ZooTampa at Lowry Park is not your ordinary zoo. We visited ZooTampa in April and had warm, beautiful weather. Between the meticulous landscaping, themed areas, and rides, it feels more like a hybrid amusement park than just a zoo. If you are looking for things to do in Tampa, add ZooTampa to your list!
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We received complimentary admission to ZooTampa at Lowry Park in exchange for our post. As always, all opinions are our own.
Zoo Tampa Admission
Tickets to ZooTampa can be purchased online or at the gate. If you purchase your tickets online, you can save $3.00 off the gate ticket price. Currently, guests can buy a single-day ticket and receive admission to the zoo for the rest the year.
If you are active-duty military, reserve soldiers, airmen, Marines, sailors or Coast Guardsmen, click here to receive four complimentary tickets for you and your family.
The Animals You Will See at ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Looking at the map, you’ll see that the zoo is divided into six sections. Visitors enter into Manatee Circle and are greeted by the beautiful manatee fountain. The Asia, Florida, and Africa sections feature animals from their respective locations. Lastly, the Primates and Wallaroo sections complete the zoo.
Asia
Immediately off Manatee Circle is Asia. Here you will find exotic animals like the Komodo dragon and the sloth bear. Other family favorites like the clouded leopard and Indian rhino can be seen lazing around on a warm day.
Florida
As you transition from Asia to Florida, the theme changes and the walkways turn into a boardwalk. It is here that visitors will find the Stingray Feeding Experience and the Manatee Critical Care Center.
While in the Critical Care Center, visitors can learn more about the zoo’s efforts in rescuing and rehabilitating injured manatees before they release them back into the wild!
While you are in the Tampa Bay-area, you can also visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to see more marine life! Or even better, you can swim with manatees in Crystal River, FL, about 1.5 hours from Tampa.
Before you leave the Florida section, check out the newest ride at the zoo! Roaring Springs is a family-friendly flume ride that is sure to help you cool down on a hot day!
Primates
The primate section may be one of the most entertaining areas in the zoo! While you walk through this lush and tropical area, you get to see the misbehaving antics of the orangutans, chimpanzees, and siamangs. If you get lucky, you’ll see a little guy trying to impress his momma!
Africa
When visitors walk into the Africa section, they are transported to another country! The area is beautifully themed to feel as though you are in a village in the Savannah. Walk along the path to see the giraffe, zebras, elephants, rhinos, and other African staples.
Do you want a closer look at the animals? Ride the Expedition Africa, a safari tram ride that ventures behind the scenes. We were able to see the baby elephants rolling around in the mud to stay cool!
Wallaroo
While the Wallaroo section is considered the kids’ area, there are still many animals to be found! Koala, emu, and wallaby represent their native land. While you’re in Wallaroo, check out the Petting Zoo that features goats and ponies.
The Rides at ZooTampa
In addition to Roaring Springs and the Expedition Africa rides, ZooTampa also has several children’s rides. The Jungle Carousel is extra unique due to the varied animals to chose from, including a manatee or a dragon. The Wallaroo section of the zoo houses the remaining rides, like the Tasmanian Tiger Coaster and the Overland Express Train.
The Splash Pad at ZooTampa
One of the best features of the zoo is the water play area in the Wallaroo section! Water sprays and buckets drench kids as they run and play in the warm sun. Plan ahead and bring your swimsuit. Lockers are located at the entrance of the Wallaroo section to store extra clothing and towels.
Food Options at ZooTampa
Visitors of the zoo have many food options to choose from, including light snacks or full meals. We ate at the International Bistro located in Africa. It is a spacious, air-conditioned, indoor dining hall that offered made to order, Italian-inspired meals.
Other dining locations include the Garden Grille, located at the front of the zoo, and Boomer’s Cafe, a grab-n-go style cafe in the Wallaroo section. Please note, visitors are allowed to bring water and small snacks into the zoo, but large coolers are not permitted
Our ZooTampa Review
Overall, we really enjoyed our visit to ZooTampa at Lowry Park. Between the animals, the rides, and the splash area, you can spend more than a full day at the zoo! We would love to return because we didn’t get to see everything in one visit.
If you have more time while in the Tampa Bay area, head over St. Petersburg for more fun things to do with kids!
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