The Minnesota Zoo is a smoke free facility. Smoking, including vaping, (the use of electronic cigarettes), is not allowed on the Zoo grounds.
Yes, you may bring in a picnic lunch. We have picnic tables outside that you may use. Grills are not allowed.
Bikes, skateboards, and roller blades are NOT allowed at the Minnesota Zoo. We do have bike racks in the parking lot that you may use.
Only working dogs (guide dogs for the blind, service dogs for people with disabilities) or working dogs in training are permitted at the Zoo. Pets are not allowed.
No, for the protection of our animal collection – the Zoo is not allowing selfie sticks to be used during zoo hours.
We offer a military discount. Show your military identification and receive $2.00 off an adult admission and $1.00 off a child admission for you and your family.
Show your AAA card to receive $2.00 off each adult admission and $1.00 off each child/senior admission.
Group rates are available for groups of 15 or more. Learn more.
The Free to Explore program is available for Minnesotans with limited incomes. Check for eligibility at mnzoo.org/freetoexplore.
Occasionally we offer special promotions or discounts. Check our website for current information.
We do not give a discount or refund due to inclement weather (e.g. rain, snow, or storms).
You are welcome to take photos and video of any of our exhibits for your personal use. Flash photography is ok. Read our
photo tips. Commercial photography is allowed only with prior written permission from our Marketing department.
Please contact the Guest Services department at 952.431.9213 if you have lost or found an item. There is also a lost and found at the IMAX Theatre.
Strollers are permitted throughout the Zoo except in the Weesner Family Amphitheater, and Target® Learning Center . All buildings and facilities are wheelchair accessible.
Learn more about renting strollers and wheelchairs.
There are lockers for personal use located just past the main entrance and at the base of the Tropics Trail ramp and are available on a first come, first served basis. Each locker costs 50 cents and will only accept quarters.
Yes, please see Guest Services for a re-entry hand stamp.
Yes, ATM’s are located in Discovery Bay, near Call of the Wild Café and in the farmhouse basement.
Yes we have maps available in the following languages, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hmong, Japanese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
We do not allow sleds or snowshoes in the Zoo.
We do not have skiing at the Zoo.
Due to the large volume of requests, the Minnesota Zoo is unable to help with school projects or offer job shadowing opportunities. If the zookeepers accommodated all inquiries the animals would be very hungry!
Ask a Zoo Keeper form is available. Check out our animal pages to learn about some of the species at the Zoo. We also offer Career Days for more in-depth exploration of zoo careers, including opportunities to speak with a zookeeper in person.
No, we do not allow pet donations.
The Zoo accepts cash, credit card, and personal checks (with a valid driver’s license). Food service, gift store, and Great Clips IMAX Theatre do not accept checks.
