Santa Barbara Zoo Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Santa Barbara Zoo. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

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General admission to the Santa Barbara Zoo starts at US$39.95 for adults (anyone 13+) and US$29.95 for kids 2-12. Children under 2 enter free. Tickets include access to all habitats, but tickets for zoo train rides, walking tours, and some wildlife experiences must be purchased separately.

Yes, the zoo has a full schedule of daily events and activities year-round. Options like the Australian Walkabout, Theater Gone Wild puppet show, and Goat Brushing are included in admission. Giraffe Feeding, the Zoo Train, Climbing Wall, and guided walking tours, however, are not included and must be booked separately.

The animals tend to stay indoors or in hard-to-see shady spots in summer, so visit in the spring and fall to see them at their most active and avoid the high-season crowds. The zoo holds its annual ZooLights show each winter, a popular evening event for families over school holidays.

Yes, the zoo offers activities and wildlife experiences for younger visitors, along with the Zoo Train and a play space. Kids can learn about animals and their habitats at the interactive Ranger Stations and Richard Block Conservation Hub, or join zoo camps for games, crafts, and animal encounters.

Yes, the zoo is fully accessible and offers services ranging from reserved parking and accessible restrooms to wheelchair-friendly paths, marked on the zoo map. Wheelchairs and electric scooters are also available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis near the zoo entrance.