Indianapolis Zoo Gift Shop
Rating
Family of 4
USD 30-80 for gift shop purchases beyond zoo admission
Duration
20-40 minutes
Best Ages
2-12
About
The Indianapolis Zoo Gift Shop is the perfect final stop on what is already one of the best family days out in Indiana. After hours of exploring one of the country's most acclaimed urban zoos — home to dolphins, polar bears, orangutans, and hundreds of other species — children arrive at the gift shop brimming with excitement and very specific opinions about which animals they loved most.
The shop stocks a well-rounded selection of animal-themed merchandise, from high-quality plush animals and educational books to games, puzzles, apparel, and keepsakes. The focus is squarely on celebrating and reinforcing the natural world, which makes shopping here feel purposeful as well as fun. Many items connect directly to animals kids will have seen during their zoo visit, making the purchases meaningful mementos of the experience.
The gift shop is located inside the zoo grounds, accessible only with zoo admission. It opens when the zoo opens and typically stays open a bit later on busy days. Staff are helpful and accustomed to assisting families who are trying to make final gift decisions while managing tired, excited children.
If you're planning a full day at the Indianapolis Zoo, budget some time and a little extra for the gift shop — it's a consistently satisfying end to a great day.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Nursing / Changing
true
Setting
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
At the end of a zoo visit when kids are already excited about what they've seen
Wait Times
Minimal; can get busy during peak zoo hours
Nearby Food
The Indianapolis Zoo has on-site dining; White River State Park area has additional food options nearby
Why Kids Love It
After seeing real animals, kids are thrilled to bring home a plush or toy version of their favorite creature from the day.
Pro Tips from Parents
- The Indianapolis Zoo itself is world-class — the gift shop is a natural end to an amazing day
- Plush animals are the top seller and range widely in price
- Shop here instead of buying souvenir toys at the zoo entrance — the main gift shop has the best selection
What to Bring
- Cash or card
- A sense of which animals your child loved most during the zoo visit
- A budget ceiling — it's easy for kids to want everything in here
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
USD 30-80 for gift shop purchases beyond zoo admission
Tips to Save
- Zoo members often receive discounts in the gift shop; set a per-child budget before entering to manage expectations
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Monday
- 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday
- 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday
- 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday
- 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM