Tulsa Zoo Visitor Guide: Animals, Tickets & Tips

Choose a few habitats to start

The exhibit directory includes Lost Kingdom, the Rainforest, African Penguins, Chimpanzee Connection and Helmerich Sea Lion Cove. These offer different viewing experiences, from indoor windows to outdoor habitats and underwater views.

The Children’s Zoo is another option for a family route. Read the current map and individual exhibit information before deciding the order of your visit; animal viewing and access can change with care routines, weather and construction.

For a keeper chat or an encounter, use the zoo’s current activity schedule. A program shown in an old itinerary is not a reliable start time for your visit.

Check what is open in the African area

The zoo’s September 4, 2026 construction update says the pathway to rhinos, giraffes and other African species has reopened, allowing visitors into part of the developing William S. Smith African Wilds area.

That update does not mean the entire new complex is complete. Use the latest construction page and the map on arrival to see the available route. Don’t plan a visit around a rendering of a future habitat.

Tickets, hours and payment

The zoo lists adult, senior and child admission, with ages two and under admitted free. Check online pricing before buying, since the zoo advertises savings compared with regular gate prices. Taxes and transaction fees can apply.

Regular admission ends an hour before the 5 p.m. closing. Evening events and seasonal programs can have separate tickets or change daytime hours, so read the notice for your actual date.

Admission, animal encounters and food locations use cards or contactless payment under the zoo’s cashless system; the gift shop still accepts cash. Bring a payment method that works for the parts of the visit you plan to use.

Parking and finding your route

Use the zoo’s Mohawk Park location rather than a downtown destination. Alongside its street address, the zoo lists 4099 Chickasaw Drive as its GPS address. Once inside Mohawk Park, follow the signs to the zoo; use the official map to plan your first habitat stop.

Nonmember parking is currently listed at $6, while members park free. Keep that separate from your admission budget and follow the current arrival instructions at the park.

For a family visit, choose a meeting point and build breaks into the route. The grounds cover a large area, so you do not need to see every habitat to have a worthwhile day.

Accessibility and family facilities

The Family Den at Rainforest Plaza includes a nursing space, a quiet room, a family restroom and an adult changing table. Sensory bags are available on request at the Entrance Plaza information window.

Guest Services rents mobility equipment and strollers, with limited availability. Contact the zoo before traveling if you need a particular device or an access arrangement.

Train and carousel rides, food stops and other attractions can add to the visit. Check their current operation and charges instead of assuming every activity is included with admission.

What to bring and what to do next

Dress for time outdoors and bring the sun protection, water and layers your group needs for the weather. Use indoor viewing areas and planned breaks to make the route comfortable rather than racing from one end of the zoo to the other.

If you want a different family attraction on another day, compare Discovery Lab’s hands-on exhibits with the outdoor play areas at Gathering Place. Keep a second full attraction optional after a zoo visit.

Find Tulsa Zoo

Before you head out

Questions, answered