Indianapolis Zoo

About

The Indianapolis Zoo sits in White River State Park, right in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. It's a unique combination of zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden all rolled into one admission, making it one of the most varied wildlife experiences in the Midwest.

Visitors can explore several themed areas including the Plains biome with African elephants and giraffes, the Forests biome with orangutans and bears, the Deserts dome with reptiles and small mammals, and the Oceans area featuring dolphins, sharks, and a coral reef exhibit. The Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center is a standout attraction, where you can watch orangutans move freely along overhead trails and interact with enrichment activities.

The aquarium section houses everything from tropical fish to penguins, with touch pools that let kids and adults get hands-on with marine life. The White River Gardens botanical area offers seasonal displays, a butterfly exhibit, and peaceful walking paths lined with native and exotic plants.

For families, the zoo offers animal encounters, keeper talks throughout the day, and seasonal events like ZooBoo in the fall and Christmas at the Zoo during the holidays. The Carousel and Skyride provide fun diversions between animal exhibits.

Food options are spread across the park, with several cafes and snack stands offering a mix of standard fare and healthier choices. Gift shops carry souvenirs and animal-themed merchandise.

Parking is available in lots adjacent to the zoo and in the White River State Park garage. The zoo is open year-round, though hours vary by season, with summer offering the longest visiting windows. Plan for at least three to four hours to see everything at a comfortable pace. Memberships are available and pay for themselves after just two visits, making repeat trips easy to justify.

Accessibility

The Indianapolis Zoo is largely wheelchair accessible, with paved pathways connecting exhibits throughout the park. The grounds and exhibits are designed to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices, so visitors can experience the full range of animals and displays.

Two rides - the Carousel and the Skyride - allow guests to enjoy them without leaving their wheelchair, a notable feature that sets this zoo apart from many others. This means visitors with mobility challenges won't have to skip popular attractions.

ADA-compliant restrooms are available throughout the park, spread across the various biome areas so you're never far from accessible facilities.

The zoo offers accommodations for visitors with sensory sensitivities as well as physical impairments. Caretakers accompanying guests with disabilities are also accommodated. Signage at exhibits includes descriptions of the animals, their natural habitats, and conservation status, providing information in a readable format.

Parking is available near the zoo entrance, though visitors should confirm the location of designated accessible parking spaces when planning their visit. The zoo's location in White River State Park means the surrounding area also has accessible infrastructure.

Contact the Indianapolis Zoo directly at (317) 630-2001 for current details on assistive devices available for loan, specific sensory accommodation programs, service animal policies, and any temporary accessibility changes due to construction or seasonal exhibits. Accessibility needs can vary, so calling ahead helps ensure the smoothest possible visit.

More accessible places in Indiana

• Eiteljorg Museum (Indianapolis)
• Indiana Medical History Museum (Indianapolis)
• Newfields (Indianapolis)
• The Children's Museum of Indianapolis (Indianapolis)
• Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art (Indianapolis)
• Indiana War Memorial Museum (Indianapolis)