Attraction of the Week: Reid Park Zoo in Tucson

Reid Park Zoo is a small 24 acre non-profit zoo in Tucson. Although quite small, the zoo still houses over 250 animals including several endangered species such as the Gibbon and the Andean Bear. The landscaping is gorgeous, and surprisingly, there is ample shade for a desert environment. Since moving here, I have fortunately been able to find many ways to escape the unrelenting heat.

While it’s best to visit outside of summer, surprisingly a morning visit is not all that bad. That is until temps soar past the 100 degree range on a daily basis – In 2017, the zoo closed early during a rare multi day 110+ heat wave. This is pretty crazy as I’ve never heard of a zoo shutting down due to bad weather. Fortunately, they offer early summer hours which locals can easily take advantage of. As a local, I took full advantage of this early 8am opening. For everyone else, add this little gem to your fall and winter bucket list!

Why this zoo is fantastic

After my first visit, I purchased an annual membership here. For under 100 bucks, we got to enjoy walks here all year, plus other perks like discounts on the gift shop and entry to Safari night. It’s a great value and a walk often takes the place of my regular workout. It’s also a nice alternative to hiking every now and then.

The animals all seem to live within pretty large enclosures which resemble their natural environment. The zoo is very clean and up kept and the animals all seem to be well taken care of. There is always staff around maintaining the facilities. This is one of those zoos where you know it is not all about profit; the staff do seem to care for the animals. Really, it is quite evident that the staff has put effort into maintaining a clean and attractive looking space.

The layout includes 4 different habitats, with a little nature stroll going through each section. It’s impossible to miss any animals due to the trail layout, so you really do not even need a map. It’s very easy to get around and very compact, so you can relax and take your time enjoying each animal as opposed to the normal big city zoo experience of rushing to see everything before the park closes. Most of the animals are always out and about, seemingly enjoying themselves. The lions and bears have been particularly lively on my visits.

How much time do I need?

You can easily walk around twice in just an hour or so, meaning a trip definitely is not your typical all day activity like some of the larger zoos, however, it’s a great add on activity if you are looking for more to do during your trip.

As you will likely be working up a sweat exploring all the fabulous parks and hiking trails in the area, a leisurely walk here comes in as a nice relaxing experience. This is where I go when I don’t want to go all out hiking up big hills and worrying about getting stung by a cactus. It’s a beautiful place to get in a nature walk.

Special Events

What I love most about this zoo is the great lineup of annual events. During the summer season on Friday nights, they host a special Summer Safari night event, where you can stroll around after hours with the advantage of cooler temperatures, as well as live entertainment.

The annual Halloween event, known as Boo at the Zoo, is my favorite. I love Halloween and they did a great job putting up festive decorations and lights. I particularly loved the Harry Potter photo opps. In addition to seeing many animals (note not all of them will be out), you will get to enjoy spooky music, a synchronized singing pumpkin light show, and even a few festive treats!

Check out this cute singing pumpkin show!

Zoo Lights is also a fantastic time. Every holiday season, the space transforms into a winter wonderland with colorful lights, lighted animal sculptures, and visits from Santa. Add in falling snow and seasonal treats and it will feel as if you have entered the North Pole. The prices are super affordable, making this one of the better bang-for-your-buck lighting events I’ve attended in recent years.

Check out the full events lineup for more details.

Meet some of the residents

Meet some of the gorgeous animals that call Reid Park home. There are a lot of cats at this zoo which is great if you are a cat lover like me! Please note that they are much more active in the early morning hours. Just another reason to get up early and beat that scorching afternoon desert heat.

A beautiful African lion – usually sleep. Try to get to this exhibit first when the lions are most active.

The Elephant’s Crossing enclosure is particularly impressive. This is one of my favorite exhibits. It’s a big open space with a great view. We were able to catch the elephants swimming one time which was pretty cool.

Meerkats are always so fun to watch. Not only are they adorable, but they make some really crazy faces for photos. I love how they stand up looking out the windows. So cute!

Simone, a beautiful 23 year old jaguar, recently passed away in 2019. This is really sad as she was the oldest jaguar in any zoo. She arrived at just 7 months so this is really sad news. Check out the full stor via the zoo’s website.

These gopher tortoises are huge! If you are lucky, you may see one on a hiking trail.

Andean Bars, native to South America, currently classify as vulnerable due to habitat loss.

Sadly, Billy the Lar Gibbon passed recently at the age of 51. He was the 6th oldest in the country!

The rhinos are usually out and about. Yebonga, a white southern rhino is now 50 years old. According to the zoo, these rhino’s life expectancy is usually in the 30’s, so it’s quite impressive that she has lived this long.

Peacocks walk randomly around the park. They look really beautiful when they spread their colorful feathers.

Giraffe feedings available for an extra fee. I’ve never personally participated, but the kids seem to enjoy this add on.

Baird’s Tapirs are the largest mammals in Central and South America. Because they are endangered, you will not find them at many zoos. This is a pretty distinctive animal that I have not come across before moving here.

We were lucky enough to see the Baird’s Tapir hop in the water to cool off! It was a really hot day, so I am not surprised!

I have always loved anteaters – they look weird and fascinating at the same time. While I used to see these all the time, their numbers seem to be diminishing.

Ostrich are considered to be very mean – this guy doesn’t look too happy in this pic! They are known to attack when threatened!

While flamingos are so colorful and exotic, their enclosures always stink! This is because they urinate on their legs to cool themselves from the sun!

You will see lots of families lining up to take their picture by the park sign. I love the flamingo design.

A rare glimpse of elephants swimming – most likely cooling off from the desert heat!

For a full afternoon out, I recommend combining your visit with a picnic/bike ride/stroll around beautiful Reid Park, which is adjacent to this zoo. This gorgeous park is a wonderful way to spend the day out in nature. There is a lot to do here. I really loved the flat sidewalk path that travels around the lake.

Where to eat nearby

Picnicking at the adjacent park is the best option for a day out in natural surroundings. Plus, it will cost you almost nothing! Pick up a few prepackaged meals and snacks from Trader Joe’s and enjoy the lovely setting!

In terms of restaurants, there are many great choices in the region. Rocco’s (serving authentic Chicago style pizza) and Polish Cottage (serving great Polish fare in a colorful dining room) are 2 of my favorite picks within a few miles of the entrance.

Location, hours, & pricing info

The zoo is located at: 3400 E Zoo Ct.

Hours are as follows: October – May: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., June – September: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas).

Admission is $12 per adult, $10 for seniors (62+), and $8.50 for kids aged 2-14.

Pricing is current as of winter 2026. Please check for updates.