Everything You Need to Know About the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

If you’re thinking about taking a walk on the wild side when you visit Nashville, look no further than the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere! With more than 300 species to see and an abundance of activities and shows to experience, you and your family are sure to have an amazing day at this popular attraction.

The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is just one of the many spots you can enjoy during your stay in Music City. Download our free Nashville Travel Guide to help you plan fun things to do on your family vacation. This resource is a great way for you to learn the ins and outs of what Nashville has to offer!

What You Need to Know About the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

1. There’s a New Zipline

Take flight with the whole family on Nashville Zoo’s newest attraction, Soaring Eagle! It’s a fantastic way to view the exotic animals from 110 feet in the air. The thrilling addition to the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere features the latest design in zipline rides. It raises two people at a time in reverse, then ascends 28 miles per hour back down! Soaring Eagle costs $8 per ride and operates during park hours. Members can also purchase a $50 pass for unlimited rides on the zipline, the Wild Carousel, and the Wilderness Express Train.

2. Have Some Hands-on Fun at the Critter Encounters

Has your family ever wanted to get up-close and personal with animals? Critter Encounters is the place to make that dream come true! This interactive area is located between the Unseen New World and Flamingo Lagoon. Here, people of all ages can pet goats, camels, alpaca, a variety of birds, and even Galapagos tortoises. Visitors are encouraged to pet or groom the animals.

3. Monkey Around on the Largest Community-Built Jungle Gym

The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere’s Jungle Gym is not to be overlooked! Here, your kids can climb like monkeys on a huge net from the bridge to the tower. Then, they can slither like snakes in the tunnel, swing like lemurs, and run like zebras! The 66,000-square-foot wooden play area is sure to keep your kids entertained for hours! This Jungle Gym also features a 35-foot-tall tree house, super slides, and sand to play in. Even the tiniest of tots can have fun at the Jungle Gym, which includes baby and handicap-friendly swings and a shaded, cushioned “tiny tot” pavilion!

4. Take a Walk Back Through Time at Grassmere Historic Home

Are you interested in learning about history at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere? Built in 1810, Grassmere Historic Home is the centerpiece of the Grassmere Historic Farm. It’s also listed on the National Register of Historic Homes! Take a guided tour to learn more about the property’s history and find out how the zoo came to be located here. Tours are open to the public seasonally, which allow you and your family to see several family portraits, an extensive book collection, and vintage pieces of furniture.

5. Climb Aboard a Train Ride Through the Wilderness

The Wilderness Express Train, which is ideal for children up to age five, takes you on a short 4- to 5-minute journey into wooded territory. The electric, trackless train takes passengers on a winding, scenic pathway and offers views of zebras, ostriches, elands, and off-exhibit animal holding areas. You and your family can choose from three different cars: The red leopard, the blue peacock or the yellow giraffe.

Stay Close to the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere!

After a fun-filled day at the zoo, you can find relaxation and comfort at one of our nearby Playlist Properties Vacation rentals! We offer luxurious properties in and around Downtown Nashville, so you can experience our signature amenities while staying close to your favorite attractions. We offer 2-6 bedroom rentals that can accommodate a family of any size!

Check our availability and start planning your Nashville getaway now! We look forward to seeing you very soon.