The Maryland Zoo sits inside Druid Hill Park, a 745-acre city park northwest of downtown, and it is the best family day out in Baltimore beyond the harbor. It is open all year and organized into themed areas that make a visit easy to plan. Penguin Coast is the signature draw, home to more than 100 African black-footed penguins, with fish feedings in the late morning and mid-afternoon. African Journey gives eye-level views of elephants, lions, zebras, ostriches and rhinos, and visitors can hand-feed a giraffe. Maryland Wilderness covers native wildlife, along with the Farmyard and Goat Corral, where children can groom goats. The Zephyr train, a 10-minute ride that leaves from the Farmyard, is included with admission or membership. Parking is free, picnicking is allowed on the grounds and there are concession stands for meals. The zoo has run reduced-price winter admission in past years, which makes the cooler months an appealing and quieter time to go, so check the current ticket prices before you travel.
How to visit
From March to December the zoo opens daily from 10:00 to 16:00. In January and February it runs limited winter hours, generally Friday through Monday, according to Baltimore’s visitor guide, so confirm days before you set out in midwinter. The zoo is a few miles from the Inner Harbor, so most visitors drive or take a rideshare, and parking inside the grounds is free.
General admission covers ages two and up, and there is a higher-priced ZooMore ticket with a virtual-reality ride. A membership pays for itself in two visits if you live nearby.
What to expect
Allow three or four hours to cover the grounds comfortably. On cold or rainy days, head for the indoor stops such as Chimpanzee Forest and the Penguin Education Center, and watch the cold-tolerant animals that stay active in cooler weather, including river otters, bobcats, flamingos and the Amur leopard. The Zephyr train helps tired legs. Bring layers, since the park is exposed.
Making the most of it
Arrive at opening, see the penguins at the first feeding and finish at the giraffes before lunch, leaving the farmyard and train for the afternoon. If you have only a half-day, prioritize Penguin Coast and African Journey. Because Druid Hill Park also has a conservatory and walking paths, a nice combination is a morning at the zoo and a gentle walk afterwards.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided zoo with themed areas, daily animal feedings, a farmyard and a 10-minute train ride.
Best time
Opening time on a mild day, with the penguin feeding as the first stop.
How long
Three to five hours.
Tips
Check winter days and prices, wear layers and use the indoor chimp and penguin stops in bad weather.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families with children, animal lovers and anyone who wants a full day outside the Inner Harbor.
- Families
- Penguins, giraffe feeding, goats and the train suit all ages, and parking is free.
- Couples
- A relaxed daytime outing, better in cool weather when the animals are active.
- Pair with
- A drive through Druid Hill Park, or a dinner in Hampden afterwards.
- Time needed
- Half a day to a full day.
Good questions
Where is the Maryland Zoo?+
It is in Druid Hill Park, a 745-acre city park northwest of downtown Baltimore, with free parking on site.
What are the Maryland Zoo hours?+
From March to December it is open daily from 10:00 to 16:00, and January and February have limited winter hours, generally Friday to Monday.
Can you feed the giraffes?+
Yes, visitors can hand-feed a giraffe in African Journey.
What is there to do in bad weather?+
Chimpanzee Forest and the Penguin Education Center are indoors, and cold-tolerant animals such as river otters, bobcats and flamingos stay active in cool weather.
Is the train included?+
Yes, the 10-minute Zephyr train ride from the Farmyard is included with admission or membership.
