Gene C. Reid Park
4.6(7,522)4.6 out of 5 stars, 7522 reviews Tucson, AZ
About Gene C. Reid Park
Gene C. Reid Park offers a unique combination of a zoo experience and recreational facilities, making it a great destination for families looking for both animal encounters and outdoor play.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Family outings during holidays or weekends.Educational trips for children to learn about animals.Picnics and outdoor gatherings with plenty of space.Toddlers (2-4 years): Enjoy the playground and animal viewing.Preschoolers (4-5 years): Engaged by the train ride and animal interactions.
Why families love it
- Fun train ride around the zoo, particularly enjoyable for young children.
- Multiple playgrounds and ample space for children to run and play.
- Beautiful lake with ducks, turtles, and geese, providing a serene environment for walks.
- Engaging zoo staff who interact with visitors and provide educational insights about the animals.
- Clean restrooms located conveniently near the parking lot.
- Covered picnic areas with grills for family gatherings.
Insider tips
- Bring duck food from PetSmart instead of bread for feeding ducks.
- Arrive early to secure parking and enjoy a quieter experience.
- Plan to spend extra for rides like the merry-go-round and train.
Good to know before you go
- Visiting during peak hours on weekends or holidays when the park is crowded.
- Extra costs for attractions like the merry-go-round and train ride.
- No designated dog park, which may be a concern for pet owners.
- Crowds
- Can get busy on weekends and holidays, especially during special events.
- Value
- Entry to the park is generally free, but expect additional costs for attractions like the merry-go-round and train. The value is high given the combination of zoo and park facilities, but be aware of potential hidden costs for rides.
- Food
- No specific food restrictions mentioned, but bringing your own food is encouraged for picnics.
- Accessibility
- Restrooms are clean and accessible, though specific accommodations for special needs were not mentioned.
- Safety
- Zoo staff actively engage with visitors, enhancing safety and educational experiences.
What parents say
"This was a fun place to take my grandson. Even though we had to pay extra for the merry go round and train, he loved it. The train was fun to ride around the zoo back to the elephants and back to the front of the zoo. All.of the animals were out, and so we had a nice visit. The playground was perfect for my grandson to run around and play."
2 months ago
"Good sized park. Located right next to the Reid zoo. It has a beautiful lake that has multiple ponds around it. A decent amount of play equipment. Lots of seating area and trees. There was a restroom next to the parking lot. Dogs, but no dog park/area."
a month ago
"I love feeding the ducks here (duck food from petsmart, not bread, etc) Very nice place to take a walk, loads of turtles, ducks, geese- “when they start honking better take off walking” 😄. Playgrounds, grills & covered picnic areas. Clean restrooms, plenty of parking & a beautiful area."
3 weeks ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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