The St. Louis Zoo is one of the top free attractions in the Midwest, and it’s an incredible destination for families. But if you or someone in your group has mobility challenges, there are a few things you’ll want to know before you go.

Admission & Costs to Plan For

One of the best things about the St. Louis Zoo is that admission is completely free. That said, there are still some expenses to keep in mind:

Parking – Paid parking is available near the entrance.

Mobility Rentals – Manual wheelchairs and electric scooters are available for a rental fee.

Food, Drinks & Souvenirs – Plan for a few dollars for snacks, drinks, or gift shop treasures.

Getting to the Entrance: The Long Bridge

The biggest accessibility hurdle comes before you even enter the zoo. From the parking lot, there’s a very long winding path leading to a metal bridge you’ll need to walk across to reach the entrance. Unfortunately, there’s no option at the south entrance we used to drop someone off closer to the gates.

If walking long distances is a challenge, consider calling ahead to ask if there are alternative arrangements, such as having a scooter rental brought to you in the parking lot. Another entrance may be available for patrons with disability. That initial walk can be tiring and may set you up to feel fatigued before your visit even begins.

Mobility Rentals & Getting Around

Once inside, accessibility improves significantly. The rentals area offers:

Manual wheelchairs

Electric scooters

I chose the scooter so no one had to push me, and it made the day much easier. The scooters are surprisingly quick—so keep an eye on your speed—and handled the zoo’s paths without any problems.

Tip: When leaving, you can’t take the scooter back to your car. A staff member will escort you to a drop-off zone near the exit, where your group can pick you up. They return the scooter for you.

Layout & Navigating the Zoo

The zoo is divided into three main sections, and you’ll need to explore each one if you want to see all the exhibits.

Grab a map at the entrance—it’s easy to get turned around without one, and it will help you plan your route so you don’t miss anything.

Cleanliness, Amenities & Food Options

The zoo was clean, well-maintained, and had plenty of drink and snack stands to help keep everyone hydrated and fed. On a hot day, these stands are lifesavers.

However, there aren’t many shaded or air-conditioned areas to cool off. On our visit, my wife—who has asthma—needed to take a few breaks at the gift shop to catch her breath.

Animal Exhibits

The heat also meant many animals were staying inside their shelters, so we didn’t see every exhibit. Still, the giraffes, elephants, big cats, and especially the red pandas were highlights for the kids.

Gift Shop Finds

The gift shop was well-stocked and offered a wide range of souvenirs. Each of our kids chose a stuffed animal to remember the trip. Royce got the cutest monkey that looked just like the ones in the exhibit. We also picked up a $10 embroidered patch for our travel backpack collection.

Final Thoughts & Accessibility Takeaways

The St. Louis Zoo is a great experience for visitors with mobility needs—as long as you plan ahead.

Here’s what to remember:

Budget for parking, rentals, and snacks even though admission is free. Plan for the long walk over the bridge from parking to the entrance. Call ahead to ask about mobility arrangements if needed. Rent a scooter or wheelchair for easier navigation. Grab a map to make sure you see all three sections of the zoo. Be prepared for limited cooling areas on hot days.

With a little preparation, you can enjoy the zoo’s exhibits, amenities, and family-friendly atmosphere without feeling overwhelmed by mobility challenges.