The publisher received free tickets for the purpose of a review. All thoughts and opinions are the publisher's own.
If you're planning a family trip to Chattanooga, make sure to add Chattanooga Zoo to your must-visit list. We were fortunate to receive tickets for our visit, along with experience passes that allowed us to feed giraffes, ride the Zoo Choo Train, and hop on the indoor carousel—a perfect way to cap off our day, especially with a little rain.
Our adventure began at the brand-new Giraffe Yard. Not only did we meet the resident giraffes up close (feeding them lettuce was a huge hit with my toddler), but we also saw a serval and Cape porcupines—which absolutely fascinated my little one. Inside the giraffe viewing center, there was even giraffe hair to touch as part of an educational pop-up cart, adding a cool hands-on learning moment.
Next stop: the Cape of Africa, where warthogs stole the show among visiting school groups. The Donovan Interpretive Center was another highlight, giving us the chance to see chimpanzees and a graceful African crowned crane.
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One area my toddler couldn’t get enough of was the Himalayan Passage. With four playful red pandas (yes, four!), a gibbon, a snow leopard, alpacas, camels, and a charming petting zoo with goats, this area was magical. We made repeat visits to say hi to the red pandas—her new favorite animals!
Wandering peafowl, a Scottish Highland cow, and a surprise real-life train passing behind the Zoo Choo platform added fun and unexpected moments.
The Walkin’ The Tracks section featured deer and cougars (with an old train car viewing area that kids love), though coyotes were off exhibit during our visit. Over in the Deserts and Forests area, the Komodo dragon and meerkats kept my toddler entertained, and she was fascinated watching the sand cat using scratching posts and lounging in its cozy bed—both sights familiar to her from home. Fennec foxes, rock hyrax, and a sand cat added unique animal sightings you don't see everywhere.
Before leaving, we explored the Corcovado Jungle with macaws, capybaras, spider monkeys, and a jaguar—a fantastic finale to our visit.
What impressed me most about Chattanooga Zoo was its accessibility and thoughtful touches for families. Free Wi-Fi, sensory areas, nursing stations, family bathrooms, and genuinely friendly staff made our experience easy and enjoyable. Even during a busy weekday with field trips underway, the staff ensured every guest felt welcome and cared for.
Good to Know for Parents:
- Admission: Children ages 3 and up need tickets. The zoo is typically open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM (check for special events).
- Food & Snacks: Wild Burger is the zoo's main restaurant, offering burgers, chicken tenders, salads, coffee, and more—with discounts for members. Snack carts like Zoo Bites, Boba Cart, and Red Panda Cart provide easy grab-and-go options throughout the zoo. There are picnic tables outside if you bring your own food too.
- Stroller & Accessibility: Parking is free and easy, with a short walk to the entrance. Paths are stroller and wheelchair-friendly, and while my toddler doesn't love strollers, we saw many families comfortably using them. Benches are scattered throughout the zoo for breaks, and there’s plenty of shade and family restrooms to make your visit stress-free.
- Gift Shop: The gift shop is located at the exit and offers unique souvenirs, including books, shirts, plush animals, and more. We brought home a plush frog that quickly became a new favorite.
- Play Areas: The zoo also has a play area inside, as well as another next door at Warner Park. We didn’t check them out this visit due to rainy weather, but they looked like fun spots for active kids.
- Best Time to Visit: Going early (right at opening) gave us great animal experiences, especially feeding the giraffes and avoiding crowds.
- Bonus Tip: Can't get enough of the animals? You can also watch some of them online via Chattanooga Zoo's webcams—a fun way to keep the excitement going even after your visit. Plus, be sure to check their website before visiting for daily schedules, keeper chats, and feeding times!
In total, we spent about 2.5 hours exploring, which felt just right for our toddler's attention span. From exciting animal encounters to caring staff and toddler-approved amenities, Chattanooga Zoo offers a fantastic day out for families.
If your family loves animals, interactive experiences, and making special memories, Chattanooga Zoo is definitely worth a visit—we can’t wait to go back as our little one grows!
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