A big zoo in Tampa with Distract Packs to borrow (earmuffs or earplugs inside), a quiet space at Lil' Joey's Family Stop, social stories in English and Spanish, and early Day of Discovery mornings with lights and sounds adapted.
Sensory supports. Distract Packs, quiet space, Day of Discovery mornings.
Hours
9:30 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week. Closed for Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 26, 2026) and Christmas Day (Friday, December 25, 2026); Christmas Eve (Thursday, December 24, 2026) 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. Hours may differ on special event days.
Stay close“For your safety, please do not approach, touch, or feed any wildlife, and maintain a safe distance from ponds, waterways, and tall grassy or vegetated areas where animals such as alligators or snakes may be present.”
Distract Packs are at the Tours and Guest Services booth, with limited availability; on a busy day they may all be in use. Personal sensory items are welcome, so your own headphones are a good backup.
A purple wristband comes in the Distract Pack, and individuals with sensory processing differences can also request one at all ride locations and the Tours and Guest Service booth. It gives reduced wait time on mechanical rides during regular operating hours of 9:30 am to 5 pm only.
Noise is not controlled during regular hours. The quiet areas listed below are places some guests have found suitable, not closed rooms.
Social Experience Stories come in English and Spanish, as downloads, laminated printed copies, or on e-readers you can borrow at the Guest Services booth. There are also sensory guides for the mechanical rides and each Signature Encounter on the accessibility page.
Zoo team members may wear different shirts or jackets, but all have a Zoo nametag. Team members are not trained to physically assist guests with disabilities, so bring someone who can help your kid, including on rides.
Distract Packs with child-sized earmuffs or earplugs, to borrow with a photo ID or a $25 refundable deposit (limited).
A quiet space at Lil' Joey's Family Stop, near the entrance of Australia.
Day of Discovery sensory mornings from 8:00 to 9:30 am; dates are on the cards.
Louder, in the zoo's words
The tunnel to Africa (it can be dark, and you may hear loud voices in it)not stated
The mechanical rides: Banana Ride, Aussie Trek, Tasmanian Tiger Coaster, Jungle Carousel and Roaring Springs (each is marked Loud in the zoo's ride sensory guide; Roaring Springs is also marked Wet)not stated
Quieter, in the zoo's words
The quiet space at Lil' Joey's Family Stop, near the entrance of Australiaquiet zone
The Penguin Conservation Center (near the Jungle Carousel)quiet zone
The Lake Sharon area (near ZooVentures Theater)quiet zone
The front entrance, next to the Tours and Guest Services Boothquiet zone
Benches at the Manatee Circle and along Zoo Boulevardquiet zone
One-day admission bought the same day: adults (12 and up) $53.95, children 3 to 11 $43.95. Bought online ahead (not valid for same-day purchase): $50.95 and $40.95. Active duty military and veterans get $4 off per ticket on up to 4 general admission tickets, bought with ID at the front gate ticket windows; seniors get $2 off general admission at the ticket window. The zoo offers no other discounts (including Florida residents, AARP, EBT, AAA, teachers and students). It takes part in AZA reciprocal admission and Tampa Bay CityPASS.
Parking is $10 a day through ParkMobile for all non-members, including in accessible spaces; the $10 fee is for non-members. Accessible spaces are in the lot with ramp access to the main entrance, with a valid Disabled Person parking placard. ADA paratransit uses the main drop-off and pick-up off North Blvd.
Re-entry is allowed with a wristband: ask the attendant at the zoo exit before you leave.
Food: outside food is allowed only as listed. Allowed: one sealed bottled water (20 oz max) per guest, small snacks for young children, baby food or formula, food needed for medical purposes and medically indicated supplements, and soft insulated bags (one per child). ZooTampa gives two sizes for those bags, 8.5 by 6 by 6 inches and 12 by 6 by 6 inches, so the smaller one is safe. Not allowed: prepared or packaged meals, glass or open containers, hard-sided coolers, larger soft coolers, and straws. There is a picnic area outside the park near the main parking lot. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options are available at zoo restaurants on request.
All bags, backpacks and packages are inspected before entry. Costumes and masks are not permitted in the park, and shirts and shoes must be worn.
Rentals at Nature's Kingdom Gift Shop at the front of the park: stroller $16 ($15 for members), manual wheelchair $15, ECV $42, with a refundable $25 credit card hold; first come, first served, no reservations. Your own wheelchair, ECV, stroller or wagon is welcome.
Family/companion restrooms are near Macaw Landing, Safari Africa Plaza and Australia. Every public restroom has a child-size changing table, and there is an adult changing table inside the Australia Women's Restroom.
The Manatee Circle Fountain and Australia splash pads are typically open during regular park hours; the zoo suggests slip-resistant water shoes and a change of clothes. At the splash pad, children under 12 must be supervised by an adult and children who are not potty-trained must wear swim diapers.
The zoo is open rain or shine, with rare exceptions for extreme weather. Rides close for rain or lightning.
American Sign Language interpretation at live shows and Signature Encounters needs at least two weeks' notice to Guest Relations. Questions before your visit: Guest Relations at 813-935-8552 ext. 0 or Guestrelations@ZooTampa.org.
