Nashville Zoo

Nashville Zoo which includes a park, bird life and zoo animals
Nashville Zoo featuring dangerous animals and zoo animals
Nashville Zoo showing zoo animals and dangerous animals
Nashville Zoo
Nashville Zoo showing interior views, zoo animals and marine life


Enjoy fun for all ages among the wildlife at Nashville's diverse zoo.

Take a walk around Nashville Zoo and you'll come face to face with a fascinating and eclectic array of species. Opened in 1996, it is a young and fast-growing zoo. At its centre is the nationally renowned Grassmere Historic Farm and Home.

When you first arrive, head for Zoo Central, one of three sections of the zoo. On the way to this section, you'll pass by hyacinth macaws, red-crowned cranes, white-cheeked gibbons and all sorts of other creatures. Then you'll emerge at the central village of the zoo, where you'll find a café and a gift shop. If you're bringing youngsters, take them to the Jungle Gym, a fun-filled, community-made adventure playground where they can play on the swings and slides.

In Zoo Central, you’ll also find the Unseen New World exhibit. This indoor space takes you on a voyage of discovery as you'll encounter reptiles, an aquarium and an aviary. Among the highlights are the red-bellied piranhas, alligator snapping turtles and Gila monsters.

Enjoy some respite in the shade at Jungle Loop to the south of Zoo Central. On the way, you'll also find Flamingo Lagoon, Alligator Cove and the Critter Encounters petting zoo. Head for the Bamboo Trail where you'll find clouded leopards and red pandas, which are the rarest of all the species that you'll discover at the zoo.

Go for a walk on the Savannah Loop where you'll see elephants and giraffes. Eventually, you’ll reach Grassmere Historic Farm and House. At this stunning property, which was built in 1810, you can take a tour of the Croft House.

Youngsters will also enjoy riding an animal on the Savannah Loop's carousel, before riding on board a miniature train in the Jungle Loop on which they'll see some of the zoo's hidden spots.

The zoo opens daily except at Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year. Throughout the year, popular activities are held here, including Slumber Nights, the Brew at the Zoo beer festival and Ghouls at Grassmere. Located 10 kilometres south of downtown Nashville, you can reach Nashville Zoo on the MTA bus or pay a small fee to park on site.

Tours & day trips

See all 144 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 25 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 23 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 8 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Nashville Zoo Hotel Deals

Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Nashville Fairgrounds

Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Nashville Fairgrounds

2.5 out of 5
4271 Sidco Dr, Nashville, TN
Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Nashville Fairgrounds
WoodSpring Suites Nashville Airport

WoodSpring Suites Nashville Airport

2.5 out of 5
515 Metroplex Dr, Nashville, TN
WoodSpring Suites Nashville Airport
The Iris Motel

The Iris Motel

2.5 out of 5
656 West Iris Drive, Nashville, TN
The Iris Motel
Executive Inn & Suites

Executive Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
323 Harding Pl, Nashville, TN
Executive Inn & Suites
The Gilmore, an AvantStay Hotel

The Gilmore, an AvantStay Hotel

4 out of 5
1121 Gilmore Ave, Nashville, TN
The Gilmore, an AvantStay Hotel
expressway inn

expressway inn

2.5 out of 5
893 Murfreesboro Pike, 44, Nashville, TN
expressway inn
Hillside Crossing Nashville

Hillside Crossing Nashville

2 out of 5
717 Spence Ln, Nashville, TN
Hillside Crossing Nashville
Reed Motel

Reed Motel

2 out of 5
741 Murfreesboro Pk, Nashville, TN
Reed Motel
Comfort Inn Downtown Nashville - Music City Center

Comfort Inn Downtown Nashville - Music City Center

3 out of 5
1501 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN
Comfort Inn Downtown Nashville - Music City Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Nashville Zoo

A visit to Nashville Zoo offers a delightful array of activities, including exploring the wildlife park, enjoying area sightseeing, and discovering popular picnic spots. The zoo is also close to vibrant live music venues, enhancing your experience in this lively city. Whether you're hiking through scenic trails or engaging with the diverse wildlife, there's something for everyone to enjoy at Nashville Zoo.

Shopping

The closest shopping experience is Nashville Armory, just 1.6km from the zoo, offering a variety of items. For a more extensive selection, visit the Mall at Green Hills, 6.4km away, or Fifth + Broadway, located 8.0km from the zoo, both featuring vibrant entertainment and shopping options.

Recreation

Nissan Stadium, located 9.7km from Nashville Zoo, offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. Ryman Auditorium, 8.0km away, immerses you in Nashville's rich musical heritage, perfect for entertainment lovers. First Horizon Park, also 9.7km distant, boasts a vibrant sports environment for recreational activities.

Adventure

Nashville Paddle Co. offers thrilling water sports experiences, perfect for adventure enthusiasts. Nearby, the Main Trailhead invites you to explore scenic trails surrounded by nature. For tennis lovers, the Centennial Sportsplex Tennis Center provides an exhilarating atmosphere for competitive play, all within 9.7km of Nashville Zoo.

Nightlife

After a day at Nashville Zoo, immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife at The Escape Game Nashville, only 3.2km away for an exhilarating challenge. For a touch of culture, the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts offers captivating performances, while Regal Hollywood - Nashville provides a romantic cinema experience just 3.2km from the zoo.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Nashville Zoo

Whether you're a culture enthusiast or a family on an adventure, Nashville Zoo offers a delightful experience surrounded by various attractions. Explore nearby music museums, historic colleges, and urban parks, ensuring a well-rounded visit. With multiple local points of interest, such as Nashville Zoo and other attractions, you’ll find plenty to do in and around Nashville, making it a memorable holiday for everyone.

  • Vanderbilt University: A prestigious institution with stunning architecture and lush green spaces, Vanderbilt University offers a glimpse into academic excellence. The campus is steeped in history and culture, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
  • Bridgestone Arena: A hub for family entertainment, Bridgestone Arena hosts concerts, sports events, and shows that cater to all ages. The vibrant atmosphere and diverse programming ensure an exciting experience for visitors.
  • Music City Center: This modern event venue is the heart of Nashville's business scene, hosting conferences and exhibitions. Its sleek design and state-of-the-art facilities make it a key player in the city's vibrant economy.

Best time to go to Nashville Zoo

The best time to visit Nashville Zoo can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Nashville Zoo falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Nashville Zoo falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March50.5°F (10.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May68.0°F (20.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
June76.5°F (24.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July79.2°F (26.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August77.7°F (25.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September72.1°F (22.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Nashville Zoo

To save money during your trip to Nashville Zoo, consider visiting between December and February when accommodation prices are lower. Book your stay for a Tuesday, the cheapest day, and avoid Saturdays, which are the most expensive. Use Expedia to find the best rates by sorting hotels from lowest to highest price and exploring eco-friendly options. Additionally, think about bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for further savings. Be sure to check for minute deals and availability to maximise your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Nashville Zoo are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Nashville Zoo is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Nashville Zoo is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange the results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at Nashville Zoo with your flights and activities by opting for a package through Expedia.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.