Zoo Miami

The 750-acre Zoo Miami, located in South Dade, is one of the country’s top zoos – it’s the largest zoo in Florida, the fifth-largest in the country and a major draw for Greater Miami & Miami Beach.

Zoo Miami (officially the Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens) claims bragging rights as the only subtropical zoo in the continental United States, taking advantage of Miami’s climate to provide large, open-air exhibits that re-create animal habitats, from Florida’s Everglades to the Amazon, Africa, Australia and Asia.

Stroll along Zoo Miami’s four miles of winding walkways to see 2,500-plus amphibians, birds, reptiles and mammals including koalas, tigers and elephants – more than 500 species in all.

Come for the animals, but don’t forget to take in the scenery; Zoo Miami has more than 1,000 species of trees, palms and other plants.

Getting There

If you’re driving to Zoo Miami, take Florida's Turnpike to Exit 18. The zoo’s Find Your Way page offers detailed directions, including how to get there using public transportation.

Getting Around the Zoo

Narrated Safari Tram Tours will take you through the Asia and Africa exhibits. Rent pedal boats shaped like ducks and swans to cruise the lake of the Amazon & Beyond waterplay area. Float through the Everglades exhibit on the Lostman’s River Ride.

You can also use the Safari Cycle pedal cars, strollers, wheelchairs, wagons and motorized wheelchairs to get around the grounds. Reserve yours on the zoo’s rentals page, where you can also book a Rydable animal-themed motorized scooter.

Things to See & Do

In addition to the thousands of animals on view throughout Zoo Miami, you’ll find activities and presentations for the whole family. Look for animal feedings and encounters, educational presentations, children’s activities, character meet-and-greets and zookeeper talks throughout the day. Explore the Wings of Asia Aviary and check out the wildlife show at the 800-seat Sami Family Amphitheater, where you might see anything from parrots to cheetahs.

You can even get up close and personal by feeding animals at the zoo. Feed giraffes in the Africa exhibit, parrots in the Australia exhibit and rhinos in the Asia exhibit.

Visit the interactive exhibits at the Conservation Action Center (formerly Dr. Wilde’s World of Discovery) to learn about protecting nature. Zoo Miami participates in approximately 30 global wildlife and environmental conservation programs, and its collection includes more than 130 species that are at risk in the wild.

Can’t get enough? Watch Zoo Miami’s animal live cams online from wherever you are.

Kids’ Zones

Children will love rides and activities designed just for them.

See familiar barnyard animals at the Wacky Barn in the Critter Connection (formerly the Children’s Zoo), and ride one of the 30 hand-carved animals and two chariots on the antique Wildlife Carousel. (Note that the Critter Connection will close for renovations starting in September 2023.)

Explore the Jungle Journey Playground, snap a selfie with the Zoo Squad’s costumed characters, or cool off on a warm afternoon at the Ocean Voyage Splash Pad and other water-play areas.

Having a hard time getting your kids to look up from their phones? Zoo Miami’s kid-friendly mobile scavenger hunts use a cellphone app to collect virtual items along zoo walkways that can be redeemed for real-world prizes.

Food & Drink

No outside food is permitted, but there are vending machines, portable food and beverage carts (including Dippin’ Dots ice cream) and restaurants throughout Zoo Miami. Head to Nourish 305 for custom salads, flatbreads and wraps near the Florida: Mission Everglades exhibit, or take a quick snack break at Ellie’s Cafe or the Oasis Outpost. You’ll find Miami BGR (burgers, of course) and Miami Ice (20 flavors) in the Critter Connection. Sit down and relax at the Oasis Grill near the Playworld Playground. Some tour operators offer special zoo admission packages with food upgrades that provide picnic baskets or other meal options.

Special Events at the Zoo

The zoo offers a full schedule of seasonal and special events for adults and children. Recent events have included a talk on elephant conservation and the Cars 4 Conservation car show to support endangered rhinos.

In addition, VIP tours and picnic and party facilities are available for birthdays, weddings and other private events.

Tickets

It’s best to get your tickets in advance. You can buy tickets and savings passes, reserve rentals and buy special-events tickets online. You can also learn about Zoo Miami’s accommodations for visitors with disabilities.