The free zoo in Forest Park, with Quiet Areas and free sensory backpacks marked on the zoo's own map, a security scan at both entrances, and a Wild Lights Sensory-Friendly Night this holiday season.
Sensory supports. Quiet areas, free sensory backpacks, a sensory night.
Hours
Through Dec 31 2026: 9 am to 4 pm daily, except holidays; last entry 15 minutes before closing. Thanksgiving (Nov 26 2026) 9 am to 2 pm; Christmas Eve 9 am to 2 pm; Christmas Day closed; New Year's Eve 9 am to 3 pm; New Year's Day 2027 closed. For 2027 hours, call (314) 781-0900 closer to your visit. On Wild Lights nights (select nights, Nov 27 to Dec 30 2026) the zoo closes to the public at 4 pm and reopens at 5 pm for ticket holders, 5 to 8:30 pm, last entry 8 pm.
1 Government Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110 (Forest Park; North and South Entrances)
“Sensory-Friendly Night is for neurodivergent guests with sensory sensitivities.”
“This special night will mirror the traditional Wild Lights experience, but also includes sensory maps, quiet areas and trained Zoo staff to assist individuals with sensory sensitivities.”
“Passes are offered to guests requiring accommodations to access attractions, and those guests can forgo a continuous wait in line.” stlzoo.org (Equal Access Pass)
“Any Zoo employee would be happy to help you; however, there is a Guest Relations desk located in the center of the Zoo across from Lakeside Cafe.”
The zoo's digital map (map.stlzoo.org) lists the Quiet Areas as part of its KultureCity Sensory Inclusive certification, and marks Sensory Bag Checkout points at the South Entrance, the North Entrance Welcome Desk and in Lakeside Crossing. The backpacks hold noise-canceling headphones, sensory tools, a feeling thermometer and more. The same map marks Sensory Awareness Zones, including the 4D Theater, the Conservation Carousel, the Zooline Railroad stations, the Giraffe Habitat, the Bird House and Garden, and the North Entrance.
Equal Access Passes are for guests who need accommodations to use the attractions. The zoo lists them for the Zooline Railroad, Stingrays at Caribbean Cove and the 4D Theater, and in one of its listings also for the indoor building at Penguin & Puffin Coast.
For anything that would make a program or facility more accessible, the zoo asks you to let it know, preferably 24 hours ahead: (314) 781-0900. Any zoo employee can help on the day, and Guest Relations sits in the center of the zoo across from Lakeside Cafe.
4D Theater (films with sensory 4D effects)not stated
Quieter, in the zoo's words
Quiet Area near Ray's Snack Shack, Lakeside Crossingquiet zone
Quiet Area at the Meadow on Historic Hillquiet zone
More Quiet Areas on the zoo map in Red Rocks, The Wild, Lakeside Crossing, River's Edge and Historic Hillquiet zone
Parking: $20 per car for non-members, paid by phone with the QR code on your entry ticket or at a kiosk in the lot (cashless). Explorer, Navigator and Protector members park for $5; Champion, Benefactor and Marlin Perkins Society members park free. Lots fill first come, first served. Vehicles over 24 feet are not allowed on the zoo lots. Limited street parking is available in Forest Park, and street parking is free. Accessible spaces are in the North and South Lots and on Government Drive, first come, first served. MetroBus #90 Hampton stops a short walk from the North Entrance.
Money: the zoo is cashless. Cash-to-card kiosks turn cash into a prepaid Mastercard at no fee. Paid attractions (4D Theater, Conservation Carousel, Zooline Railroad and others) are included in the one-day Adventure Pass, sold at both entrances and at attraction locations. Members of reciprocal AZA zoos and aquariums can get 50% off up to four full-price Adventure Passes, in person at the Welcome Desks. Tickets and wristbands are nonrefundable.
Rules: you may bring strollers, small wagons, picnic baskets, coolers, food and drinks; glass bottles and outside alcohol are not allowed. Children under 14 must be with an adult at all times. Not allowed: tobacco and e-cigarettes, drugs, weapons, pets (service animals are welcome, except in the Bird House and the 1904 Flight Cage, and must check in at a Welcome Desk; comfort and emotional support dogs are not allowed), feeding the animals, entering non-public areas, running on the pathways, balloons, bicycles (racks at the entrances), Segways, hoverboards, skates, skateboards, scooters, loud radios, lasers, drones, props, and costumes for guests 14 and older.
Rentals at the North and South Entrances, first come, first served, no reservations: single stroller $12, double $14, infant stroller $13 (for infants up to 25 pounds), wheelchair $11, electric convenience vehicle $38 or $48 with canopy (18 and older, government ID). Scooter Pals ride-on scooters rent at the North Entrance for $0.40 a minute plus a one-time $6 fee (operator over 18; not a mobility device). Lockers at both entrances cost $8 to $10, including a $5 deposit you get back when you return the key the same day.
First aid and care: the St. Louis Children's Hospital First Aid Station is in The Wild near the Conservation Carousel, with an adult-sized changing table and a lactation room. A second lactation room is in the lower rotunda of The Living World. Family restrooms are in The Living World, at the South Entrance, at the First Aid Station and across from River Camp Cafe. Lost and Found is in Security at the South Entrance, (314) 646-4527 during zoo hours.
Wild Lights, select nights Nov 27 to Dec 30 2026, 5 to 8:30 pm (last entry 8 pm): $19 general admission, $16 members, free for children 0 to 23 months, plus a $1.00 online convenience fee per transaction; parking on both zoo lots is free as available. There is no timed entry. Daytime guests who want to stay must leave at 4 pm and have their Wild Lights tickets scanned to come back in from 5 pm. Santa visits every night through Dec 23 (last entry 8:15 pm). Questions: (314) 646-4797, option 2, 9 am to 5 pm daily, or guestrelations@stlzoo.org.
Call
(314) 781-0900Saint Louis Zoo, including accessibility requests(314) 646-4797Wild Lights tickets and questions (option 2)
