Zoo Knoxville surprised us in the best way. It’s smaller than some of the big-name zoos we’ve visited, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in heart, conservation efforts, and genuinely great exhibits. From the adorable red pandas to daily animal encounters and interactive play zones, this zoo packs a lot into a walkable space. Whether you’re planning a full-day adventure or just looking for a fun and educational stop in East Tennessee, Zoo Knoxville is absolutely worth a visit. Our guide will share all you need to know to visit including exhibit highlights, kid-friendly features, accessibility notes, our personal review, and pro tips for having the best visit.
Zoo Knoxville At A Glance
Location: 3500 Knoxville Zoo Dr, Knoxville, TN 37914
Hours: Open daily 9am-5pm, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day
Ticket Pricing:
- Adults $26.95
- Kids 3-12 $21.95
- Seniors 65+ $21.95
- Kids 2 and Under Free
- Active military/Veterans Free
- In person tickets have an extra $2 fee
Parking:
- $5 for both Upper and Lower lots
- Free handicap parking
- RV parking available
- Can add your parking fee to your online ticket purchase
Website: https://www.zooknoxville.org/
What to See at Zoo Knoxville
Zoo Knoxville is packed with unique habitats and interactive exhibits that make it one of the most loved zoos in the Southeast. Some of the most popular stops include Red Panda Village, Asian Trek, Kids Cove, and the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Campus. Here’s a quick guide to the highlights, plus check out the full zoo map here to plan your route!
- Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Campus (ARC): This cutting-edge center is home to over 95 species of reptiles and amphibians, where Zoo Knoxville’s expert team works to protect some of the world’s rarest creatures.
- Animal Highlight: Cuban Crocodile
- Asian trek: Explore the Asian Trek to see endangered tigers and playful primates in an immersive habitat that brings you face-to-face with wildlife and conservation efforts.
- Animal Highlights: Malayan Tiger, White-Handed Gibbons
- Black Bear Falls: Watch black bears swim, climb, and play in this active habitat, then peek into their cozy dens for a glimpse of nap time! These curious climbers stay busy year-round.
- Animal Highlight: North American Black Bear
- Chimp Ridge: Catch the chimps socializing, snacking, and playing with enrichment toys in this dynamic space with year-round indoor and outdoor viewing.
- Animal Highlight: Chimpanzee
- Gorilla Valley: Gorilla Valley is full of life and laughter as youngsters explore and play under the watchful eye of their family. Don’t miss the energy and close-knit bonds of this troop.
- Animal Highlight: Western Lowland Gorilla
- Grasslands Africa: Meet towering giraffes, clever bat-eared foxes, and colorful hornbills in this open landscape. And starting in 2026, a new group of rhinos will be joining the herd!
- Animal Highlights: Giraffe, Southern White Rhinoceros
- Clayton Family Kids Cove: A charming, farm-style area where kids can pet goats, feed birds, explore cabins, and meet nocturnal animals wide awake and ready to play.
- Animal Highlights: Goats and miniature donkeys in the petting zoo
- Clayton Otter Creek: River otters steal the show here with nonstop swimming, flipping, and splashing fun, it’s definitely one of the zoo’s most playful spots.
- Animal Highlight: North American River Otter
- The Boyd Family Red Panda Village: This adorable corner of the zoo is home to red pandas, one of Zoo Knoxville’s biggest conservation successes. Stop by to see why everyone falls in love with them!
- Animal Highlight: Red Panda
- Tiger Forest: Get up close with rare Malayan tigers and graceful cranes in this immersive space inspired by Southeast Asia, complete with pagodas and peaceful views
- Animal Highlight: Malayan Tiger
- Valley of the Kings: Watch lions and baboons show off their skills during training sessions, all from a special viewing wall that puts you right in the action.
- Animal Highlight: African Lion
- Pilot Flying J Wee Play Adventure: An indoor adventure zone for young explorers, featuring giant lizards, hands-on fun, and Zoo Knoxville’s own Komodo dragon.
- Animal Highlight: Komodo Dragon
Animal Encounters & Experiences
Zoo Knoxville offers fun and interactive ways to connect with animals throughout the day. From feeding budgies to watching enrichment sessions with big cats, there’s always something happening. Many encounters are free with admission, but a few special experiences have a small fee. Be sure to check the daily schedule when you arrive, as times and availability can change.
Hands-On Experiences
- Budgie Feeding: Daily, 10am–4pm | $2
- Farmyard Friends Petting Zoo: Free
- Pet goats and other barnyard animals in the Kids Cove area.
- Giraffe Feeding Station: $5
- Get eye-to-eye with giraffes! (Closed in winter)
- Mini Guided Tortoise Trail Tours: Free with admission
Daily Animal Encounters
- 9:30am – Cuban Crocodile feeding (Sundays only)
- 10:00am – Joe the Sloth
- 11:00am – Otters
- 11:30am – Rat Snake Research Encounter (Tuesdays only)
- 1:00pm – Great Apes (Gorillas or Chimps)
- 2:00pm – Lions or Baboons
- 3:00pm –
- Tigers (Mon/Wed/Sat)
- Gibbons or Langurs (Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun)
- Red Pandas (select days)
Kid-Friendly Fun at Zoo Knoxville
Zoo Knoxville is full of family-friendly spots that are perfect for little explorers! From splash pads and playgrounds to animal rides and hands-on experiences, there’s something here for every age. Here’s a breakdown of kid-approved attractions, play zones, and helpful amenities for families.
