Tampa's Great Zoo

Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo is a really nice and family-friendly Florida day trip, with lots to see and ride. There is a wide variety of animals to checkout at this zoo, so plan on spending a half-day to see them all. There are concession stands and restaurants located throughout the park, if you want to take a break and have a bite to eat.

amusement area		comment Ratings Lowry Park is a great zoo, and makes for a nice date or family outing. ★★★★
cleanliness		comment Ratings All of the zoo grounds and facilities were nicely groomed and clean. ★★★★★
parking		comment Ratings On site parking is ample, and free. And there are some shade trees to park under. ★★★★★
restrooms		comment Ratings The restrooms are clean and spaced throughout the zoo grounds. ★★★★★
dining/drinks		comment Ratings They have a good mix of places to grab a bite or quench your thirst. Try the Grub & Grog Restaurant or the Garden Grille. Adult beverages are available, beer, wine, etc. ★★★★
kid friendly		comment Ratings The zoo is perfect for children, with fun rides and play areas suitable for all ages. ★★★★★
dog friendly		comment Ratings No doggies.
traffic/access		comment Ratings Not far from I-275, and just 10 minutes or so from downtown Tampa. ★★★★★

Activities

Besides viewing the animals, there are also rides and shows to enjoy. The sky ride will give you a bird's eye view of the park, and the camel and pony rides will make everybody happy.

biking		comment Ratings This is not a biking park. However, there is good biking around the area.
boating		comment Ratings No boating at Lowry Park Zoo, however there is a boat ramp at the Hillsborough River Park, just across the street.
boat ramps		comment Ratings You can use the boat ramp at the Hillsborough River Park, just to the east of Lowry Park Zoo.
camping		comment Ratings No camping.
fishing		comment Ratings No fishing.
hiking/walking		comment Ratings No standard hiking trails, but you will do a lot of walking and stair climbing around the zoo grounds. There is also a water front park on the Hillsborough River, one block from Lowry Park Zoo. ★★★★
nature trails		comment Ratings No trails.
picnicing		comment Ratings Not here.
playgrounds		comment Ratings Lowry Park Zoo has wonderful kid zone play areas. Be sure to check out the Manatee Fountain, Pony Trek, Jungle Carousel, and more. ★★★★★
swimming		comment Ratings No waves at Lowry Park Zoo, you need to go to Tampa's Adventure Island for that.
tennis		comment Ratings No.
volleyball		comment Ratings No volleyball.
water recreation		comment Ratings The water recreation is not at Lowry Park Zoo, but across the street at the waterfront park.