If you are ever in the state of Indiana, one place you should make sure to visit is the Indianapolis Zoo (Indy Zoo). The zoo is a destination in itself and will certainly complement any other trip or vacation. The Indianapolis Zoo has something for everybody, from children to seniors. To make the zoo family friendly, smoking has been banned on all premises.
The Indy Zoo is located only one mile from downtown Indianapolis and is close to several other attractions. One notable attraction near the Zoo is the Indy Indians baseball stadium. It is known to be the best minor league stadium in the United States. Many museums along with the Indiana capital building are also close by.
Indianapolis Zoo Address:
1200 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46222
The operating hours at the Indianapolis Zoo change almost every day. The hours of operation are based on a number of factors, such as the seasons and the particular day of the week. In the winter, the Indy Zoo does not even open on Mondays & Tuesdays. For up to date operating information, it is best to check the Indianapolis Zoo’s official website.
Getting into the Indianapolis Zoo is fairly inexpensive if you compare admission ticket price to those of theme parks. The highest price one admission ticket can run you is $13.50, which is for a regular adult ticket in peak season. An regular adult ticket in off-season will only cost $8.50. Off-season is November through March while peak season is April through October. Both children and seniors have discounted rates from $6.50. For people to save money, the Indy Zoo offers “Community Days. “Community Days” are special days that are held once a month when all tickets are only sold for $7.00. If you or your family will be frequent visitors, it is recommended that you purchase a membership. One membership, the “Family” membership, will cost you $99.00 upfront. Afterwards, you can visit the Indy Zoo as much as you want for free, bringing along up to one other adult and two children.
At the Indianapolis Zoo, parking is not included with the cost of your admission. Each vehicle costs $5. If you are not driving to the zoo, bus transportation is available aboard IndyGo. IndyGo’s route 8 stops near the Indianapolis Zoo.
There are a variety of options if you plan to stay at an hotel in Indianapolis. If your looking for a place that will give you the most bang for your buck, rooms are available from $40 a night at hotels such as Super 8 and Day’s Inn. When you want to have more amenities than the budget hotels will offer you, try places like the Country Inn or Wyndham. Their nightly rates start at $70. When splurging, the Westin and the Conrad offer everything your heart can desire from only $250 a night If you’ll be staying in Indianapolis, finding the right hotel for you won’t be a problem as there are many choices.
With so many excellent food vendors, it will be a though deciding where to eat at the zoo. The “Café on the Commons” is a the best place to grab a mouthwatering burger or hot dog. When it gets too hot, “Edy’s Ice Cream Shoppe” will cool you down quickly with their delicious ice cream’s.
When dinner time comes, head over to “The Rathskeller”( In Downtown Indianapolis, Not In The Zoo). “The Rathskeller” offers some of the best food in Indianapolis at affordable prices
The gift shop at Indianapolis Zoo is always stocked with cool things. From stuffed animals to customized jewelry there is something for everyone in the gift shop. One of the best parts of shopping at the store is that you know that the profits are being used for educational incentives. Make sure to only visit the gift shop before leaving, or otherwise imagine hauling around your purchases for the whole day..
In my opinion, the “Oceans” exhibit is the best part of the Indianapolis Zoo. The exhibit allows visitors to view many different animals that live in the ocean in real life. The highlight of the “Oceans” exhibit is an area where the visitor can touch live sharks.
In conclusion, if you are ever in the Indianapolis area, you should make sure to visit the Indianapolis Zoo.
