Zoo Miami is Florida’s largest zoo, spread across roughly 750 acres in South Miami-Dade County. Its roots trace back to 1948, when a small collection of animals from a stranded road show — three monkeys, a goat, and two black bears — was housed at Crandon Park on Key Biscayne.
The zoo relocated to its current site and reopened as Miami MetroZoo on July 4, 1980, before being renamed Zoo Miami in 2010. Today it’s operated by Miami-Dade County, accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and laid out along roughly 4 miles of cage-free, open-air pathways — so before you go, it helps to know the hours, ticket prices, and a few tips that make a full day here much easier.
Quick Answer
Zoo Miami is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last tickets sold at 4 p.m. General admission runs about $25.95 for adults and $21.95 for children ages 3–12 (plus tax), children 2 and under are free, and parking is free. Because the zoo covers 750 acres, plan on spending at least four to five hours to see it comfortably.
Zoo Miami Hours, Tickets & Parking
Zoo Miami keeps a consistent daily schedule of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round, with the ticket booths closing an hour earlier at 4 p.m. so guests have time to explore before closing. Hours shift on a handful of holidays — Thanksgiving Day closes early at 3 p.m., for example — and the zoo occasionally trims hours for evening special events in November and December, so it’s worth double-checking the calendar on the official Zoo Miami website before you visit.
Admission is tiered: general day tickets for adults and youths sit around $25.95 plus local sales tax, children ages 3–12 are about $21.95, and kids 2 and under get in free. Seniors 65+ typically receive a 25% discount with photo ID, and Miami-Dade County residents 62+ can get free entry on select Tuesdays through the zoo’s Golden Ticket program. Active/former military, teachers, and annual members also qualify for reduced or free admission, and the zoo periodically runs limited-time promotions, so exact pricing and current discount codes are best confirmed on the official tickets page before you buy.
Parking is free for all guests in the zoo’s main lot, so there’s no separate parking fee to budget for on top of admission.
Tips for a Smooth Visit
Because Zoo Miami is so spread out, most visitors don’t walk the entire 4 miles on foot. The zoo runs a tram service along a loop route, and guests can also rent bikes, safari cycles, strollers, and non-electric wheelchairs to cover ground faster — a real advantage in South Florida’s heat and humidity, especially between May and October. Zoo members get a discount on rental rates.
Plan for four to five hours if you want to see the major habitat zones without rushing, and arrive earlier in the day when temperatures are cooler and animals tend to be more active. Outside food and alcohol aren’t permitted inside (exceptions are made for baby food and medically necessary items), though the Administration Building lobby offers bag storage, and several concession stands around the grounds serve regular and vegetarian options. As of January 1, 2026, the zoo grounds are smoke-free.
The Zoo Experience
Zoo Miami’s exhibits are organized by continent, letting visitors move through re-created habitats such as Amazon and Beyond, Asian rainforests, African savanna areas, and the Florida-focused Mission Everglades. The Wings of Asia aviary is a standout walk-through habitat, home to roughly 70 bird species that fly freely around visitors on the path.
Recent additions have kept the zoo evolving: Wild Connection, a reimagined pair of habitats for cheetahs, giant anteaters, and serval cats, opened in April 2025 alongside all-day viewing areas for animal ambassadors like pythons, seriemas, and vultures. The indoor Conservation Action Center lets guests crawl through a python-shaped tunnel while learning about invasive species in Florida.
Long-term residents have included Dalip, an Asian elephant who lived at the zoo from 1967 until 2022, reflecting the zoo’s decades-long role in South Florida’s cultural landscape.
History and Growth
The zoo’s original Crandon Park location was devastated by Hurricane Betsy in September 1965, which flooded the grounds under roughly three feet of water and killed about 250 animals. The disaster, combined with growing criticism of the cramped concrete enclosures, pushed county planners to develop a larger, more resilient site inland with open, moated habitats.
The current Coral Reef Drive location opened July 4, 1980 as Miami MetroZoo, and it later survived Hurricane Andrew in 1992, one of the most destructive storms in Florida history. Extensive rebuilding and expansion continued into the 2000s and beyond, including the 2016 opening of the Florida: Mission Everglades exhibit and, more recently, the 2025 Wild Connection habitats.
Zoo Miami visitor guide FAQs
What are Zoo Miami’s hours?
Zoo Miami is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last tickets sold at 4 p.m. Hours are shortened on certain holidays like Thanksgiving, so check the official site before visiting.
How much are tickets to Zoo Miami?
General admission runs about $25.95 for adults and $21.95 for children ages 3–12, plus tax, with kids 2 and under free. Seniors, military, teachers, and members often qualify for discounts — current prices and promo codes are listed on the official Zoo Miami tickets page.
Is parking free at Zoo Miami?
Yes, parking in the main lot is free for all guests.
How long does it take to see Zoo Miami?
Most visitors need four to five hours to see the major exhibit areas comfortably, given the zoo’s roughly 750-acre footprint and 4 miles of pathways. The tram, bike, and cart rentals help cover ground faster.
How big is Zoo Miami?
Zoo Miami covers about 750 acres, making it the largest zoo in Florida, with roughly 4 miles of visitor pathways.
How many animals live at Zoo Miami?
The zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals representing over 375 species, housed largely in open-air, moated habitats rather than caged enclosures.
When did Zoo Miami open at its current location?
The zoo’s original animal collection dates to 1948 at Crandon Park, but it reopened at its present South Miami-Dade site as Miami MetroZoo on July 4, 1980, and was renamed Zoo Miami in 2010.
Get More from Zoo Miami visitor guide
Log the coasters, stadiums, and venues you’ve experienced, rate Zoo Miami visitor guide, and see what your friends thought. Get the ThrillZing app.