5 Tips for Your First-Time Zoo Atlanta Visit

My four-year-old son was immediately fascinated by the Flamingos – the way they slept, ate and walked around the exhibit. Our tour guide, Melissa, showed him a Flamingo egg and explained how they bury the egg in the mud. The Flamingos are the first animals to greet visitors at Zoo Atlanta and they’re just a glimpse into the amazing offerings. Our family just made our first visit to Zoo Atlanta and we were impressed with how many attractions they offer. I’ve got some helpful tips, for your family’s first-time Zoo Atlanta visit, that will ensure you make the most of your time.

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5 Tips for Your Family’s First-time Zoo Atlanta Visit

Purchase Tickets Online

Save time and purchase tickets online before you visit. Be sure to add-on the rides and attraction pass to your tickets, especially if you have young kids. To save the most money, consider purchasing a membership. The tax-deductible membership includes admission 363 days/year and discounts on the attractions passes. If your family loves to travel, like ours, the membership also provides discounts on admission to select AZA zoos and aquariums nationwide.

Get Hands On With Their Programs

When planning your visit, consider how you want to tour the zoo. Of course you can explore the zoo without guidance, but Zoo Atlanta offers programs that cater to different ages. The programs offer an array of unique experiences that give you an insider perspective. Our group tour, with a trained Guide, offered our family an educational experience. From being a ‘zookeeper for a day’ to spending the night at the zoo, there’s a program for everyone. Check out the Zoo Atlanta programs page while planning your visit.

They Have Several Must-See Exhibits

Zoo Atlanta is home to over 1,000 animals from around the world. Just last year, they welcomed a pair of endangered Crowned Lemurs, Sava and Xonsu, and celebrated the multiples births. My favorite exhibit are the Giant Pandas. The zoo is home to the only giant panda twins in the U.S. – Ya Lun and Xi Lun. Definitely spend some time watching the adorable pandas. If you want a sneak peek, check out the Panda Cam!

Take Part in Their Conservation Efforts

Did you know that Zoo Atlanta donates 25 cents of every Zoo admission ticket to projects for wildlife? It’s part of their Quarters for Conservation initiative that benefits animals. This year, the East Africa Vulture Project, Project Bush Dog and the Tiger Conservation Campaign will benefit from the initiative. Guests have the opportunity to learn more about the conservation efforts, and donate, during their visit.

Adventure Beyond the Animals

An attraction highlight is the new Treetop Trail. It’s an aerial playground that invites guests to trek at their own pace as they navigate a series of rope ladders, bridges, nets and tightrope-style foot lines, all the while safely secured and tethered with full-body harness and lanyard to a continuous overhead tracking system. The course features 22 different elements that culminate in a zip line over the Zoo’s KIDZone playground. Other attractions include a splash fountain, slides, train and petting zoo.