indianapolis zoo

We went to the zoo in the afternoon and parking wasn't expensive and if you go on the weekends it's not expensive to get tickets either. We had an amazing day and the animals for the most part were out sun bathing. We will definitely visit again!

Great urban zoo. Unlike the zoo in Dallas (where I'm from), the Indy Zoo is easy to find and centrally located near downtown Indy. We were there just two days before the Orangutan attraction opened up so we got to see the media circus surrounding it but didn't actually get to see the orangutans playing in their new enclosure. There seemed to be quite a bit of construction going on, but the construction zones were my two-year-old son's favorite part so no loss there. The dolphin show was very crowded with school field trip students so good thing we got there early. The food was decent but nothing to write home about - burgers, fries, pizza. Then we went through the aquarium and butterfly garden - both were an additional treat.

We are members at our zoo and were in Indy on a warmer day-so thought we would see the zoo. The zoo is small-can easily see everything in 2 hours. Exhibits were great-really easy to see the animals (we were there in the winter so not all animals were out) but the exhibits are set up nicely. It does seem a little expensive-you can't bring a cooler or outside food in-so it will get expensive for parking, ticket and food. Parking is cheaper $6 and they have a sliding scale for ticket price depending on the day of the week and time of year. One thing the dolphin trainers said was that the zoo receives no funding from the city.

The Indianapolis Zoo is a great place to take the entire family for a great time. The exhibits are exciting and some you can experience up close. The animals are in nice surroundings making it easy to view them. The price is reasonable and great access from the downtown area.

The Indianapolis Zoo is a wonderful urban zoo. Animal attractions are natural and well displayed. If you are going to see the Oragutan exhibit please visit at the correct time of day or you may be dissapointed in the lack of activity. We love the Indy Zoo.

My wife and I took our grand kids to the zoo this past fall. It was easy to get to and there was plenty of parking. The zoo requires a bit of walking, but the terrain is not bad and was not to much of a problem for young and old. There are a lot of great exhibits and shows to entertain all. Plenty of areas with shade and seating to allow you to just watch between animal visits. The place is very clean and inviting. It is well kept and very nice. I would recommend to all.

I had a good time at the zoo. But I do agree with the other post of it being a bit pricey. I felt like I was being nickel and dime for everything. Other than that had a great time.

When my child was young, I had an annual membership and visited the zoo as often as possible (along with the amazing Indy Children's Museum). I recently went and wandered around as a sole adult because I really wanted to see the new Orangutan exhibit. I went during a chilly but nice weekday so there were no crowds, but I never recall waiting on line for much of anything at the zoo, no matter when we went. The zoo is conveniently just west of downtown, and a reasonable drive from anywhere in or near Indy. Parking used to always be free, but I had to pay this time. There is plenty of parking and room for large vehicles. Admission always seemed expensive to me, but I imagine it is comparable to other attractions/zoos. While the Indy Zoo is not the San Diego Zoo, it is a great time and great family fun. The layout flows very well, with one exhibit leading right into the next. Near the entrance are several water animal exhibits that lead up to the exciting dolphin show (the dolphin enclosure is an area one can rent for weddings, and where the zoo holds overnight sleepovers). The new Orangutan enclosure is thrilling, and the tall fixtures on which the Orangs can ascend can be seen from nearby locations (I watched it being built as I attended classes at the IUPUI downtown campus). Visitors can buy individual tickets or packages that include tickets to the sky ride and/or train. In high season (summer), the zoo used to have camel and pony rides, and I assume they still do, but I was there after the busier summer time. A winding walk through the back of the zoo takes visitors past giraffes (which one can pay to feed), elephants, lions, emu, African dogs, primates, and other plains and savannah and grassland animals. The design of the enclosures makes it difficult to remember you are in Indianapolis. The last exhibits as you circle back to the front include bears, aviaries, farm animals, etc.A restaurant, Cafe on the Commons, is located at the center of the zoo, so families can make their meal stop conveniently from any area they happen to be in when the kids get hungry. There is no gourmet type option, but kids will find plenty to enjoy at this restaurant. I cannot recall for certain, but I do not think wine or beer is served. Of not--the zoo does not serve drinks with straws or lids because they can harm the animals, so parents of toddlers might want to bring a sippy-cup. Food cannot be carried inside the zoo, but you can eat a picnic lunch in a designated area outside the entrance (In the parking lot area). The gift shop is at the entrance/exit to the zoo, so you can stop there last and not have to carry the items all day. The zoo has several large scale, gala events such as "Christmas at the Zoo" in which the visitors bundle up in warm coats and view the beautifully lit trees. Visitors to Indy or residents should definitely not forgo a visit to the zoo. Enjoy a lazy day without having to watch the time (except for certain exhibits, such as the Dolphin Show, which take place only at designated times)--a delightful time, not to mention learning experience, for all.

All attractions are very well displayed, patrons are treated like family & friends. Animals are well cared for and shown in near realistic habitats.This should be on your Top 5 To Do list when in Indy!

Good zoo. Nice to visit especially with kids. Nice dolphin show. Just a little problem... it is quite pricey!

Lots of gorgeous and fun to watch animals: Desert Biome - Reptiles - The Big Water Animals - Dolphin Show - The Big Cats - Elephants - Ocean World - Safari Land - and the Orangatans! Endangered but these guys are new to the zoo and have 26 million dollar home to live in. Sky Ride over their area gives viewers a better look. Enough shade and rest areas. Sometimes visitor areas not the cleanest. Gift shop to tempt the kids and grandparents. Very crowded in summer and on most weekends. More food areas would be nice.

We are members of the zoo and will drop in when downtown for other events. The new Orangatan facility is state of the art and unlike any other zoo exhibit I have visited. The dolphin pool allows you to view the dolphins from below and is always a fascinating experience. Add to this the butterfly garden available in spring and summer and you have a truly unique zoo. The staff is very kid friendly and courteous. The zoo is another gem in Indy's crown to go with the many other museums and sports complexes located in Circle City.

I've had a zoo membership for 5 years and I recommend that, if you plan on going more than once or twice a year, you purchase one. It will pay for itself pretty quickly.The zoo decorations and Christmas holiday activities are always fun. We enjoy the carolers and looking at the beautiful lights.The dolphin show is nice but if you're looking for a Sea World experience, you'll be disappointed. There are other shows during the summer which are fun for the kids to see.Overall it's a good mid-size zoo that the kids will enjoy.

The zoo is very clean and the kids water play area was great. The dolphin show was nice. This is not a huge place but a nice place to visit away from the mundane.

Zoo was okay. Visiting from Columbus we are used to a larger zoo. Arrived during the week and it was a little cold. Most exhibits were closed and we saw about 15 cars in the lot. Really feel that we shouldn't have had to pay 6 dollars to park since there was no one was there. We enjoyed seeing the Sharks, being up and close with the monkeys and the fish. Zoo was a little smile for the price they charged as most everything was closed. Probably wouldn't go back.