Indianapolis Zoo

Positive experience: I really want to give it a 5 star, but when we were there the train was down, the coaster was broken, the Skyline was out while the new exhibit was being built, the dolphin exhibit was unavailable and a lot of the vendors were closed. The adventure pass we purchased wasn't worth it and we were out a lot of money. We had fun though despite the issues I listed.

Fantastic experience: Really nice to do if you want to get up close in person with the animals. We got to see a dolphin show. Feed giraffes, flamingos, and birds. I recommend buying the tickets in advance. When we got there, we had to scan the code to buy the tickets. They’re cheaper online. However, you can buy them at the zoo. Also, if you want to feed the animals, you have to pay extra for it. But they do have a package where you can feed the animals and ride the rides which was really nice.

Fantastic experience: It was a super hot day (mid-90’s temps), but with multiple opportunities to do indoor (A/C) exhibits, it gave us the chance to cool down periodically. Haven’t been to the Indy Zoo in years, they’ve done a great job making improvements.

Positive experience: It was fun. We got the explorer pass however we didnt know most animals feeding dogs t start till 11. We went when it first opened so only feed the birds.

Negative experience: Compared to the Cincinnati Zoo, this zoo didn't seem like it was geared towards toddlers and babies the least bit! My kids actually had more fun at the Indianpolis State Museum nearby than they did at the zoo. I find it very dumb how they restrict stollers and food/beverages in the majority of the indoor exhibits. Also, on a Friday at noon, they only had 2 places serving water and other beverages as most of those stations were also closed. We did not drive, but we noticed that this zoo didn't appear to have any shaded parking either like the Cincinnati Zoo provides. They also said there would be a dolphin show at 11, but when we got to the doors, they turned us away, saying they weren't doing any shows that day... so why were employees in other parts of the park not informed and still telling guests it would happen?! Seems really unorganized to me. The last thing that really brought down my rating of this zoo is the grumpy old woman who looks like she's way past retirement, scolding me for my child putting his feet on the railing. He wasn't even standing on or hanging over the exibit. We were 1 foot back, and he was just resting his feet on. You're honestly lucky i didn't smack your old ass into a retirement home. There was no need for you even approaching us. We won't be back, and i recommend everyone visit the state museum or children's museum if you have small children. Both the state museum and children's museum have way more to do, and the staff is much friendlier towards small children.

Negative experience: Paid for the all access pass the only ride open was the roller coaster. Would of been nice to let you know this before paying for the extra ride options. Will not be back drove 2 hr and 30 mintues for this.

Negative experience: Our visit to the zoo was completely ruined before we even made it through the gate. We spent over two hours just trying to find parking and get to the entrance. The staff was shockingly rude — a man at the central parking entrance yelled profanities at us and even hit our car, simply because I asked if we could wait for someone to leave so we didn’t have to go to the distant lot. From the South parking lot, we had to walk in 84°F heat, because the line for the shuttle was at least an hour long — hundreds of people, including families with small children, were standing out in the sun with no shade or assistance. Inside the zoo, things didn’t improve. It was dirty, the staff was unhelpful, and the lines were ridiculously long. The animals were lovely — that's the only positive part — but unfortunately, by the time you see them, your mood is already ruined. As an international tourist, I was shocked by the poor service. We've visited 36 states and countless zoos across the U.S. and around the world, and this was by far the worst experience we've had.

Negative experience: Had a Zoo overnight that costs about $70 per person with a minimum of 35 people. There were three troops involved and around 60 people I believe. So, the zoo profited over $4,000 for the one evening from 6:30pm- 9am with “activities” until 10pm. Which, good, the money goes towards the zoo in places they need…. Hopefully. But to say they did the bare minimum is an over statement. Their animal encounter for the oceans overnight was to pet a lizard you can buy at most pet stores. Their activities were a “scavenger hunt” which was a piece of paper on a clipboard and send the kids to read signs. All while freaking out that kids were making a dull roar in an exhibit. (Coming from a strict parent, I very liberally use dull roar as they were just kids talking and trying to have fun) Then we got to explore the “behind the scenes” which was the back of blacked out fish tanks, so you can’t see in them and some pipes and an explanation of fresh water and salt water… THRILLING! Then we looked at bones. Had a snack and were sent to bed. The night after that had hiccups which, I get but our tour guide at that point handled it phenomenally and adapted. They couldn’t get the lights to shut off in the dolphin habitat, no not the dome which one would think we were staying in as they lead you to believe. The room next to it where we weren’t allowed to bother the dolphins, again I understand bc I’d want the dolphins to have their peace an quiet too….. just don’t word it like we can sleep by dolphins then strictly prohibit such a thing… we then had to move. Okay. Stuff happens. Fast forward to breakfast, two troops followed the rules we were told to and packed up and took our stuff to the cars. One troop did not, then got to breakfast before everyone else and took the majority of the breakfast which they didn’t have enough of for all the people who paid to be there…. The cafe building had a fire alarm going off so they had to reroute us back to the dolphin exhibit so we could eat which no biggie, but explains why with those two hiccups they felt the need to compensate us…. Each of us got one single ride ticket with a value of $3.50…. Thanks Indy… As an animal person, I don’t even recommend the zoo bc their exhibits are all too small for the animals. It’s depressing. Dolphins were really the only reason to visit this zoo. For any groups or troops interested I HIGHLY suggest Toledo zoo for their overnight encounters!!! We had numerous small animal encounters, made enrichment activities for animals, got to sleep literally next to the hippo glass while they swam at night. Had fun guides who didn’t treat it like the military and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! We even got cool shirts afterwards!

