Knoxville Zoo
add photosAdmission and ticket sales stop one-hour before the zoo closes.
Camel Rides: $5
23 Reviews for Knoxville Zoo
7
30 families found this helpful
"Great spring or fall day destination "
I think I probably like the zoo more than my kids do. We went last weekend and there are several new exhibits in the works for 2011. It was about 70 degrees and mostly sunny, most of the animals were out and about. I have found the zoo to be much more enjoyable when the weather is between 65 and 75 degrees, it's comfortable for the people and the animals are a lot more active. The layout is great, I wish some of the animals had large/better enclosures but other than that this is one of my favorite Knoxville family activities. We go at least once a year, we would probably go more often but it is a bit on the expensive side for a family of 4.
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0 families found this helpful
"Great ZOO!!"
This zoo was a fun trip for our whole family. We spent about 5-6 hours wondering around at a leisurely pace. The place was very clean and had lots of animals to see. Animal exhibits were clean and well maintained. Animals are visible unlike some zoos that our family has been to. Admission and food prices were reasonable. They have camel rides and carousel rides for an additional price which are awesome!! My son loved them both.
0 families found this helpful
"Doesn't compare"
This zoo is definitely not as good as other zoos we have visited. The smell is terrible. And then you leave feeling like the smell is on your clothes. This is the first zoo I've been to where I found the smell unbearable. Other than that, there are interesting exhibits and camel rides.
'11
0 families found this helpful
"So So"
This claimed to be the only Zoo with the Red Panda, however I found out that our own Zoo right here in Detroit also has the Red Panda. It's VERY clean and mostly affordable. Children will take pleasure in the animals, but I didn't find there to be as many exhibits as I had hoped. There were a lot of reptiles, so if your child is into reptiles they will be in seventh heaven.
0 families found this helpful
"small, but great..."
This is not a large zoo. But for small children especially - it is the perfect size for all. There is also a great kids play are with petting zoo. If you are a zoo member - they also have special events for kids and adults that are one of a kind! Of course - picking a not too hot or cold day is best at any zoo to see the most animal activity!
0 families found this helpful
"Some animals aren't out"
I have been to the Knoxville Zoo many times, and there always seems to be a common theme...construction. I know that this is part of having live animal exhibits, but it does seem that there are always several big ticket animals whose "habitats" are under construction. Other than that, the Knoxville Zoo is great for a family outing. There is a kids area with a playground, petting zoo, and carousel that my kids love.
0 families found this helpful
"Knoxville Zoo"
I grew up in Knoxville and have visited this zoo dozens of times. I was so pleased when I took my own children that they have made wonderful improvements with exciting exhibits and play areas for kids. They also offer season passes which are worth the money if you or kids grandparents live in the area. The local paper has had coupon discounts in the past.
0 families found this helpful
"Nice Zoo, fun for kids"
This Zoo is very nice, we have been many times and had a lot of fun. The animals have very large habitats. I love the red pandas, they are very cute and unique because there arn't many of them in captivity you an see places. There is a nice play place for the kids with a petting zoo, slides, things to climb on and a water area.
0 families found this helpful
"Fun place to the kids!"
My whole family loves going to the zoo! We go to the zoo at least once a year if not more! We love to go see all of the different animals there! The animals are always out and just interesting to look at! We love going to the special events that they have there to! Last year we went to Boo at the Zoo! It was wonderul! The kids really enjoyed it!
0 families found this helpful
"where are the animals?"
I have been to the knoxville zoo several times both with my family and with a school group. The zoo is VERY spread out. It's a lot of ground to cover with younger children. I realize that animals need their room and natural habitats but it is difficult to see some of the animals because of how their areas are set up. Several of them only have a small area that you can walk past and look through and them acres behind hte fence that you can't see. I have never see nsome of the big cats (tigers, lions, etc.) because of this. The paths are a bit confusing too. The animals are laid out by the region they are from i.e. African animals . It makes it hard to find specific animals especailly for kids. There is a huge zoo themed play area at one end of the zoo. The kids LOVE that part. It has a few little water areas, a sand area, a slide/climbing area, a carousel, and a petting zoo. That area is best saved for last in my opinion.
