Visiting Zagreb Zoo with Kids: Prices, Tips & Best Times

Zagreb Zoo is one of those places that earns its spot on the Zagreb-with-kids list. Not because it’s flashy, but because it’s fun and practical for several reasons. 

Well-maintained, stroller-friendly, and tucked inside Maksimir Park, it makes for an easy, rewarding day out. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.

Zagreb Zoo Is Inside Maksimir Park and That’s a Big Deal

The zoo sits within Maksimir Park, Zagreb’s oldest and largest park. Think forest paths, five lakes, and enough open space to make a full day of it. You’re not just visiting a zoo, you’re visiting one of the most pleasant corners of the city. If you’d like to find out more, check my Maksimir park guide.

This matters practically. You can arrive early, walk the park, then head into the zoo. Or do it the other way around. Either way, the setting makes the whole outing feel relaxed and fun with kids. If you’re first time in Zagreb, check my ultimate Zagreb guide for families.

Getting There

The easiest way to get to Zagreb Zoo with kids is by tram. Lines 4, 5, 7, 11, and 12 all stop at Bukovačka, right by the park entrance. 

Zagreb’s low-floor trams make boarding with a stroller straightforward; no lifting, no wrestling.

For a full guide on getting around Zagreb by public transport, click here.

Finding the Entrance

Zagreb Zoo actually has two entrances, and knowing the difference saves you some unnecessary walking.

Main Entrance (Bukovačka stop)

The main entrance sits next to the first lake inside Maksimir Park. The zoo is divided by that lake, so you’ll cross a bridge to reach the entrance. It’s a lovely approach, especially if you’re already planning to walk the park, but it does mean a bit more distance from the tram stop.

Ravnice Entrance (recommended for families)

One tram stop further toward Dubrava is Ravnice. Step off the tram and the entrance is right across the street, visible as soon as you arrive. No bridge, no extra walking through the park.

If your main goal is getting to the zoo, especially with a stroller or young kids, this is the entrance I’d head for. It’s closer, and it tends to be less crowded than the main entrance.

Opening Hours and Ticket Prices

Opening Hours

The zoo is open every day from 9:00 to 19:00.

A few things worth knowing:

The ticket office closes at 18:00, so make sure you’re through the entrance before then and don’t forget about the entrance after 5PM.

Ticket Prices

*The Monday discount applies to regular Mondays only, not public holidays.

Annual tickets and group discounts are also available. For those, check the official Zagreb Zoo website.

What to Expect Inside

Well-Maintained and Walkable

Zagreb Zoo is in genuinely good shape. The paths are mostly paved and stroller-friendly throughout, so you won’t be wrestling your pushchair over rough terrain. 

The Petting Area

One of the highlights, especially for younger kids, is the domestic animals section. You can walk in among goats and sheep and let the kids get up close. There’s a water tap just outside this area, perfect for washing hands or refilling water bottles.

Worth a heads-up though: parts of the zoo can be under renovation at any given time, and this section is no exception. We visited recently and found it temporarily closed. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth managing expectations with little ones before you arrive.

The Playground

There’s a small play area inside the zoo, good for a quick energy burn mid-visit. It’s not large, but it does the job if your kids need to move.

That said, if playground time is a priority for your family, Maksimir Park has much better options just outside. Keep in mind, though: zoo entry is one-time only. Once you exit, you can’t go back in on the same ticket. So save the park playground for after the zoo, not between.

Food and Drinks

There’s a self-service restaurant inside the zoo that operates as a student canteen, meaning the prices are reasonable. You can have a proper sit-down meal, or just stop for a drink and ice cream. It’s a solid mid-visit break.

If the restaurant area is busy (and on sunny weekends, it can get crowded), there’s also a separate ice cream spot further in the zoo. Useful to know if half of Zagreb has had the same idea as you.

Tips for a Stress-Free Visit

These are the things I’d tell any parent friend before their first visit:

• Go on a Monday if you can- the discounted adult ticket (5€ instead of 7€) adds up quickly with a family, and weekday crowds are noticeably smaller
• Arrive before noon on weekends in spring and summer– nice weather fills this place up fast
• Don’t rush out for the park playground– remember, re-entry isn’t possible, so let the kids use the zoo’s play area first, then head into Maksimir
• Bring water– you can refill at the tap near the petting area, which helps
• Stroller-wise, you’ll be fine– paths are solid throughout, and the tram ride there is easy
• Prep kids for possible closures– a section being renovated isn’t uncommon; a quick “some parts might be taking a nap today” goes a long way with preschoolers

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Is Zagreb Zoo Worth It?

For a Zagreb family outing, yes. Especially in spring when the park is at its best. The combination of a well-run zoo, reasonable prices, and the Maksimir setting makes it hard to beat. It’s not a theme park. It’s a calm, easy and enjoyable day trip.

And on a Monday in April? It might just be the best-value outing in the city.

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Have you visited Zagreb Zoo recently? Drop your experience in the comments — I’d love to know what your kids’ favourite part was.