Zoo/Aquarium

Indianapolis Zoo

A nonprofit zoo in Indianapolis, founded in 1964, where a carousel, a train ride and dolphin presentations sit alongside the animals.

Typical visit
Ages
Booking
Stroller hire
Strollers and wagons are rented at the Visitor Services Center, first come, first served; a double stroller costs $12.75.
Diaper changing
Every restroom has a diaper-changing table.
Nursing
Two Mamava lactation pods: one inside the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center, one on the lower level of the Dolphin Pavilion.
Family restroom
The family restroom is on the outside of the Café on the Commons building, near Deserts.
Bad weather
In dangerous weather, many of the zoo's buildings are designated shelter areas.
First aid
Go to the Visitor Services Center by the front gate or the First Aid Station near the Carousel, or ask any staff member.
Parking
First come, first served: free for members, $10 for nonmembers and $20 for RVs and campers on normal days, with higher rates on special event days.
Sensory needs
Free sensory bags with noise-reduction headphones can be borrowed at the Visitor Services Center or the Carousel ticket booth.
OUR FAMILY ASSESSMENT

Family Intelligence

Indianapolis Zoo was founded in 1964 and is run as a nonprofit. Opening hours shift with the season and the day of the week, and from late November into early January the zoo opens in the afternoon rather than the morning, although the schedule does not say which year it covers. Café on the Commons, in the heart of the zoo, is open year-round during regular zoo hours and has indoor and outdoor seating; the Crossing Café next to Kangaroo Crossing serves hot dogs, chicken tenders and nachos, though menus can change. Around the grounds, signs and the map mark Quiet Zones, Smell Zones and Headphone Zones, the last being the loud spots. The catch comes on busy days, when you may be directed to the South Lot on Harding Street and ride a shuttle from there.

Family FAQ

Can you bring a stroller to Indianapolis Zoo?

Strollers and wagons are rented at the Visitor Services Center, first come, first served; a double stroller costs $12.75.

Is there baby changing at Indianapolis Zoo?

Every restroom has a diaper-changing table.

Where are the toilets at Indianapolis Zoo?

The family restroom is on the outside of the Café on the Commons building, near Deserts.

Is there parking at Indianapolis Zoo?

First come, first served: free for members, $10 for nonmembers and $20 for RVs and campers on normal days, with higher rates on special event days.

Why kids will love it

Children get rides as well as animals: the Carousel and the White River Junction Train, plus Dolphin Presentations in the Dolphin Pavilion. Weighted lap pads are free to borrow at both the dolphin show and the train.

Plan your visit

Also compare: Indianapolis Zoo tickets on Tiqets (affiliate link)

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