Sight guide · St. Louis · United States
Visiting Saint Louis Zoo
One of the few major zoos in the United States with free general admission, the Saint Louis Zoo has more than 10,000 animals in areas such as Penguin and Puffin Coast, Sea Lion Sound with an underwater viewing tunnel and the River's Edge.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Sam valadi, CC BY 2.0
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Quick answer
Saint Louis Zoo is a zoo in Forest Park, St. Louis. Allow 3–4 hours; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Zoo
- Area
- Forest Park
- Time needed
- 3–4 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, kids and nature
- Best months
- April and September–October
About Saint Louis Zoo
One of the few major zoos in the United States with free general admission, the Saint Louis Zoo has more than 10,000 animals in areas such as Penguin and Puffin Coast, Sea Lion Sound with an underwater viewing tunnel and the River's Edge. Some extras, such as the train and carousel, cost a small fee.
Tip: Arrive at opening to find parking and see the animals before the heat, especially in July and August.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 3–4 hours.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Forest Park.
Best time to visit Saint Louis Zoo
Saint Louis Zoo is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- October: 20°C (68°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- September: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- April: 19°C (66°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit St. Louis has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day St. Louis itinerary visits Saint Louis Zoo on day 2, together with Forest Park and Saint Louis Art Museum.
- No. 3 of the 19 sights in our St. Louis things-to-do list.
- Day 2 of the 2-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in St. Louis.
- One of the picks in outdoors in St. Louis.
- A family favourite in St. Louis with kids.
Near Saint Louis Zoo
Also in Forest Park, so you can walk between them:
- Forest Park — full day, free
- Saint Louis Art Museum — 2–3 hours, free
- Missouri History Museum — 1.5–2 hours, free
If you like Saint Louis Zoo
- Laumeier Sculpture Park — Sunset Hills, 1.5–2 hours
- Citygarden — Downtown, 30–45 minutes
Staying near Saint Louis Zoo
Where to stay in St. Louis compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Saint Louis Zoo?
Plan 3–4 hours. With Forest Park nearby, it fits a half-day in Forest Park.
+Is Saint Louis Zoo free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Saint Louis Zoo?
April and September–October for the most comfortable weather. Arrive at opening to find parking and see the animals before the heat, especially in July and August.
+Do I need to book Saint Louis Zoo in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Saint Louis Zoo good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in St. Louis. St.