Fantastic experience: I have always loved the zoo! There are multiple benches and tons of shade trees. The staff can share the feeding time of every animal. Today I picked my child, a zoo employee, during inclement weather. I was allowed into the visitors center, where the staff was offering coloring pages and crayons to scared children. There were also many young zoo camp campers being sheltered in safe places around the zoo. The zoo is a "green" zoo, so after the power went out back up power allowed for lights to continue to work. I am thankful, impressed, and in awe at the professional nature of the staff to remain calm and assist others during this scary process!

Fantastic experience: It's a great zoo with lots to see and do! These are a few pictures that I took on my phone. I took a lot more with my camera. My grandchildren ages 6 & 12 loved it!

Fantastic experience: Our family likes to visit other zoos when we travel. We have 3 kids ranging 2-11. We really enjoyed the Indianapolis Zoo. Everyone's favorite exhibit was the dolphin show and underwater dolphin viewing (especially since we had never been to another zoo with dolphins). Our other favorites were budgie encounter, lorikeet encounter, Aldabra tortoises, walruses, sea lions, and sting ray touch pool. I almost didn't rate this 5 stars because this is hands down the most expensive zoo that I have ever been to. The weekend ticket prices and gift shop prices were shockingly high ($13 for a simple magnet, $30 for a small stuffed animal that was $18 at a different zoo last summer). I do think the zoo was still worth the visit, and probably worth a membership if you live in the area. I also had conversations with several of the zoo keepers who seemed to love what they do and were fantastic at talking to the public. (Sorry my photos aren't great, but I mostly took photos with my kiddos in them)

Positive experience: We had a wonderful time visiting the zoo with family! The dolphin show was a big hit — exciting and beautifully done. My kid especially loved exploring the Butterfly House and going on the rides. One of the highlights was getting to see the tiger up close — truly thrilling! A perfect spot in Indianapolis for a fun and educational day with kids. Highly recommend for families!

Fantastic experience: Awesome place to see all the animals plus a great dolphin show

Fantastic experience: Awesome place to visit with kids. Family pass is the way to go if you plan to be here for 1 year. Unlimited rides with zero wait time for lines.

Fantastic experience: I usually hate zoos because they feel like prisons but this is a very thoughtfully laid out zoo! Volunteers make this place feel warmer than other urban zoos. Cool array from Africa in case you never get the chance to hit up a safari!

Fantastic experience: The Indianapolis Zoo offers unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages! You can walk amongst kangaroos, witness a one of a kind dolphin show, and see all types of animals! I recommend buying the explorer pass so you can experience one of the feedings that offer as well as take a ride on one of the various rides they have! If you’re in Indianapolis and looking for something for the family to do, I highly recommend going to the zoo!

Fantastic experience: Buy tickets before to avoid the waits. It's a little bit different zoo than we are used to with a lot less land mass, so not hard to walk at all. The walruses are adorable. Very unique set up for the chimpanzees and orangutans.

Fantastic experience: This is a phenomenal zoo. It's huge! There's plenty to see even if you don't want to see the animals, but then I guess you shouldn't come. Nathan educated us in the butterfly house. We watched the dolphin show and now want to quit our jobs to train dolphins. The zoo is one of the most beautiful zoos we've seen with all of the botanical features. It was a lovely experience.

Fantastic experience: Who doesn't love the zoo! New entrance, new exhibits. Bye bye polar bear ‍❄️, but the Macaw show was great. We always love the dolphin show. The Chimpanzees were fun. Wonderful time visiting the animals, and learning more about conservation efforts. The animals were really active during our trip!

Fantastic experience: We love this zoo! The animals were pretty active when we visited. Dolphin shows run about 20-25 minutes and they usually have 3-4x/day. Kangaroo area allows you to pet the Roos that are on the path. So cool! The areas are broken up by habitats so it is easy to pick and choose or take breaks between areas as needed. All very accessible with strollers. There’s a breastfeeding pod inside the orangutan area, so that’s pretty nice to have a quiet area for babies/moms. Plenty of bathrooms throughout, and all seemed to be clean and in good shape. Admission is a bit salty, but if you go more than 2x/year, worth getting a membership for sure. Volunteers are frequently placed in exhibits to answer questions and have some great insight into animal behavior or specifics of the ones there. Worth chatting them up if you can! They have different seasonal things going on, so always neat around Halloween and Christmas as well.

