ZooTampa at Lowry Park: The Ultimate Family Guide 2025
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is consistently ranked as one of America's best zoos for families, and for good reason! With over 1,300 animals, interactive experiences, rides, and splash zones, it's the perfect Tampa attraction for kids of all ages. This comprehensive guide will help you plan an unforgettable zoo adventure.
Quick Facts: ZooTampa at Lowry Park
- Location: Tampa
- Hours: Daily 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (extended summer hours)
- Best For: All ages, especially families with kids 2-10
- Time Needed: 4-5 hours minimum, full day recommended
- Size: 63 acres with 1,300+ animals
- Parking: $5 per vehicle
Ticket Prices & Discounts 2025
General Admission:
- Adults (12+): $44.95
- Children (3-11): $36.95
- Seniors (60+): $42.95
- Children under 3: FREE
Money-Saving Tips:
- Annual Pass: $99.95 (pays for itself in 3 visits!)
- Online Discount: Save $5 per ticket booking online
- Military Discount: 15% off with valid ID
- Tampa Resident Days: Special pricing certain days
- Combo Passes: Save with Zoo + Aquarium combo
Must-See Animals & Exhibits
1. Florida Wildlife Center ⭐ Don't Miss!
Experience native Florida animals in natural habitats.
Highlights:
- Florida panthers (critically endangered)
- Black bears
- Alligators and crocodiles
- River otters (feeding shows!)
- Bald eagles
- Manatee viewing (seasonal)
Best Time: Morning when animals are most active
2. Safari Africa
Walk through African habitats and see iconic wildlife.
Animals:
- Elephants (watch them play and bathe!)
- Giraffes (feeding available - $5)
- Zebras
- Rhinos
- Meerkats (kids love these!)
- African penguins
Don't Miss: Elephant demonstration at 11:30 AM daily
3. Wallaroo Station - Australian Adventure
Interactive Australian experience with unique animals.
Features:
- Kangaroos and wallabies (walk among them!)
- Koalas (photo opportunities)
- Tasmanian devils
- Kookaburras
- Free-flight aviary with lorikeets
Feeding Experience: Lorikeet nectar cups $3
4. Primate World
See our closest animal relatives in action.
Primates:
- Orangutans (incredibly intelligent!)
- Bornean orangutans
- Siamangs (loud calls!)
- Colobus monkeys
- Lemurs
Best Viewing: Mid-morning feeding times
5. Stingray Bay ⭐ Kids' Favorite!
Touch and feed gentle stingrays in shallow pools.
Details:
- Open daily 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Stingray food: $5
- Wash stations available
- Staff supervision and education
- Perfect for all ages!
6. Petting Zoo
Hands-on experience with friendly farm animals.
Animals:
- Goats
- Sheep
- Chickens
- Rabbits (at certain times)
Tips:
- Go early for less crowded experience
- Hand sanitizer stations throughout
- Great for toddlers and preschoolers
Rides & Attractions
Safari Africa Tram
Details:
- Guided tour through African habitats
- See animals from elevated viewpoint
- 15-minute ride
- Included with admission
- Stroller parking available
Tip: Ride early morning when animals are active
Expedition Africa Carousel
Details:
- Beautiful hand-carved animal carousel
- All ages welcome
- $3 per ride
- Great photo opportunity
Roaring Springs & Splash Grounds
Two water play areas perfect for hot Florida days!
Roaring Springs:
- Larger splash pad
- Water slides
- Spray features
- Shaded seating for parents
Splash Ground:
- Smaller area for toddlers
- Gentle water features
- Near restrooms and changing areas
What to Bring:
- Swimsuits or change of clothes
- Towels
- Waterproof sunscreen
- Water shoes (optional)
ZooTampa Train
Details:
- Scenic train ride around zoo
- Great for tired little legs
- $3 per person
- Stroller accessible
Animal Encounters & Experiences
Giraffe Feeding ⭐ Highly Recommended!
Details:
- Feed lettuce to towering giraffes
- Eye-level platform
- $5 per person
- Available 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Amazing photo opportunity!
Tip: Go mid-morning for best experience
Penguin Encounter
Details:
- Get up close with African penguins
- Learn about conservation
- Photo opportunities
- $25 per person
- Ages 5+, advance booking required
Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Options:
- Elephant Care Experience
- Big Cat Feeding
- Primate Keeper Talk
- Prices vary: $50-$150
- Ages 8+, advance booking required
Keeper Chats & Demonstrations
Free with admission!
- Elephant demonstration: 11:30 AM
- Penguin feeding: 2:00 PM
- Otter feeding: 1:00 PM
- Giraffe talk: 10:30 AM
- Check daily schedule at entrance
Age-Specific Guide
Babies & Toddlers (Ages 0-3)
- Best Areas: Petting zoo, Splash Ground, train ride
- Bring: Stroller (lots of walking), snacks, change of clothes
- Timing: Morning visit before nap time
- Nursing: Private nursing room near guest services
Preschoolers (Ages 4-5)
- Best Areas: All animal exhibits, Stingray Bay, carousel
- Activities: Giraffe feeding, petting zoo, splash zones
- Engagement: Zoo scavenger hunt (free at entrance)
- Tip: Let them lead - follow their interests!
