Buffalo Zoo Tours and Activities

Buffalo Zoo
Buffalo Zoo
Buffalo Zoo
Buffalo Zoo
Buffalo Zoo


See more than 1,200 animals at this small zoo in Buffalo’s Delaware Park. Explore the rainforest building or see the big cats of the African plains.

The Buffalo Zoo opened in 1875 and has the distinction of being one of the oldest zoos in the United States. See mammals, amphibians, reptiles and birds from all over the world, along with creatures native to upstate New York.

Buffalo Zoo’s first inhabitants were a pair of deer that had been given to the city by a local furrier. Today, the zoo is home to a huge variety of animals. You may even have the opportunity to see a special visiting creature, such as a koala or rare white alligator. 

Big and exotic creatures are always a favorite zoo attraction, and the Buffalo Zoo does not disappoint. African lions and Siberian tigers live in the Habicat area. Visit Buffalo’s famous Asian elephants in the Elephant Yard. See Kodiak, grizzly, speckled and polar bears in the Bear Pits. 

Experience marine biology in action at Sea Lion Cove. This exhibit features an interactive lecture against the backdrop of California sea lions swimming and sunning themselves. 

Enter Rainforest Falls and transport yourself to a replica of Venezuela’s Canaima National Park, complete with a thundering waterfall. Walk among howler monkeys, capybaras, anacondas and other rainforest creatures in this two-story exhibit. 

With several other indoor exhibits, the zoo is a great place to visit, even on a rainy day. Meet animals that are definitely not from Buffalo in the Gorilla House and Giraffe House. See dozens of lizards, snakes and other creatures in the Reptile House.

Visit the zoo any day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Opening and closing times vary depending on the day and season, so inquire beforehand for an up-to-date timetable. 

There is a small admission and parking fee. Children, students and seniors receive ticket discounts. The rides, such as the carousel and train, cost extra.

Buffalo Zoo is located in the heart of Delaware Park. Frederick Law Olmsted, who was also the visionary behind Central Park, designed this centerpiece of the Buffalo parks system. You can easily explore the park on foot or take a quick drive to the city’s downtown area.

Plan a trip to see Buffalo Zoo

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Best Lodging Options Near Buffalo Zoo

Vaulted Loft in Historic Bank on Hertel King Bed + walk to shops

Vaulted Loft in Historic Bank on Hertel King Bed + walk to shops

Buffalo
Vaulted Loft in Historic Bank on Hertel King Bed + walk to shops
Spacious Buffalo-Niagara Home

Spacious Buffalo-Niagara Home

Buffalo
Spacious Buffalo-Niagara Home
Cozy Upper 3 bed 2 full bath + loft + balcony

Cozy Upper 3 bed 2 full bath + loft + balcony

Buffalo
Cozy Upper 3 bed 2 full bath + loft + balcony
Charming 3-bedroom house with AC and WiFi in delightful Buffalo

Charming 3-bedroom house with AC and WiFi in delightful Buffalo

Buffalo
Charming 3-bedroom house with AC and WiFi in delightful Buffalo
Park Place Suites

Park Place Suites

Buffalo
Park Place Suites
Charming 3-bedroom lower unit home in Buffalo

Charming 3-bedroom lower unit home in Buffalo

Buffalo
Charming 3-bedroom lower unit home in Buffalo
Newly Renovated G. Floor House:3 Bedrooms with Living Dining & Large Kitchen

Newly Renovated G. Floor House:3 Bedrooms with Living Dining & Large Kitchen

Buffalo
Newly Renovated G. Floor House:3 Bedrooms with Living Dining & Large Kitchen
FIRST FLOOR FLAT FOR BUSINESS OR PLEASURE

FIRST FLOOR FLAT FOR BUSINESS OR PLEASURE

Buffalo
FIRST FLOOR FLAT FOR BUSINESS OR PLEASURE
Beautiful Victorian House

Beautiful Victorian House

Buffalo
Beautiful Victorian House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Buffalo Zoo

When visiting the Buffalo Zoo, enjoy a variety of activities including the zoo train ride and engaging animal encounters. Explore the many attractions within the zoo for a memorable experience, and take advantage of the vibrant entertainment options nearby, such as live music and theatre. This exciting mix makes for a delightful day in Buffalo, ensuring visitors of all ages have plenty to enjoy.

Shopping

While visiting Buffalo Zoo, enjoy shopping at Boulevard Place, a shopping mall located 6.4km away, and Chippewa District, a vibrant shopping area also 6.4km away. For a local experience, check out Broadway Market, just 4.8km away, featuring a variety of city goods and products.

Recreation

Enjoy a game at Sahlen Field, where you can soak in the lively sports atmosphere. Experience the cultural richness at Kleinhans Music Hall with captivating performances. For a round of golf, head to Delaware Park Golf Course, offering beautiful outdoor scenery and a relaxing environment.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of karting at Pole Position Raceway, located 8.0km from Buffalo Zoo. For a scenic hike, explore the Niagara Gorge Trail, 25.7km away, offering stunning views. Alternatively, enjoy outdoor vibes along the Amherst Canalway Trail, just 16.1km from the zoo.

Nightlife

In Buffalo, the Paul Robeson Theater offers a cultural experience just 3.2km from the zoo, perfect for romance and family outings. For a fun-filled adventure, Adventure Landing, located 4.8km away, promises excitement for families, while the Studio Arena Theater provides more cultural entertainment just 4.8km from the zoo.

Find the best attractions near Buffalo Zoo

Exploring Buffalo Zoo and its surroundings offers a delightful mix of culture and family-friendly experiences. Visitors can enjoy nearby attractions such as modern colleges and universities, arts centres, and event venues. For added convenience, be sure to check out the Buffalo Museum and the zoo itself, ensuring a well-rounded visit filled with engaging activities and enriching experiences.

  • Buffalo State College: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Buffalo State College, a modern educational institution just 3.2km from the Buffalo Zoo. The campus offers a blend of city vibes, making it a lively place to explore art installations and attend events.
  • Shea's Performing Arts Center: Immerse yourself in the cultural scene at Shea's Performing Arts Center, located 4.8km away. This beautifully restored venue hosts a variety of performances, from Broadway shows to local productions, showcasing the rich artistic heritage of Buffalo.
  • Buffalo Niagara Convention Center: Situated 6.4km from the zoo, the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center is a bustling hub for business and events. Its modern facilities host conferences and exhibitions, contributing to the city's professional energy and dynamic atmosphere.

Best time to go to Buffalo Zoo

The best time to visit Buffalo Zoo is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are low and weather is very cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January25.5°F (-3.6°C)Light RainVery CloudyLowSlightly Low
February26.1°F (-3.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March34.3°F (1.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May57.7°F (14.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June66.0°F (18.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
July72.0°F (22.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
August70.7°F (21.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
September64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowAverage
December33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Buffalo Zoo

To save money on your visit to Buffalo Zoo, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Walden Galleria Mall, Canalside, and Peace Bridge. The best time to visit is between January and March for lower accommodation rates, particularly on Tuesdays, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Utilize Expedia’s search tool to compare hotels and find great deals, including eco-certified options. You can also save by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities as a package. This approach may help you snag discounts and affordable prices during your trip.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Buffalo Zoo are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Buffalo Zoo is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Buffalo Zoo is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, chosen destination, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near Buffalo Zoo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.