Established in 1996, Nashville Zoo is relatively young compared to other major zoological gardens in the USA. What the zoo lacks in years, it makes up for in species diversity and community engagement. The centerpiece of this ever-expanding zoo is the nationally registered Grassmere Historic Farm and Home.
The zoo is arranged in three sections: Zoo Central, the Jungle Loop and the Savannah Loop. Once you enter the zoo, follow the main path into Zoo Central, passing hyacinth macaws, red-crowned cranes and white-cheeked gibbons sitting on their own island. The zoo’s central village, with its café and gift shop, is just beyond. If you have children, prepare to stop a while at the Jungle Gym. The kids can swing, slide and splash through an incredible community-built adventure playground.
Zoo Central is also home to the Unseen New World exhibit, an indoor section that features reptiles, an aquarium and aviary. Don’t miss the red-bellied piranhas, alligator snapping turtles and gila monsters.
The mostly shaded Jungle Loop lays to the south of Zoo Central. Flamingo Lagoon, Alligator Cove and the Critter Encounters petting zoo are along the pathway. On the Bamboo Trail meet some of the zoo’s rarest species: clouded leopards and red pandas.
Stretch your legs on the Savannah Loop, and see elephants and giraffes. Continue on to the Grassmere Historic Farm and Home where you can take a tour of the Croft House, built in 1810. Tours are offered seasonally and the price is included in zoo admission.
Little ones will enjoy picking their own animal to ride on the Savannah Loop's carousel. They can also board a pint-sized train in the Jungle Loop to see areas not normally accessed by the public.
The zoo is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. It offers various seasonal activities such as Slumber Nights, Brew at the Zoo beer festival, and the annual Halloween extravaganza, Ghouls at Grassmere. The zoo is six miles (10 kilometers) south of downtown and is serviced from here by an MTA bus. There is parking on site, with a small fee per vehicle.
Nashville Zoo Tours
Visit Nashville Zoo
Browse tours and tickets to explore Nashville Zoo
Tours & day trips
See all 171 activitiesOpens in new tabNashville Old Town Trolley Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 49 activitiesOpens in new tabJack Daniel's Distillery Day Trip
Private & custom tours
See all 27 activitiesOpens in new tabJack Daniels Distillery Tour by Famous Vintage Tour Bus
Adventure & outdoor
See all 24 activitiesOpens in new tabExplore the City of Nashville Sightseeing Tour by Golf Cart
Classes & workshops
See all 18 activitiesOpens in new tab1-Hour Nashville Line Dancing Class
Reviews of Nashville Zoo
5/5 - Excellent
You can pet kangaroos here!
3/5 - Okay
A family of 4 costed $73, not including parking of $7. Really big. Bring your lunch & drinks as food is also expensive.
5/5 - Excellent
Have sunscreen. Took 5 hours to most of the zoo. Great place.
4/5 - Good
Full of hills, if pushing a wheel chair or heavy stroller be aware. Suggest renting the electric wheel chair for a disabled person, if you're the one doing the pushing.
5/5 - Excellent
be prepared to walk when you go and bring long lense 200mm+ for photos
Popular places to visit
Tennessee Agricultural Museum
You can enjoy some culture when you stop by Tennessee Agricultural Museum in Nashville. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theater scene.
Historic Travellers Rest
You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Historic Travellers Rest during your travels in Nashville. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and great live music.
Tennessee State Fairgrounds
Enjoy an outing to Tennessee State Fairgrounds during your stay in Nashville. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the lively bars while you're in the area.
Lane Motor Museum
One of Nashville's hidden gems, this quirky museum houses the largest collection of European cars and motorcycles in the United States.
Radnor Lake State Park
Walk along picturesque trails, spot myriad birdlife and paddle a canoe on a vast lake at this breathtaking park on the outskirts of Nashville.
Nashville Armory
Catch an event at Nashville Armory during your trip to Nashville. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.
Best Lodging Options Near Nashville Zoo
Check availability on hotels close to Nashville Zoo
- Vacations and getaways similar to Nashville Zoo
- Other Hotels near Nashville Zoo, Nashville
- Hotels near popular Nashville Attractions
- Expedia's Latest Trends