Little Rock Zoo — Attraction in Little Rock

We visited Little Rock Zoo on a Saturday morning and had a lovely experience! There was no queue at the ticket counter, and the zoo wasn't crowded, making for a relaxed and enjoyable visit. The zoo is open most days from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Celebrating its 100th anniversary, the zoo is going through some renovations, but all animal enclosures remained open to visitors. The zoo boasts a diverse collection of about 55 animal species from around the world, and the layout is well-maintained with water dispensers and restrooms spaced out along the walking paths.

🎟️ Entry & Rentals

Parking: There's ample parking right across the entrance.

Ticket Prices: Around $13 for adults and $10 for children under 12.

Rental Options: You can rent strollers, wheelchairs, and electric scooters at the entrance—great for families and elderly visitors.

🍴 Lunch at Café Africa

We had lunch at Café Africa, the main eatery inside the zoo. While vegetarian options are limited, the food was fresh and satisfying. The indoor seating provided a nice break from the sun, and service was quick and friendly.

🚂 The Diamond Express Train Ride

We wrapped up our trip with a ride on the Diamond Express, a small train that runs every 30 minutes and lasts about 5 minutes. The ride costs $3 per person. While it's a fun activity for young kids or train enthusiasts, it doesn’t cover much ground, so it's optional if you're short on time or expecting a tour-like experience.

🦁 Tips for Visiting

Arrive early to beat the heat and enjoy a quieter experience.

Plan for 3–4 hours to comfortably explore the entire zoo.

Carry water bottles, though dispensers are available.

Consider skipping the train ride unless you're specifically looking for a short joy ride.

Overall, it was a delightful half-day outing, especially enjoyable for families with kids. With its century-old legacy and engaging animal exhibits, it’s definitely worth a visit when in...

Found ourselves running to Little Rock for a day trip. Top thing to do is go to the zoo, so off we went. Haven't been to a zoo in the better part of 10 years so lots of excitement in the air. It was a Saturday so the parking lot was a bit full but found a spot over by the stadium. The animals were exciting to see but then you look around at the enclosures, although a bit small but decent sized. The walls all had overgrowth that needed power washed and painted. The built in climbing platforms all needed work and maintenance. There were trash bags of what I assume was leaf litter all over the place. A lot of the animals were itching and balding, especially the primates. The gorillas were foraging on non native to them, plant material that can't be good for their nutrition. Most of the enclosures had putrid water in their emptyish water features and trash in most. Didn't see any fresh water for them to drink. Maybe they have it in the kennel cells, but who knows. And the empty enclosures didn't have a sign to tell you it was empty so you spent 5 mins searching for a nonexistent animal. I know it takes a lot to keep and maintain these types of enclosures, but it looks like they've kind of given up. I know it's the end of winter and plants aren't readily available, but substitutions should be made instead of letting them become destructive and feeding on unapproved plant material. It just really sucked the excitement out of going and seeing the animals. Y'all can do better. I hope when we decide to go back, a lot of changes will be made and giving those animals a good life. They all looked so pitiful and their only attention was on the golf carts going around, probably...

I recently visited the zoo and left with serious concerns about the animal enclosures and overall maintenance. Many of the exhibits appeared overgrown and unkempt, which detracted from the viewing experience. More importantly, the enclosures seemed far too small for some of the animals, particularly the sloth bears, who had minimal space to move around. I was especially troubled by the elephants' proximity to their natural predators. The constant sounds of these predators likely contribute to a high-stress environment for these intelligent and sensitive animals. The monkey enclosures also need attention. The lack of shade and overall upkeep was noticeable. Additionally, a strong odor of mildew and urine was present throughout the zoo, impacting the visitor experience. The otter enclosure, with its limited water area, was particularly concerning. I urge the zoo management to prioritize the welfare of their animals by providing more spacious and enriching habitats. Addressing the maintenance issues and unpleasant odors would also significantly improve the visitor experience. Finally, a suggestion for staff: While it's understandable that employees need breaks, instructing them to avoid sitting directly in front of customers would project a more professional image. As the visitor/customer we do not have an issue with employees sitting. There should be no reason for...