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Reid Park Zoo, United States of America - Things to Do in Reid Park Zoo

Reid Park Zoo

Reid Park Zoo, United States of America - Complete Travel Guide

Reid Park Zoo is located in Tucson, Arizona, a busy desert city located in the Sonoran Desert and surrounded by impressive mountain ranges. Tucson offers a unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican cultures, creating a rich tapestry of history, art, and cuisine. The city is renowned for its spectacular desert landscapes, world-class museums, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The Reid Park Zoo itself is a 24-acre zoological park that has been delighting visitors since 1967. Home to over 500 animals representing more than 150 species, the zoo focuses on conservation, education, and providing engaging experiences for all ages. The zoo features diverse habitats including the popular South America section, Asian elephant habitat, and the exciting Expedition Tanzania exhibit, making it one of Arizona's premier family attractions.

Top Reid Park Zoo

Reid Park Zoo

Discover over 500 animals from around the world in thoughtfully designed habitats including elephants, jaguars, lions, and penguins. The zoo offers interactive experiences, educational programs, and seasonal events that make every visit unique. Don't miss the popular train ride and carousel for additional family fun.

Booking Tip: General admission is around $15 for adults and $8 for children. Purchase tickets online for small discounts and to avoid lines during peak times. Visit early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active, especially during hot summer months.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Experience this world-renowned outdoor museum that combines zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum all in one. Walk through desert trails to observe native wildlife including mountain lions, bears, and desert bighorn sheep in natural settings. The museum showcases the incredible biodiversity of the Sonoran Desert ecosystem.

Booking Tip: Admission is $25 for adults and $8 for children. Visit during cooler months (October-April) for the best experience. Early morning visits offer the best animal viewing and cooler temperatures.

Saguaro National Park

Marvel at the iconic saguaro cacti in this impressive national park that protects the largest cacti in the United States. The park offers scenic drives, hiking trails, and incredible sunset views with the distinctive silhouettes of these majestic desert giants. Both east and west districts provide unique desert experiences.

Booking Tip: National Park passes are $15 per vehicle for 7 days or $30 for an annual Saguaro pass. Visit during winter months for comfortable hiking weather. Sunset visits offer the most spectacular photography opportunities.

Historic Downtown Tucson

Stroll through Tucson's historic downtown area featuring colorful murals, historic architecture, and busy cultural attractions. Visit the Tucson Museum of Art, browse local shops, and experience the lively atmosphere of this revitalized urban core. The area comes alive during evening events and festivals.

Booking Tip: Most downtown attractions have individual admission fees ranging from $8-15. Many galleries and shops are free to browse. Visit during First Fridays art walk for free entertainment and extended gallery hours.

Sabino Canyon Recreation Area

Take a scenic tram ride or hike through this spectacular desert canyon featuring flowing streams, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. The area offers multiple difficulty levels of trails and is considered one of Tucson's most beautiful natural areas. The tram provides narrated tours about local flora and fauna.

Booking Tip: Tram rides cost around $12 for adults and $6 for children. Reserve tram tickets in advance during peak season. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best lighting and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Getting There

Tucson is served by Tucson International Airport (TUS), located about 8 miles south of downtown, with direct flights from major US cities. The airport offers rental cars, taxis, and rideshare services for transportation to the city. By car, Tucson is easily accessible via Interstate 10, about 2 hours south of Phoenix and 1 hour north of the Mexican border. Amtrak's Sunset Limited also serves Tucson three times weekly, connecting the city to United States and United States.

Getting Around

Tucson offers several transportation options including Sun Tran public buses that cover most of the metropolitan area for $1.50 per ride. Rental cars are highly recommended for exploring attractions like Reid Park Zoo and surrounding desert areas, as many attractions are spread throughout the city. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available, and the downtown area is walkable with many attractions within a few blocks of each other. Biking is also popular with dedicated bike lanes and the scenic Loop trail system.

Where to Stay

Downtown Tucson
Foothills/Catalina
University of Arizona Area
Midtown
Northwest Tucson
Airport Area

Food & Dining

Tucson's food scene is a delicious blend of Mexican, Native American, and Southwestern cuisines, earning it UNESCO City of Gastronomy designation. The city is famous for its authentic Sonoran Mexican food, including dishes like carne seca, chimichangas, and Sonoran hot dogs. Downtown and South Tucson offer numerous family-owned Mexican restaurants and food trucks, while the Foothills area features upscale Southwestern cuisine. Don't miss trying local specialties like prickly pear margaritas, mesquite-grilled meats, and traditional Native American fry bread at various festivals and markets throughout the year.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Tucson

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

The Parish

4.6 /5
(2930 reviews) 2
bar

American Eat Company

4.5 /5
(2913 reviews) 1
bar cafe store

HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery

4.5 /5
(2851 reviews) 2
bar store

Cup Cafe

4.6 /5
(2217 reviews) 2
bar cafe

Wildflower

4.5 /5
(1723 reviews) 2
bar store

Café à La C'Art

4.7 /5
(1378 reviews) 2
cafe

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Tucson and Reid Park Zoo is during the mild winter months from November through March, when temperatures range from 60-75°F and rainfall is minimal. This period offers perfect weather for outdoor activities and zoo visits. Spring (April-May) is also excellent with wildflower blooms in the desert, though temperatures begin to rise. Summer months (June-September) can be extremely hot with temperatures exceeding 100°F, making early morning zoo visits essential. Fall (October-November) provides comfortable temperatures and is ideal for all outdoor attractions.

Insider Tips

Visit Reid Park Zoo early in the morning during summer months when animals are most active and temperatures are cooler - the zoo opens at 9 AM
Purchase a Tucson Attractions Passport for discounts at multiple attractions including the zoo, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and other popular sites
Bring plenty of water and sun protection year-round, as the desert sun is intense even in winter months, and stay hydrated during zoo visits

Activities in Reid Park Zoo