Oklahoma City Zoo
4.5(16K)google
4.0(318)yelp
FamilyOutdoor
Overview
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is a zoo and botanical garden located in Oklahoma City's Adventure District in northeast Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The zoo covers 130 acres (53 ha) and is home to more than 2,000 animals of more than 500 species. It is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration3-5 hours
Best TimeSpring (April-May) or autumn (October-November) represent the peak travel windows. Arrive precisely at 9:00 AM at opening on a weekday; cooler morning temperatures prompt active foraging behavior in elephants and lions before intense midday sun pushes them into shaded dens.
Getting ThereSituated in the Adventure District at 2000 Remington Place. Drive via Interstate 35 to Exit 132A (NE 50th St / Zoo exit), head west for 1 mile, and follow the prominent signs into the massive, free paved guest plazas. EMBARK Bus Route 22 offers public transit linkups.
Travel Tips
- The main eastern parking lot fills rapidly by 9:00 AM opening; ensure you reserve limited-capacity Wild Encounters online at least 14 days in advance as walk-up bookings are not available.
- During summer heatwaves, major animals retreat to air-conditioned holdings at midday; optimize your viewing window between 09:00 AM and 11:00 AM, and rent a canopy stroller or board the tram loop.
Reviews
Positive
- The Sanctuary Asia elephant habitat is incredibly vast and modern. The animals look thriving, and the blending of indoor/outdoor vistas offers great fun.
- Signage throughout the park is very clear. It features numerous shaded seating areas, clean fountains, and plenty of well-maintained restrooms with nursing tables.
- The keeper chats are engaging, and staff show genuine care for the animals. Ticketing and crowd control are orderly, with fast-moving lines even during peak hours.
- General admission is highly affordable and includes several free kids' play areas. For such a massive footprint and diverse wildlife, it is unbeatable value.
Heads up
- The zoo has a massive layout, and older sections lack shuttle stops. Walking the entire grounds is physically exhausting, posing a challenge for families with toddlers.
- During scorching summer days, many animals hide deep in the shade. Walking far only to see empty paddocks leaves a subpar experience that feels like a 'scam'.
- Food prices inside are heavily inflated, with basic burger combos costing double what they do outside. The food courts get packed with long lines at lunchtime.
- While entry is cheap, in-park extra charges pile up; giraffe feeding, the train ride, and sea lion shows all require extra fees, making it expensive overall.