Wondering what to do this weekend? Here's your guide to the Indianapolis Zoo
The Indianapolis Zoo, located in White River State Park near downtown, is home to over 3,000 animals and hosts a variety of activities to keep the whole family entertained.
Here's what you need to know before visiting the Indianapolis Zoo.
Where is the Indianapolis Zoo?
The Indianapolis Zoo is at 1200 W. Washington St. in White River State Park.
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Indianapolis Zoo map
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What are the zoo's hours?
The Indianapolis Zoo is open seven days a week.
In the spring the zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until May 26.
In May the zoo will extend its hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
In September the zoo again shortens its hours through the colder winter and fall months. The zoo will be open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday during those months
The zoo does stay open for longer hours during special events.
How much are zoo tickets?
Tickets prices at the Indianapolis Zoo differ from day to day. Adult tickets range from $15.75 to $25.75 with discounted tickets for seniors. Children's tickets range from $11.75 to $21.75 but children under the age of 2 are free.
You can purchase Indianapolis Zoo tickets in advanced online.
Tickets are also discounted though zoo memberships, which can be purchased online at indianapoliszoo.com/memberships. There are several different membership options starting at $170 for one adult member and one guest.
Do you have to pay for parking at the Indianapolis Zoo?
Guests must pay for parking unless they are a member of the Indianapolis Zoo. Parking costs $8 for most autos, but is $16 for larger vehicles, like campers.
Guests can purchase parking passes in advanced online or pay for parking when arriving at the zoo.
Can you bring food into the Indianapolis Zoo?
While guests cannot bring coolers into the Indianapolis zoo, reusable containers for beverages and small snacks are permitted. There are water refilling stations throughout the park for guests to stay hydrated as the warmer seasons approach.
What can you do at the Indianapolis zoo?
The Indianapolis Zoo is home to many animals, guests can explore animals from all different kinds of habitats. The zoo has 5 biomes: the desert, flights of fancy, the forests, the oceans and the plains.
Spend the day exploring the biomes, catching many different interactive animal shows and having up close and personal experiences with animals.
You can swim with dolphins
Guests can book an interactive dolphin experience. The Indianapolis Zoo is the only place in the Midwest where guests can get in the water with dolphins. Guests can book this interaction in advance of visiting the zoo for an additional cost.
Are there any upcoming special events happening at the zoo?
Throughout the year the zoo holds special events.
During the winter holidays guests can enjoy Christmas at the Zoo from November through December. Every year the zoo hosts its annual Zoo Boo during the fall to celebrate Halloween.
Adults can enjoy their own "Brewfari", an adults only night at the zoo during October. Kids can also sign up for Zoo Camp throughout breaks from school.
The xZooberance Spring Festival is beginning at the Indianapolis Zoo March 24. Guests can celebrate the start of spring with live-music and fun activities for all.
All entertainment is included with zoo admission.
Alexi Eastes is an intern at the IndyStar. Follow her on Twitter: @alexi_eastes.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis Zoo: Map, tickets and everything to know before you go
