Rosamond Gifford Zoo Tours and Activities

Rosamond Gifford Zoo showing marine life as well as children
Rosamond Gifford Zoo which includes marine life
Rosamond Gifford Zoo which includes marine life
Rosamond Gifford Zoo which includes marine life
Rosamond Gifford Zoo showing bird life and zoo animals


Get inspired by playful otters, serene swans, fascinating elephants, sophisticated snow leopards and many more mammals at this beloved Syracuse institution.

Over 700 animals from hundreds of species live at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. Devoted to natural conservation, it is a treat for animal lovers. Wander down the well-paved paths, taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the animals, many living in environments similar to those they would inhabit in the wild. View informational plaques and learn from workers about the natural world.

Enter the park and admire the bright pink plumage of the flamingos, located directly across from the entrance. The zoo is set up as a loop, so there’s no danger of getting lost or missing any animals. Proceed down the left-hand path, stopping at the Penguin Coast to admire the surprising elegance of the Humboldt penguins shooting through the water. Say “ho ho ho” to Santa’s helpers, the reindeer.

Try to spot the sneaky lynx and tigers in their enclosures. Give yourself time with the zoo’s world-renowned Asian elephant troupe. If you’re lucky, the zookeepers will bring one to the fence to say hello. Stop at the domestic animal barn to pet an alpaca.

Take a break at the eating area in the central courtyard, where you can enjoy a picnic brought from home or purchase a snack from the on-site café. End your visit with the indoor exhibits near the entrance.

On rainy or snowy days, spend a full day admiring the sleek grace of the North American river otter, the majesty of the zoo’s African lions and the zoo’s giant Pacific octopus, Ophelia. Adults can return on special evenings for Twilight at the Zoo, when the facility opens its doors for cocktails, mingling and learning.

Find Rosamond Gifford Zoo west of Syracuse’s downtown, a 10-minute drive from Syracuse University’s campus. Drive from the airport to the zoo in 20 minutes. Complimentary parking is available on site. The park is open every day from mid-morning to late afternoon. There is an admission fee. Children aged 2 and under enter for free.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Randolph House Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Randolph House Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

3 out of 5
441 Electronics Pkwy, Liverpool, NY
Randolph House Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Marriott Syracuse Downtown

Marriott Syracuse Downtown

4 out of 5
100 East Onondaga Street, Syracuse, NY
Marriott Syracuse Downtown
LivAway Suites- Syracuse

LivAway Suites- Syracuse

2 out of 5
6595 Thompson Rd, Syracuse, NY
LivAway Suites- Syracuse
The Parkview Hotel

The Parkview Hotel

3.5 out of 5
713 E Genesee St, Syracuse, NY
The Parkview Hotel
Embassy Suites by Hilton Syracuse Destiny USA

Embassy Suites by Hilton Syracuse Destiny USA

3.5 out of 5
311-371 Hiawatha Blvd., Syracuse, NY
Embassy Suites by Hilton Syracuse Destiny USA
Clarion Pointe Downtown

Clarion Pointe Downtown

2.5 out of 5
454 James Street, Syracuse, NY
Clarion Pointe Downtown
Aloft Syracuse Inner Harbor

Aloft Syracuse Inner Harbor

3 out of 5
310 West Kirkpatrick Street, Syracuse, NY
Aloft Syracuse Inner Harbor
Best Western Syracuse Downtown Hotel and Suites

Best Western Syracuse Downtown Hotel and Suites

3 out of 5
416 S Clinton St, Syracuse, NY
Best Western Syracuse Downtown Hotel and Suites
Courtyard Syracuse Downtown At Armory Square

Courtyard Syracuse Downtown At Armory Square

3 out of 5
300 West Fayette Street, Syracuse, NY
Courtyard Syracuse Downtown At Armory Square
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 Rosamond Gifford Zoo

At Rosamond Gifford Zoo, visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including exciting animal encounters and scenic hiking trips. The zoo is also conveniently located near Syracuse University, making it easy to explore the campus. Additionally, there's plenty of vibrant local culture with festivals, live music, and even hockey events to experience during your visit. It's a perfect blend of wildlife and community activities for a memorable trip.

Shopping

Your shopping experience near Rosamond Gifford Zoo will be enjoyable! Destiny USA, 3.2km away, offers a vibrant atmosphere with various shops and entertainment options. The Central New York Regional Market, also 3.2km away, provides a local feel. If you're up for a drive, visit Towne Center Mall, located 12.9km away, for more family-friendly shopping.

Recreation

Experience the energetic atmosphere at Carrier Dome, just 3.2km from the zoo, where you can enjoy thrilling sports events. For a dose of entertainment, head to St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater, 6.4km away, featuring live music. Finally, unwind at Hopkins Road County Park, 8.0km away, perfect for relaxation and nature walks.

Adventure

Experience the SCA Bog Trailhead, a trail access 13.2km from Rosamond Gifford Zoo, where outdoor adventure awaits. Explore the Guppy Falls SCA Trailhead, a hiking trail 13.2km away, offering stunning scenery. Don’t miss the Bishop Guppy Farm Trailhead, another trail access 13.2km distant with vibrant outdoor vibes.

Nightlife

Experience a vibrant nightlife near Rosamond Gifford Zoo! Catch a show at the Landmark Theatre, indulge in fun at 5 Wits Adventure, or try your luck at YBR Casino & Sports Book for a thrilling evening filled with entertainment and excitement.

Find the best attractions near Rosamond Gifford Zoo

If you're visiting the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York, you'll find a variety of attractions to enjoy. The area boasts modern colleges and universities, vibrant urban parks, and fairgrounds, catering to outdoor enthusiasts, families, and culture seekers alike. Don't miss the chance to explore nearby attractions like Syracuse University and the beautiful Syracuse Zoo, ensuring a memorable experience during your trip.

  • Syracuse University: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this modern university, located 6.4km from the zoo. The campus features stunning architecture, lush green spaces, and an array of cultural events that embody the spirit of student life.
  • New York State Fairgrounds: Just 4.8km away, this outdoor venue offers a family-friendly environment with seasonal events, fairs, and festivals. Enjoy local food vendors, games, and live entertainment amidst a lively atmosphere.
  • Armory Square: Located only 1.6km from the zoo, this modern square is a hub of city life, featuring trendy shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Stroll through its streets and soak in the vibrant urban energy.

Best time to go to Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Visitor numbers around Rosamond Gifford Zoo is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Rosamond Gifford Zoo is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January24.1°F (-4.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February25.3°F (-3.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March33.4°F (0.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July70.7°F (21.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August68.9°F (20.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September62.6°F (17.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
November39.7°F (4.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December31.5°F (-0.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Rosamond Gifford Zoo

To save money on your visit to Rosamond Gifford Zoo, consider travelling during the off-peak months of December to February when accommodation prices are lower. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Take advantage of nearby free activities like Destiny USA and Armory Square. Use Expedia to find deals on hotels by filtering for eco-certified options and arranging prices from lowest to highest. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for potential savings by booking an Expedia package.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Rosamond Gifford Zoo are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and August 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 Rosamond Gifford Zoo is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Rosamond Gifford Zoo is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available at this moment. To find the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some money by combining your hotel stay near the Rosamond Gifford Zoo with your flights and activities by booking an Expedia package.