Utah's Hogle Zoo
The Basics
The Hogle Zoo—Utah’s largest—offers daily programs, wildlife demonstrations, bird shows, and special events such as public giraffe feedings and up-close wildlife animal experiences. The zoo also offers a wide variety of classes for both children and adults. Kids won’t want to miss a ride on the Zoofari Express Train or exploring the Lighthouse Point Splash Zone, a nice place to cool off during the heat of the day.
Things to Know Before You Go
Utah's Hogle Zoo is ideal for animal lovers and families with children.
You can purchase daily zoo tickets online in advance, and discounts are offered for seniors and children.
There are eateries on the grounds, plus you are welcome to bring your own food and drink.
Don’t forget the sunscreen—the Salt Lake City sun can be fierce during summer.
Click the New at the Zoo! link on the zoo’s website to learn about the newest baby animals.
Most areas of the zoo are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Wheelchairs and strollers are available for rent.
How to Get There
Utah's Hogle Zoo is located east of downtown Salt Lake City, across from This Is the Place Heritage Park, near the University of Utah. The zoo is most easily reached by car, as there is limited public transportation. Other nearby attractions include Red Butte Gardens and the Natural History Museum of Utah.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The Hogle Zoo is open from 9am to 6pm daily March through October, and 10am to 5pm November through February. The zoo is extremely popular with local families, so make sure to arrive early on weekends or holidays to beat the crowds. Visitors enjoy free admission to the zoo the last Wednesday of the month in December, January, and February.
ZooLights, BooLights, and Other Special Events
ZooLights and BooLights are two of the zoo’s most popular annual events. Each event features the zoo lit up in festive fashion, plus plenty of nightly entertainment and activities for the whole family. The Annual Art Show, held from the end of January through March, offers locals artists the opportunity to show off their wildlife- and nature-inspired art.
- This is the Place Heritage Park
- Natural History Museum of Utah
- Red Butte Garden
- Fort Douglas Military Museum
- Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA)
- Liberty Park
- Tracy Aviary
- Leonardo Museum
- Salt Lake Tabernacle
- Joseph Smith Memorial Building
- Utah State Capitol
- Temple Square
- Latter-day Saints Family History Library
- Latter-day Saints Church History Museum
- Clark Planetarium