What Henry Doorly Zoo Is and Where to Find It
Henry Doorly Zoo is a 160-acre zoo in Omaha, Nebraska, located at 3701 South 10th Street in the Blackstone District. It is one of the largest zoos in the United States by acreage and holds animals from six continents. The zoo is open year-round, though hours and which exhibits are staffed vary by season.
The zoo is run by the Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium organization, a nonprofit. It is not a city or county department, though it receives some public funding. The zoo charges admission, and prices differ based on age, residency, and the season you visit.
Key Takeaways
- Henry Doorly Zoo is located at 3701 South 10th Street in Omaha and is open year-round with seasonal hour changes.
- Admission prices vary by age and whether you live in Douglas County, with discounts for residents and children under three.
- The zoo includes an indoor desert dome, an indoor aquarium, and outdoor exhibits spread across 160 acres.
- Parking is free on-site, and you can bring your own food and drinks, though the zoo also has food vendors throughout the grounds.
- The zoo offers season passes, group rates, and special programs like behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters for additional fees.
Admission Prices and Who Gets Discounts
General admission prices change by season. Peak season (roughly May through August) costs more than off-season (September through April). Children under three are free. Children ages three through eleven and seniors over sixty-two pay a reduced rate. Douglas County residents pay less than non-residents for all age groups.
The zoo does not post exact prices on this guide because they change yearly and sometimes within the year. You can find current prices on the zoo's official website or by calling 402-733-8401. Many zoos also offer discounts on specific days or times — check the website to see if any explore when you plan to visit.
If you visit more than twice a year, a season pass may cost less than paying per visit. The zoo sells passes at different levels depending on which areas you want to enter (some passes exclude the aquarium, for example). You can purchase passes online or at the gate.
What to Bring and What the Zoo Provides
You can bring your own food and drinks into the zoo. Many visitors pack a picnic to save money and time. The zoo has picnic tables and shaded areas throughout the grounds. You may also bring a blanket or lawn chair.
The zoo also has food vendors at multiple locations, including a main food court near the entrance. Prices at these vendors are typical for zoo food — higher than restaurants outside the zoo. Water fountains are available throughout the grounds, and you can refill reusable bottles at most of them.
Parking is free in the zoo's on-site lots. The zoo is accessible by public transit — the Omaha Metro bus system serves the area, though service is limited on weekends and evenings. If you drive, arrive early during peak season, as lots can fill up on busy days.
Major Exhibits and What You Will See
The zoo's largest indoor attraction is the Lied Jungle, a climate-controlled rainforest dome that holds animals from tropical regions. It is open year-round and is a good choice on very hot or cold days. The Kingdoms of the Night exhibit is an indoor nocturnal animal display, also climate-controlled.
The Aquarium at Henry Doorly Zoo is indoors and includes freshwater and saltwater tanks with fish, sharks, rays, and other aquatic animals. It is separate from the general zoo admission — you pay extra to enter. The aquarium is also open year-round.
Outdoor exhibits include the Big Cats area, the primate exhibits, the bird sanctuary, and the African savanna section. These are seasonal in the sense that animals may be indoors during extreme weather, but the exhibits themselves are accessible year-round. The zoo also rotates which animals are on display, so what you see may vary by visit.
Special Programs and Behind-the-Scenes Experiences
The zoo offers animal encounters and educational programs beyond general admission. These include giraffe feeding, where you can hand-feed giraffes from a platform, and keeper talks at various exhibits throughout the day. Some of these are included with admission; others cost extra.
Behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters (such as close-up time with big cats or reptiles) require separate tickets and must often be reserved in advance. Prices for these programs vary widely. You can find details and book through the zoo's website or by calling the main number.
The zoo also runs camps and classes for children during school breaks and summer. These are multi-hour or multi-day programs and cost more than admission. Information about these is posted on the zoo's website several months before each session.
Hours, Seasons, and When to Visit
Henry Doorly Zoo is open every day of the year, but hours change by season. Summer hours (typically May through August) are longer — often 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or later. Winter hours (typically November through February) are shorter — often 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Spring and fall hours fall in between.
The zoo closes on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. On other holidays, it may have reduced hours. Check the website or call ahead if you plan to visit on a holiday.
Peak season is May through August, when the zoo is most crowded and admission prices are highest. If you prefer fewer crowds, visit in September, October, March, or April. Winter visits are quieter but colder, and some outdoor exhibits may have limited access on very cold days.
Getting There and Parking
The zoo is located at 3701 South 10th Street in Omaha. If you are driving from downtown Omaha, take I-480 south toward the zoo. Signs direct you to the parking lots. The zoo has multiple free parking areas on-site, including accessible parking near the main entrance.
The Omaha Metro bus system serves the zoo area. Routes 2 and 39 stop near the entrance. Service runs less frequently on weekends and evenings, so check the Metro website for schedules before you go. The zoo is not within walking distance of most neighborhoods, so a car or bus is necessary for most visitors.
If you are visiting from out of state, the nearest major airport is Eppley Airfield (Omaha's airport), about 20 minutes away by car. Rental cars are available at the airport, or you can use a rideshare service to reach the zoo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own food and drinks into the zoo?
Yes. You can bring your own food, drinks, and snacks into Henry Doorly Zoo. Many visitors pack a picnic to save money. The zoo has picnic tables and shaded areas throughout the grounds where you can eat.
Is the zoo accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes. The zoo has paved paths, accessible restrooms, and accessible parking near the entrance. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available for rent at the main entrance for an additional fee. Some exhibits, particularly outdoor ones, may have uneven terrain, so call ahead if you have specific accessibility questions.
What is the best time of year to visit?
Spring (March to April) and fall (September to October) offer mild weather, smaller crowds, and lower admission prices than summer. Summer is busiest and most expensive but offers the longest hours. Winter is quietest but coldest, and some outdoor areas may have limited access.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
You can buy tickets at the gate on the day of your visit, but purchasing online in advance sometimes offers a small discount. During peak season weekends, buying ahead can help you skip the ticket line. Check the zoo's website to see if advance purchase discounts are currently offered.
How long does a typical visit take?
Most visitors spend three to five hours at the zoo, depending on how many exhibits they see and whether they watch keeper talks or animal encounters. If you visit the aquarium as well, add another one to two hours. You can spend a full day there if you move slowly and participate in special programs.