Riyadh Zoo
Discover over 1500 animals at Riyadh Zoo, a family-friendly attraction with free entry and special events during Riyadh Season.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Riyadh Zoo
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover over 1500 animals at Riyadh Zoo, a family-friendly attraction with free entry and special events during Riyadh Season.
"Perfect family spot – animals, fun walk & free entry!"
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your free tickets in advance via the official website to guarantee entry. Slots can fill up quickly!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the animals, so comfy footwear is a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Diverse Animal Collection
Various enclosures
Marvel at over 1500 animals, from majestic lions and elephants to playful monkeys and exotic birds.

Family-Friendly Fun
Throughout the zoo
A perfect spot for kids to learn and enjoy, with shaded walkways and play areas for a comfortable outing.

Riyadh Season Experience
Zoo grounds
During Riyadh Season, the zoo transforms with special events and a vibrant atmosphere, making it a must-visit attraction.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Visit in Advance
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your free tickets in advance via the official website to guarantee entry. Slots can fill up quickly!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the animals, so comfy footwear is a must.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially during warmer months. The Riyadh heat can be intense.
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera or phone to snap photos of the diverse wildlife and family fun.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your free tickets in advance via the official website to guarantee entry. Slots can fill up quickly!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the animals, so comfy footwear is a must.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially during warmer months. The Riyadh heat can be intense.
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera or phone to snap photos of the diverse wildlife and family fun.
⏰ Arrive Early
To make the most of your visit and avoid the biggest crowds, aim to arrive shortly after opening.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Riyadh Zoo is widely praised as a perfect family spot, offering a diverse range of animals and an enjoyable walking experience with free entry. Visitors appreciate the cleanliness and well-maintained enclosures, making it a refreshing escape from city life. However, the heat can be a factor, making winter visits more comfortable, and booking tickets in advance is essential due to high demand.
"Perfect family spot – animals, fun walk & free entry!
Very good place for kids to see a wide variety of animals – from birds and monkeys to African cheetahs and lions. 🦜🐒🦁 The walk takes about 1.5 hours to cover fully, and it’s enjoyable for the whole family. Best part – when I visited in August, the entrance was free! Definitely worth a visit."
Kamal Venkat
"🌿 Fun & Refreshing Visit to Riyadh Zoo!
Visited Riyadh Zoo recently and had a great time! The zoo is spacious, clean, and home to a variety of animals including lions, elephants, deer, and more. It’s a calm and pleasant place to enjoy nature and see wildlife up close.
The animals looked well taken care of, and the shaded paths made walking around comfortable even in the heat. The lions relaxing under the trees and the deer freely grazing were some of the highlights.
Perfect spot for families, kids, or even just a peaceful solo visit. A relaxing break from the busy city life — I’d definitely recommend checking it out when in Riyadh!"
Muhammed Rizwan
"The Zoo is well-maintained. Clealiness is 💯, no unwanted smell. We are only half way we can't finish because the heat is too much, definitely recommend on winter for better enjoyment 🙂"
Raine Arce
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Riyadh Zoo is located in the Malaz district. You can reach it by car, taxi, or ride-sharing services. Public transport options like the Riyadh Bus Tour might also pass nearby, offering a scenic way to see the city.
The Riyadh Zoo is situated in the Malaz area of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The exact address can be found on most mapping applications for easy navigation.
Yes, parking is generally available at Riyadh Zoo, though it can get busy, especially on weekends and during special events. Arriving early can help secure a spot.
Absolutely! Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem are widely used in Riyadh and are a convenient way to get to and from the zoo.
While direct public transport routes might vary, the Riyadh Bus Tour offers a way to see the city, and it's worth checking if it stops near the zoo or a convenient transfer point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Riyadh Zoo is often free, especially during events like Riyadh Season. However, booking tickets online in advance is usually required, and slots can be limited.
Yes, booking tickets online is generally a requirement, even if the entry is free. This helps manage visitor numbers. Check the official ticketing websites for availability.
Riyadh Zoo typically opens from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with variations on Fridays (often opening at 1:00 PM) and closure on Sundays for maintenance. Always check the latest timings before your visit.
Riyadh Zoo is usually open from Saturday to Thursday, with Friday hours typically starting in the afternoon. It is closed on Sundays. It's best to confirm 'Riyadh Zoo open today' on their official channels or ticketing sites.
Tickets for Riyadh Zoo can be booked through official ticketing platforms like webook.com or ticket-window.com. Keep an eye out for special offers or free ticket releases.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Riyadh Zoo houses a wide array of animals, including lions, elephants, giraffes, deer, monkeys, and various bird species. It's a great place to see diverse wildlife.
Absolutely! Riyadh Zoo is a fantastic family-friendly destination with plenty of animals to see, shaded areas, and often play zones, making it enjoyable for all ages.
A typical visit to explore Riyadh Zoo thoroughly can take around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and how long you spend at each enclosure.
Yes, Riyadh Zoo is equipped with facilities such as prayer halls, making it convenient for visitors observing their religious duties during their visit.
To avoid crowds, it's best to visit Riyadh Zoo on weekdays, preferably in the morning shortly after opening. Weekends and public holidays tend to be much busier.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for well-lit enclosures with clear views of the animals. The giraffe and elephant areas often provide great photo opportunities. Early morning or late afternoon light can also enhance your shots.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. For professional shoots or commercial use, it's advisable to check the zoo's specific policies beforehand.
While general photography is permitted, avoid using flash photography directly at animals, as it can disturb them. Always be respectful of the animals and other visitors.
A camera with good zoom capabilities is ideal for capturing animals from a distance. However, a smartphone with a decent camera can also produce great results, especially in good lighting.
Keep an eye out for feeding times or special animal interactions, which can offer unique and memorable photo opportunities. The diverse species provide a colorful backdrop.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for your family. Booking tickets in advance is crucial, even if they are free, to guarantee entry. The train rides can also be a fun way for kids to see more of the zoo without getting too tired.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save further, pack your own snacks and water, as prices for food and beverages inside attractions can add up. Planning your visit during off-peak times, like weekdays, can also contribute to a more relaxed and potentially less expensive overall experience, avoiding any surge pricing if applicable during special events.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a camera with good zoom capabilities to get close-up shots of the animals. Be mindful of enclosure designs and lighting conditions to get the best possible images. Remember to respect animal welfare and avoid using flash photography directly at them.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Riyadh Zoo: Tickets and Timings
The zoo's operating hours generally run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with specific adjustments for Fridays (often opening later, around 1:00 PM) and a complete closure on Sundays for maintenance. It's always wise to double-check the 'Riyadh Zoo timing today' or 'Riyadh Zoo open today' on their official social media or ticketing pages before heading out, as these can sometimes change.
Travelers often advise arriving early, especially on weekends or during peak seasons, to avoid long queues and secure a parking spot. Some Reddit users have noted that even with free tickets, slots can be scarce, suggesting that on-site availability might be an option if online bookings are full, though this is less guaranteed.
Experiencing the Wildlife at Riyadh Zoo
Many visitors highlight the well-maintained enclosures and the visible care given to the animals. The zoo's layout is designed for a pleasant walking experience, with shaded pathways that offer respite from the Riyadh sun, particularly important during warmer months. The opportunity to see animals like lions relaxing under trees or deer grazing freely adds to the tranquil atmosphere.
For those looking for an immersive experience, keep an eye out for feeding times or educational talks, which can provide deeper insights into the animals' lives. The zoo also offers train rides, adding an extra layer of fun and convenience for exploring the grounds, especially for families with young children.
Making the Most of Your Riyadh Zoo Visit
Comfortable footwear is essential, as you'll likely be walking for a significant portion of your visit. Staying hydrated is also crucial, so carrying water or knowing where to purchase it within the zoo is advisable.
For families, the zoo offers a fantastic opportunity for children to learn about wildlife in an engaging environment. The presence of prayer halls and other facilities adds to the convenience for visitors. Don't forget your camera to capture the memorable moments with the diverse animal collection.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit