The Little Rock Zoo is at 1 Zoo Drive in Little Rock, making it a possible destination for a day trip from Hot Springs. Plan around its regular hours and allow about 2–3 hours for a typical family visit, with extra time if you want a longer stroll.
- Location: 1 Zoo Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205
- Regular hours: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM; last admission is at 3:30 PM
- Parking: $3.00 per vehicle; zoo members park free
- Typical family visit: about 2–3 hours
How do you get from Hot Springs to the Little Rock Zoo?
The Little Rock Zoo is in Little Rock, at 1 Zoo Drive. Use the zoo’s street address to plan your drive from Lotus by Hotel Inn - Hot Springs, a motel in Hot Springs, and check current directions before setting out.
For an airport arrival, the route from Little Rock Airport to Hot Springs is a separate part of the trip.
What are the Little Rock Zoo hours and ticket basics?
The zoo’s regular hours are 9:00 AM–4:00 PM, with last admission at 3:30 PM; the grounds close at 4:00 PM. It closes on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and when the Arkansas Razorbacks play at War Memorial Stadium. Ticket prices can change, so check the official site before you go.
For a morning visit, arriving before the 3:30 PM last-admission time gives you the most room to plan. The keeper-chat schedule has penguin chats and feedings at 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM, and a Tropical Bird House keeper chat at 10:00 AM every day; schedules can change without notice.
How much time should you plan inside the zoo?
Most families spend about 2–3 hours at the zoo, though visits range from a 90-minute stroll to several hours. Use that typical range to set your day’s pace, then leave more time if you plan to stop for food or borrow equipment.
Café Africa is open daily from 10 AM–3 PM. Seasonal food carts also operate around the zoo, and water fountains and drink vending machines are available. Outside food and drinks—including ice chests, coffee, and sack lunches—are not allowed inside. Picnic areas just outside the entrance along Zoo Drive are first-come, first-served, and there is no food storage onsite.
What should you know about parking and accessibility?
Parking is directly across from the zoo and costs $3.00 per vehicle; zoo members park free. The zoo welcomes guests of all abilities and has wheelchair-accessible paths throughout, although some areas are steep.
Manual wheelchairs can be rented for $13 and electric scooters for $30 at the Safari Trader Gift Shop. Rentals are first-come, first-served and must be returned by 4:00 PM.
The shop also rents double strollers for $13. Sensory bags—with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and KCVIP lanyards—can be borrowed from the ticket booth and returned to the ticket booth or Gift Shop.
Trained service dogs as defined by the ADA are permitted, but some areas are restricted, including the Arkansas Heritage Farm, Tropical Bird House, Big Cat Area, Cheetah Outpost Viewing Decks, and viewing windows for lions, orangutans, and gorillas. Ask at Admissions about current restrictions, which may change.
FAQs
Where is the Little Rock Zoo?
It is at 1 Zoo Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205.
When is the last admission?
Last admission is at 3:30 PM, and the grounds close at 4:00 PM.
Can you bring a picnic into the zoo?
No. Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside, but first-come, first-served picnic areas are just outside the entrance along Zoo Drive.
Are wheelchair rentals available?
Yes. Manual wheelchairs and electric scooters are available to rent at the Safari Trader Gift Shop, on a first-come, first-served basis.