Planning a Trip to the Sacramento Zoo

Take a trip to the Sacramento Zoo! It’s the perfect day trip for the family. The Sacramento Zoo is located approximately 2 hours from Reno and if you’re not from Northern Nevada, but you’re visiting the area, it’s the perfect stop for family fun.

We are sharing everything you need to know about the Sacramento Zoo and some tips along the way!

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Sacramento Zoo

Just a short 2-hour drive from Reno and an 8 hour trip from Las Vegas. If you are using an online map, please search Land Park Drive & 16th Ave, Sacramento, CA 95822.

Location

3930 W Land Park Dr, Sacramento, CA 95822

The Sacramento Zoo is just south of downtown Sacramento on the corner of Sutterville Road and Land Park Drive, just off the I-5 freeway, inside of William Land Park.

When it comes to parking, there is not a parking lot for the zoo, instead you’ll be using any street parking available, so keep that in mind as it can get busy since there are a few small amusement parks around the area.

Hours

The zoo is open daily from 9:00am – 4:00pm for entry, and closes at 5pm.

Cost

The Sacramento Zoo uses plan ahead pricing.

Plan-ahead pricing gives you the opportunity to plan a zoo visit that matches your budget and schedule.

Ticket prices may change daily. The price you see today will not be lower at the admissions gate. Get the best price for your visit when you reserve your tickets early.

Here are some plan ahead pricing I’ve seen booking 1-14 days out.

General admission: $16.25-$25
Senior admission 65+: $15.50-$24
Children ages 2-11: $12.25-$19
Children ages 0-1: Free

You can also become a member of the Sacramento Zoo and get exclusive invitations to member-only events with your membership. Your membership allows free general admission for a whole year. Learn more about that here.

Animals and Exhibits

The zoo has a wide variety of animals! Animals include chimpanzees, lions, giraffes, flamingos, tortoises, and more! Almost 500 native, rare and endangered animals call the Sacramento Zoo home.

Activities

The Sacramento Zoo has some fun activities for you to enjoy! They also offer a playground for the youngest visitors. Sharing details for some of them below.

Giraffe Encounter

Daily at 10:00am and 2:00pm

Tickets are $5/feed (which is only 2 small pieces of food). Credit cards only are accepted at the giraffe deck. Tickets may be purchased in advance with cash at the Member & Visitor Services office.

Honestly it is kind of expensive, but fun for an up close experience.

Conservation Carousel

Find your favorite animal and get ready to ride! Each of the 32 animals on the Conservation Carousel is carved from wood and painted by hand with incredible detail to create a truly unique piece. Carousel animals include an anteater, flamingo, jaguar, ladybug, dung beetle and many more.

Each ride is $3.

Zoo Train

Who doesn’t love trains? Jump on board the zoo train for a guided tour up Big Cat Row.

Train rides are $4.

Serengeti Cyclone

Step into the wilds of the Serengeti and experience the rush of the wind while your friends watch your hair stand on end!

The cyclone is $3.

This is a tiny simulator – not worth it.

Food & Drink On-Site

Both food and treats are available for purchase at the Kampala Café and the Cones booth inside along with snack stands around the zoo.

You can also pack yourself a picnic to enjoy (we’d recommend!). They have a large grassy area that is the perfect spot for a picnic! Don’t forget to bring water.

Resources and Accommodations

They have some great resources and accommodations available for guests with sensory needs. They offer sensory bags, weighted lap pads, and more. Just head to guest services upon arrival.

They also offer a nursing station and several bathrooms throughout.

I did like that there was a lot of shade, too.

Tips For Your Visit

Here are some tips that helped make our day run smooth for the family.

Protect Yourself From the Heat

If you are headed during a warm (or cold) day, be prepared. Don’t forget sweaters, comfy walking shoes, water, sunscreen, lunch, and snacks!

Here are some of our go-to sunscreens.

Purchase Tickets In Advance

We definitely recommend purchasing tickets in advance, especially with their plan-ahead pricing. The prices go up every day, so don’t wait.

Bring a Stroller

The zoo is stroller and wheelchair accessible. Bring a stroller for young kids, not only is it nice for tired legs but it is also nice to store snacks and water in!

We brought our Mockingbird and Colugo. There aren’t a lot of hills, so it’s really easy to navigate with a stroller. Plus, with the street parking, it’s much better to have them secure.

Wheelchairs and wagons are available for rent outside of the Zoofari Market gift store.

Bring Snacks

I never travel without snacks for the kiddos. They will inevitably get hungry, so we like to pack snacks for them. The majoring of their food options are ultra-processed and really not that good.

Instead, pack your own cooler with sandwiches, fresh fruit, your go-to chips, and some drinks!

If you’re looking for snacks beyond the granola bar click here.