Sight guide · Memphis · United States
Visiting Memphis Zoo
Behind an Egyptian-style gateway in Overton Park, the zoo has themed areas such as Teton Trek with grizzly bears and the Zambezi River Hippo Camp, along with big cats and an aquarium.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Memphis Zoo is a zoo in Midtown and Overton Square, Memphis. Allow 3–4 hours; it is mid-priced. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Zoo
- Area
- Midtown and Overton Square
- Time needed
- 3–4 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- kids, nature and outdoors
- Best months
- April and September–October
About Memphis Zoo
Behind an Egyptian-style gateway in Overton Park, the zoo has themed areas such as Teton Trek with grizzly bears and the Zambezi River Hippo Camp, along with big cats and an aquarium. It is one of the city's main family attractions.
Tip: Arrive at opening in summer to see the animals before the midday heat, and pack water.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 3–4 hours.
- Cost: Mid-priced.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Midtown and Overton Square, theatres, restaurants and the green space of Overton Park.
Best time to visit Memphis Zoo
Memphis Zoo is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- October: 24°C (75°F) highs, about 7 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- April: 23°C (73°F) highs, about 10 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- September: 30°C (86°F) highs, about 7 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Memphis has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Memphis Zoo is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen Graceland and National Civil Rights Museum.
- No. 11 of the 18 sights in our Memphis things-to-do list.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Memphis.
- A family favourite in Memphis with kids.
Near Memphis Zoo
Also in Midtown and Overton Square, so you can walk between them:
- Overton Park and the Levitt Shell — 2 hours, free
If you like Memphis Zoo
- Tom Lee Park — Riverfront, 1 hour
- Shelby Farms Park — East Memphis, 2–4 hours
- Memphis Botanic Garden — East Memphis, 2 hours
Staying near Memphis Zoo
Stay in Midtown and Overton Square ($$) to walk here: theatres, restaurants and the green space of Overton Park. All areas to stay in Memphis.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Memphis Zoo?
Plan 3–4 hours. With Overton Park and the Levitt Shell nearby, it fits a half-day in Midtown and Overton Square.
+Is Memphis Zoo free?
No, it is mid-priced. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Memphis Zoo?
April and September–October for the most comfortable weather. Arrive at opening in summer to see the animals before the midday heat, and pack water.
+Do I need to book Memphis Zoo in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Memphis Zoo good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Memphis. Memphis is good for families who like music and the outdoors, with the zoo, the Peabody Ducks, Tom Lee Park's playgrounds, Shelby Farms and the Children's Museum.