The Saint Louis Zoo was founded in 1904 and opens daily year-round, though hours may vary, closing only on New Year’s Day and Christmas Day. There is no booking to plan around, and families may bring picnic baskets, coolers, food and drinks; glass bottles and alcohol stay at home. If you would rather buy lunch, cafes and snack stands are spread across the grounds, and Café Kudu has an allergy-friendly menu.
All bags, strollers, wagons and backpacks are subject to search at the entrances, where lockers are also available. Family restrooms are in The Living World building, at the South Entrance, at the First Aid Station and across from River Camp Cafe. By public transport, MetroBus route #90 Hampton stops a short walk from the North Entrance, and riders on MetroLink can change to the same bus at Forest Park-DeBaliviere.
All major facilities and most restrooms are wheelchair accessible, wheelchairs can be rented, and the zoo holds Sensory Inclusive certification through KultureCity. Free Equal Access Passes, from Guest Relations, Rentals and the Welcome Desks, cover attractions such as the Zooline Railroad, the Stingrays at Caribbean Cove and the 4D Theater.
The catch with free entry is that it covers the zoo, not everything in it: several attractions inside are paid separately, and the Adventure Pass exists to bundle a number of them into one day.
Family FAQ
How much does Saint Louis Zoo cost?
Entrance to the zoo is free for everyone.
Do you need to book Saint Louis Zoo in advance?
No tickets or reservations are needed to visit the zoo.
Can you bring a stroller to Saint Louis Zoo?
Single, double and infant strollers can be rented on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can you bring your own food to Saint Louis Zoo?
Picnic baskets, coolers, food and drinks are allowed; glass bottles and alcohol are not.
Is there parking at Saint Louis Zoo?
Zoo lots cost non-members $20 per car from Feb. 27, 2026, paid cashless by mobile; street parking in Forest Park is free but limited.
