The St. Louis Zoo is one of our favorite destinations. It was voted as best zoo and USA Today's #1 free attraction in the US. The giant flight cage, housing birds was built for the 1904 World's Fair and it became an official zoo in 1910.
There are several exquisite examples of architecture from the time including the Herpetarium, built in 1927 and the Primate House, built in 1925. We're lucky to live in the area and be able to go to the zoo as often as we like.
Whether you're a St. Louisan or visitor, here are our tips to save money while visiting the zoo.
Get there early! My number one tip is to arrive early. The zoo opens at 8am and is busy as soon as the doors open. During the first hour that the zoo is open (8am to 9am) visitors get free admission to the Children's Zoo, ride the Conservation Carousel and pet and feed the Stingrays at Caribbean Cove (seasonal). The Children's Zoo, Carousel and Stingrays cost $11 per person so this is a great way to really save on your zoo visit.
The Children's zoo includes a goat pen where kids can brush and pet the goats, an area to view jellyfish, Tasmanian devils, pet the guinea pigs and see farm animals up close. There are several very fun hands-on activities for kids such as a tube slide through water where river otters swim and a little farm style play house area.
The Stingrays at Caribbean Cove is an exhibit to not be missed. Kids can put their hands in the water with stingrays and small, gentle bamboo sharks. Feel the soft, slippery animals as they swim by. During feeding times, the rays will happily grab a treat from the palm of your hand for $1 per cup!
Park for Free Another benefit of arriving to the zoo early is free parking available along the streets of Forest Park. These parking spots fill up very quickly but the early bird gets the worm! We arrived at 8am the last time we visited the zoo and were able to get a free parking spot on the street at the North entrance that was closer than the paid spots. Paid Parking in the lots is $15 per car
Get the Adventure Pass If you want to take in all of the zoo's activities, consider an Adventure Pass. If you buy your pass online you can save $1 per pass and get them for $11.95 per person. The pass includes admission to the Children's Zoo, the carousel, stingrays, 4D theater, sealion show and the zooline railroad, which has all day on and off privileges so you can ride around the zoo as much as you like. All of the attractions would be $28 per person without the pass so it's a great deal!
Pack a Picnic The zoo now has designated picnic spots inside the zoo grounds. Buying food at the zoo can be pretty expensive so this is a great way to cut back on spending for the day. The zoo allows coolers, picnic baskets, wagons and strollers. Please remember to clean up everything from your picnic (trash and recycling cans are all over the zoo) and do not feed the animals, even those brave geese and birds for the safety of all of the animals at the zoo.
grab affordable lunch outside of the zoo If a picnic isn't practical for your trip to the zoo (or if you get rained out) there are many affordable places to eat nearby that everyone will enjoy. Check out The Courtesy Diner on Hampton Ave for friendly service, quick burgers and a fun retro diner experience.
Ikea is only 10 minutes from the zoo and serves $1 frozen yogurt, pizza by the slice and $2.50 hot dog combos in the Bistro. Upstairs in the restaurant, try salads, wraps, chicken strips and swedish meatballs. Kids eat free at Ikea on Tuesdays and regular kids meals start at $2.49.
If you want to try a St. Louis specialty, stop at the Imo's on Hampton Ave for authentic St. Louis style thin crust pizza and toasted ravioli.
The zoo is an extraordinary destination that your family will remember for years. You can visit year round. During the Halloween season, check out the Boo at the Zoo event. There is plenty to see in winter as well.
Christmas lights, penguins, polar bears and seasonal holiday movies at the 4D theater make a wonderful winter vacation experience. We took the kids to the zoo on Black Friday last year and it was warm, uncrowded and we had a fantastic afternoon!
