Situated just 10 kilometres out of town, Nashville Zoo offers a fun-filled and educational experience for the whole family within an easy drive of the city. An impressive array of animals, both domestic and exotic, are housed among the zoo's three sections, each of which provides a unique experience for visitors of all ages.Opened in 1996, the zoo has quickly established itself as one of Nashville’s favourite attractions, with increasing numbers of both locals and tourists visiting the park each year. The ever-expanding zoo and wildlife park is set among 200 hectares to the south of Nashville city centre.In the middle of the park is the Grassmere Historic Farm and Home, where visitors can enjoy a brief historical detour to Croft House – built in 1810 – before diving into the flora and fauna of the park. Most visits to the zoo begin with a walk down the main path, past red-crowned cranes and the white-cheeked gibbons’ island. This leads to the Zoo Central area which contains cafés, a gift shop and a fantastic community-built adventure playground where the kids will be entertained for hours.The indoor Unseen New World exhibit is also in this area and is the place to come if you want to see reptilian and aquatic wonders including alligator snapping turtles, gila monsters and red-bellied piranhas. The Jungle Loop is another of the zoo’s sections and is where you’ll find some of the rarest animals in the world, such as red pandas and clouded leopards – both housed on the Bamboo trail.The expansive Savannah Loop is the largest area in the zoo and you’ll spot giraffes and elephants as you stretch your legs among the grasslands. If the kids get tired, they can always jump onto the jungle-themed carousel or explore hidden areas of the zoo on board the mini train.Nashville Zoo is open every day except for major public holidays and, if you’re lucky, your visit will coincide with one of the many seasonal activities such as the Halloween party or annual Brew at the Zoo beer festival. There is an MTA bus service from the centre of Nashville that’ll bring you right to the zoo and there’s a small fee for parking if you’re coming by car.
Nashville Zoo Tours and Activities
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Tours & day trips
See all 169 activitiesOpens in new tabNashville Old Town Trolley Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 49 activitiesOpens in new tabJack Daniel's Distillery Day Trip
Private & custom tours
See all 28 activitiesOpens in new tabJack Daniels Distillery Tour by Famous Vintage Tour Bus
Adventure & outdoor
See all 23 activitiesOpens in new tabExplore the City of Nashville Sightseeing Tour by Golf Cart
Classes & workshops
See all 18 activitiesOpens in new tab1-Hour Nashville Line Dancing Class
Popular places to visit
Tennessee Agricultural Museum
You can enjoy some culture when you stop by Tennessee Agricultural Museum in Nashville. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theatre scene.
Historic Travellers Rest
You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Historic Travellers Rest in Nashville. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene and great live music.
Tennessee State Fairgrounds
Enjoy an outing to Tennessee State Fairgrounds during your stay in Nashville. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the lively bars while you're in the area.
Lane Motor Museum
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Radnor Lake State Park
Walk along picturesque trails, spot myriad birdlife and paddle a canoe on a vast lake at this breathtaking park on the outskirts of Nashville.
Nashville Armory
Catch an event at Nashville Armory during your trip to Nashville. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.
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