Zoo Miami is the largest zoo in Florida and one of only a handful of subtropical zoos in the United States — 750 acres housing 2,000+ animals representing 375 species, all in open-range, moat-style enclosures rather than traditional cages. With four miles of walkways spanning African savannas, Asian tropical forests, the Amazon, and Florida’s Mission Everglades, Zoo Miami is a full-day family adventure that ranks among Miami’s top kid-friendly attractions. This guide covers Zoo Miami for 2026 — tickets, exhibits, animals, and how to plan your visit.

Why Zoo Miami Is Special

Zoo Miami sits in a unique geographic position — the only subtropical zoo in the continental U.S. The climate (90°F-80°F year-round, 60% humidity) is similar to native habitats of African savanna and Asian rainforest animals, allowing them to live more naturally than in northern zoos. The zoo pioneered cageless, open-range exhibit design in the 1960s, and the moats-and-meadows approach remains its signature. Most exhibits are large enough that animals genuinely roam — meaning you’ll often need binoculars to spot them, but the animals are healthier and more active than in traditional zoos.

Zoo Miami: The Zones

Africa

The zoo’s signature open-savanna exhibit. Walk through expansive grasslands populated by giraffes, zebras, white rhinos, ostriches, gazelles, and the iconic African elephants. The meerkat exhibit is one of the most popular stops — kids can stand at meerkat eye-level. Don’t miss the Greater One-Horned Rhino Encounter (paid add-on) for an up-close 15-minute interaction.

Asia

Lush, rainforest-style exhibits with tigers, Asian elephants, gibbons, sloth bears, Komodo dragons, and the rare clouded leopard. The Asian aviary houses 85+ bird species in a free-flight environment — colorful parrots, cranes, and tropical species fly freely overhead while visitors walk through. Among the most immersive sections of Zoo Miami.

Amazon & Beyond

The Latin American section. Jaguars, tapirs, anteaters, capybaras, and a tropical bird walk-through aviary. The pedal-boat lake (rent paddleboats shaped like ducks and swans) is a popular kid pause. Shaded jungle trails make this a cooler section during summer afternoons.

Florida: Mission Everglades

The newest major Zoo Miami exhibit. A 14-acre dedicated section showcasing native Florida wildlife — alligators, crocodiles, river otters, bald eagles, panthers, and snakes. The “Lostman’s River Ride” floats visitors through a recreated Everglades waterway. Educational about Everglades restoration efforts and South Florida wildlife conservation.

Zoo Miami: Top Animals to See

African elephants — Zoo Miami has been a national leader in elephant care; the multi-acre exhibit allows herd dynamics.
Asian elephants — Distinct from African; smaller ears, friendlier disposition. Daily training/feeding sessions.
White rhinos — Several individuals; among the most visible animals at the zoo.
Tigers — Sumatran and Amur tigers in lush exhibits.
Komodo dragons — Among the largest reptiles you’ll see in the U.S.
Clouded leopards — Rare cats; usually visible early morning or late afternoon.
Meerkats — Most kids’ favorite. Always entertaining.
Komodo dragons and Galapagos tortoises — Kids’ fascination guaranteed.
Bald eagle in Mission Everglades — Often more visible than wild bald eagles.

Zoo Miami: Tickets & Pricing

Adult (13+): $25.95 + tax
Child (3–12): $21.95 + tax
Children 2 and under: Free
Senior (65+): Discounted (verify current rate)
Military: Discount with valid ID
Group rate (10+): Available with advance booking through ZooSales@miamidade.gov
Annual Membership: Pays back if you visit twice. Includes free parking and special programming.

Buy tickets online at zoomiami.org for date-specific entry and to skip the ticket-window line. Florida sales tax (7%) is added at purchase.

Zoo Miami: Add-On Activities

Greater One-Horned Rhino Encounter — 15-minute up-close interaction. ~$50 per person, advance booking recommended.
Giraffe Feeding — Hand-feed giraffes lettuce. Small additional fee.
Parrot Feeding — Lorikeet aviary; $5 per cup of nectar.
Lostman’s River Ride — Boat-style ride through Everglades exhibit. Included with admission.
Pedal Boats — Rent at Amazon & Beyond water area.
Carousel — Small additional fee.
Monorail — Currently undergoing maintenance/upgrade; check status before visiting.
Splash Zone — Free splash pad for kids during hot months.

Zoo Miami: Practical Information

Address: 12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177
Hours: Daily 10 AM–5 PM (last entry 4 PM)
Distance from Downtown: 35 minutes south via Florida’s Turnpike
Parking: $10 for cars, $20 for RVs/buses
Stroller/Wagon rental: Available at the entrance ($10–$25)
Pedicab/safari cycle: Rentable at the entrance — covered, multi-person, makes the 4-mile walkway tour easier with kids ($25–$45/hour)
Food: Multiple restaurants and snack bars throughout. Outside food allowed in cooler-style picnic areas.
Wheelchair accessibility: All major paths accessible.

Zoo Miami: When to Visit

Best season: November–April. Cooler temperatures (75–80°F) make walking the 4-mile path comfortable. Animals are more active, less heat-fatigued.
Avoid: July–September afternoons. The 92°F+ temps + humidity + sun exposure are difficult with kids. If you must visit summer, do early-morning (10 AM open–1 PM) and break for hotel pool afterward.
Best day: Weekdays. Saturdays in peak season can have 30+ minute parking and crowded pathways.
Best time of day: 10 AM–1 PM. Animals are most active in cooler morning hours.

Zoo Miami: Tips for Visitors

1. Plan 4–6 hours minimum. The 4-mile loop with stops takes longer than visitors estimate. Bring water, snacks, and sunscreen.

2. Rent a covered safari cycle. Game-changer for families with kids 4+. The covered design provides shade; the four-pedal design lets kids “drive.”

3. Wear comfortable shoes. The walking is significant.

4. Bring sunscreen and water. Most paths are partially shaded but exposure is real.

5. Visit Mission Everglades first. The newest exhibit; midday crowds are thinner here. Save the popular Africa zone for later.

6. Combine with the adjacent Cauley Square / Knaus Berry Farm. The Knaus Berry Farm cinnamon rolls (October–April) and antiques in Cauley Square make a perfect pre-zoo morning or post-zoo afternoon.

Zoo Miami: Sample Itinerary

9:30 AM: Arrive, park, rent safari cycle.
10:00 AM: Mission Everglades exhibit (45 min).
10:45 AM: Asia exhibits — tigers, gibbons, free-flight aviary (90 min).
12:15 PM: Lunch at one of the on-property restaurants.
1:00 PM: Africa savanna — giraffes, elephants, meerkats, rhinos (90 min).
2:30 PM: Amazon & Beyond — jaguars, pedal boats (45 min).
3:15 PM: Splash Zone for kids, ice cream break.
4:00 PM: Final exhibits and exit.

Plan Your Family Miami Trip

For more, browse our complete Miami Family Vacation Guide, plus deep dives on things to do in Miami with kids, Miami Seaquarium, Miami Children’s Museum, Jungle Island, and family beaches in Miami.

For the most up-to-date hours, ticket prices, and special events, visit zoomiami.org.