All of your frequently asked questions answered.
Thank you for choosing to support the Maryland Zoo! In order to make your visit of the most value to you, please read the following frequently asked questions:
Tickets are valid 1 year from date of purchase. Both printed and digital tickets on smart devices are accepted.
After you complete the checkout process your tickets will be emailed to you. To ensure delivery, be sure to add tickets@marylandzoo.org to your address book or Safe Sender list. Tickets can be printed at home or shown on any mobile device at the Zoo’s Main Gate. The physical address you enter on your order must exactly match the address on your credit card billing statement for your purchase to be completed. If you do not receive your ticket confirmation after two hours, please call 410-396-7102 during business hours 8:30 am to 4:30 pm or you may pick up your tickets from a ticket booth at the Zoo’s front gate.
Penguin Coast, the Zoo’s state-of-the-art, award-winning African penguin exhibit, houses over 70 penguins and lets you see them closer than ever. At Polar Bear Watch visitors can watch Anoki cavort in and out of the water from a Tundra Buggy®, like those used in the Arctic. Visitors learn about animals in their own backyard, as well as those in more exotic locales when they take a trek through the Maryland Wilderness or embark on an African Journey.
The Zoo’s animal collection encompasses more than 1,500 birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles, representing nearly 200 species. Animals are displayed in natural settings replicating their native habitats.
March – December OPEN from 10:00AM – 4:00PM. January and February Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 10:00AM – 4:00PM, weather permitting. The Zoo is closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Yes, you are welcome to bring food and drinks for your visit. But, we do ask that you do not bring in glass containers or alcohol.
Personal strollers and wagons are permitted inside the Zoo. Single ($6) and double ($9) strollers are also available for rent just inside the main entrance to the Zoo, near the Wild Things Gift Shop.
Recreational scooters (electric or manual) and bicycles, as well as skateboards, skates, and hoverboards, are not permitted within the Zoo.
Yes. Your family can enjoy free, unlimited admission to the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore and more than 100 participating zoos and aquariums across the country. Zoo members also receive invitations to members-only events, free subscriptions to members-only publications and more! For details please visit our membership page.
Yes. Our group sales department offers a discounted admission rate for your group of 15 or more.
Yes. The Mansion House, Waterfowl Lake Pavilion and Lakeside Pavilion are available for outside events. Visit our Rentals page for more information on renting the zoo.
The Wild Things gift shop is located near the front entrance and features souvenirs and gifts for all ages. New! You can now purchase a souvenir online from the Zoo’s Wild Things Gift Shop. Visit our shop page for other unique zoo gift ideas.
Yes. A grant from the Maryland State Department of Education provides free admission for qualified Maryland school, daycare, Head Start and home school students. Out of state schools also receive a discount. See our education page for details. Advance reservations are required.
Yes. The ZOOMobile (Outreach) brings educational, entertaining and interactive programs features live animals to schools, community centers, after school programs and events. See how the Zoo is making tracks to you.
Yes. The Zoo offers popular summer camp programs for students in grades 2 through 12. Plus, we offer adult summer camp too! Registration information is available here.
Unfortunately, no. The Zoo follows AZA guidelines, which is for the protection of the animals. Only Service Animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are permitted with visitors with disabilities. The owner of the Service Animal must accompany the animal, must be in control of the animal, and the animal must not exhibit threatening behavior to the animal collection, guests or staff while on grounds. The Maryland Zoo, its staff and volunteers are not responsible for the care or supervision of a Service Animal.
Please visit our Zoo Careers page, or consider a volunteer position!
Further questions? Please contact Guest Relations at 410-396-7102.