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Location
The zoo is in Mohawk Park at 6421 E 36th St N. Its GPS address is listed by the zoo as 4099 Chickasaw Drive.
Tulsa, Oklahoma · Mohawk Park
Tulsa Zoo: Complete Guide to Tickets, Hours, Attractions & Planning Your Visit
Explore 124 acres of wildlife habitats, family attractions and immersive exhibits at Tulsa Zoo. This guide covers current admission, hours, parking, major exhibits, accessibility, dining, events and practical tips for planning a smoother visit.
Tulsa Zoo Quick Facts
Address
6421 E 36th St N., Tulsa, OK 74115
Typical Visit
Plan about 4–6 hours
Zoo Size
124 acres
Regular Hours
9 AM–5 PM; last entry 4 PM
Parking
$6 non-members; free for members
Online Admission
From $16.99; adults $19.99
Visiting Tulsa Zoo in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa Zoo is a large zoological attraction inside Mohawk Park in north Tulsa. The zoo spans 124 acres and combines animal habitats with hands-on family activities, keeper programs, educational spaces and seasonal events.
Its exhibit areas are organized around environments and regions, making it possible to move from the African savanna to Asian habitats, tropical rainforest environments, aquatic exhibits and specialized wildlife areas during a single visit. The zoo's official exhibit list currently includes Africa, African Penguins, Aldabra Atoll, Children's Zoo, Chimpanzee Connection, the Conservation Center, Lost Kingdom, Rainforest, Sea Lion Cove, The Grottos and WildLIFE Trek.
One of the major reasons to allow several hours is the combination of distance, animal-viewing areas and optional experiences. The Mary K. and John T. Oxley Family Elephant Experience anchors a major Asian-elephant complex, while Lost Kingdom, Africa and the Rainforest provide some of the zoo's most distinctive environments.
Before arriving, check the official calendar and visitor notices. Hours, animal programs, attraction operation and event schedules can change because of weather, construction, animal care or special events.
Tulsa Zoo at a Glance
The four planning details most visitors should know before they go.
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Admission
Online general admission currently lists adults at $19.99, seniors and children at $16.99, and children age 2 and under free. Gate prices are $3 higher.
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Family Friendly
Children's Zoo, the Helmerich Playground, animal keeper chats and optional rides make the zoo especially suitable for families.
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Accessibility
The zoo provides mobility rentals, sensory bags, a quiet family room, accessible facilities and policies for qualified service animals.
Tulsa Zoo Tickets & Admission
Tulsa Zoo currently offers lower online general-admission prices than the regular gate rate. The official ticket portal lists online admission at $19.99 for adults ages 12–64 and $16.99 for seniors ages 65+ and children ages 3–11. Children age 2 and under are free.
| Ticket | Online | Gate |
|---|---|---|
| Adults, ages 12–64 | $19.99 | $22.99 |
| Seniors, ages 65+ | $16.99 | $19.99 |
| Children, ages 3–11 | $16.99 | $19.99 |
| Children age 2 and under | Free | Free |
Prices are subject to sales tax. Online tickets are tied to the selected visit date and are nonrefundable, but the official ticket portal says tickets may be rescheduled for up to one year from the purchase date by contacting Admissions.
Discounts and Memberships
Tulsa Zoo offers several admission discounts, including 20% off regular gate admission for active military/veterans and first responders. Museums for All and other qualifying programs have separate eligibility rules. AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium members may also qualify for reciprocal admission discounts.
Annual memberships include regular admission and other benefits. Current membership options range from individual-style plans to family and guest-oriented plans, so frequent visitors should compare the membership benefits with the cost of individual admission.
Planning tip: If you already know your visit date, buying general admission
online is currently the simplest way to save $3 per ticket compared with the regular gate rate.
Check the official ticket portal immediately before purchasing because prices and terms can change.
Official booking
Buy Tulsa Zoo Tickets Online
Select your visit date and time through the zoo's official ticketing portal.
Official Ticket PortalTulsa Zoo Hours
Regular hours are currently listed as 9 AM to 5 PM, with last admission at 4 PM.