Fantastic experience: This was a great zoo! There is a lot to see! I also think its great that they have rides, face painting, and multiple places to eat and plenty of bathrooms. The staff is also excellent. They have places where you can feed animals, schedule meet and greets, as well as touch a sting ray.

Fantastic experience: The zoo is so clean and well maintained. There were a lot of staff at some of the exhibits giving information on the animals and answering questions. We also noticed that there are a lot of other birds and animals around if you look. Birds, squirrels, we even saw a mother groundhog and her babies hanging out in a bushy area. Lots to see and enjoy. Recommend highly

Negative experience: Visited today with my family. Both my sister and I paid 109.00 for general admission and she paid an extra 10.00 for some experiences, such as feeding animals and the rides. There were very few animals out. Literally, the only reason to visit the zoo is to see animals and learn about them. I was so pumped to see my kids excitement and it just wasn’t there. It’s a Bummer and a waste of money! Also, we could only use half of the experiences we purchased because they were closed.

Positive experience: Nice zoo, but not worth the $60.50 I paid compares to other zoo’s across the country that we’ve visited, it may have been better of we got to experience some of the zoo keeper chats, but the cost in addition to the admission is steep

Negative experience: It honestly surprises me that this zoo is rated so highly. I’ve been twice now, and both times felt dull and uneventful. As someone from Ohio, I’ve visited both the Cleveland and Cincinnati zoos, and they are phenomenal. They’re full of enrichment activities, beautifully designed with immersive landscaping, and offer so much to do with kids. Walking through those zoos feels like a real safari adventure, with vibrant greenery, flowers, and thoughtful layouts. In contrast, the Indianapolis Zoo feels more like walking through a post apocalyptic scene. There’s minimal greenery, very few animals visible, and an overall lack of atmosphere. It’s disappointing, especially when you know what a truly engaging and well-maintained zoo experience can be

Fantastic experience: Good time for a day trip, if within 2 hrs drive.

Fantastic experience: My hubby and I absolutely loved our visit to the Indianapolis Zoo — it was such a lovely day out! The grounds are beautifully kept, and there's such a peaceful vibe throughout the entire place. We were especially impressed with how close you can get to some of the animals. Perfect mix of nature, fun, and a little adventure — we left with big smiles and lots of great memories. Highly recommend for couples, families, or anyone wanting to spend a wholesome day surrounded by wildlife and beauty.

Fantastic experience: My brother’s employer hosted a day at the Indianapolis Zoo for him and his family on Saturday. It was a very fun day and the workers were very accommodating and attentive! We got to feed birds and pet a kangaroo!! All the animals were very happy!

Fantastic experience: This is a great place to bring your kids this summer! There's dolphin shows, giraffe feeding, flamingo feeding, a roller coaster, carousel, train ride, and butterfly garden and gift shop. There is electric wheelchairs available for rent for mobility impaired. It's 10 dollars to park and 35 dollars per adult. No wait and you can make reservations to have weddings and birthdays here. Make unforgettable memories this summer!

Fantastic experience: Posting because I just saw that one of the tigers at the zoo passed away and I justttt saw him my favorite thing about the indianapolis zoo was how close up and immersive it felt. I loved the big viewing areas for the exhibits, so even on busy days it doesn't feel claustrophobic.

Positive experience: The Zoo was very clean and the staff were extremely friendly. We had a pretty good time and our girls liked petting the sharks and rays. Giving 3 stars because train was broke, multiple other attractions down for this or that reason and many animal areas down for various reasons. I think if you have half a zoo you should be charging half price, just saying.

Fantastic experience: Review of the Indianapolis Zoo I had the chance to visit the Indianapolis Zoo, and it was an amazing experience. From the moment I arrived, the staff was friendly and everything was well organized. There’s a wide variety of animals to see, making it a perfect place to spend the day—especially if you’re with kids. One of the highlights was definitely the dolphin show. It was incredible! You can tell the trainers are skilled and the animals are well cared for. There are also plenty of food options inside, which is great if you're planning to stay for a few hours. Even though there were lines, the longest I waited was around 5 minutes, so it wasn’t a big deal at all. Overall, I highly recommend this place. I’d definitely go back. It’s a great spot for a fun and memorable day out.

Fantastic experience: Facilities were very clean and the staff were all kind and helpful. Definitely stop by if you’re in the area. The walrus exhibit was cool to see. The walruses were playful and appeared to be well cared for.

Positive experience: We were surprised to be charged $10 for parking on arrival on top of the over $30 admission fee per person. The zoo was nice, but the admission price seemed very high for the size/experience of the zoo. We happened to stumble on the dolphin show, which we really enjoyed.

Positive experience: It was very clean, not very busy, and we saw lots of the animals. A few of them were gone, like the seals, walrus and penguins. They no longer had those and it was under construction.

Positive experience: A lot of the feed experiences were closed on the Monday I went. I wouldn't go out of my way to visit it again but it was a nice place to hit my daily step goal with a view. The food is overpriced and looks unappealing. Dippin dots are the best option there. Overall animals look well cared for and the kangaroo exhibit was the best, for me.

Fantastic experience: They have a big chimpanzee exhibit. Dolphins were cool to see. They have 2 brown bears and a pretty good size aquarium. We had a great time

Positive experience: Do not and I repeat DO NOT purchase the Explorer Pass. Most of the animals you want to feed are only fed once a day and the rest (besides the birds) have very limited feeding windows. You most likely will not get to feed the animals and your kids will cry… the rest of the zoo was goo

Fantastic experience: really nice zoo overall, has nice events throughout the year.

Positive experience: Had fun with my 3 yr old nephew on a field trip. But a lot of closed areas and prices of anything any kind was out rages. A can soda $4. Strollers are not allowed in a lot of areas . But if u pack food and drinks, it's nice to see animals most people only experience on TV

Fantastic experience: Touching the stingrays, shark, and petting kangaroos. Definitely a great place for animal loving kids and they have plenty of bathrooms and almost half the zoo is shaded so even on a hot day it can still be fun for the inside exhibits and the forest exhibit.

Positive experience: The staff are wonderful, and it's very accessible for wheelchairs/strollers - honestly the STAFF are the only reason I gave this 3 stars vs 1. They are SO amazing. My issue is, it takes 3-4hrs max to get through (that's with all the shows) and you want to charge $15-36/person. This zoo also has surcharges for the 'full' experience - the dolphin show, rides, and feeding stations are all extra and limited with the amount of times you can do it. The Cincinnati zoo, which is in driving distance, is double in size and costs $9-26, and includes everything....you see the issue? I also find the exhibits themselves to be...worn out. The penguin exhibit especially - the glass to view the penguins is so scratched from people rubbing coins on it (the shine attracts them) that you can't see through anymore. A LOT of the exhibits are dated and need a refresh - new viewing glass would go a long way. I have been going to this zoo since childhood (born late 80's) and the exhibits are all exactly the way I remember them, with the exception of some of them being removed (RIP Bat exhibit) And before anyone says "BUT FUNDING", in 2023 the zoo reported $213,514,798 in NET ASSETS (removing costs). The President goes home with over $300,000/yr. They can afford to update it The food options are also pretty bad but...honestly you won't be there long enough to *need* to eat in zoo. You could eat a large breakfast/lunch, go, and eat when you get home. (This is not an excuse to tell your child you have McDonald's at home. Get them McD - you only have the cast-iron stomach of a child once) But again, kudos to the staff. Executives could stand to not be able to afford another house/boat and give them a raise or bonus.

Fantastic experience: This zoo was perfect to go to on a sluggish/rainy day. LESS PEOPLE=MORE FUN=ACTIVE ANIMALS

Fantastic experience: Awesome zoo. Nice fairly level grounds to walk on. Great exhibits. Kangaroos were great to see. Lions and tiger was fun. Ostrich taking a bath was something I wasn’t expecting. Butterfly house was fun also. Spent 3 hours. FYI you need to buy you tickets by scanning a code with your phone. Saves you money.

Fantastic experience: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Must-Visit Gem in the Heart of Indy! The Indianapolis Zoo made us so happy! From the moment we stepped in, it was clear how much care, thought, and passion go into every corner of this place. The exhibits are beautifully designed to feel immersive, giving both animals and visitors a unique experience that goes beyond just observation. The dolphin presentation was a standout — both educational and awe-inspiring — and the orangutan center is absolutely fascinating. We were especially impressed by the zoo’s commitment to conservation and the way they connect visitors to real-world efforts to protect wildlife. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or as a couple, there’s something for everyone here. The grounds are clean and well-kept, staff are friendly and informative, and the animals appear healthy, active, and well-cared for. We’ve been to many zoos across the country, and this one ranks right near the top. We highly recommend making a trip — it’s more than just a zoo; it’s an inspiring and memorable experience!

Fantastic experience: Exciting and beautiful place to visit. Very interactive with many meet and greets. The ground are kept in terrifc shape and the numerous plants offer shade from the hot sun. Each habitat has its own unique displays that are fantastic. Friendly helpful staff that is always ready to answer any questions about the animals. We bought season tickets to return here as much as possible.

Fantastic experience: Was there for an event. Beautiful grounds. Was only in dolphin house. Will return for full experience

Fantastic experience: Such a beautiful place to visit , everyone is nice and not only do you get close up encounters with some of the animals , they have events that take place for the animals , for example a dolphin show which is absolutely amazing to see. I definitely recommend this place 100%

Fantastic experience: My family was visiting from out of state. I was looking for things to do. I searched for public gardens and aquariums. The zoo has the only gardens and aquarium in the area. One of my family members has trouble walking. I saw online that the zoo has several mobility items for rent. They are first come, first serve, but there's a good quantity available. There are simple wheelchairs, electric wheelchair scooters, and even some electric ones with a sun cover! The scooter was well worth the money and can go everywhere in the park. Since it's spring not everything was up and running yet, like the rides. Zoo staff were working hard to do spring cleaning, gardening, and fixing things up. I'm sure it gets really busy once school let's out, but right now it was quiet and we got to see everything up close! Our favorite exhibit was the butterfly atrium.