Play & Explore
- Clayton Family Kids Cove: A farm-themed play area with goats and sheep, a sandbox, the Clayton Cabin, and a seasonal wading stream. Don’t miss the Night Club to see nocturnal animals in action!
- Pilot Flying J Wee Play Adventure: An indoor play space designed for preschool and elementary-aged kids, with interactive exhibits featuring Komodo dragons, snakes, and more. Also home to the zoo’s Nursing Station.
Cool Off
- Clayton Safari Splash Pad: A safari-themed water play area with sprinkling giraffes, hoops, and water sprays.
- Free with admission
- Open during warm months only
- Changing cabanas and covered picnic tables available
- Swim diapers required for non-toilet-trained children
Rides & Rentals
- Zoo Choo Train: $5 per ride
- Carousel: $5 per ride
- Soaring Eagle Zipline:
- Single ride: $13
- Back-to-back ride: $22
- Same-day ride (with hand stamp): $9
- Photo: $8 | Video: $12 | Both: $15
- Scooter Pals: $5 activation + $0.35/minute
Rideable electric animal scooters throughout the zoo - Stroller Rentals:
- Single stroller: $12
- Double stroller: $14
Family Amenities
- Family Restrooms: Available near the entrance, inside Tiger Temple, and in the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Campus (ARC).
- Nursing Station: Located inside the Wee Play Adventure building.
- Quiet Zones:
- Quiet Areas: Barn Loft and Painted Dog viewing area
- Headphone Zones: Kids Cove, Wee Play, and Safari Splash
Dining & Amenities at Zoo Knoxville
Whether you’re craving a full meal, a quick snack, or just a shady spot to take a break, Zoo Knoxville has plenty of options to keep everyone comfortable, fed, and refreshed during your visit.
Dining Options
- Beastro’s Cuisine: Asian-inspired dishes and American classics
- Safari Smokehouse: Southern-style favorites and BBQ
- Graze (Food Truck): Classic zoo snacks and quick bites
- Al’s Rockin’ Cantina: Mexican-inspired food and drinks– Weekends Only
- Tennessee Dogs: Hot dogs and family-friendly fare
Bring Your Own Food
Pack a picnic and head to The Lawn for a large seating area with plenty of shade and picnic tables. Just keep in mind that glass containers, straws, and outside alcohol are not allowed to be brought in.
Stay Hydrated
Water Refill Stations can be found at:
- Entrance
- Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Campus (ARC)
- Wee Play Adventure
- Kids Cove
- Beastro’s
- The Lawn
- Wolf area
- Splash Pad
Accessibility at Zoo Knoxville
Zoo Knoxville is committed to making the zoo experience inclusive, comfortable, and welcoming for all guests. From sensory-friendly spaces to mobility rentals, here’s what you need to know if you or a loved one has accessibility needs.
General Accessibility Notes:
- The zoo is a KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue
- Sensory Bags are available at Admissions (first-come, first-served)
- Quiet Zones: Located at the Barn Loft and Painted Dog viewing area
- Headphone Zones: Found at Kids Cove, Wee Play, and Safari Splash
- View the Accessibility Map: Click here to access
Mobility Rentals (Prices + Tax):
- Wheelchairs: $14
- Electric Scooters: $32
- Not available during rain
- Rentals are first-come, first-served at the zoo entrance
Restrooms & Changing Facilities
- Family Restrooms: Available throughout the zoo
- Adult Changing Table: Located in the East Tennessee Plaza Family Restroom
- Nursing Station: Inside the Wee Play Adventure building
Dietary Accommodations
Zoo dining spots offer options for a range of dietary needs:
- Gluten-free: Beastro’s, Safari Smokehouse
- Dairy-free: Beastro’s, Safari Smokehouse, Tennessee Dogs
- Vegetarian: Beastro’s, Safari Smokehouse, Al’s Rockin’ Cantina, Graze
Support Persons & Parking
- Support Person Admission:
A support person receives free admission when accompanying a guest with special needs. The guest must purchase a regular admission ticket, and the support person must present a badge or credentials at Admissions - Accessible Parking:
Handicap parking is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis
Our Review of Zoo Knoxville
We visited Zoo Knoxville in the offseason (November), which definitely had its pros and cons. On the upside: no crowds! But with that came a lot of closures- dining options were super limited, and way more animals were off-exhibit than we expected. We knew some wouldn’t be out in the cold, but we figured we’d still be able to see them in indoor areas… not so much. Honestly, the biggest bummer was paying full admission when we were only seeing a fraction of the zoo.
That said, it’s a really nice zoo for its size. It’s AZA-accredited (which are the only zoos we visit), and even though it’s small compared to our home zoo (shoutout to Brookfield Zoo!), what they do have is really well done. It actually reminded us a bit of the Peoria Zoo- smaller, but with great enclosures and thoughtful enrichment for the animals. Plus, they had some exciting construction projects in the works, so it’s cool to see them continuing to invest and grow.
Pro Tips: What to Know Before You Go
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Zoo Knoxville is in the spring or fall when it’s cooler and the animals are more active. Mornings are great too- less crowded and you’ll catch more animals up and moving. In summer, they stay open late on Thursdays, which is a nice way to beat the heat, but mid-day can be a little sleepy (for both people and animals).
Discounts:
- Knox County Public Library cardholders can check out a Read City Explorer Pass, granting free admission for up to two adults and six children. Each adult cardholder can use this pass twice per year.
- Everyone can save $2 per ticket when buying online
- Military and veterans are free
- Groups of 15 or more can get discounted admission
Restricted Items: Radios, glass containers, straws, outside alcohol, firearms, tobacco, skateboards, bikes, roller shoes, hoverboards