Regular Schedule
The official ticket portal currently lists Tulsa Zoo as open seven days a week from 9 AM to 5 PM, with last entry at 4 PM.
Special events, extreme weather, construction and holiday programming can produce different hours or early closures. Animal buildings and individual attractions may also operate on schedules that differ from general zoo hours.
Before You Visit
- Check the official hours on the day before your visit.
- Review the event calendar for special-event dates.
- Check weather-related notices during periods of extreme heat or storms.
- Arrive with enough time to explore before the 4 PM last admission.
- Confirm attraction and keeper-chat times separately.
Current access note: The zoo's visitor information currently states that the main
entrance bridge is closed because of construction and that guests should enter and exit through the
West Gate. Construction conditions can change, so verify the latest entrance information before
traveling.
Main Tulsa Zoo Attractions & Things to See
These are some of the most useful areas to prioritize when planning a first visit.
Mary K. and John T. Oxley Family Elephant Experience
This is the visitor hub for Tulsa Zoo's Asian-elephant facilities. The broader elephant complex includes a 10-acre preserve and a 36,650-square-foot preserve barn, with 17 acres of the zoo dedicated to Asian elephants.
Allow time to view both indoor and outdoor areas and look for keeper information about the zoo's elephant-care program.
Lost Kingdom
Lost Kingdom focuses on Asian wildlife and includes the Helmerich Tiger Exhibit, Hardesty Snow Leopard Habitat, Siamang Habitat, Komodo Dragon exhibit and seasonal red panda and binturong areas.
This is a strong section to prioritize if big cats, primates and reptiles are high on your list.
Africa
The Africa area recreates a savanna setting and includes the Mary K. Chapman Rhino Reserve, Giraffe Barn and Giraffe Experience.
If giraffe feeding is operating during your visit, check its schedule and weather conditions before planning around it.
Rainforest
The 15,000-square-foot Rainforest is an immersive indoor walkthrough modeled on tropical American rainforest environments.
The exhibit is maintained at roughly 80% humidity and 72–82°F, making it a useful indoor stop during hot or unsettled weather.
Helmerich Sea Lion Cove
Sea Lion Cove features a 100,000-gallon saltwater pool, underwater viewing and a covered seating area.
Check the daily program schedule for keeper chats and other animal presentations.
WildLIFE Trek
The Robert J. LaFortune WildLIFE Trek is a four-building complex organized around animals' adaptations to cold, desert, forest and water environments.
It is particularly useful for visitors who want a mix of indoor exhibits and educational interpretation.
Children's Zoo
The Children's Zoo includes small mammals and domestic animals, plus a petting-zoo area where guests can interact with selected farm animals.
Combine it with the nearby Helmerich Playground for a family-focused portion of your visit.
African Penguins & Chimpanzee Connection
African Penguins features underwater viewing and a habitat designed around the South African shoreline. Chimpanzee Connection provides indoor and outdoor viewing windows.
Both are good choices when weather makes long periods outdoors less appealing.
The Grottos
The Grottos is home to black-and-white ruffed lemurs and offers a lush setting with tall trees. A grizzly bear habitat is nearby.
Look upward as well as at ground level when searching for the arboreal lemurs.
Signature experience
Explore the Asian Elephant Complex
For many visitors, the elephant complex is one of the most distinctive parts of Tulsa Zoo. The Mary K. and John T. Oxley Family Elephant Experience was developed alongside a new Elephant Preserve and Preserve Barn.
The preserve adds 10 acres, while the 36,650-square-foot barn provides substantial indoor space for the zoo's Asian elephants. The experience also provides interpretation and viewing opportunities that help visitors understand how the zoo manages its elephant program.
Best strategy: Put the elephant area high on your itinerary if it is a priority,
then use the official daily schedule to see whether an elephant keeper chat is offered during
your visit.
Why allow extra time?
- Indoor and outdoor elephant viewing areas
- Interpretive information about Asian elephants
- Large-scale preserve and barn facilities
- Keeper information may be available on scheduled days
- Nearby Africa exhibits make a logical itinerary pairing
Rides, Encounters & Experiences
Some experiences require separate payment, reservations or age restrictions. Weather and animal participation can affect availability.
| Attraction / Experience | What to Expect | Requirements / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Giraffe Feeding Experience | Purchase feedings at the Mary K. Chapman Giraffe Experience deck. | The 2026 seasonal schedule lists Fridays–Sundays, 11 AM–1 PM, March 14–October 18, weather permitting. Pricing is $6 general admission/$5 members for one serving. |
| African Penguin Encounter | Approximately 30-minute behind-the-scenes experience with an African penguin. | Ages 5+. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a paid adult. Limited to 8 guests. Separate ticket required; general admission is not included. Closed-toe shoes required. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Animal Tour | Guided visit to the Education Animal Holding facility followed by an animal encounter. | Tours are about 45–60 minutes, generally Saturdays at 10 AM. Current listed price is $30 per participant, with a $5 member discount. Ages 3+. |
| ONEOK Safari Train | Zoo train ride with stations near the front and rear portions of the zoo. | Separate attraction ticket. Current attraction pricing and operating times can vary; check the official attraction information on the day of your visit. |
| Arvest Wildlife Carousel | Family-friendly carousel ride near the front of the zoo. | Separate attraction ticket. Operating status can be weather-dependent. |
| Helmerich Playground | Free-play areas designed for toddlers and older children. | Included with zoo admission; the playground is designed for children with a range of physical, social and emotional abilities. |
Attraction schedules, prices and animal participation can change. Confirm current details through the official Tulsa Zoo website before purchasing add-ons.
Parking & Transportation
Parking
Current zoo visitor information lists parking at $6 for non-members and free for Tulsa Zoo members. The zoo notes that paid priority parking may sometimes be offered during Spring Break and special events.
Because the zoo is inside Mohawk Park, follow signs for Tulsa Zoo once inside the park. During busy periods, arriving earlier can make parking and entry easier.
Driving, Airport & Local Transportation
Tulsa Zoo is approximately 1.5 miles north of Tulsa International Airport according to the zoo's directions page. The zoo also has convenient access from U.S. Highway 75 and Interstate 244.
For public transportation, use current Tulsa transit trip-planning information rather than relying on an old route number. Service patterns can change, and the zoo's official visitor pages do not provide a permanent transit schedule.
Rideshare and private drop-off plans should account for current entrance and construction conditions, especially while the main entrance bridge is closed.
Current entrance note: Tulsa Zoo's FAQ currently directs all guests to the
West Gate because the main entrance bridge is closed for construction. Check the official map
before setting your navigation destination.
Dining at Tulsa Zoo
You can plan to eat inside the zoo rather than leaving the grounds for every meal or snack.
Restaurants & Meal Stops
Tulsa Zoo operates multiple food locations, with full-service-style and quick-service choices changing as the zoo updates its food program. Check current concessions on the official visitor page before your visit.
Snack Carts
Snack carts are located throughout the zoo and offer items such as Dippin' Dots, soft drinks and popcorn. Availability can vary by location and day.
Bringing Your Own Food
The zoo's FAQ currently allows guests to bring their own food and drinks, except for alcoholic beverages and glass containers. Follow any event-specific rules that may apply.
Food-planning tip: For families, bringing a permitted non-glass drink and
planning one meal break can make a multi-hour zoo visit easier, particularly during hot weather.
Tulsa Zoo Accessibility
Tulsa Zoo provides several practical accessibility services, but visitors should consider the amount of walking and outdoor exposure involved in a 124-acre zoo.
Mobility Equipment
Guest Services offers manual wheelchairs and electric scooters for rental, along with strollers and wagons. Current listed rental prices are $10 for a manual wheelchair and $30 for an electric scooter, before tax.
Quantities are limited, and the zoo recommends contacting Guest Services in advance for reservations or information.
Sensory Support
Sensory bags are available at the information window in the Entrance Plaza. The zoo also provides a Family Den with a quiet room for families affected by autism or sensory-processing disorders.
The Family Den also includes a nursing space, family restroom and an adult changing table.
