Exploring the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium in Pittsburgh, PA

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Home to over 8,000 animals, the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium is one of the most popular attractions in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and one of only six major combination zoos and aquariums in America. First opened in 1898, the zoo and aquarium have expanded many times, including the addition of a Children’s Zoo in the 1940s, an AquaZoo in the 1960s, the Tropical Forest in the 1990s, an off-site Conservation Center in the 2000s, and a massive Islands exhibit in the 2010s.  

entrance to the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium in Pittsburgh, PA

Today, the zoo and aquarium welcome visitors to the 77 acre property to 600+ species of animals, participate in hands-on activities and feedings with zookeepers, and enjoy the beautiful grounds, well laid out exhibits., and daily programs.

the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium in Pittsburgh, PA

Travel Tips:

  • The zoo and aquarium are open year round, seven days a week with more limited hours during colder, winter months; check here for up to date information on hours and admission fees. 
  • There is a large parking lot at the base of the entrance. Follow the path to the security check in and then up a very long and steep escalator to the admission building. There is an elevator option.
  • There is a hop on, hop off tram ($5 for all day use) that brings visitors around the complex. More information on accessibility here. 
  • Definitely bring the stroller for the toddler crew; guests are also allowed to bring in food and drink and there are plenty of shaded areas to relax and enjoy a meal.
  • There are several dining and retail options around the park- check here for the full list of dining options (with indoor and outdoor seating) and retail shops.
  • Restrooms are located throughout the complex- see the map here. 
  • Additional activities with a nominal fee include a scavenger hunt, carousel ride, and face painting and caricatures. 
  • The zoo and aquarium offer daily animal feedings and encounters, as well as seasonal and holiday themed special events– see the full calendar here. 
  • Plan on three to four hours to see all the exhibits at both spots- see the full park map here. We recommend visiting in the morning during the summer for a better chance of seeing animals out in their exhibit space.

10 Must Do Activities at the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium:

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  1. Learn about the horn development of black rhinos, compare your height against the heights of animals like giraffes and the average weight of many animals, and the speed of many animals on displays throughout the pathways in the zoo.
  2. Check out how much animals like an elephant eat in a day at the Elephant Care Center and track the prints of five different animals in the path to Pier Town.
  3. Get sprayed by the mists and waterfalls in The Island, a 22,000 exhibit home to crocodiles, tortoises, siamangs, and clouded leopards. We saw a gibbon, a member of the primate family, playing and lounging in the tree. 
  4. Learn about protecting coral and sea turtles in the Coral Conservation and Sea Turtle Second Chance programs in the upper aquarium.
  5. Walk through the Freshwater Amazon tank in the middle of the aquarium and search for stingrays and dozens of varieties of fish. 

The Island exhibit at the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium in Pittsburgh, PA
  1. Watch the penguins and otters swim back and forth right in front of visitors in their large tanks and watch a daily feeding in the Water’s Edge exhibit.
  2. Listen for the roar of a Amur tiger in the Forest Passage exhibit.
  3. See cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, lions, rhinoceros, and zebras playing, eating and interacting in the massive African Savanna exhibit.
  4. Check daily feedings and enrichment activities like the VR Theater, Ice Age, I Sy a Butterfly, and shows in the Safari Amphitheater and Discovery Amphitheater
  5. Let kids climb, jump, and explore in the Kids Kingdom Play Area (we didn’t get a chance to explore but hear it’s the perfect spot for the toddler crowd)

Looking for other adventures in Pittsburgh? See our feature of the Carnegie Science Center, the Heinz History Center, the Pittsburgh Children’s Museum, the Andy Warhol Museum, the Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens, our tour of Acrisure Stadium, and full City Guide here. And follow along on our adventures on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

Disclosure: Our family was given a media pass to explore the zoo and aquarium- all opinions expressed are my own. 

New England based, part high school English teacher, part non profit founder, part road tripper who LOVES hopping in the family SUV to explore America. Our bucket list includes National Parks, MLB stadiums, presidential libraries, and eating wherever the locals eat!

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