ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Rating
Family of 4
$115-$150 (adults $40, children 3-11 $30, under 3 free).
Duration
4-5 hours
Best Ages
Best for ages 2-12
About
ZooTampa at Lowry Park has been voted the #1 family-friendly zoo in America by multiple publications, and the combination of animal exhibits, amusement rides, water play, and a manatee rehabilitation hospital explains why. It's compact enough to see in a single day, diverse enough to fill one.
The David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center is the zoo's most distinctive feature.
ZooTampa operates a licensed manatee hospital, and visitors can watch through large viewing windows as staff care for rescued manatees recovering from boat strikes, cold stress, and red tide exposure. The connection between observing a real animal's rehabilitation and understanding conservation challenges gives kids a deeper experience than simply looking at healthy animals in habitats.
The animal collection spans Africa, Asia, Australia, and Florida. The Africa section has elephants, giraffes (with a feeding platform), rhinoceros, and meerkats. The Asia section features orangutans, Malayan tigers, and Indian rhinos.
The Wallaroo children's area is a highlight -- a walkthrough habitat where visitors move among free-roaming kangaroos and wallabies, which hop casually around the paths. The petting zoo and splash pad in Wallaroo make it the area where families spend the most time.
Rides set ZooTampa apart from most zoos. Roaring Springs is a log flume ride that passes through animal habitats before a water-splashing descent. The Expedition Wild Trek is a zipline and rope course. A carousel, train ride, and several kids' rides add amusement park elements. All rides are included in zoo admission.
The Florida Wildlife Center houses native species that represent conservation priorities: Florida panthers (one of the rarest mammals in North America), black bears, red wolves, American alligators, and bald eagles. For families interested in Florida's unique ecology, this section provides important context about species that live in the surrounding region.
The zoo's compact, walkable layout (56 acres) means families can see everything without exhaustion or transportation. Compare this with Zoo Miami's 750 acres that require a monorail. ZooTampa is manageable for young families with limited energy and attention spans. Plan 4-5 hours for a thorough visit including rides and splash time.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Available
Kid Meals
Available
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
October through April for comfortable weather. Arrive at 9:30 AM opening when animals are most active. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends. The Roaring Springs water ride closes during cooler months.
Wait Times
Rides: 10-20 minutes on weekends, minimal on weekdays. Animal encounters: book in advance. Splash zone: no waits. Manatee viewing: no waits.
Nearby Food
Multiple food stands throughout the zoo ($10-15). After the zoo: Wright's Gourmet House (legendary sandwiches, 10 min), Mermaid Tavern (fish and chips, 10 min), La Teresita (Cuban, Tampa institution, 10 min).
Why Kids Love It
ZooTampa is one of the only zoos in the world with a dedicated manatee hospital and viewing area. Kids can watch manatee rehabilitation up close -- these gentle giants recovering from boat strikes, cold stress, and other injuries before being released back to Florida waters. The connection between seeing a real animal being healed and understanding conservation makes a lasting impression.
The zoo also has rides -- an anomaly for a zoo. Roaring Springs is a flume ride that sends families through animal habitats before a splashing descent. The carousel, train, and kids' rides add amusement park elements that extend the visit. The Wallaroo children's area has a splash pad, kangaroo walkthrough (yes, you walk among kangaroos), and petting zoo.
The animal collection is strong for a mid-size zoo: African elephants, orangutans, Indian rhinos, Malayan tigers, pygmy hippos, African penguins, and a free-flight aviary. The Florida Wildlife Center houses native species including Florida panthers, black bears, red wolves, and bald eagles. The compact, walkable layout means families can see everything without exhaustion.
Pro Tips from Parents
- The Manatee Viewing Center is unique -- don't miss the hospital viewing windows where you can watch manatee rehabilitation
- Walk through the Wallaroo kangaroo habitat -- you're literally among free-roaming wallabies and kangaroos
- Roaring Springs flume ride goes through animal habitats -- ride it in the first hour before the line builds
- The Florida Wildlife Center (panthers, bears, eagles) is often overlooked -- it's in the back of the zoo and excellent
- Bring swimsuits -- the splash zone in Wallaroo is extensive and kids will want to play in the water
What to Bring
- sunscreen
- hats
- water bottles
- swimsuits (splash zone)
- change of clothes
- comfortable walking shoes
- stroller
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$115-$150 (adults $40, children 3-11 $30, under 3 free).
2 adults x $40 + 2 kids x $30 = $140.
Parking $15.
Rides included in admission.
Animal encounters: $10-35 extra.
Food: $10-15/person.
Tips to Save
- Children under 3 free.
- Florida resident discount available.
- Annual passes pay for themselves in 2 visits.
- Rides, splash zone, and all exhibits included in admission.
- Bring your own food -- picnic areas available.
- The zoo is smaller and more walkable than Zoo Miami -- you can see everything in one visit without a tram.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Monday
- 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Sunday
- 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Saturday
- 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Thursday
- 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