Service Animals
Qualified service dogs and service dogs in training with a trainer from a recognized facility are permitted on zoo grounds, with an exception for the gated Contact Yard inside the Children's Zoo.
Emotional-support animals and other animals not covered by the zoo's service-animal policy are not permitted. Check in with Admissions for current requirements.
Accessible Experiences
The zoo states that certain behind-the-scenes areas are mobility-device accessible. For specialized encounters, contact Guest Services in advance so staff can discuss reasonable accommodations.
The zoo's mobility-device guidelines also apply to other power-driven mobility devices, so review those rules before bringing specialized equipment.
Accessibility planning: Tulsa Zoo involves substantial outdoor walking and standing.
Contact Guest Services before your visit if your party needs a mobility device, encounter-specific
accommodation or clarification about an accessible route.
How Long to Spend at Tulsa Zoo
There is no official required visit length. Because the zoo covers 124 acres, these are practical planning ranges rather than fixed schedules.
A Focused Visit
Choose two or three priority areas such as Lost Kingdom, Africa or the elephant complex. This works well for visitors with limited time or a stop between other Tulsa activities.
Best for Most First Visits
Allow roughly 4–6 hours to combine several major exhibit areas, a meal or snack break, keeper chats and one or two optional attractions without rushing.
Deep Exploration
A full day makes sense for families who want to cover more of the zoo, use the playground, take a train or carousel ride, attend scheduled programs and spend extra time at major habitats.
Best Time to Visit Tulsa Zoo
The best time depends on whether your priority is weather, crowds, animal activity or seasonal events.
For Comfortable Weather
Spring and fall can be appealing for outdoor walking. Oklahoma summers can be very hot, so check the forecast and any heat-related operating notices before a summer visit.
For Cooler Conditions
Start early on hot days. Morning visits reduce the amount of time spent in the strongest afternoon heat and give you more flexibility before last admission.
For Events
Special programs and after-hours events can create a very different experience. Check the official calendar before planning around an event because dates, times and admission rules vary.
Photography tip: Morning light can be pleasant for outdoor photography, while
indoor exhibits such as the Rainforest, WildLIFE Trek and African Penguins provide useful alternatives
when sunlight or temperatures are less comfortable.
Tulsa Zoo Visitor Tips
1. Buy Online
Online general admission is currently $3 less per ticket than regular gate admission.
2. Check the Entrance
Construction has temporarily shifted guest entry to the West Gate, according to current zoo guidance.
3. Start Early in Heat
Much of the experience is outdoors. On hot days, use the morning for large outdoor habitats.
4. Use the Map
The zoo is large. Identify your must-see habitats and restrooms before walking to the far side.
5. Check Animal Programs
Keeper chats and story times occur at scheduled locations and can add educational value to your visit.
6. Bring Weather Protection
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, water and weather-appropriate clothing are especially useful for a multi-hour visit.
Events & Seasonal Activities
Tulsa Zoo maintains a changing calendar of public programs, family events and ticketed after-hours experiences.
WALTZ Into the Wilds
Tulsa Zoo's annual WALTZ fundraising event features an African-rainforest theme, food from local restaurants, cocktails and live entertainment. It is a special event rather than regular daytime zoo admission.
Zoo Nights
The October Zoo Nights event is an adults-only, 21+ after-hours experience with a Halloween theme, live music, yard games, food and animal chats. Separate admission is required.
HallowZOOeen
HallowZOOeen is a family-oriented Halloween experience with themed activities and treats. Check the official calendar for the finalized 2026 dates, sessions and ticket requirements.
Pirates & Princesses
A special interactive dinner scheduled ahead of HallowZOOeen. It requires separate event planning and is not part of ordinary daytime admission.
Sweets with Santa
A holiday event featuring activities and an opportunity to meet Santa. Confirm event times and ticket availability before making plans.
Keeper Chats & Education
Daily or weekly programming can include keeper chats, story time and special educational activities. Times change, so use the official calendar for the date you visit.
Important: Event dates and times can change. Some events are adults-only, ticketed
separately or have limited capacity. Use the official event calendar rather than relying on an old
event listing.
