Catherine - Savvy Family TravelIf you’re planning a trip to one of the most iconic animal parks in the world, this post is packed with the best San Diego Zoo tips from firsthand experience.
Whether you’re visiting with toddlers or teenagers, traveling solo or with grandparents in tow, this comprehensive guide will help you plan the perfect zoo day while hitting the must-dos.
San Diego Zoo Tips
Planning Your San Diego Zoo Visit
Best Time to Visit the San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is open year-round, but your experience can vary greatly depending on the season.
Winter months mean shorter hours but fewer crowds.
In the summer, the zoo stays open til 8pm so you get more time for your money and the kids will LOVE the splash pad.
We spent 9 hours in the park on our recent visit and saw everything we wanted without feeling rushed. It gave us time to hit a presentation, ride the skyfari multiple times, enjoy the Wild Woods playground, take the bus tour, walk A LOT, shop, and sit down for a relaxing picnic.
How to Score Discounted Tickets
To save money on admission, look for bundled attraction passes that include the Zoo, Safari Park, and SeaWorld or a San Diego City Pass.
Occasionally, Costco offers discounted tickets as well. Check to see if there are any active deals.
What to Pack
Sunscreen, sunhats, snacks, a soft-sided cooler with a picnic lunch, a change of clothes for the splash pad, light jacket, band-aids, a stroller, and a battery pack for your phone. Consider a poncho or umbrella for showers.
These simple things make a huge difference to have at the ready!
Renting Strollers, Lockers, and Wheelchairs
If you’re not bringing your own, rentals are available inside the zoo. But umbrella strollers are ideal because you’re allowed to bring them on the Skyfari.
Rental Costs:
Single: $16
Double: $20
Map, App & Schedule
Download the San Diego Zoo app before your visit. It’s incredibly useful for checking showtimes, finding bathrooms, and tracking your must-see animals.
You can request a printed map too at the front of the park.
Getting There and Parking San Diego Zoo Tips
Directions + Parking Lot Details
The San Diego Zoo is located in Balboa Park. Parking is free, but it fills up quickly. The earlier you arrive, the better your spot.
If you’re taking an Uber/Lyft, be sure to pay attention to the pickup areas for after your visit. There are two designated areas.
Arrive Early (and Catch Something Special)
Here’s one of our favorite San Diego Zoo tips: arrive before the official opening time.
We got to see the macaws take flight right as the rope dropped—it was an unexpected surprise! If you’re celebrating something special, like a child’s birthday, let the staff know and your child might be selected to release the macaws!
We suggest 8:30am. They’ll scan you through the gates and you can use the extra time to reserve your timed entry panda ticket (more below), use the restrooms inside the zoo store and set a plan with your kids.
Do These Things First
Snag a Timed Entry Ticket for the Giant Pandas
As soon as you arrive (even before they open), scan the QR code near the entrance to reserve your timed panda exhibit ticket. You will select a 15 minute arrival window.
If you plan to hop on the bus tour in the morning before you see the pandas, give yourself plenty of time.
We were on the first bus tour and it didn’t leave until 9:20. We were back at 10:00am and since you’ll naturally see things you have to stop and observe on your way to the pandas, the earliest we recommend is a 10:45 timed entry for those doing the bus tour before pandas.
See the Most in the Morning
Visit your top priority animals while it’s cool and the animals are most active. Then you’ll feel like you can relax a bit in the afternoon, knowing you got what you wanted the most from your day at the zoo.
Maximize Your Day at the Zoo
Ride the Guided Bus Tour
Don’t rush to the bus tour at opening like we did. The line takes about 25 minutes to load anyway. Sit on the top right side for the best animal viewing. The tour lasts around 35-40 minutes and gives you a great lay of the land.
We got great views of a lot of animals from the bus tour which checked several exhibits off our walking route.
Skyfari Aerial Tram Tips
Ride the Skyfari tram to cross the park. Again, it’s stroller-friendly if you have a small or umbrella-style model. Expect a 15-30 minute wait if you’re trying to ride it back to the entrance at the end of the day.
Indoor Exhibits = Midday Break
During the hottest part of the day, head inside the Reptile House or Polar Bear Plunge for some shade and air conditioning.
This is one of our best summertime San Diego Zoo tips for surviving the heat.
Must-See Attractions and Animal Experiences
- Giant Panda: A rare opportunity.
- Wildlife Explorers Basecamp: Pack a change of clothes for the splash areas in the Wild Woods playground!
- Polar Bear Plunge: A great spot to cool down.
- Koalas in the Outback: Don’t miss these sleepy icons.
- Elephant Odyssey: A favorite among visitors.
- Africa Rocks: The baboons and penguins are especially fun to watch.
- Urban Jungle: Feed the giraffes and learn about rhinos.
- Reptile House: Excellent for midday breaks.
San Diego Zoo Tips for Visiting With Kids
General Tips for Families
Wagons and strollers are allowed and easy to navigate. Bring a soft cooler with snacks and plenty of water.
San Diego Zoo tips often overlook this, but the more self-sufficient you are with a stockpile of snacks and beverages, the less time you spend standing in lines.
Baby and Toddler Care
Diaper changing tables in restrooms were available throughout the zoo.
Next to the Reptile House you’ll find the Baby Care Center / First Aid office. This is the place to go for a quiet and private place to nurse. There are microwaves if needed for preparing a child’s meal too.
Best Play Areas
The Wild Woods playground in Wildlife Explorers Basecamp is incredible. Kids can climb, splash, and burn off energy while parents take a breather.
There are other small climbing structures scattered through the Zoo as well.
Managing Expectations
Let kids know they might not see every animal awake. This helped us avoid disappointment and kept the experience magical.
Food & Drink Tips Inside the Zoo
Bring Your Own Food
Yes, you can bring in your own snacks and soft-sided coolers. There are plenty of shaded benches and picnic areas.
Popcorn Buckets
One of the best San Diego Zoo tips for all-day snacks is the popcorn bucket with discounted refills. It’s budget-friendly and the perfect grab-and-go treat. My kids now use our souvenir bucket at home for movie nights.
Dining Options
There are lots of food stands and cafes throughout the park like Jungle Java, Safari Kitchen, and ZooBrew, but lines get long. If you’re traveling with picky eaters or allergies, packing your own food is easiest and saves time.
Pricing for alcohol is VERY steep, no doubt to discourage excessive consumption. A beer will cost you at least $15.
Beat the Heat & Avoid Burnout
- Visit indoor and shaded exhibits during midday.
- Don’t skip the Monkey Trails, which are mostly shaded and surprisingly peaceful.
- Take water breaks often and reapply sunscreen.
Don’t Forget These Experiences
Keeper Talks & Animal Ambassadors
Check the app or schedule boards for animal presentations.
This is always a highlight for us as they’re educational and entertaining.
Special Experiences
- Behind-the-scenes tours are available for an extra fee.
- Zoo Corps, InternQuest, and Summer Camp for local or extended-stay visitors.
Botanical Gardens
Don’t overlook the lush gardens woven throughout the zoo. If you stop to think about it, nurturing multiple ecosystems of plant life is as impressive as the animal care provided at the zoo.
My kids love using the Seek app to “collect” species of plants. You can do the same from the plant identifier on your photos app.
Balboa Park Railroad & Carousel
Balboa Park deserves at least a half day to itself, but the park’s miniature railroad and carousel are located just outside the zoo gates. They’re perfect for younger kids if you have time or energy left.
Smart Strategies for Getting Around
- The San Diego Zoo app is a game-changer. It’s an interactive map to get walking directions, a guide to scheduled programs, and a checklist of the animals you want to prioritze.
- The Skyfari tram is a fun experience and gives your feet a break. There’s usually minimal wait, until the end of the day.
- Start at one end and work your way across rather than zig-zagging back and forth.
End-of-Day Tips & Souvenir Shopping
- The gift shops are best explored mid-afternoon when it’s hot and you’re ready for a break OR at the end of the day if time allows.
- Want to avoid the Skyfari line at the end of the day? Start from the back of the zoo and work your way to the front instead.
Where to Stay Near the San Diego Zoo
We stayed in the Mission Valley Hotel Circle area, which was affordable, clean, and only a short drive to the zoo.
Quick-Read: San Diego Zoo Tips at a Glance
- Arrive early and see the macaws take flight.
- Use the app and scan for panda exhibit tickets.
- Ride the bus tour — sit at the top right.
- Ride the Skyfari early or mid-day.
- Bring a soft cooler with plenty of drinks and snacks (and a picnic lunch).
- Buy the refillable popcorn bucket.
- Pack sunscreen, hats, and bandaids.
- Let kids splash in Wild Woods.
- Visit indoor exhibits mid-day.
- Use the San Diego Zoo app.
- Feed giraffes in Urban Jungle.
- Don’t miss animal ambassador talks.
- Plan to spend 6-9 hours in the park.
- Small strollers are Skyfari-friendly.
- Park opens early for restrooms/shopping.
- Avoid backtracking for your feet’s sake — follow a loop.
- See Polar Bears and Koalas early when they’re more active.
- Let toddlers nap in the stroller mid-day.
- Take shade breaks in Monkey Trails.
- Use zoo lockers for heavy gear.
- Check out Balboa Park extras.
- Shop mid-day when it’s hottest.
- Avoid Skyfari exit line by starting your day at the back and working to the front.
- Book Mission Valley hotels for convenience and savings.
Save this guide to the top San Diego Zoo tips for later:
Catherine – Savvy Family Travel
My favorite pastime is finding fun, interesting experiences to share with family and friends.
I’m a mom of two energetic and curious boys who have endless patience with my tendency to over plan activities on our family vacations. My tireless husband, Troy, provides comic relief, is our favorite photographer, and expert navigator.
I’m a firm believer that travel with kids doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive. It can be affordable, epic, and, dare I say, even relaxing!
Are you a travel loving parent too? I’d love to meet you, please reach out via Messenger and say “hi!”