April 2024 Update:
General admission tickets and member reservations for May won't be available on the website until May 1st, 2024 as we upgrade our ticketing platform.
To prepare for the Zoo’s upcoming expansion, we’re starting construction on a massive parking garage that upon completion will increase our parking capacity by 62%. Unfortunately, due to the size, we will lose half of our current parking spots for the duration of the construction. In order to provide the best guest experience and prevent overcrowding, we will begin using a reserved entry system on September 12.
TICKET & ENTRY PROCESS CHANGES 🎟
Online, advance tickets are required for both members and non-member guests, as of September 12, 2022. A limited number of tickets are available for each entry time. Every person, including children and infants, needs an admission ticket or member reservation to enter the Zoo.
When you purchase tickets or make a member reservation, you’ll select your date and arrival time. If your first choice is sold out, please choose another time or day to visit.
Based on the time you select, you’ll have a one-hour window to enter the Zoo. If you arrive a few minutes early, it’s okay - your tickets will scan up to 15 minutes before. (For example, if your ticket is for 10:15 am, you can enter from 10:00 to 11:15 am)
- Note: Members are not able to present their membership cards for entry. Members should make a reservation online and present the barcode(s) associated with their reservation to gain access to the Zoo.
When you arrive at the Zoo, you’ll present your tickets or reservation barcode to be scanned at Entry Village. Once you’re inside, you are welcome to stay in the Zoo until closing time.
Due to the limited capacity of each time slot, walk-up ticket sales are not recommended or guaranteed. However, we recognize that some folks will still need to purchase tickets in-person due to the nature of some discount programs and access issues.
These groups of people do not need advance reservations and can still purchase admission at the Zoo’s ticket booth:
- Guests redeeming discounts that require verification or do not have a discount code, including reciprocal zoo members and military members
- Guests without access to the internet or a credit/debit card
- Guests with complimentary admission or “Good Any Day” tickets (These can be used any day before their expiration, just present them at the entrance to be scanned)
If you need to change your entry time or cancel your tickets/reservation, fill out our contact form here.
After-hours special events also require event tickets to be purchased in advance during the construction period, including Boo at the Zoo and Zoolumination.
PARKING LOT CHANGES & GARAGE CONSTRUCTION 🦺
The construction of the new garage will have a huge impact on our current parking lot, with construction lasting until at least spring 2024. By managing the number of tickets sold per time slot, the effects on the guest experience should be minimal. All guests should still be able to park onsite and enjoy the Zoo!
The new two-floor garage will be located in the northern half of our existing parking lot. The construction zone will extend into other areas and will impact how guests enter the parking lot from Nolensville Pike. Be sure to drive slowly and look for signage indicating the new traffic flow. As we move into Spring 2023, an additional parking area and shuttles will be used to increase guest capacity. Expect traffic patterns and parking solutions to change as new solutions are rolled out. We’ll be sure to announce those changes as they occur.
Once complete, the two-floor garage will feature covered parking on the first floor and open parking on the second floor. A landscaped walkway and ramp will bring guests directly from the garage to the Zoo’s Entry Village. The added space will have a huge impact on how many guests the Zoo is able to comfortably accommodate as we grow wild into the future! Learn more about future habitats and expansion plans, including Komodo dragons and leopards in the near future.
