the alpacas in the farmyard or hang out with the primates and crocodiles at the Chimp House.
Some animals, like river otters, leopards, flamingos and polar bears are relatively unbothered by the chill—so layer up and visit!
Hang out with the leopards on days where the weather is on the chillier side.
Hours, Tickets and Parking
Hours are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
From March through December, the zoo is open daily. During the winter season (January & February), hours are limited to Friday through Monday.
A variety of concession areas are available, and picnicking is welcome.
Tickets for the Maryland Zoo range from $12.00-$21.99.
Parking is free.