0 families found this helpful
"Our Kids Love It! "
Our family has visited the Knoxville Zoo several times in the past year, and our children (ages 4 and 1) enjoyed it so much that we plan to purchase season passes this coming year. There are a lot of activities for the children during the summer, and we were quite pleased with the selection of animals that were available to see.
1 family found this helpful
"Do the Zoo!"
The Knoxville Zoo is a small, but well run local attraction for East Tennessee. The pride themselves in showing animals in their natural habitat with specific focus on the region of East Tennessee. Gone are the days where animals pace behind bars. The Knoxville Zoo has mastered the art of hiding habitat boundaries so visitors focus on the animals and not the cages. The zoo also has a great Wee Play area where children and parents can take a break from the outdoor temperatures and enjoy an indoor play space with a zoo theme. A wonderful outdoor play area includes splash pad/little river, slides, climbing areas, and a petting zoo. Be sure to take a spin on the animal themed carousel before you leave!
You are welcome to bring in a picnic lunch or eat at the zoo restaurant. Little snack stands and concession areas are scattered throughout the property.
Bathrooms are well cared for and are equipped with proper changing facilities for parents.
0 families found this helpful
"We love the we play zoo"
The we play Zoo is ever changing to keep our kids attention! They love it. There is a pretend grocery store where the children can put together and cut pretend food. There is also a ticket booth and a dress up area. It keeps our kids attention! There is also a blooming butterfiles exhibit at the zoo that the children love!
0 families found this helpful
"Great and Easy to Visit"
The Knoxville Zoo is easy to find, fairly cheap to visit (and even cheaper to have a pass for), and easy to see within the time limits of a one day pass. It's definitely not San Diego, but our children love it and it's small enough that we can be in and out before naptime and the kids know all of the animals!
0 families found this helpful
"Knoxville Zoo"
This zoo is great for smaller children. The whole park only takes about a 3-4 hour period to see. At the end of the park they have a carasel where all the children can ride. In the middle of the park they have a bigger play area with slides and sand for the children to play in. I mean you could make a whole day of this if needed. The parking is fairly close to the entrance.
1 family found this helpful
"Who doesnt love the zoo"
We are always a fan of the zoo. There are lots of animals to see, but be prepared to walk. This zoo is one where animals are spaced out very well (good for the animals, bad for the families walking to see them). We pack lots of snacks because food can be pricey and if there are class trips the day you go, you might not even get an option. I love the gift shop and all the great shopping.
0 families found this helpful
"Animal watching at its best"
We love the Knoxville Zoo. The price is a little steep and the food isn't cheap, but if you get a family membership it's reasonable and you get free parking. They have a really nice layout that takes a while to walk, but not too long. The kid's cove area and the wee play center is awesome. My kids have a ton of fun there. It's a nice way to enjoy a day checking out animals and spending time together as a family.
1 family found this helpful
"Fun place to take the kids."
We live about 30 minutes from the Knoxville Zoo and try to go when we can. It's very nice and well kept, and they have lots of activities for the kids to do, including Feast with the Beasts. The animal exhibits are plentiful and the staff are friendly. The only con to it is the price of the tickets. They are a bit steep, and when you add lunch on top of that, it's quite a bit of money, which is why we don't go very often. All in all though, it's a fun place!
0 families found this helpful
"LOVE our zoo"
Knoxville has worked hard to keep animals and humans happy. The zoo is very large, expect to walk a lot, but this ensures the animals have great homes. My one complaint is how close the animals are to the interstate. Knoxville zoo is progressive and I always look forward to the new additions that are sure to come! Food is pricey and not very good so I try to eat first or bring in a snack.
1 family found this helpful
"Wonderful "
This zoo is always expanding. At one point you could ride on an elephant, or a camel. There are lots of animals to see, yet it is not spread out so far you feel like you have walked all day. There are plenty of activites for all ages. There is a petting zoo section for the smaller kids. There are informative demostrations on different animals depending on the day or the season.
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