About Oregon Zoo
The Oregon Zoo offers a diverse range of animal exhibits, engaging train rides, and a family-friendly environment, making it a great destination for families looking to spend quality time together while learning about wildlife.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Family outings during spring break or weekendsEducational trips for children interested in animalsCasual visits for families looking for a fun day outToddlers to teens (2-16 years) enjoy the variety of animals and interactive experiencesFamilies with young children appreciate the shorter train rides and manageable size of the zoo
Why families love it
- Variety of animals including baby elephants and giraffes
- Fun train ride experience
- Clean park with downloadable maps for easy navigation
- Cashless payment system for convenience
- Overflow parking with shuttle service
- Unique animal exhibits like lampreys and wandering pheasants
Insider tips
- Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking
- Consider using overflow parking at the Sunset transit center
- Purchase train ride tickets online in advance to save time
Good to know before you go
- Visiting during peak hours on weekends when the zoo is packed
- Going on particularly hot days when many animals may be inside
- Some animals may not be visible due to weather conditions
- Long wait times for popular exhibits without prior information
- Limited petting zoo experience
- Crowds
- Zoo gets busy in the afternoon, especially on weekends and holidays
- Value
- General admission prices are reasonable, with cash and card options available. Train ride tickets should be purchased in advance for better value. No specific pricing mentioned, but the experience is considered worth the cost compared to other entertainment options.
- Food
- Multiple food spots available, but no specific rules mentioned about bringing outside food
- Accessibility
- No specific accommodations mentioned, but the zoo is generally accessible for families with strollers
- Safety
- Staff presence noted as helpful and friendly, contributing to a safe environment
What parents say
"Such a fun place to visit. I visited with my son over spring break. We went to all the exhibits that were open. We went early so we have time with less people in the zoo. In the afternoon it got busier, but it wasn't too bad. The zoo is mostly cashless. There are multiple spots to get food. I was sad the polar bears weren't out, but it was probably too warm for them. The train ride was really fun and definitely worth buying the tickets ahead online. The park was pretty clean. The downloadable maps were a nice touch and made it easier to find places. I will definitely make plans to visit again."
3 weeks ago
"Small zoo good for kids. Many of the animals could not be seen since it was hot. Many people waited an hour for the baby elephant but no one bothered to inform them that it would not be coming again. Better signs would help. Overall a good place to visit with family. Some unique specimens such as the lamprey and a pheasant which wanders around us. Parking gets full very early. Better to park at the Sunset transit center and ride the train in"
a month ago
"Spent the day at the Oregon Zoo with our family of six, and it was an amazing experience! We didn’t pre-order tickets, but it wasn’t an issue—they had both a cash ticket booth and a card kiosk. We arrived around 12:30, and even though the available tickets were for 2 PM, we were able to get in right away. The zoo had an incredible variety of animals, including adorable baby elephants, baby giraffes, and cubs! The train ride was fun, though a bit shorter than expected—I usually love when trains loop around the entire park. Still, it was a great experience, and we enjoyed every moment. Huge tha"
a month ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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