Open 365 days a year. The last admission is sold one hour before closing time; the last Member entry is 30 minutes before closing. Please refer to the Tickets & Hours page of the website for current operating hours. Children ages 14 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult while on Zoo grounds.

Our historic, restored 1921 Dentzel Carousel is located near the Fisher Family Children's Zoo. This unique, “menagerie” style merry-go-round delights kids of all ages as they choose to ride a horse, a cat, a rabbit, or even a giraffe. Adults may ride free when standing by a paid child.

Add a ride on the historic Little Puffer miniature steam train to your visit to the San Francisco Zoo. It is one of only three remaining 22-inch gauge engines left in the world. Like generations before you, you'll make wonderful memories for both you and your kids.

Enjoy an entire day of unlimited rides on our historic Little Puffer miniature steam train and 1921 Dentzel menagerie-style Carousel. These unique attractions delight children and adults alike, and will enhance both your zoo experience and the memories you take home with you.

Join us at the San Francisco Zoo to experience the wonder of the holiday season with beautiful and bright lights. ZooLights 2018 takes you on a magical trip to a destination like no other – with Santa Claus, reindeer and seasonal delights. Lovely music will fill the air and bright lights will shine the way as you leave the city behind and retreat to a holiday hideaway.

Develop your wildlife-drawing skills with this one-day workshop! We'll cover a few art basics, then travel to the Family Farm to sketch sheep, donkeys, KuneKune pigs, ducks, turkeys, chickens, and other familiar favorites. Afterwards, you'll create a finished illustration of your favorite farmyard animal to take home with you. Basic materials will be provided but feel free to bring any of your favorite art supplies with you. Whether you're a practiced artist or a curious first-timer, you'll find a whole new way of appreciating the natural world!

Develop your wildlife-drawing skills with this one-day workshop! We'll cover a few art basics, then travel to the Cat Kingdom to draw magnificent mega-mammals such as lions, tigers, snow leopards, rhinos, and hippos. These charismatic titans may spend much of the day dozing, which makes them perfect drawing subjects! After the field trip, you'll create a finished illustration of your favorite reclining animal to take home with you. Basic materials will be provided but feel free to bring any of your favorite supplies with you.  Whether you're a practiced artist or a curious first-timer, you'll find a whole new way of appreciating the natural world!

Dive in to discover the incredible diversity of our world’s oceans! During this mixed-age program, families will investigate our connections to marine habitats and animals through hands-on activities, guided exploration, and science! The journey will begin at the new Coastal Conservation Center overlooking the Pacific coastline and continue in the Zoo as we learn how all living things rely on healthy oceans.

Registration includes 1 adult and 1 child; children must be accompanied by an adult.

2018-19 Themes:
October 13 - Oceans Alive
December 1 - On the Move
February 9 - What's on the Menu?
April 13 - Sharks!