ZooTampa at Lowry Park
A vibrant zoo offering diverse animal encounters, thrilling rides, and family fun, with a focus on Florida conservation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant zoo offering diverse animal encounters, thrilling rides, and family fun, with a focus on Florida conservation.
"Amazing zoo, never too crowded during weekdays, food and drinks are very expensive."
🎯 Annual Pass Perks
Get an annual pass for year-round access & discounts on events! :ticket:
💧 Stay Cool
Bring a refillable water bottle & utilize misters and fans. It gets hot! :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Manatee Encounter
Florida Conservation Center
Watch these gentle giants up close, even catching them playfully stealing lettuce! A truly unique and hilarious sight.
Dino's Unearthed
Special Exhibit Area
Roar with excitement! This exhibit brings prehistoric creatures to life, a must-see for any dinosaur enthusiast.
Safari Africa
Safari Africa Exhibit
Embark on a safari adventure! See lions, elephants, and giraffes in spacious enclosures, offering a glimpse into their natural habitats.
Roaring Springs
Splash Zone
Cool off on this thrilling water ride! Perfect for a hot Florida day, but be prepared to get a little wet.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Annual Pass Value
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Annual Pass Perks
Get an annual pass for year-round access & discounts on events! :ticket:
💧 Stay Cool
Bring a refillable water bottle & utilize misters and fans. It gets hot! :droplet:
💰 Food Costs
Food and drinks can be pricey. Consider packing snacks or budgeting accordingly. :moneybag:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Annual Pass Perks
Get an annual pass for year-round access & discounts on events! :ticket:
💧 Stay Cool
Bring a refillable water bottle & utilize misters and fans. It gets hot! :droplet:
💰 Food Costs
Food and drinks can be pricey. Consider packing snacks or budgeting accordingly. :moneybag:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Moments
Don't forget your camera or phone to snap pics of the amazing animals! :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise ZooTampa for its well-cared-for animals, spacious enclosures, and engaging exhibits suitable for all ages. The addition of attractions like the water ride and dinosaur exhibit adds to the fun. However, some find food and drink prices to be quite high, and parking can be an issue on busy days.
"We LOVE this zoo! They have a lot of stuff to do for all ages! We have a two year old and he loves the carousel and the splash pad! We were finally able to do the safari thing and he also loved that. Everyone here is very nice and knowledgeable. They have a lot of different animals to look at and they are all well taken care of. My only complaint is to maybe put fans on the safari truck; it gets HOT on that thing."
Kara Sowinski
"Amazing zoo, never to crowned during week days, food and drinks are very expensive, should be evaluated because inflation is already difficult enough. Zoo is very clean and had variety of animals that you can clearly see. The way the zoo is set up is wonderful and not boring, there's bridges, tunnels, cages. I'm very satisfied as they also have toddler activities for member holders. The splash pad is a winner as well."
Aleksandra Kapral
"What a FUN and engaging zoo! The animals are well cared for and have very spacious enclosures with lots of different spots for napping, playing or hiding. I saw so many zookeepers, interns, workers and volunteers who were all friendly and informative. I didn't get a chance to try any of the extra animal encounters, but they seem interesting and fun and not terribly expensive. It was a VERY hot day, but there were lots of misters, fans and shade to help keep cool. I can't pick one area or animal as my favorite, but I will say that I was pretty thrilled to see the Shoebill Storks!"
Wendy LaMothe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is located at 1101 W. Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604. Visitors often drive, and while parking can be challenging on busy days, they are expanding. Valet parking is also an option.
Public transportation options to ZooTampa are available via Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) buses. Check the HART website for specific routes and schedules.
ZooTampa offers on-site parking. During peak times, it can get busy, but the zoo is expanding its parking facilities. Valet parking is also available for a fee.
Yes, ZooTampa is generally accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. The walking paths are wide, and many exhibits are designed for easy viewing.
While outside food and drinks are generally not permitted, you can bring a sealed water bottle. Check the zoo's official policy for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary. It's best to check the official ZooTampa website for the most current ticket prices. Look for potential discounts online or through membership programs.
