Oregon Zoo
Portland, Oregon, US
The Oregon Zoo, nestled in Portland's Washington Park, spans a sizable campus featuring diverse animal species and active conservation programs. With a 4.5‑star rating and a modest entry fee, it offers families a hands‑on encounter with wildlife amid well‑maintained outdoor exhibits.
Why choose Oregon Zoo
You’ll walk among habitats that feel more like natural landscapes than cage enclosures, giving you a sense of the animals’ true environments. Few city attractions combine education, spacious grounds, and a genuine focus on species preservation the way this zoo does.
Best for: Families · First-timers · Photography
Start your Washington Park morning here
Begin at the Oregon Zoo, then stroll through Washington Park and finish at the International Rose Test Garden, all within a relaxed half‑day walk.
- Morning — Oregon Zoo
- 11:00 — Washington Park
- Afternoon — International Rose Test Garden
Visit tips
- Buy tickets online to skip the entry line on weekends.
- Visit the Elephant and Asian Elephant exhibits early for cooler temperatures.
- Arrive early to beat the midday crowds and catch active animals.
- Allow at least four hours to explore the main exhibits and the conservation displays.
Plan your visit
- Recommended duration: 4–5 hours — allow extra time for shows
- Best time of day: Morning, before 10:00 — animals are most active
- Hours: 09:00–18:00
- Entry: $26
- Booking: not required — tickets at the gate
- Category: attraction
- Rated 4.5 by 24927 reviewers
- Tags: family friendly, conservation focus, outdoor experience, midweek visit
Nearby attractions
- Washington Park — park, 9 min walk
- International Rose Test Garden — attraction, 16 min walk
- Portland Japanese Garden — garden, 15 min walk
More things to do in Portland
- Washington Park
- International Rose Test Garden
- Portland Japanese Garden
- Pittock Mansion
- Lan Su Chinese Garden
- The Grotto
See all things to do in Portland or plan a full Portland itinerary with Next Getaway.