Visit the Wildest Place in Oregon: The Oregon Zoo

If you’re in Oregon and looking for a great place to go, one of the top places on your list should be the Oregon Zoo. Located on Southwest Canyon Road in Portland, the zoo is where you can see some beautiful animals, learn all about them, and find out about conservation efforts and even what you can do to help the animals. Before you pack your bags and head out to the Oregon Zoo, keep reading for just some of the information to know before you go.

Getting in the Zoo
The hours and admission rates for getting into the Oregon Zoo change throughout the year, but what doesn’t change is that they’re open daily except for on Christmas Day. Children who are two and under can always get in for free, and on the second Tuesday of every month, you only have to pay $4 to get into the zoo. There is a charge for parking, but there’s a max amount set. If you have a zoo membership, you get free admission for 12 months along with quite a few other perks; there are several membership levels to consider.

The Animals
Obviously, the stars of the Oregon Zoo are the animals, and there are many to see during your visit. Just some that you might be able to see include the African Pygmy Hedgehog, Bald Eagle, Kinkajou, Pygmy Goat, Asian Elephant, Polar Bear, Western Painted Turtle, White-Faced Whistling Duck, Harbor Seal, and the Cheetah. Don’t forget to get your camera ready! You never know what gorgeous pictures you’re going to be able to capture.

Shopping and Dining
Want to grab some food or do a little shopping at the Oregon Zoo? The zoo does have a gift shop, but you can also order items online. Some of the items you can purchase include clothing and accessories, games, stuffed animals, jewelry, books, and then some for yourself and everyone on your list.

As far as food, you have plenty of options for where you can dine. For example, you can head to the Bearwalk Cafe, Cascade Grill, AfriCafe, Cascade to Go, Black Rhino Hut, Coffee Crossing, or even stop by a food cart. Hours vary by location.

Events and Happenings
There are a variety of different events that are planned at the Oregon Zoo. Just some to consider attending include Pika Watch Training, the Arbor Day Celebration, Sunrise at the Zoo, and Mother’s Day Brunch. There are also summer concerts that take place from June to September. Make sure to check out their events calendar to find out about the available events along with more information on their cost and hours.

Should you have any questions, it’s ideal to contact the Oregon Zoo before your visit just so you can have everything planned and ready to go when you arrive. To keep up with the zoo’s happenings, in addition to checking out their website, of course, you can look for them on YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.