Indianapolis Zoo
4.5(22K)google
3.8(500)yelp
WildlifeFamilyKidsEducationalOutdoor
Overview
The Indianapolis Zoo is a 93-acre (38 ha) non-profit zoo, public aquarium, and botanical garden in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. Incorporated in 1944, the Indianapolis Zoological Society established the first zoo at George Washington Park in 1964. The current zoo opened in 1988 at White River State Park near downtown Indianapolis.
Practical Info
Mon9:00 AM –5:00 PM
Tue9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sat9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sun9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Suggested Duration4-6 hours
Best TimeMay through September brings excellent weather and the full suite of outdoor rollercoasters and exhibits, while October offers the festive 'ZooBoo' event. Arrive at the gates by 8:45 AM for the 9:00 AM opening; this allows you to catch the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center and dolphin exhibits at their most active.
Getting ThereConveniently situated downtown inside White River State Park at 1200 W Washington St. Drivers can take Washington St due west across the river and turn directly into the zoo's massive dedicated daily paid surface parking lot. Pedestrians can easily walk or bike from downtown via the scenic White River Trail (approx. 15-20 mins).
Travel Tips
- The aerial Skyline ride over the Orangutan Center requires premium tickets and halts instantly if lightning vectors track within 10 miles of the zoo.
- Dolphin presentation seating is capacity-restricted; scan the internal park QR code immediately upon passing turnstiles to secure free timed entry vouchers.
- The main zoo surface lot charges premium general parking rates; dropping vehicles along adjacent state park parkways triggers outside jurisdiction towing.
Reviews
Positive
- A scenic zoo right by the downtown riverfront! Its top core value centers on the world-class Orangutan Center and stunning underwater dolphin viewing dome.
- It packs a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden into one; signs are clear, and wide accessible paths let stroller-pushing families tour seamlessly.
- On-site management is orderly with tight security; timed educational talks are highly interactive, letting you touch sharks and rays for a great experience.
- The location is fantastic, walkable or transit-linked from downtown with an enormous parking lot; tickets are well worth it for a versatile large park.
Heads up
- On sunny summer weekends, it's wall-to-wall crowds; long queues stretch at the main gate, and wait times for the skyline ride or train exceed 30 minutes.
- Parking fees require a separate purchase (and skew pricey for non-members); added to expensive admission, driving families feel the value is reduced.
- Most park trees are young, leaving wide open exhibits without mature shade canopy; the summer sun is punishing, posing a heat stroke risk.
- Some older, traditional big-cat enclosures feel tight and narrow compared to the modern orangutan habitat, showing a need for exhibit upgrades.