Plan Your Visit to Edinburgh Zoo
We are open every day of the year, including Christmas Day, from 9am until:
| 6.00pm | April - Sept. |
| 5.00pm | Oct. & March |
| 4.30pm | Nov. - Feb. |
How you can help
The natural world needs our help...and we need yours! Please consider making a donation to support our conservation, education and research work, both within our parks and across the world.
On Arrival at the Zoo
- Buses should park in the main Zoo car park, behind the Holiday Inn. This is free of charge and the driver is allowed free entry to the Zoo.
- Please enter the Zoo via the main entrance.
- Please allow adequate time (approx 10 min) for the walk up to the Education Centre. As bookings are often full, please note that classes cannot be extended beyond the allocated time.
- You can collect a copy of the free Zoo map (including the what's on guide) on arrival at the main entrance.
On arrival at the Education Centre
- On arrival at the Education Centre send one teacher to report to the Education Centre reception desk.
- Your education officer will then collect the group from the bottom of the ramp outside the Education Centre.
- Cloakroom space is available for coats and packed lunches for the duration of the lesson.
In the Zoo Park
- Please ensure the pupils wear suitable clothing.
- A quiet, orderly approach to viewing the animals is essential.
- Toilets are located throughout the park - immediately within the Main Entrance, directly behind the Education Centre and near the Members’ Gate.
- Look out for talks, films and presentations happening in the Zoo during your visit! All are listed on the what's on guide section of the zoo map. For more details check out the latest daily events schedule.
Packed Lunch
- If you would like to reserve indoor seating for your school party please call 0131 314 0336.
- If no one is available to take your call please leave a message and someone will call you back.
- Booking is essential due to limited space in the restaurants. You will be given a reference number, this number must be quoted to staff when you arrive at the restaurant.
- Any of the picnic areas around the Zoo can also be used – please refer to your map.
- 'Meal Deals' can be arranged in advance by phoning the Catering on 0131 314 0348.
Rainy Day Plan
- There are 11 indoor animal housing areas and 6 sheltered observation areas ensure that even on a rainy day, a trip to the Zoo is an enthralling experience.
- Download a wet weather plan Zoo map showing areas which offer uncover shelter.
First Aid
- First Aid is available in the Mansion House and at the Main Entrance.