The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Baltimore, MD · 2 hours 19 minutes from Reading · $20 to $50 a person

Plan the day
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is a zoo on a 135-plus acre campus in Druid Hill Park in Baltimore, MD. It opened in 1876 and marks its 150th year in 2026.
Admission covers unlimited rides on the zoo train and carousel, and parking is free. Paid encounters put you beside penguins, otters, rhinos and giraffes, and you can feed the giraffes. ZooBOO fills October and is included with admission, and the zoo stays open daily through December before dropping to Friday through Monday in January and February.
Before you go
Buy tickets online; they expire 30 days after purchase and are not refunded, including for weather. Last entry is 3:30 PM. It is an outdoor zoo, so dress for the day, and animals can be off exhibit at times. Pets are not permitted.
Coming up
ZooBOO runs October 2 to 31, 2026, included with admission; OktoBEARfest (21 and over) is October 16 to 17; Trunk or Treat is October 23; Breakfast with the Animals runs on select days through November 14.
Checked October 8, 2026 on the official site. Hours, prices and seasons change, so confirm there before a long drive.





