The Indianapolis Zoo, which sits downtown in White River State Park, is home to more than 1,600 animals and 23,000 plant species. The 64-acre zoo, botanical garden, and aquarium offer plenty of places for you to see while visiting with your family. Find out why the Indianapolis Zoo is a favorite among the more than one million annual visitors.
Burn Off Some Energy
The Indianapolis Zoo has several spots where your little ones can burn off some energy. The zoo’s playground has play structures and climbing areas, while its tree house and play area have oversized equipment geared toward smaller children. Both areas are accessible for children with disabilities.
Check Out the Animal Chat
If you’re interested in learning more about specific animals, stop at one of the daily animal chats and presentations. Included with the price of admission, these chats and educational training demonstrations occur throughout the zoo. The knowledgeable zookeepers talk with you about the animals, so be sure to ask for a schedule at the front gate as all chats vary depending upon the season.
Discover the Animals
The Indianapolis Zoo is divided into five biomes to help you navigate through the sprawling acreage. Visit the Oceans to see penguins, sharks, and other marine life. You also have a chance to have a personal encounter with dogfish sharks at the nation’s largest shark touch pool. Stop at the Deserts to see lizards sunning on rocks and the dynamic new snake exhibit. The Plains features lions, zebras, elephants, and rhinos, while the Forest is home to tigers and bears.
The animals at the zoo are typically more active during moderate temperatures, such as spring and fall. If you plan to go to the zoo during warmer months, animals should be active, but you should visit in the morning when temperatures are cooler.
Gaze Upon the Butterflies
The Butterfly Kaleidoscope at the Hilbert Conservatory is a perfect spot to watch more than 40 species of butterflies and moths freely float around you. You can also witness metamorphosis happening every day as well as newly hatched butterflies taking flight. This exhibit runs from March through early September. The price for this exhibit is included with zoo admission.
Visit the Dolphins
One of the most popular areas of the Indianapolis Zoo is the daily dolphin presentations. The price for the dolphin show is included with the cost of regular admission, but keep in mind that seating is limited in the St. Vincent Dolphin Pavilion. Make sure to pick up your free dolphin passes once you arrive. Also, if you sit in the Splash Zone, you most likely will get wet, so put away your camera and cell phone before the show begins.
When visiting the Indianapolis Zoo, know that admission fluctuates depending upon the day. Typically, admission is $10 for adults with children between the ages of 2 and 12 costing $8. Parking is $8 per vehicle all year for non-members. In addition, hours changed based upon the season, but the zoo is usually open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. until at least 4 p.m. The summer features extended hours.
Image via Pixabay
Connect with us
