Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
📍 Pittsburgh, IL
Pittsburgh Zoo houses over 8,000 animals including African elephants, tigers, penguins, and polar bears, plus a dedicated aquarium section. Wildlife Academy programs run for ages 6–12 and keeper talks operate throughout the day.
I came on a nice 60°F day in November. Many of the animals were out and about. The elephants and cheetahs were my favorite to watch! The layout and flow is nice. We spent about 2 hours exploring. I was disappointed the polar bear exhibit was closed, but that was one of the few areas renovations are being done. I would love to come back and see the final result. Plent of free parking. Clean restrooms. Friendly staff. Military discount offered in person. Overall a great pick!
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families seeking a 2–3 hour outdoor zoo day with reliable animal viewing and educational programming. The aquarium section holds up well even on cold days when outdoor animals are less active. Visit in spring or fall for the widest range of active outdoor animals. Avoid major event days like Zoo Boo if crowd size is a concern.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →17,418 Google reviews
Toni Sterling
4 months ago
“I came on a nice 60°F day in November. Many of the animals were out and about. The elephants and cheetahs were my favorite to watch! The layout and flow is nice. We spent about 2 hours exploring. I was disappointed the polar bear exhibit was closed, but that was one of the few areas renovations are being done. I would love to come back and see the final result. Plent of free parking. Clean restrooms. Friendly staff. Military discount offered in person. Overall a great pick!”
S. Kim
2 months ago
“The staff was amazing, and the animals were cute and cool. My mother and I really enjoyed seeing the animals and learning more about nature, especially marine life. And good quality souvenir shop! Additionally loved the spacious parking space.”
Pittsburgh Pat
2 months ago
“Great place for a healthy outdoor walk. Staff is cordial and informed. Most animals are close with unobstructed views. The zoo is always making improvements. This one of my happy places. I recommend getting the year long pass. Very economical.”
Oluchi Nkama
3 months ago
“I love how the zoo was arranged. You can go round and see all the animals without missing any. The aquarium was the best place. When we visited the zoo it was really cold so most of the animals didn't come out. There were indoors. Its a great place to go in summer or fall to really enjoy seeing the animals. This is one of the best Zoo I've visited. They are also expanding. I'm sure it will be awesome when the expansion is done.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
The zoo covers a walkable outdoor layout with African elephants, cheetahs, penguins, and tigers among its 8,000-plus animals. The aquarium section delivers strong marine exhibits regardless of weather. Wildlife Academy educational programs target ages 6–12. Seasonal Dinosaurs! exhibitions add a temporary draw. Pram-accessible paths run throughout, and a cafe and free parking are on-site.
