Reserve Your Tickets for a Social Distancing Trip to the Zoo!

With outdoor activities allowed again by the state of California, families will be excited to know that the San Francisco and Oakland Zoos are now open to the public. In order to maintain social distancing and COVID-19 safety, both zoos are reducing their capacity and requiring advance tickets, and some attractions and features, including high-touch environments like playgounds and indoor areas, are temporarily closed.

Book your tickets now for a fun day out with the kiddos at the zoo and plan on a less crowded, educational outdoor outing for all. Read on to learn what each zoo is doing to limit crowds and keep visitors and staff safe during the coronavirus pandemic.

San Francisco Zoo

The San Francisco Zoo is currently open to the public by advance reservation only. Tickets are limited; both zoo members and the general public must order advance tickets for a specific date and time. You can purchase a pre-paid ticket for the zoo's parking lot as well. Tickets purchased before the December shutdown will still be honored, but new reservations must be made.

Face coverings are required for all visitors over the age of 2, and everyone is required to maintain a 6-foot distance between your family group and others. Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the park and the zoo has increased their cleaning and disinfecting efforts.

When in the zoo, cash will not be accepted; visitors can pay with credit cards and Apple or Android pay only. Food will be available for purchase with outdoor seating only.

The following attactions and areas are closed:

• South American Tropical Rainforest and Aviary
• Great Ape Passage Indoor Dayroom
• California Conservation Corridor 
• Insect Zoo
• Family Farm 
• African Aviary 
• Dentzel Carousel 
• Elinor Friend Playground 
• Sculpture Learning Plaza  

Get complete details on the current restrictions and requirements at the San Francisco Zoo at sfzoo.org/re-opening.

The San Francisco Zoo is located near Ocean Beach on Sloat Boulevard at the Great Highway. Admission is $23 for adults, $19 for seniors 65+, $17 for children 4–14, and free for children under 3. San Francisco residents receive discounted admission (proof of SF residency required). Members are admitted free. Parking costs $11 on weekdays and $13 on weekends and holidays. The zoo is open daily starting at 10 am; tickets are sold for half-hour time slots. For more information and to reserve your tickets, visit sfzoo.org. You can also call them at (415) 753-7080.

Oakland Zoo

The Oakland Zoo will be reopening to the public on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. Admission will be by advance reservation only. Tickets are limited; both zoo members and the general public must order advance tickets for a specific date and time. You can purchase a pre-paid ticket for the zoo's parking lot as well. Existing pre-shutdown reservations for either the zoo or the Glowfari evening event will be rescheduled.

Face coverings are required for all visitors age 3 and older, and you must maintain a 6-foot distance between your household group and others. If you arrive without a face covering, you will be required to purchase one for entry. Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the zoo. Drinking fountains are closed, but water bottle filling stations are available.

Food carts, Tuskers Grill, and the Giraffe Ridge snack bar are open for meals, snacks, and drinks. Tuskers Grill accepts advance online orders. A limited number of tables are available for outdoor dining.

The following attractions and areas are closed:

• Zimmer Bug House and the Reptile and Amphibian Discovery Room
• Petting Yard
• California Conservation Habitarium
• Adventure Landing (all rides, including train)
• Playground areas
• Picnic areas and restaurant indoor dining tables

Learn more about the Oakland Zoo's reopening at www.oaklandzoo.org/reopening.

The Oakland Zoo is located at 9777 Golf Links Road in Oakland. Admission is $24 for adults (15–64), $20 for children 2–14 and seniors 65+, and free for children under 2 and seniors 76+. A discount is offered for military families with current military ID. Parking is an additional $10 per car. Timed tickets are issued for 1-hour slots. The zoo will be open from 10 am to 6 pm through Labor Day, with early hours for members. Last timed ticket will be from 3–4 pm. For more info and to reserve your tickets visit www.oaklandzoo.org.