8 Things to Know Before Visiting the Toronto Zoo

The Toronto Zoo is the largest zoo in Canada and one of the most popular family attractions in Toronto. Home to thousands of animals and more than 10 kilometers of trails, it is closer to a full-day adventure than a quick stop. The size alone can be overwhelming if you are not prepared, and younger kids in particular can tire out quickly. A little bit of planning goes a long way in making the day more enjoyable.

What makes the zoo special is the variety of habitats and experiences you can find in one place. From the polar bears in the Tundra Trek to the gorillas in the rainforest pavilion, there is something for every age and interest. It is also one of the few places in the city where you can combine outdoor walking, animal encounters, and interactive learning all in a single visit. If you are visiting Toronto with family, it is worth setting aside the time and making the most of it.

 

1. The Zoo Is Big – Plan for a Full Day

The Toronto Zoo covers a huge area, and it is easy to underestimate just how much walking is involved. With over 10 kilometers of trails connecting different regions of the world, you can easily spend the entire day exploring and still not see everything. Families with younger children should strongly consider bringing a stroller. Even kids who are used to walking will likely need a break at some point, and stroller rentals are available near the entrance if you do not bring your own.

To save time at the start of your visit, it helps to buy admission tickets and pay for parking online in advance. The zoo can be busy on weekends, holidays, and school breaks, and having your entry sorted ahead of time makes the process smoother. Starting early in the day also gives you more time to enjoy the animals before the crowds build up and before everyone starts to feel tired.

 

2. Bring Your Own Food and Water

Food is allowed inside the Toronto Zoo, and taking advantage of that can make a big difference for both your budget and your schedule. Packing your own snacks, sandwiches, and drinks means you can take breaks whenever you need to, without waiting in long lines or paying high prices at the restaurants and kiosks. This is especially helpful if you are visiting with kids who get hungry often.

There are picnic tables and shaded areas throughout the zoo where you can sit down and eat. Bringing a reusable water bottle is also a good idea, since there are refill stations across the grounds. Staying hydrated is important, particularly on hot days when the walking feels longer and more tiring. By planning your own meals, you save money and make the day more flexible.

 

3. Download the Toronto Zoo App

The Toronto Zoo has a free app that is worth installing before your visit. It includes an interactive map, daily schedules for keeper talks and feeding times, and notifications about temporary closures or changes. With so much ground to cover, the app helps you plan your route and avoid unnecessary backtracking.

It is also a helpful way to keep track of the timing for special activities. Feeding times and animal encounters are some of the highlights of a visit, and the app makes it easier to know when and where they are happening. Instead of relying on signs or guesswork, you have everything in one place on your phone.

Download the app here

 

4. Consider the Zoomobile

The Toronto Zoo is spread out over a very large area, and the walking can add up quickly. One option that many families find helpful is the Zoomobile, a tram service that loops through the major sections of the zoo. It allows you to rest your legs while still seeing much of the grounds, and it is especially useful if you are visiting with children or grandparents who may find the walking challenging.

The Zoomobile is not included with admission. Tickets cost around $10 per adult and $8 per child, and you can hop on and off at designated stops throughout the day. While it is an extra expense, it can save both time and energy, making it easier to focus on the animals and exhibits instead of worrying about how far you still need to walk.

 

5. Choose the Right Day to Visit

The day you choose can make a big difference in your experience at the Toronto Zoo. Cooler, overcast, or even slightly rainy days are often the best. The animals tend to be more active in these conditions, and the zoo is usually less crowded. On hot summer days, many animals retreat into shaded areas or spend most of the afternoon resting, which can make them harder to spot. Walking long distances in the heat can also be tiring, especially for kids.

If possible, try to avoid peak weekends and school holidays when the zoo is at its busiest. Arriving early in the morning helps as well, since you will have more time before the crowds build up. Checking the schedule for feeding times is also worthwhile. These moments often give you the best chance to see the animals moving around and interacting, which makes the visit more memorable.

 

6. Make Time for the Kids’ Favorites

The Toronto Zoo has a few added features that make it especially enjoyable for families. One of the highlights in the warmer months is the large splash pad near the Kids Zoo area. Bringing swimsuits, towels, and sunscreen lets children cool off and play, which can be a welcome break during a long day of walking.

It is also worth knowing what not to expect. Elephants, once one of the zoo’s most popular animals, have not been part of the collection for several years. Instead, the zoo focuses on habitats that are better suited to Toronto’s climate, such as polar bears, gorillas, and big cats. Going in with the right expectations makes the experience smoother, especially if kids are hoping to see certain animals.

 

7. Plan Your Route Wisely

The Toronto Zoo is divided into different geographic regions, and it is not realistic to see everything in a single visit, especially with younger kids. Mapping out a few must-see areas before you start walking helps make the day more manageable.

One area to keep in mind is the Canadian Domain. While it features some interesting animals, the return path is a long, steep hill with little shade. After several hours of walking, this can be tough on kids and adults alike. If you are running short on time or energy, it is better to skip this section and focus on the highlights elsewhere in the zoo.

 

8. Look for Discounts

Admission to the Toronto Zoo can add up quickly, especially for families. Before you go, check if you qualify for discounts. The zoo is sometimes included in bundle deals like Toronto CityPASS, and you may also be able to save with a PRESTO card or a CAA membership. These small savings make a difference when combined with parking, food, and other expenses during the day.

 

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

The Toronto Zoo is a full-day commitment, and by the end of our visit we were tired but glad we went. The variety of animals and the size of the grounds make it one of the most impressive attractions in the city. It is not perfect, parking costs $20 on top of already high admission fees, which feels unreasonable, but overall the experience is worth it if you plan ahead.

For families with younger kids, the key is to be selective. Decide in advance which animals or zones are most important to see, and do those first. Otherwise, you risk running out of time or energy before reaching them. If you pack food, pace yourselves, and make use of the zoo’s tools like the app or Zoomobile, you will leave with great memories instead of sore feet.