Zoo Atlanta

What it is

Zoo Atlanta is at 800 Cherokee Avenue SE in historic Grant Park, near downtown Atlanta. Its own location page names the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola and Centennial Park among nearby landmarks, so it pairs easily with a day built around Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola. The zoo is open all year and closes only on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

What to see and do

Keeper talks are free and the daily schedule changes, so check the zoo’s itinerary page. A recent day listed a flamingo talk, a rhino keeper talk, small animal presentations, a petting zoo feeding and gorilla and orangutan feedings. Add-ons cost extra, including giraffe feedings, Wild Encounters with animals such as lemurs, warthogs and elephants, a Rollins Animal Health Center tour, and rides like the Endangered Species Carousel and the Norfolk Southern Zoo Train. Giant pandas Ping Ping and Fu Shuang arrived on September 27, and the zoo says they are not yet visible.

Before you go

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, with last entry at 3:30, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends, with last entry at 4:30. The zoo estimates a typical visit at about three hours. Some animals come inside half an hour before closing, and food stands close an hour early. Alcohol, balloons, scooters and skateboards are not allowed. Tickets and plans are on the Zoo Atlanta website.