Zoo Train
Two C.P. Huntington trains that circle the perimeter of the Zoo delight visitors of all ages. Operation times may vary due to weather.
Tickets must be purchased online in advance or on your mobile device while visiting the Zoo.
Buy train tickets
Giraffe Feeding
Hand feed Masai giraffes and have the experience of a lifetime. Giraffe feeding schedule may vary due to weather and/or animal behavior; check at the giraffe deck when you visit for the day’s schedule. The deck is typically open from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM and from 1:00 to 2:00 PM.
Cost: $8/person, $5/SB Zoo Members. Buy tickets at the Zoo on the day of your visit.
Climbing Wall
A soaring experience at the Santa Barbara Zoo! Climb for Condors on our 26’ rock wall, and learn what it takes to save an endangered species.
Climbers must weigh between 45 and 250 lbs.
Cost: $6/person, $5/for SB Zoo Members.
Open 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM Friday–Sunday.
Operation times may vary due to weather.
Ranger Station
The Ranger Station is a place where you can connect to nature by walking on mini trails, spotting local animals and plant life, and becoming immersed in the great outdoors. Open daily, hours may vary.
Cost: free with Zoo admission or membership.
Live Stage Shows
“Dino Doc” – The Zoo’s dinosaurs get a check-up and receive top-notch medical care with some help from kids in the audience.
“California Tales: Turtle Flies South for Winter” – This show features the California Tales Crew, including Corey Coyote who enlists the ingenious help of Rikki Raven and Eleanora Condor to teach a talkative turtle a lesson.
Performances on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM
Cost: free with Zoo admission. Show times may be canceled due to weather.
Learn More
Fossil Find
Channel your inner paleontologist and dig for bones! Fossil Find inspires younger guests to learn about the discovery of prehistoric animals. Pour your bag of dirt into a tray, lower it into the trough, and the flowing water reveals different types of fossils. Use the identification chart to see what you’ve found!
Open 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM on weekends, holidays, spring break, and daily during the summer. Buy tickets at the Zoo.
Cost: $15/person, $14/person for SB Zoo Members
Animal Encounters
Are you curious about what it’s like to feed a penguin or get eye-to-eye with giraffes? Check out the Santa Barbara Zoo’s animal encounters, where you’ll meet and greet the animals for a 30-minute educational experience and Q & A session. Parking and admission to the Zoo are included in encounter prices.
Learn More
Animal Kitchen
Guests can observe the preparation of food for all of the animals at the Zoo from a large window overlooking the Ridley-Tree Animal Kitchen.
Cost: free with Zoo admission.
Art Exhibit
The beautiful Volentine Gallery in Discovery Pavilion is open to the public during regular Zoo hours and special events. It features changing exhibits that relate to the natural world and the Zoo’s mission of conservation, education, research, and recreation.
The current show is Island Fox Conservation Working Group: Celebrating 25 Years, a wonderful graphic representation of the collaborative efforts that saved the island fox from certain extinction.
Cost: free with Zoo admission.
Kallman Family Play Area
A place to run wild! The Kallman Family Play Area, located across from the Zoo Train station, is full of fun stuff for the little ones. Pretend you’re a dinosaur and hide in one of the ‘dinosaur eggs’; be a spider as you crawl across the giant rope web; or, slide or roll down the ant hill, a perennial favorite.
