What to Expect From Your Visit
During your visit, you will experience a living park with live animals in a primarily outdoor setting, subject to all weather conditions. Due to changing conditions including health, safety, operational, or weather concerns, certain animals may be unavailable for viewing, and areas of the park may close unexpectedly. Note that many animals, like our polar bear, have access to behind-the-scenes areas for food or rest and sometimes may not be visible when they choose to visit these spaces. If we expect any changes, we will list them here.
Daytime Zoo Operation Status
The Zoo will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28. We offer our best wishes for a wonderful and wild holiday season!
The Kids Kingdom sea lion pool is currently closed for updates. Sea lions remain visible in the Water’s Edge pool and tunnel. Otherwise, we are operating as standard off-season operations.
Evening Zoo Operation Status
Wild Illuminations is expected to open on Friday, November 15 as normal. It’s a great night to visit us!
Seasons at the Zoo
The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is open every day of the year, except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Because we are open almost every day, sometimes you will see quieter times with guest traffic, attractions, and animal availability. Weather and routine daily maintenance can also affect your visit. In general, everything at the Zoo is available during peak season (Memorial Day – Labor Day), and the further you are from peak season, the quieter your visit may be. Note that schedule of operation is subject to change without notice at any time.
Off-Season (November 1 – March 31)
- Reduced daytime hours: 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. General admission prices are reduced, as well. Yearly crowds are lowest during non-holiday weekdays.
- Warm weather animals will be moved indoors or to behind-the-scenes areas. Some warm weather animals have viewing areas to see them indoors. Outdoor reptiles will not be visible in the off season. Big cats often remain visible year-round. Note that many animals, like our polar bear, have access to behind-the-scenes areas for food or rest and sometimes may not be visible.
- Main restaurant and select gift shops open.
- Most rides and attractions are closed. VR Theater continues to operate most weekends.
- Special seasonal events occur during weather-permitting weekends.
- The new Wild Illuminations: A Holiday Lantern Experience operates select evenings.
In-Season (April 1 – October 31)
You can see pretty much everything in-season at the Zoo. During the “shoulder months” of April, May, September, and October, you may only experience everything on weekends. Peak Season, operating within in-season Memorial Day – Labor Day, is the best time to experience it all.
- Longest daytime hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with early Member entry at 9 a.m.
- All animals are scheduled to be on exhibit, health and weather permitting (view map). Animals that require warm weather like reptiles will be moved to public habitats in the spring when seasonal temperatures stabilize and moved to warmer behind-the-scenes areas when it gets cold in the fall.
- Food stands, gift shops, rides and attractions are scheduled to be open. With exception for technical difficulty, all should operate on weekends April-May and September-October, with daily operating during the summer.
- Most daytime events take place, as well as specialty evening events.
Peak Season (Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day Weekend)
Contained within In-Season is the Zoo’s peak season – summer! Everything at the Zoo is scheduled to be available every day of the week Memorial Day – Labor Day.
- Daily Activities are available.
- Admission prices tend to be the highest at this time of year because more activities are included with admission.
- Weekends, including Fridays, see the highest annual crowds.