Elementary (Ages 6-11)
- Best Areas: Everything! Perfect age for zoo
- Don't Miss: Giraffe feeding, Stingray Bay, animal demonstrations
- Educational: Junior Zookeeper program, keeper chats
- Souvenir: Zoo passport to stamp at each exhibit
Tweens/Teens (Ages 12+)
- Best Experiences: Behind-the-scenes tours, photography
- Interests: Conservation programs, animal careers
- Challenge: Complete all keeper chats in one day
Insider Tips for Families
Best Times to Visit
Weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday):
- Smallest crowds
- Better animal viewing
- Shorter lines for experiences
Avoid:
- Weekends (very crowded)
- School holidays
- First hour (everyone arrives at once)
Seasonal Tips:
- Summer: Arrive early, animals more active in morning
- Winter: Best weather, animals more visible
- Spring/Fall: Perfect temperatures, moderate crowds
Money-Saving Strategies
- Annual Pass - Best value if visiting 3+ times
- Pack lunch - Picnic areas throughout zoo
- Bring refillable water bottles - Fountains available
- Free parking on weekdays after 3 PM
- Skip gift shop or set budget beforehand
- Free activities: Keeper chats, demonstrations, petting zoo
What to Bring
Essentials:
- ✅ Sunscreen (reapply often!)
- ✅ Hats and sunglasses
- ✅ Refillable water bottles
- ✅ Stroller or wagon for young kids
- ✅ Snacks (or pack lunch)
- ✅ Change of clothes for splash zones
- ✅ Camera for animal photos
Optional:
- Binoculars for distant animals
- Portable fan or cooling towel
- Rain ponchos (afternoon storms)
- Cash for animal feeding experiences
Food & Dining
On-Site Options:
- Safari Grill: Burgers, chicken, salads
- Expedition Café: Pizza, sandwiches, kids meals
- Snack Stands: Throughout zoo
- Prices: $8-$15 per meal
Outside Food Policy:
- ✅ Outside food and drinks allowed
- ✅ Picnic areas with tables
- ✅ Coolers permitted
- ❌ No glass containers
- ❌ No alcohol
Stroller & Wagon Tips
- Rentals Available: $10 single, $15 double
- Bring Your Own: Recommended for full day
- Wagon-Friendly: Paved paths throughout
- Parking: Designated areas at each exhibit
Sample Itinerary: Perfect Zoo Day
9:30 AM - Arrive at opening, head to Florida Wildlife Center
10:00 AM - Stingray Bay (before crowds)
10:30 AM - Giraffe feeding and Safari Africa
11:30 AM - Elephant demonstration
12:00 PM - Lunch at picnic area or Safari Grill
1:00 PM - Otter feeding demonstration
1:30 PM - Wallaroo Station and lorikeet feeding
2:00 PM - Penguin feeding
2:30 PM - Splash zone time (cool off!)
3:30 PM - Primate World and final animal viewing
4:30 PM - Gift shop and head home
Special Programs & Events
Summer Camps
- Week-long wildlife camps
- Ages 4-14
- Hands-on animal experiences
- $300-$400 per week
Zoo Tots
- Preschool program (ages 2-5)
- Monthly themes
- Animal encounters
- $15 per child
Homeschool Days
- Educational programming
- Discounted admission
- Curriculum-based activities
- Monthly offerings
Sensory-Friendly Events
- Reduced noise and crowds
- Special accommodations
- Quarterly events
- Advanced registration required
Boo at the Zoo (October)
- Halloween-themed event
- Trick-or-treating
- Costume parade
- Family-friendly fun
Christmas in the Wild (December)
- Holiday lights and decorations
- Extended evening hours
- Santa visits
- Hot cocoa and treats
Conservation & Education
ZooTampa is committed to wildlife conservation:
- Manatee Hospital: Rescue and rehabilitation
- Species Survival Plans: Breeding endangered animals
- Education Programs: Teaching kids about conservation
- Research: Contributing to wildlife science
Accessibility & Services
Wheelchair/Stroller Access:
- All exhibits accessible
- Paved pathways throughout
- Wheelchair rentals: $10
Guest Services:
- First aid station
- Lost and found
- Nursing room
- ATM on-site
- Free WiFi
Special Needs:
- Sensory maps available
- Quiet spaces
- Service animals welcome
- Accessibility guide at entrance
Nearby Attractions
Combine with:
- Lowry Park (adjacent) - Playground, splash pad, picnic areas
- Tampa Riverwalk (15 min) - Waterfront path, parks
- Busch Gardens (20 min) - Theme park and zoo combo
- MOSI (15 min) - Science museum
Getting There & Parking
Location: Tampa
Parking:
- Zoo parking lot: $5 per vehicle
- Free parking after 3 PM on weekdays
- Accessible parking near entrance
From Major Areas:
- Downtown Tampa: 15 minutes
- South Tampa: 20 minutes
- Brandon: 30 minutes
- Clearwater: 40 minutes
- St. Petersburg: 35 minutes
Final Tips for Success
- Arrive early for best animal viewing and parking
- Buy tickets online to save money and time
- Bring swimsuits for splash zones
- Do animal feedings first (limited quantities)
- Check daily schedule at entrance for shows
- Plan 4-5 hours minimum to see everything
- Wear comfortable shoes (lots of walking!)
- Consider annual pass if local (great value!)
- Download zoo map before visiting
- Follow animals on social media for updates
ZooTampa at Lowry Park offers an incredible day of animal encounters, interactive experiences, and family fun. With its perfect size, variety of animals, and hands-on activities, it's no wonder it's ranked as one of America's best zoos for families!
Pro Tip: Visit on a weekday morning in fall or winter for the best experience - cooler weather, active animals, and smaller crowds make for a perfect zoo day!
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