Positive experience: We went to the Indianapolis Zoo on the Monday before Mother's Day. It was cool and breezy. Many exhibits were closed, or the animals were hiding out away from prying eyes. What we were able to see, we enjoyed, especially the butterfly enclosure and the desert collection. There are lots of mobility aids for rent, from wheelchairs to strollers and more. There's accessable parking, and it's easy to get around in a wheelchair

Positive experience: Price of entry changes daily ($$$) Parking is $10 Several exhibits are undergoing repair/renovations If you like chimpanzees, this is the zoo for you! There were A LOT of field trips the day I went Staff members are friendly and knowledgeable

Fantastic experience: Had a great visit to the zoo yesterday! Started off with a smooth entry handled by guest services extraordinaire, Brayden, even though my grandparent’s membership didn’t accommodate one additional guest. Instead of forcing our whole party to backtrack to the ticket center he graciously handled our entry right at the gate. This was a small expense to the zoo which will be more than made up over time with increased client loyalty. Otherwise we had a terrific time with most of the/all exhibits (experiences) running and well maintained. A very large crowd (mini-marathon weekend) was handled well by staff. We never felt crowded and were able to see pretty much everything we wanted. Many of the animals were active and engaging with the guests! BTW — have been very impressed with the merchandise selection and quality throughout the grounds. Feeling more and more like a Disney World family experience! Good work Zoo administration and staff!

Fantastic experience: An excellent experience for visitors of all ages. The food and beverages are outrageously expensive so bring your own!

Fantastic experience: We had the best time taking my niece to the Indianapolis Zoo. Seriously such a fun day. The dolphin show was awesome. My niece was completely amazed watching them swim and jump. It was one of those moments where you just feel lucky to be there. We walked through all the different areas like the Oceans and Forests. The orangutan center was amazing. We could have stayed there forever just watching them. You can really tell they care about the animals. Everyone working there was super nice and happy to answer questions. The zoo was superclean and easy to get around, which made the day way less stressful. My niece even got to feed some birds and pet a stingray. She was SO excited about it. I loved seeing her so happy. The bathroom was so cool! You could see right in on the animals while in there!! I could not believe it. I didn’t get a pic myself but the pic I included is a pic I found of it, it was awesome and so unexpected. If you are thinking about going, do it. We made a lot of really sweet memories and it was 100% worth it.

Fantastic experience: The zoo is somewhat small but always a good time. The aquarium is always a hit, as are all the primates who are usually pretty active. The Carousel and train ride also make fun attractions for little kids. I just wish there were more options in the food areas.

Fantastic experience: We had a BALL! It was my granddaughter's first trip to the Indy Zoo and it was an absolute success! We attempted to visit the butterfly pavilion but my little stink was terrified but we saw elephants, sharks, dolphins, tigers, bears, birds, orangutans etc etc etc... We rode the train, the carousel, got our face painted ate chicken tenders, dipping dots and shopped. She was too small for the coasters (my opinion) but they were an option! The zoo has so much going on that in our 4+hours we still didn't experience it all! You can interact with some animals, feed others and race one (simulator)! So I guess I'm saying get your butt to ZOO you won't be disappointed!

Fantastic experience: It’s always hard to rate a zoo in another city when we’re members of the STL zoo which is amazing and free. But we visited here while staying in Indy. And it’s a very nice zoo. The grounds were well maintained and lots of flowers were blooming in April. Highly recommend the orangutan building, kangaroo exhibit (where you can pet them) and dolphin show. They have a carousel, rollercoaster and sky gondola. There are also opportunities to feed some animals (giraffes and flamingos). They also have animal chats where zookeepers provide additional info about the animals at various times posted throughout the zoo. Parking was $10. It’s also close to White River State Park which is worth walking around in.

Fantastic experience: They should give me a taser and security uniform I will work for free. They should start taking IDs from the adults and keeping a blacklist. Some morons throwing chicken strips at the orangutan. Just infuriating. Also need a sound detector in the dolphin dome and those AI fire extinguishers like they have in some airports to just absolutely blast the snot out of kids who scream at the dolphins. Yeah I'm cranky I love these animals and every time I go to the zoo I hate humans a little bit more

Fantastic experience: This is a fun zoo that can be accomplished easily in a half-day without being rushed. The highlight of our visit was the dolphin performance. We left with my daughter saying she wanted to work with dolphins when she is older. ♥️ In addition to the cool animal exhibits, they have a merry-go-round, train, and little roller coaster. All cost extra. The roller coaster and merry-go-round were worth the fun, but the train mostly runs along the sheet with minimal views of animals. The train was. So loud we also struggled to hear the voice over talking about the zoo. I recommend saving your money and skipping the train.

