Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens opened on May 12, 1914, growing from a single deer in a Springfield park pen into one of Northeast Florida’s premier family attractions. Sitting along the banks of the Trout River near its confluence with the St. Johns River, the AZA-accredited zoo now spans roughly 122 acres of naturalistic habitats and botanical displays in the heart of Jacksonville.
Beyond the history, most visitors landing here want the practical picture: what it costs, when it’s open, where to park, and which exhibits are worth building a day around. This guide covers all of it, along with the conservation work and signature habitats that make the zoo nationally recognized.
Quick Answer
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a 122-acre, AZA-accredited zoo and botanical garden at 370 Zoo Parkway in Jacksonville, Florida, open daily (closed only Thanksgiving and Christmas). It’s typically open from around 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with online-only ticket sales, tiered adult/senior/child pricing, and free onsite parking.
Hours, Tickets & Prices
The zoo operates daily, generally 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a break for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day; ticket sales typically cut off an hour before close and gates close roughly 30 minutes after that, so plan to arrive well before late afternoon. Because the zoo periodically adjusts hours for special events, weather, or seasonal festivals, always check the current schedule before you go.
Tickets are sold online in advance rather than at a traditional box office, and pricing runs in tiers: standard general admission for adults, a discounted senior rate, a lower child rate (with a free age cutoff for toddlers), and typically a cheaper advance-purchase price versus buying the same day. A step-up “Total Experience” ticket bundles in extras like the 4D theater, the wildlife train, the carousel, and select animal feedings for a set add-on price. Because rates shift with the season and demand, treat any specific dollar figure you see elsewhere as a starting point and confirm current pricing directly on the official Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens visitor page before booking.
Parking & Getting There
Onsite parking at 370 Zoo Parkway is free, and the lot sits right at the entrance, so there’s no separate parking fee to budget for on top of admission. The zoo is a short drive from downtown Jacksonville and well marked from I-95, making it an easy add-on to a day trip along the St. Johns River.
Membership & Discounts
For families who plan to visit more than once or twice a year, an annual membership generally pays for itself faster than buying single-day tickets each trip, and it typically includes reciprocal discounted admission at other zoos and aquariums around the country through the Association of Zoos & Aquariums network. The zoo also runs periodic discount promotions, such as reduced-price entry on select summer weekdays, along with senior, military, and local-employee discounts on memberships. Current membership tiers and any active offers are listed on the official membership and benefits page.
What to See: Signature Exhibits
Visitors move through immersive regional exhibits including Range of the Jaguar, one of North America’s largest jaguar habitats, Land of the Tiger, where Malayan and Sumatran tigers roam across a multi-acre trail system, and Plains of East Africa. Primate Forest and the Florida-focused Wild Florida area showcase native manatees along a dedicated manatee habitat that connects to the Trout River.
Lorikeet Landing offers an interactive aviary where guests can hand-feed colorful lorikeets, and the Asian Bamboo Garden and other themed plantings give the park its dual identity as both zoo and botanical garden. For families with younger kids, the Wildlife Train and Wildlife Carousel add a ride-based break between animal exhibits, and rotating features like seasonal dinosaur exhibitions bring return visitors back throughout the year.
Conservation & Animal Care
The zoo is known for its conservation work, participating in dozens of Species Survival Plans and conservation initiatives worldwide. It maintains a significant breeding colony of wood storks and is one of the few North American zoos to house both male and female African elephants, alongside a dedicated animal wellness team focused on the health and welfare of its collection.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
Most guests spend three to five hours to comfortably cover the major exhibit areas without rushing, longer if you’re stopping for feedings, the train, or the carousel. Mornings tend to be cooler and less crowded, which matters most in Florida’s hot summer stretch, and animals are generally more active earlier in the day before the midday heat. Because the facility is largely cashless and tickets are sold online, it’s worth buying admission in advance and having a payment card ready for anything you purchase onsite.
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens FAQs
What are the hours for Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens?
The zoo is generally open daily from about 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closing only on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Hours can shift for special events, so check the official site before visiting.
How much does it cost to visit Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens?
Pricing is tiered by age (adult, senior, child) and by advance versus day-of purchase, with a higher-priced “Total Experience” option that adds the 4D theater, train, and carousel. Exact rates change with the season, so confirm current pricing on the official ticketing page before you go.
Is parking free at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens?
Yes, onsite parking is free and located right at the entrance at 370 Zoo Parkway.
Do I need to buy tickets online in advance?
Tickets are sold through the zoo’s online ticketing system rather than a walk-up box office, and advance purchase is typically cheaper than buying the same day, so it’s worth booking ahead.
How big is Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and how long should I plan to stay?
The zoo spans roughly 122 acres of exhibits and botanical gardens. Most visitors budget three to five hours to see the major habitats without rushing.
Is Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens accredited?
Yes, it’s accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participates in numerous species survival and conservation programs.
Get More from Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
Log the coasters, stadiums, and venues you’ve experienced, rate Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, and see what your friends thought. Get the ThrillZing app.