Oregon Zoo Tours and Activities

Oregon Zoo showing zoo animals and landscape views as well as a large group of people
Oregon Zoo
Oregon Zoo showing zoo animals and dangerous animals
Oregon Zoo featuring zoo animals and land animals as well as children
Oregon Zoo featuring dangerous animals and zoo animals


View native creatures and endangered species during every month of the year at one of the oldest zoos in the United States.

In Washington Park, located in the West Hills not too far from Portland, visitors will find a 26-hectare zoo housing animals of all shapes and sizes. It is home to more than 1,955 animals, including 22 endangered species and 37 threatened species. It is the perfect way to spend a rainy day around Portland, as most of the exhibits offer shelter of some sort.

There are five main exhibit areas to explore: the Great Northwest, Pacific Shores, Asia, Africa, and Fragile Forests. Take your time walking around, or get off your feet and enjoy a ride on the Zoo Loop, a train tracking a 1.6-kilometre route around the zoo’s perimeter. Trains also head further afield to the International Rose Test Garden on the Washington Park and Zoo Railway line.

The Great Northwest exhibit features majestic creatures such as the black bear and the eagle. The Pacific Shores exhibit mesmerizes visitors with adorable sea otters and penguins. Keep an eye out for the king of the jungle and the other big cats of Africa when you stop by the Africa exhibit. Here you will find a host of other interesting animals, from the African slender-snouted crocodile to the Egyptian fruit bat. The Fragile Forest exhibit gives an underwater view of the flooded Amazon Forest, where you might just see a swimming anaconda.

All of the exhibits in the zoo are fantastic, but the Asia exhibit is truly special. The Oregon Zoo has been successfully breeding the endangered Asian elephant for 50 years, and you can see them interact with one another here. Visit between September and June and take advantage of ZooSnooze, where visitors are allowed to spend the night at the zoo—Tuesdays through Saturdays—in order to see the nocturnal Malayan sun bears.

Entry prices are discounted on the second Tuesday of every month, but beware of large crowds on these days. The Oregon Zoo also hosts live concert events all summer long, and in the winter, the trains are decorated as part of the Zoolights show, when the zoo is transformed into a wonderland of trees laden with lights.

Tours & day trips

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Adventure & outdoor

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Private & custom tours

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Classes & workshops

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Popular places to visit


Top Oregon Zoo Hotel & Accommodation Deals

The Paramount Hotel

The Paramount Hotel

3.5 out of 5
808 SW Taylor St, Portland, OR
The Paramount Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center

Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center

3.5 out of 5
550 SW Oak Street, Portland, OR
Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center
Park Lane Suites and Inn

Park Lane Suites and Inn

2.5 out of 5
809 SW King Avenue, Portland, OR
Park Lane Suites and Inn
Hyatt Centric Downtown Portland

Hyatt Centric Downtown Portland

4 out of 5
601 SW 11th Ave, Portland, OR
Hyatt Centric Downtown Portland
Dossier Hotel

Dossier Hotel

4.5 out of 5
750 SW Alder Street, Portland, OR
Dossier Hotel
Mark Spencer Hotel

Mark Spencer Hotel

3 out of 5
409 Sw 11th Ave, Portland, OR
Mark Spencer Hotel
The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
309 SW Broadway, Portland, OR
The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton
Hotel deLuxe

Hotel deLuxe

4 out of 5
729 SW 15th Ave, Portland, OR
Hotel deLuxe
The Duniway Portland A Hilton Hotel

The Duniway Portland A Hilton Hotel

4.5 out of 5
545 SW Taylor St, Portland, OR
The Duniway Portland A Hilton Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Oregon Zoo

At Oregon Zoo, immerse yourself in a variety of activities like biking and art exploration. Enjoy area sightseeing and eco tours, or embark on outdoor adventures that highlight the region's natural beauty. For families, summer camps offer engaging experiences. With high guest ratings, the zoo promises a memorable visit, showcasing a delightful blend of wildlife and recreational opportunities in Portland.

Shopping

Powell's City of Books, located 3.2km from Oregon Zoo, offers a vast selection of books and gifts. If you're up for a drive, explore Bridgeport Village and Bridgeport Plaza Mall, both 12.9km away, featuring diverse shops and vibrant family-friendly atmospheres.

Recreation

At the Oregon Zoo, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Moda Center, just 4.8km away, ideal for sports enthusiasts. Experience live music at the McMenamins Crystal Ballroom, only 3.2km from the zoo. For a serene escape, visit Stephens Creek Natural Park, 4.8km away, perfect for relaxation and wellness.

Adventure

At the Oregon Zoo, embark on thrilling adventures nearby! Experience high-speed excitement at Portland International Raceway, only 9.7km away. For breathtaking views, ride the Portland Aerial Tram, a mere 3.2km away. Don't miss the scenic Raleighwood Wetlands Trailhead, also 3.2km away, perfect for a hike.

Nightlife

After visiting the Oregon Zoo, stroll to Keller Auditorium or Roseland Theater for a captivating show, both offering vibrant entertainment and culture. For a fun twist, check out Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade for a family-friendly adventure with retro games and a lively atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Oregon Zoo

When visiting the Oregon Zoo in Portland, be sure to explore nearby urban parks, modern universities, and private gardens that cater to culture and family experiences. Popular attractions include the renowned Oregon Zoo itself, the Oregon Museum, and various local sights that enhance your vacation. There's plenty to discover for a delightful day out at the zoo and its surroundings.

  • Portland State University: Experience the vibrant city vibes at Portland State University, a modern educational hub located just 1.6km from the Oregon Zoo. Stroll through its lively campus and soak in the atmosphere of learning and innovation.
  • Tom McCall Waterfront Park: Enjoy family-friendly outdoor activities at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, situated 3.2km from the zoo. This urban oasis offers stunning views of the Willamette River, perfect for picnics, walks, and enjoying the city’s vibrant culture.
  • Portland Japanese Garden: Discover serenity at the Portland Japanese Garden, only 1.1km away. This beautifully landscaped private garden invites you to explore its tranquil paths and experience the friendly atmosphere that reflects Japanese traditions.

Best time to go to Oregon Zoo

The best time to visit Oregon Zoo is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
May56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
June62.4°F (16.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July69.1°F (20.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August70.3°F (21.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
September64.0°F (17.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
November45.5°F (7.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December39.9°F (4.4°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Oregon Zoo

To save money on your trip to the Oregon Zoo, consider visiting between December and February for lower accommodation rates, avoiding the pricier summer months. Book your stay on a Monday for the best deals, and utilise Expedia to compare prices and find eco-friendly lodgings. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings through package deals. For public transport, walking is a great option to explore the area without extra costs. Keep an eye out for promotions and sort options by price to secure the lowest rates.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Oregon Zoo are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Oregon Zoo is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Oregon Zoo is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best bargains, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay near the Oregon Zoo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.