Fantastic experience: Me and family went there for my birthday and had a blast everyone was so very nice and answered our questions when we asked questions. Everything was so clean. We loved the monkeys and the orangutans and the dolphin show

Fantastic experience: 10 year old daughter and I loved our day at the Zoo. We saw all of the free exhibits (including the dolphin show) and had lunch in ~3.5 hours. I gave her my phone and asked her to photograph our day together. She nearly maxed out my phone memory with hundreds of images and video. LOL. But we both laughed and played the whole afternoon. Grateful for our day together at the Zoo.

Fantastic experience: This was our first time visiting the zoo and while the animal feedings weren't open for the season yet, there were many animals out and enjoying the cooler weather being very active. The monkeys were racing around and a lot of fun to watch. The butterflies were especially vibrant and a joy to walk through. The food was just okay for what the prices were, but I expected as much. Overall a very great day!

Fantastic experience: The dolphin show was so cool! The kids had so much fun! Even while buying tickets, the staff was knowledgeable and made sure we were able to experience everything!

Positive experience: Brought the family here during our mini-vacation to Indy. We got to the zoo late in the evening on a Monday. With only 3 hours before closing time, we hustled through the zoo. Luck was on our side. We had no lines/ waits. The place was pretty empty, which made it perfect for my children. They were able to see almost all the animals on their "watch list." Some of our highlights included feeding the stingrays, petting the kangaroos, and watching the rhinos play!

Fantastic experience: Our family loved the Zoo Our Kiddos loved the Dolphin show In all their rest of the cool animals and thank you very much

Positive experience: Had a great time at the Indianapolis Zoo! All the animals were out and active, which made for a fun and engaging visit. The new additions and recent changes really enhance the experience—everything felt fresh and well thought out. The chimpanzees were especially entertaining and one of the highlights of the trip. The only downside was the dolphin show—it felt a bit underwhelming and could use some more excitement or variety. Still, overall it was a great visit and definitely worth the trip. Looking forward to seeing what they improve next!

Fantastic experience: This zoo is so cool! I’m from Cincinnati and visited for the first time! Dolphin show was amazing! Exhibits all are clean and nice! No huge hills like my home zoo lol. Very disability friendly and super super nice staff!

Fantastic experience: We love the zoo! The Butterfly Conservatory is open and touching the sting rays always amazing! We love the dolphin show and train! The elephants, rhinos, giraffe and up close with the kangaroos always favs! Even when cold like yesterday we loved our time and enjoyed less crowds.

Fantastic experience: This was our first time at the Indianapolis Zoo. Tickets were just under $35 for anyone over 12. We've been to quite a few zoo's around the country and we were quite happy with what Indianapolis Zoo had to offer. The website has it listed as a zoo, aquarium, botanical garden. The grounds were beautiful and there is lots of marine life available to see. I would love to come back when it's warmer and everything is blooming. All of the staff members we encountered were very friendly and knowledgeable.

Fantastic experience: So many animal interactions! And the only zoo i know with Dolphins in the Midwest. I could spend all day in the under dome

Fantastic experience: Choose a day with fine weather to visit, otherwise you will have a relatively bad experience in watching African animals. But I still strongly recommend the penguin in the aquarium and dolphin show.

Fantastic experience: This zoo stands shoulder to shoulder with other great zoos in our country. Exceptionally clean and staff very friendly. Will make a point to visit again down the road

Fantastic experience: We regularly visit the zoo. They have multiple interactive experiences for kids and I love all the different things they do for the different holidays. The dolphin show is amazing, make sure you get there early for a seat. My only complaint is it is almost impossible to find soft serve ice cream there.

Fantastic experience: The exhibits are well-maintained and the staff clearly are heavily invested in the amazing animals under their care. The dolphin show was absolutely worth the wait in line. The pavilion area is well-organized and offered a nice retreat from the unusually hot day.

Positive experience: We love this zoo. There are so many animals to see, there are a few interactive exhibits, and the chimpanzees have been such a fun addition. Our only complaint is that it's not always clear at entry when things are going to be closed. The last time we went none of the rides were open and all the stands were closed except the main food court. It would just be nice to know going in if things are mostly shut down that day so I can prepare my kids expectations for our visit. I.e. not hyping up the train ride and then it being closed!! We have a membership, but I could imagine it also being frustrating to buy a ticket for the day not knowing a bunch of stuff wouldn't be available. That being said, we do really enjoy this zoo and we go often!

Positive experience: We came from out of town and purchased tickets ahead of time along with the dolpin meet and greet. Unfortunately it rained pretty decently most of the day. But we really had the place to ourselves. Which gave it a more unique twist, as we had a lot of 1 on 1 time with the staff and trainers. None of the animals (besides cheetahs) were out in the safari section. Would of been nice if notice was posted before we made the trek in the rain. But there are lots of indoor areas that made up for it. The Dolphin meet and greet was very much worth it.