Tulsa Zoo Map & Layout
Tulsa Zoo is large enough that route planning can save considerable walking. The official zoo map identifies exhibit areas, train stations, restrooms, restaurants, information, first aid, picnic areas and paths.
Useful Map Stops
West Gate: Current guest entrance and exit while the main entrance bridge is closed.
World Globe: A useful orientation point near the entrance.
Lost Kingdom: Tigers, snow leopards, siamangs, Komodo dragons and other Asian species.
Africa: Rhino, giraffe and African savanna habitats.
Rainforest: Large indoor tropical exhibit.
WildLIFE Trek: Cold, desert, forest and water environments.
Children's Zoo & Playground: Family-oriented areas.
Train Stations: Crane Depot and Sea Lion Station.
Information & First Aid: Use the entrance-area services if you need assistance.
Official Map & Directions
Use the zoo's official map for current entrances, exhibit locations and walking routes.
Open Tulsa Zoo MapThe zoo lists its street address as 6421 E 36th St North, Tulsa, OK 74115 and its GPS address as 4099 Chickasaw Drive, Tulsa, OK 74115.
Tulsa Zoo Visit Checklist
Complete these quick checks before leaving for the zoo.
- Buy or confirm your admission tickets.
- Check the official opening hours and last admission time.
- Review the event calendar for special programming or closures.
- Check the latest construction and West Gate entrance information.
- Review the weather forecast, especially during summer.
- Save or download the official zoo map.
- Decide which major habitats are must-sees.
- Check keeper chats, giraffe feeding and encounter schedules.
- Plan a meal or snack break and review the outside-food rules.
- Arrange wheelchair, scooter or other mobility assistance in advance if needed.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and weather protection.
- Keep enough time in your schedule to reach last admission if arriving later in the day.
Tulsa Zoo FAQ
Answers to common questions about Tulsa Zoo tickets, hours, parking, food and accessibility.
Yes. Regular visitors need general admission unless they qualify for free admission through
a current membership or other applicable program. Children age 2 and under are free.
The official ticket portal currently lists online admission at $19.99 for adults ages 12–64,
$16.99 for seniors 65+ and children ages 3–11, and free admission for children age 2 and under.
Regular gate prices are $3 higher for paid admission categories.
Regular hours are currently listed as 9 AM to 5 PM, with last admission at 4 PM. Special events,
weather and construction can affect the schedule, so check the official visitor page before going.
Current zoo information lists parking at $6 for non-members and free for Tulsa Zoo members.
Paid priority parking may be offered during some busy periods and special events.
A focused visit can fit into 1–2 hours, but a first visit is better planned as roughly
4–6 hours if you want to see several major exhibits, eat and attend activities.
Yes. The zoo's current FAQ permits outside food and drinks except alcoholic beverages and
glass containers. Special-event rules can differ.
Tulsa Zoo provides mobility-device rentals, accessible facilities, sensory bags and a quiet
family room. Some specialized experiences are also mobility-device accessible. Contact Guest
Services in advance for specific accommodation questions.
No. Pets are not allowed on zoo grounds. Qualified service dogs and service dogs in training
under the zoo's policy are permitted, with restrictions in the gated Contact Yard.
Yes. Family-oriented features include the Children's Zoo, Helmerich Playground, animal
presentations, story time and optional rides and encounters.
No. The zoo's current FAQ states that members do not need to reserve a regular admission ticket.
Members should bring their digital membership pass and photo ID.
Morning is a practical choice during hot weather because more of your visit takes place before
the hottest part of the day. Check the forecast and daily program schedule when choosing your arrival time.
Yes. Experiences such as giraffe feedings, behind-the-scenes tours, penguin encounters,
train rides and the carousel can require separate payment. Prices and schedules vary by attraction.
Plan Your Tulsa Zoo Visit
For the smoothest visit, buy admission online, check current hours and construction notices, review the zoo map, and choose your priority exhibits before arriving. Because weather, animal programs, construction and special events can change the visitor experience, always confirm current details with Tulsa Zoo shortly before your visit.