Activities

Zoo attractions

Guided Bus Tour: Enjoy a 35-minute tour on a double-decked bus covering about 75 percent of the San Diego Zoo. Your bus tour ticket also includes use of the Express Bus, double- or single-decked buses with green signs on the sides that allow guests to hop on and off at five different stops throughout the Zoo. The Express buses pass by the stops every 20 minutes or less and provide transportation around the Zoo. Bus Tour tickets are included in the 1-Day Pass Admission price; they are not included in the General Admission price but may be purchased for $10 per adult, $7 per child ages 3–11. Members pay $8.50 per adult, $5 per child.

Guided Bus Tours in Spanish and French are available for groups of 20 or more with advanced notice. There are ASL “signed” bus tours available for the hearing impaired. For all guest interpreting requests, reservations should be made one week in advance of the day of the visit by calling 619-231-1515, ext. 4526.

Skyfari® aerial tram: Take an airborne shortcut over the treetops to the other end of the Zoo and enjoy spectacular views of the Zoo, its animal and plant collection, and surrounding Balboa Park (children under 8 must be accompanied by adults). 10 a.m.–4:15 p.m. daily, longer hours during the summer season. Adult/child is $4 each way; members ride free.

Balboa Park Miniature Railroad: All aboard! The Balboa Park Miniature Railroad is now operated by the San Diego Zoo. The train pulls out of the station for 3-minute rides around a portion of Balboa Park. Operating hours are 11 a.m.–6:30 p.m. daily during the summer, and 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m. on weekends and school holidays. The train station is just east of the Zoo’s exit. Train tickets are $2 for ages 1 and up; under age 1 is free. For safety reasons, ages 5 and under must ride with a paying adult.

Special Tours: Take your group of 15 or more people on a special tour! These guided tours are offered with various topics to suit your group’s interests. Call Reservation Sales at 619-718-3000 or 800-407-9534 to get pricing for your group size.