Zoo Lights is beautiful!
Other Memphis events you can’t miss:
We have visited quite a few zoos over the years. This Memphis zoo is our favorite.
The Memphis zoo is 70 acres and home to 3,500 animals! There are so many animals from so many parts of the world. 
The zoo is huge, but is well laid out. The zoo has an app with a map of the place. I think it took us 3 or 4 visits before we had finally seen everything. We love the idea of going and exploring and animal watching for a bit before moving on.
The app also shows all of the days close encounters or events. The events are a great way to learn more about the animals. One of my favorites was the giraffe keeper feeding the giraffes and teaching us more about the specific giraffes and their personalities. We have been watching animals and their keeper comes along and talks about the different animals. It is very cool to hear the caretaker talk about the animals in such a loving way. And on that note it feels like everyone that works there enjoys their job.
Must-See Exhibits
One of the standout features of the Memphis Zoo is the diversity of its exhibits. Here are a few highlights:
• Teton Trek: Walk through a Yellowstone-inspired lodge, spot grizzly bears and elk, and admire the striking landscape that feels like the American Northwest. This area has one of my favorite buildings… It feels like you are at a mountain retreat with one of the most impressive cabins.
• Zambezi River Hippo Camp: One of the zoo’s most immersive exhibits, featuring hippos, crocodiles, and other African river dwellers. We love to watch the hippos swim around!
• Cat Country: Lions, tigers, cheetahs — oh my! This award-winning exhibit lets you get closer to some of the world’s most powerful predators. Located at the entrance of the zoo, these guys are like the zoo greeters!
• Once Upon a Farm: Perfect for younger visitors, this petting zoo-style area features goats, cows, chickens, and a kid-friendly splash pad in the warmer months. The splash pad is available at an extra cost.
Zoo Lights takes place just before Christmas at the Memphis Zoo and is a great time for families.
Extras (prices as of August 15, 2025)
- Splash Pad: In the warmer times of the year, the splash pad is one way to cool down during your visit. We have never done it and I’ve heard mixed reviews on if it is worth it or not.
- Zipline: This is a relatively new addition to the park. It is $10 extra per person unless you purchase the Total Experience ticket, which starts at $40.95. Our family has not taken part in this, but I have heard this is worth it. Every person I have talked to that has done this has been very happy with this part of the park.
- Giraffe Feeding: If you are a fan of the giraffes, this might be a fun experience.
- Close Encounters: The animals currently welcoming close encounters are elephants, sloths, and penguins. The cost is $50 for members, $70 for non-members.
Admissions and Parking
Parking: $10. to park at the zoo. You will pay as you enter the parking lot. If you have a membership, have your card out and ready to keep the line moving. There are areas close by that are walking distance with free parking… but I would always rather get my walking done inside the zoo looking at animals.
The parking area at the zoo feels like one of the safest places to be in the entire city. I always seem to see a Memphis Police Officer in the parking lot.
Basic Admissions: children $20.95 Adults $25.95. They do offer military discounts (thank you for your service), and if you are a member at another zoo, you can get a discount.
FREE DAY!! If you have a TN state ID, you can get free admission on Tuesdays. Check their rules.
The Polar Bear is far more active at feeding time.
Insider Tips
- Arrive early: Animals are most active in the morning, and the zoo tends to get busier in the afternoon. If you can avoid Fridays during the school year you are far more likely to avoid class field trips. On field trip Fridays the zoo is an absolute zoo!
- Be prepared for the weather: In the hot summer, you can see a lot. BUT the animals are also hot and are less likely to be as active. We have gone on cold days and hot days and the different animals really react differently.
- Download the app: Times for feedings and shows change daily, so plan ahead to catch your favorites. The map is a great way to make your route plans and ensure you don’t miss the one animals you are just dying to see.
- Wear comfortable shoes: The zoo is huge! I don’t rely on the tram as I don’t always see it running. You can rent to zoo scooter pals for the kids to ride on or wheelchairs… just inside the park on your right.
- Bring a water bottle: There are bottle refilling stations in the zoo… don’t get stuck paying a fortune for a bottle of H2O. Amazon has some pretty awesome water bottles!
- Restrooms: At the entrance of the park just past the coffee shop are a set of restrooms on your left BUT…. for some reason those are so crowded. As you come into the park, go to your right past the gift shop and scooter rentals and first the restrooms next to the education building. Those are more hidden and far less used.
- Tuesdays after 2PM are crowded! It’s free day for TN residents. We have been there on a Tuesday and around 2PM we started noticing how crowded it got. So if you are looking to avoid crowds, avoid Tuesdays.
Teton Trek area of the zoo decorated for Zoo Lights. Pretty even during the day!
Special Events
As I stated before, our family has been to Zoo Lights a few times. The zoo does a fantastic job decorating for Christmas. Zoo Lights does take place after dark, so many animals have bedded down for the night. It isn’t necessarily a time to come to visit the animals, but a time to enjoy some Christmas themed fun. The fun starts immediately on entering. The lights are beautiful, the music sets the mood, and the fake snow is a hit with kids. You can make smores, go ice skating, or have a chat with Santa. It is fun for the entire family!
Zoo Boo takes place on select dates in October. Kids can dress up and enjoy some monstrous fun at the zoo.
So whether you are looking for a day to just enjoy looking at some animals, or you are looking to make it an amazing “do it all” experience there is something for everyone!
