Of all the zoos in Indiana, the best known is probably the Indianapolis Zoo. I have been to the zoo on multiple occasions and have always found it to be a pleasant experience. This review will discuss everything from the zoos animals to the food that can be purchased here.
The Indianapolis Zoo is located in downtown Indianapolis inside the White River State Park. The admission prices are not too bad especially in the winter. Winter prices are $8.50 for adults and $6.50 for children and seniors. Spring/Summer prices are $14.50 for adults and $9.50 for children and seniors. Children one and under are always free. You do have to pay for parking which is $6.00. One way to save money is to go on the first Tuesday of the month, Community Tuesday. On this Tuesday the admission price is $7.00.
The Indianapolis Zoo has a variety of exhibits. They are separated by what biome the animals inhabit, for example there is a forest section as well as a plains section. The Waters biome is located indoors and is very interesting. There is one area in which the visitors can touch dogsharks while they swim around in their tank. The dolphin exhibit allows the visitors to be surrounded by water and dolphins inside of an indoor dome. The Desert biome is also located indoors, and is a good spot to stop especially if you go during the colder months and wish to warm up. If you do go during the colder months, be aware that some of the plains animals are not outside as much as they are during the spring and summer. Some of these animals have a lower tolerance for the cold, so they are usually let out later in the day and put up earlier to ensure that they are not exposed to the coldest parts of the day. Another nice part of this zoo they have a regular feeding schedule and visitors can watch them feed some of the animals. There are also several animal chats throughout the day, although some of these do not take place during the winter. We also found the dolphin show to be very entertaining and informative.
The Indianapolis Zoo also has a couple of places where visitors can purchase food and beverages. The main place to eat is the Café on the Commons which is open all year. Visitors can choose to eat inside or outside and can choose from traditional foods such as pizza, chicken strips, hot dogs, etc. The zoo also has a Dog n’ Suds, an Ice Cream Shop, and a place called the Outpost which serves mostly lunch food items. These three places are not open during the winter. There are also various food and beverage carts throughout the park. Like most amusement parks and zoos, the food is somewhat expensive. If you are planning to spend the day, I would suggest eating before you arrive, so that if you do eat at the zoo it will only be one meal.
Overall I have found the Indianapolis Zoo to be a great place to visit. The highlights for me have been the meerkats in the Desert biome, the amur tigers and otters in the Forest biome, and when going during the winter I enjoy the Christmas lights. The Indianapolis Zoo is worth paying a visit whether you have children or just enjoy the zoo.