Fantastic experience: This is a very unique zoo. But in a great way. So hear me out. Indy is a small zoo, but still plenty to see. I actually think this zoo may be the BEST zoo to visit on bad weather days; like rain, snow, extreme heat, or wind. I say this because so much of this zoo's features are inside. Also, they are one of the few zoos that have dolphins and walrus's! The ocean exhibit, chimp, orangutan, butterfly garden, dolphins pools, and more are all inside. The Indy zoo has shows and events that all take place inside and are very enjoyable. Now don't get me wrong, the outside exhibits are great, with plenty more to see. But Indy is an excellent place to stop and visit on a bad day, instead of just skipping because of some bad rain or weather. I know, because it poured the entire time we were here. Now some typical zoo information: You can get through the zoo pretty quickly. Usually within 3/4 hours. You can get there early and leave early afternoon, or get there late and leave at close. We showed up at noon and left at close at 5pm but also sat to eat and watched a dolphin presentation. Admission price is a bit higher than what I expected for a zoo their size, but the Indy zoo made up for it in other ways. Their food was yummy and prices were very reasonable, their gift shop had a ton of options, and the staff was very friendly even though we made our visit on a horrible day. We also even had a worker tell us to buy tickets online because it would save a few dollars. There is staff all over the park explaining about the exhibits and animals. They all seemed very knowledgeable and all seemed to really enjoy what they did. The dolphin trainers were phenomenal and the show was excellent. The zoo layout was very easy to understand with easy access to food and restrooms whenever necessary. Don't sleep on the Indy zoo because of its size. We really enjoyed this visit and will be back whenever we can.

Positive experience: Mixed feelings Good variety of animals, food size zoo. However I didn't like that the aquariums where in enclosed area & it so small where people don't fit comfortably. Plus it smells. There's a restroom with only 2 stalls & outdated. Then the walking area isn't organized with proper signs. When I came in I was somehow in the exit area. The dining area omg filthy & tight inside. There was no Pepsi & people didn't find out until it was to late so the bottom area when you can dump the soda & ice was full to the max where ice was spilling . Choice of snacks was good & prices.

Negative experience: The exert below is boasted on the Indianapolis Zoo’s website but ironically what you will really find are chimpanzees living in a hot concrete and metal enclosure …looks more like a concrete jungle than their natural habitat! It’s sad :( Indianapolis are you really their super heroes?! You can do better! “Chimpanzees are endangered and need our help to survive and thrive in the wild. The Zoo supports the Goualougo Triangle Ape Project, which helps protect chimpanzees and their habitat. The metal and mining industry has caused forest habitat to shrink as trees are cut down. You can help protect the forests where chimpanzees live by recycling your cellphone or other electronics, to reduce the need for more mining. Be a Sustainability Superhero for wildlife!”

Fantastic experience: What an exciting experience I had being able to touch a kangaroo, shark as well as a stingray! The butterfly exhibit was so beautiful! The zoo is extremely clean, plenty of clean exhibits, animals look very healthy and taken care of.

Fantastic experience: There is a lot to like about this zoo, so I'll keep it relatively short. First, it's one of the only locations in the US with walruses, and that was our sole purpose for coming here. It didn't disappoint. Both animals were out, and they had a very good overlook to view them. They also have an underwater viewing area, but the glass was kind of scummy on our visit. Second, this zoo has better big cat enclosures than most zoos I've been to. You get up close and personal with all of them. I do have to say that for a paid zoo, it's not that large, but if you are in the area or want to see walruses, I recommend that you visit here.

Fantastic experience: Awesome zoo, and you can tell the keepers love their jobs and the animals! We arrived as soon as they opened, and had pre-purchased our tickets and parking pass so it was a quick entry with no wait time. The zoo is very clean, and forward thinking for recycling and such. It is March, so it's still chilly out, so some of the animals were not on exhibit for their health and safety. This is fantastic too because that just continues to show they do care about the animals in their care. The whole zoo, with a few animals not on exhibit, took us roughly 3 to complete. I'd say it'd have been closer to 4 if all animals were out. Either way it makes for a wonderful day out, and still leaves you time if you want to go to a sit down restaurant or something like that. I included a couple snaps of a few of the animals we got to see! The area is very accessible and terrain was easy to navigate. Most areas have a designated entry and exit point so you don't have to worry about getting too crowded and backlogged not knowing which way to go. We will definitely come back as they are adding a giant tortoise in May! Would definitely recommend a visit if you have kids, or just want to leisurely walk with your significant other.

Positive experience: The zoo was ok Not alot of animals due the cold weather Pretty much all the food courts were closed

Fantastic experience: Amazing experience Dolphin show was really breathtaking It was a great opportunity to interact with other species Chat with chimpanzee and other animals like penguins was really informative and I would love to visit it again and again The way they treat animals with so much care and love is really soothing to eye Due to extreme winter we could visit only indoor places though Still it was worth taking a trip to

Fantastic experience: We visited in the winter on a super cold day. The admission was free but donations were welcomed. The walrus were a delight and the tigers were the most engaged I've ever seen. Don't count out a great zoo during winter.

Fantastic experience: Very nice and organized zoo. Everything was clean and organized throughout the park. The kid friendly rides were lots of fun and the dolphin exhibit was excellent.

Negative experience: I’ve gone twice last year, once with my class and another for Christmas at the zoo. The trip I took with my class was fine, zoo did feel small and the price for everything was crazy though. When we went for Christmas at the zoo we got in for free but I wouldn’t say it was worth the trip, sure the lights were pretty but the only thing that I liked was the dolphin show which you can see any day, there was a huge line just for a tunnel of lights and the mirror maze was so short and easy to go through because of the finger prints on the mirrors, we didn’t even spend a dime in there because most of the things cost money to do. Makes it harder to see all the animals when they close down half the park.

Fantastic experience: The best zoo I've been to and many of the animals were not around due to the child weather. Christmas at the Zoo is an event worth taking a special trip for.

Fantastic experience: Went for their Christmas Zoo Event. Beautiful lights up and attractions in the middle to interact with. Dogs of different breeds as well. We went 30mins in after they opened highly recommend. Once it gets darker around 5ish is when you can really enjoy the outdoor decoration.

Fantastic experience: My granddaughter & I went to CHRISTMAS AT THE ZOO. We loved it! Plenty of warming stations you could stop at to get warm. Best time is after it gets dark. All of the lights were beautiful. Entire place was lit up with all kinds of different shapes, colors & arrangements of lights. Very nice, so pretty & fun.

Fantastic experience: We visited the zoo for a bathing an elephant experience. I can tell you that the experience was amazing. The staff were great, the elephant was so interesting to see up close and personal and touch.

Fantastic experience: We went to Christmas at the Zoo. The waffle cakes, lights and Santa were fun! The staff was fantastic, courteous and thanked us for being there. The staff also gave great info on the animals. The orangutans were too cute.

Fantastic experience: This was a really cool zoo with some really well-built exhibits for their animals. We have passes to the Cincinnati Zoo and we're able to take advantage of the reciprocating membership and recieved 50% off admission. The animals were pretty active at the time we went, which was in late October and feeding the birds were definitely my favorite part of this trip!

Fantastic experience: It was a beautiful day at the zoo. They have a very nice conservatory/garden at the entrance you can opt to go through. Pretty expansive grounds. My only negative is it's a little steep in the admission range for zoos, especially for the Midwest. I have no idea how they are financed outside of admission but I do find it interesting that one zoo can be $4 and one can be $30+. Huge lot but you still pay $10 additional for parking. Indianapolis Zoo stands out for its primate habitats, specifically chimpanzee and orangutan. While I'm not into primates much when I visit a zoo, except gorillas, lemurs and tamarins, I was impressed with these two complexes. That said, I spent most of my time in the Africa Plains with Jabari and his mom and aunties. If you got elephants, I'm there. Aside from the matriarchal group, I enjoyed watching Kedar and hearing the fate of his swivel log. One powerful dude! I enjoyed the variety of creative habitats and interactions with staff. Very engaging. Nice dolphin presentation and elephant training demonstration. I purchased the access band and rode the little coaster, the train and the Sky Line. Reasonable extra charge. If I lived in Indy, I'd be a member but probably won't make the drive over for another visit.

Fantastic experience: I recently visited the Indianapolis Zoo and had an amazing time! This world-class zoo is a must-visit destination for animal lovers and families. Variety of Animals: The zoo is home to over 2,000 animals from around the world, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and monkeys. The exhibits are naturalistic and well-designed, providing a comfortable and stimulating environment for the animals. Highlights: - Variety of animals from around the world - Strong focus on conservation and education Tips: - Plan your visit according to animal feedings and encounters - Wear comfortable shoes for a fun-filled day - Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the gardens - Support the zoo's conservation efforts by becoming a member or donor The Indianapolis Zoo is a world-class destination that's fun for all ages. I'll be back soon!

Negative experience: Doesn't do 50% off aza reciprocal which sucks. Prices are insane 90+ dollars for admission on 2 adults and a child. 40+ dollars for two tshirts. Dolphins are cool and the elephant herd is large but I do not recommend visiting. Prices are just insane and they attempt to nickel and dime you at every opportunity.

Positive experience: Went with our first graders field trip class. First time there since we moved to indy. Only 4 stars cause it's not as big as other zoos in bigger cities. Otherwise they have great habitats for the animals. The chimpanzees have a walkway to go through the whole zoo which is pretty cool. They have an open water exhubit to touch stingrays and small sharks and another place to pet small kangaroos. Pics are of MY son

Fantastic experience: This visit to the zoo was absolutely a treat for us since the animals were all out where you could see them and had no closed exhibits. There was an abundance of staff throughout the zoo to ask questions of and also had several exhibits where you could pet animals such as the kangaroos, stingrays, and even walk through an aviary.

Fantastic experience: The zoo was great. It is Kid and infant friendly and a great place for day dates or just a family outing. You can purchase your tickets online(for your convenience) or at the zoo. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

Fantastic experience: It's been over 40 years since I've been to the Indianapolis zoo. It was great. The grounds were beautiful. The animals looked well cared for and happy!