Family Guide To The Maryland Zoo In Baltimore

By: Christian Kendzierski

Druid Hill Park
Baltimore, Md. 21217
410-396-7102
Hours: Open 7 days a week, 10 a.m.– 4 p.m.
Admission: Monday-Thursday - Adult (12-64) $14.50, Child (2-11) $10.50, Senior (65+) $12.50, Under 2 – FREE     
Friday, Saturday, Sunday - Adult (12-64) $16.50, Child (2-11) $11.50, Senior (65+) $13.50
Under 2 – FREE
Reviews, Directions And More Info

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, where your family can meet the families of over 200 different living species including 1,500 mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles!  Inside the city limits of Baltimore, the Maryland Zoo is located in picturesque Druid Hill Park, but it's also where you can experience the freezing Arctic tundra, a journey through Africa or just learn about what creatures live in your own backyard.

Get Up Close & Personal with the Animals: Feed a Giraffe

Close enough to see inside a giraffe's mouth? Encounter one of the tallest animals in the world at their own eye-level. Kids of all ages can line-up to feed giraffes from a platform that overlooks the giraffes' habitat.  For just $2 your kid can enjoy the thrill of feeding one of the world's biggest creatures.

Take a "Walk on the Wildside" Tour

Each week, the Zoo Educators guide visitors through various adventures.  The 45-minute exploration covers tropical forest, African birds and reptiles, animal defenses, big cats and aquatic adaptations.  Get there early and sign up because they only take the first 20 people who register!

Ride a Camel…Really?

Not only can you walk on the wild side at the Maryland Zoo, you can ride on it too. During the summer months (May 1 to Labor Day, for $5), hop on the back of one of these high riding desert animals. The rides are supervised by zoo keepers, keeping kids and parents safe.  The camels are also generally camera-friendly, so don't be surprised if the camels stop and smile when they see a flash-bulb! 

Behind the Scenes Tours

The Maryland Zoo offers an exclusive opportunity with its behind-the-scenes animal experience.  Get to see a polar bear's kitchen, an elephant's pantry and a penguin's bedroom!  The zoo keepers walk visitors through what goes on behind the exhibits and how they keep the animal habitats going.  Prices vary with each tour so best to call the Maryland Zoo's sales office ahead of time: 443-552-5277.

Jones Falls Zephyr Train Ride

When the feet get tired and the stroller needs a break, take the family on a quick train-ride through some of the Maryland Zoo's most interesting exhibits.  The 10-minute ride departs from the Farmyard, through the African Journey and returns through the local Jones Falls Watershed.  It's an authentic ride that takes on a journey like no-other in town.

Tram Services

Whether you're a family of 4 or 14, climb aboard the free spacious trams and be transported to the center of the Maryland Zoo or to the front gate. The drivers make the tram experience really easy for your stroller riders too – keeping everything intact.  They'll help lift the full strollers (child included) on for the ride. Makes it really nice for those napping visitors!

The FOOD – Don't Forget to Eat!

The Maryland Zoo makes lunching easy.  Outside food is welcome, so you can pack your own or buy a meal from the Whistle Stop Grille.  It also offers many locations to rest your feet and/or buy a cold drink or ice cream.   Also – you may want to bring a picnic blanket to spread out in a quiet shaded location.