Yes, discounts can often be found. Consider an annual pass for significant savings if you plan to visit multiple times. Special event discounts may also be available.
ZooTampa hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check their official website for the most accurate daily operating hours before your visit.
Yes, purchasing ZooTampa tickets online in advance is highly recommended. This often saves time at the entrance and can sometimes offer a slight discount.
ZooTampa typically offers different admission tiers for adults, children, and seniors. Check their website for specific age ranges and pricing for each category.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the manatees with their unique feeding habits,
Yes, ZooTampa has a water ride called Roaring Springs, a carousel, and a splash pad area, which is a big hit with younger visitors.
The splash pad and carousel are fantastic for toddlers. Dino's Unearthed is a huge draw for kids who love dinosaurs,
Absolutely! With a variety of animals, exhibits, and attractions like the water ride, ZooTampa can easily fill a full day of exploration and fun.
ZooTampa offers various educational programs, including keeper talks, animal encounters, and special presentations designed to teach visitors about wildlife conservation.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
ZooTampa has several dining locations offering a range of options, from quick snacks to more substantial meals. Popular choices include burgers, pizza, and salads.
Many visitors note that food and drinks at ZooTampa can be quite expensive. It's advisable to budget accordingly or consider bringing some of your own snacks.
While specific menus can change, most zoo eateries offer some vegetarian options. It's best to inquire at the dining locations for the most current choices.
Generally, outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are not permitted, but sealed water bottles are usually allowed. Check the zoo's official policy for details.
ZooTampa may have designated areas for picnicking. It's a good idea to check with guest services upon arrival or on their website for available picnic spots.
📸 📸 Photography
The manatee viewing area offers unique underwater shots.
Yes, professional cameras and lenses are generally allowed. However, tripods and selfie sticks might be restricted in certain areas. Always check the zoo's photography policy.
While most areas are fine for photos, some exhibits may have signage prohibiting flash photography to protect the animals' eyes. Be mindful of these restrictions.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer lighting and fewer crowds, making for better photo opportunities. Animals can also be more active during these cooler times.
Look out for opportunities like giraffe feeding, animal encounters, and the unique underwater manatee views. The themed areas, like Dino's Unearthed, also offer great photo ops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
and the manatee viewing area provides a captivating, educational experience. Consider packing snacks to manage costs, as food can be pricey. 💰 Budget Travelers
❤️ Couples & Adults
to the unique Florida Conservation Center. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the well-maintained grounds, and perhaps indulge in a refreshing drink at one of the park's eateries. The Roaring Springs water ride offers a fun, playful escape. ☀️ Day-Trippers
the manatee viewing, and Dino's Unearthed to get a comprehensive experience. Purchasing tickets online in advance will save you time at the entrance. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating ZooTampa: A Visitor's Guide
Visitors can often observe these magnificent creatures from elevated walkways and viewing platforms.Beyond the traditional zoo experience, ZooTampa offers unique attractions. The Florida Conservation Center is dedicated to native Florida wildlife, including the beloved manatees, where you can witness their feeding habits through an underwater viewing area.
For thrill-seekers, Roaring Springs provides a refreshing water ride experience, perfect for cooling off on a hot Tampa day. When planning your visit, consider the annual pass, which many find offers excellent value for frequent visitors and includes discounts on special events.
Family Fun at ZooTampa
Dinosaur enthusiasts will be thrilled with Dino's Unearthed, a special exhibit that brings prehistoric creatures to life with impressive animatronics and educational displays.
This exhibit is particularly engaging for children and offers a unique prehistoric adventure. The manatee viewing area is another family favorite, offering a chance to see these gentle giants up close and even witness their amusing feeding behaviors. While the zoo offers a fantastic experience for families, it's worth noting that food and drink prices can be on the higher side.
Understanding ZooTampa Tickets and Pricing
When purchasing tickets, it's always advisable to check the official ZooTampa website for the most up-to-date ticket prices and any available discounts.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit