ZooAmerica
An 11-acre walk-through zoo featuring over 200 native North American animals, often included with Hersheypark admission.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active animals
ZooAmerica
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active animals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An 11-acre walk-through zoo featuring over 200 native North American animals, often included with Hersheypark admission.
"A great educational break from Hersheypark, with lots of animals to see and friendly staff."
🎟️ ZooAmerica Included with Park Ticket
Your Hersheypark ticket often includes admission to ZooAmerica! Check your ticket details.
📅 Book Animal Feedings Ahead
Interactive feedings are popular! Book your spot in advance to avoid disappointment.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
North American Wildlife
Throughout the zoo
Encounter over 200 native animals, from majestic bears and wolves to fascinating reptiles and birds.
Creatures of the Night
Nocturnal House
Discover the fascinating world of nocturnal animals, best viewed during special evening events.
Interactive Animal Feedings
Various exhibits
Get up close and personal with select animals during scheduled feeding sessions – book in advance!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
ZooAmerica Included with Hersheypark
Best Times for Animal Sightings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ ZooAmerica Included with Park Ticket
Your Hersheypark ticket often includes admission to ZooAmerica! Check your ticket details.
📅 Book Animal Feedings Ahead
Interactive feedings are popular! Book your spot in advance to avoid disappointment.
🔦 Avoid Phone Flashlights
Don't shine phone lights into enclosures, especially in the nocturnal exhibit. It can disturb the animals.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
It's an 11-acre walk-through zoo, so wear comfy shoes for exploring!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ ZooAmerica Included with Park Ticket
Your Hersheypark ticket often includes admission to ZooAmerica! Check your ticket details.
📅 Book Animal Feedings Ahead
Interactive feedings are popular! Book your spot in advance to avoid disappointment.
🔦 Avoid Phone Flashlights
Don't shine phone lights into enclosures, especially in the nocturnal exhibit. It can disturb the animals.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
It's an 11-acre walk-through zoo, so wear comfy shoes for exploring!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, bring water or purchase it to stay refreshed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise ZooAmerica for its educational value and the variety of North American animals it houses. Many appreciate that it's included with Hersheypark admission, offering a great way to break up the theme park day. While some exhibits may occasionally be empty, the friendly staff and engaging feeding opportunities make for a memorable experience.
"I visited the zoo for the first time with my husband and my children. My children that we brought are age 10, 2, and 9 months. We got there just as the zoo opened. The parking lot is small, but it doesn't seem to be an issue because people come and go rather quickly. There was an attendant there to help people park when we were leaving. The zoo is handicapped accessible and the staff was all very friendly. My kids enjoyed watching the monorail go through the zoo. The zoo itself is small, but has a lot of animals. Some of the bird exhibits were empty because of the avian flu. As I said, we got there just as the zoo opened and a camp was coming through, which meant that a lot of staff were present and answering questions, which was very nice. It was also feeding time for many of the animals, which meant we got to see all of them. It was a great time and we will definitely be back!"
Kylie Pohronezny
"So many cool animals to see, a nice very walkable smaller zoo with alot to see. We got to feed the otters which was so fun. Iris and Link were great little critters. We had to get the giant otter stuffy after that experience. Make sure to book ahead of time if you want to do a feeding. The zookeepers were so nice."
Jessica Farmer
"The family loves to go there at least twice a year. Last ti.e, it was muggy and sprinkling on and off l, but the animals were very lively, noth indoors and outdoors, totally made the kids' day. I would suggest going about 2 hours before they close; not crowded at all, easier to get to exhibits and overall faster exploration nifty the whole zoo."
Brantley Cottrell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
ZooAmerica is conveniently located adjacent to Hersheypark. You can access it via a bridge from Hersheypark during public operating hours, or it can be visited as a separate ticketed experience. Parking is available, though the lot is described as small.
Information on public transport directly to ZooAmerica is limited. It's primarily accessed by car or as part of a visit to Hersheypark. Check local transit schedules for Harrisburg, PA for broader options.
Yes, there is parking available for ZooAmerica. While the lot is described as small, visitors note that people come and go quickly, and attendants are present to assist.
Absolutely! ZooAmerica is described as handicapped accessible and very walkable, making it suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
Most visitors spend about 1-2 hours exploring ZooAmerica, depending on their pace and interest in the exhibits and any special programs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, ZooAmerica is often included with your Hersheypark admission! This offers great value, allowing you to experience both attractions. Always verify with your specific ticket purchase.
Yes, you can purchase tickets for ZooAmerica as a standalone experience if you are not visiting Hersheypark. This is a good option if you want to focus solely on the zoo.
Consider purchasing an annual pass for ZooAmerica, which can grant free or discounted admission to over 100 other zoos and aquariums nationwide.
Operating hours for ZooAmerica can vary seasonally and are often aligned with Hersheypark's hours. It's best to check the official ZooAmerica website for the most up-to-date schedule before your visit.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially for special events or during peak seasons, is recommended to secure your entry and potentially avoid queues.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
ZooAmerica features over 200 animals from five regions of North America, including bears, mountain lions, wolves, owls, reindeer, and various reptiles and amphibians.
ZooAmerica hosts special events like 'Creatures of the Night' during Halloween, offering a unique nocturnal experience. They also partner for summer camps and other educational programs.
Yes, ZooAmerica offers interactive animal feeding experiences, such as feeding otters. These are popular and require advance booking.
ZooAmerica is very family-friendly and educational for kids of all ages. The manageable size and diverse animals make it an engaging experience.
Occasionally, exhibits may be temporarily empty due to animal welfare, conservation efforts, or health advisories like avian flu. The zoo staff are usually present to provide information.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for opportunities near the larger animal enclosures like the bears and wolves, or capture the unique nocturnal animals. The monorail passing through can also make for interesting shots.
It's generally advised to avoid using flash photography, especially in the nocturnal house, as it can disturb the animals. Check for specific signage at exhibits.
Yes, personal photography is allowed. Capture the diverse wildlife and unique habitats. Remember to be respectful of the animals and other visitors.
While personal photos are fine, commercial photography or videography may require special permits. Always be mindful of signage and staff instructions.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be ideal for photography, offering softer lighting and potentially more active animals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the most of your family visit, consider booking an animal feeding experience – the otters are a popular choice! Also, aim for morning visits or the hours before closing to avoid peak crowds and ensure the animals are active. Bringing flashlights is encouraged for evening events, but remember to use them responsibly and avoid shining them directly into animal enclosures.
💰 Budget Travelers
+1Packing your own snacks and water can also help save money, though be mindful of any park policies regarding outside food. Visiting during off-peak hours or on weekdays can sometimes lead to fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience, potentially saving on parking if you arrive early.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring North American Wildlife
+1Many visitors appreciate the zoo's commitment to education. Zookeepers are often present to answer questions and provide insights into the animals' lives and conservation efforts. Special programs, like 'Creatures of the Night,' offer a chance to see animals that are typically hidden away during the day. This immersive approach makes ZooAmerica more than just a collection of animals; it's a journey through North America's natural heritage.
+1ZooAmerica as Part of Your Hersheypark Visit
+1This dual-attraction nature makes ZooAmerica a perfect option for families looking to balance entertainment with learning. It provides a shaded, cooler environment that can serve as a welcome respite from the heat of the theme park. Whether you spend an hour or two exploring its exhibits, ZooAmerica offers a refreshing change of pace and a chance to connect with nature amidst the excitement of Hersheypark.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit