Plan Your Visit

upcoming events

Zoo Closed!
Mill Mountain Zoo will be closed Dec 12, 2024 for construction.
Sensory Mornings Dec
This 45 minute program is for guests with special needs to come to the zoo when there are less people.
Holiday Crafting Workshop at Lancerlot!
Join Mill Mountain Zoo's holiday class at Lancerlot in the Yoga Room from 10a-1p! Kids ages 6-10 will create two ornaments and enjoy a holiday snack. All supplies included. Craft, snack, and take home festive keepsakes!
Holiday Crafting Workshop at the West End Center!
Join Mill Mountain Zoo's festive holiday class at the West End Center from 8:30a-12p! Kids ages 6-10 will craft two ornaments and enjoy a holiday snack. All supplies included. Create, snack, and take home festive keepsakes!
All About Adaptations at Lancerlot!
Join us in the Yoga Room at Lancerlot from 10a-1p for an exciting Animal Adaptations class! Kids ages 7-14 will explore how animals survive using camouflage and more. Live animals, hands-on fun, and a snack included!
Creeping Cryptids and What Inspired the Myths
Join us at Gainsboro YMCA from 10a-1p to explore the world of cryptids! Kids ages 10-15 will uncover real animals behind myths like Bigfoot. Enjoy live animals, activities, and snacks in this fun, myth-busting adventure!

Hours and Prices

Open 7 days a week from 10am-5pm
last admission at 4PM

Admission ends at 4PM.

Check the home page for weather and holiday related closures.  

Admission prices are:
Adults (ages 13-54) $12
Children (ages 3-12) $10
Super Adults (ages 55 & over) $11

We support our military and veterans!  Anyone who presents their military ID card will receive 10% off their admission.  

Keeper chats

Zookeepers have unique and special relationships with the animals under their care. While at the Zoo, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the animals from their keeper and watch them interact. The daily schedule will be posted at Guest Services or you can call ahead to see which animals will be featured that day.

Bali's Bistro

Bali's Bistro is operated on a seasonal basis between April and October and features a variety of food, snack, and drink options. Visit the Bistro for pizza, hotdogs, popcorn, snow cones, and much more!  Year round, chips, candy, and drinks are available in our gift shop.

Gifts and Souvenirs

Mill Mountain Zoo has a great gift shop offering a variety of stuffed animals, clothing, toys, and souvenirs for you to remember your visit to Mill Mountain Zoo. All profits benefit the Zoo’s education and conservation efforts.

Zoo Choo Rides

As the Zoo Choo prepares for hibernation, it will only be operational Friday through Sunday. During the week, it will run for private tours or groups. The Zoo Choo will stop running for the season on November 4, 2024.

The Zoo Choo is a miniature model G-16 train that operates seasonally at the Mill Mountain Zoo.  After a 2 year hiatus for extensive repairs and renovations, the Zoo Choo is back at Mill Mountain Zoo!

The Zoo Choo runs every 30 minutes beginning at 10:30am. The last ride is at 4:00pm. Zoo Choo tokens are $2 per passenger and can be purchased at the admission window, gift shop, or Bistro.

The Zoo Choo cannot operate in adverse weather including rain, cold, ice, or extreme heat.

Group rates

Group rates are available upon request, with over 10 people. We require all groups to book 5 days in advance of your arrival.

For more information, call us at (540) 343-3241 x5.

our map

To see a map of our Zoo, click HERE!

STAYING SAFE AT THE ZOO

  • RESPECT BOUNDARIES, PAVED PATHS AND WALKWAYS
  • Do not tease or throw anything at the animals.
  • Enjoy the beauty of the Zoo landscape, but do not climb trees, play in flower beds or pick the flowers, shrubs, trees, or other plants.
  • As much as we all love animals, please do not bring your pets to the Zoo, and please do not leave them in your vehicle. Service animal owners must check in with Zoo admissions office.
  • The barricades and fences throughout the Zoo are there to protect you and our animals. Please stay on your side on designated footpaths, and do not attempt to touch animals.
  • We let the animals run around naked, but please keep yourself covered, including shirts and shoes.
  • No glass containers are allowed because they are a hazard to the animals.
  • Alcoholic beverages and drug use are not permitted on Zoo grounds.
  • No bikes, roller blades, skates, skateboards, segways, or hover boards.
  • Radios and similar devices are not allowed on Zoo grounds; no loud noises please.
  • Smoking and other tobacco products, as well as vaping, are not permitted inside the Zoo.
  • Straws and balloons are not allowed on Zoo grounds, as they are choking hazards to the animals.
  • We do not issue refunds or rain checks.
  • Supervise all children under the age of 16 at all times, including in the restrooms. Do not allow them to spoil another visitor’s experience.

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