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Rides & Attractions


ONEOK Safari Train and ARVEST Wildlife Carousel
Hours - Weather Permitting
Summer Hours - Memorial Day through Labor Day
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily
School Hours - April 1 - Memorial Day and Labor Day - October 31.
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Weekdays and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Weekends
Winter Hours - November 1- March 31
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Weekends Only

Prices
Round Trip train ride - one full lap around the zoo - 2 Tokens 
One Way train ride - from the front to the back, or the back to the front of the zoo - 1 Token
Children ages 2 and under ride the train for free.  Please note, all carousel riders require 1 Token. 

Tokens are $1 each and can be purchased at Admissions, Crane Depot or Sunoco Station. Tokens can be used on both the Zoo Train and the Wildlife Carousel.

Zooper Passes can be purchased for $6 at the admissions booths.  These one-day wristbands entitle the wearer to unlimited train and carousel rides on the day of purchase. Zooper Passes are sold April 1 - October 31 only
Zoo Friends Donor Members ride free Zooper Passes are sold April 1 - October 31 only

CAMEL TOURS!

Want a new way to view the Zoo?  How about taking a tour atop a Dromedary Camel?  For $5 per person, guests 2 and older can climb on up and experience a trip around our camel path, located near the Chimpanzee Connection.  For an additional $5, souvenir photos are available to preserve this unique experience. Camel Tours will run through October 31.

COX Nature Exchange
The COX Nature Exchange is a unique learning environment that relies on the personal "trading" of found natural items and information about them, to motivate interest and understanding. It effectively raises awareness of key issues in the natural world around us and, through personal interaction, changes attitudes and behavior.  In searching for things to collect and trade, individuals learn to observe, ask questions and to think independently.

Please note: Tulsa Zoo, city and national park treasures are NOT allowed for trade! These items are protected items by law

You can trade immediately or bank your points as you save to trade for a really rare treasure. Use your own resources, school, library or internet to learn even more about your item. You’re also welcome to use the resources at Nature Exchange.

COX Nature Exchange Hours:
Wednesday through Saturday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

How does the COX Nature Exchange work? Easy as 1, 2, 3…

1. Bring it in and share
Visitors bring their natural collected items into the Nature Exchange. Trained staff initiates a discussion with the collector.

2. The Exchange
"Points" are awarded by staff member based upon a series of criteria, including: knowledge, uniqueness, quality.

Below is a list of some commonly traded items:

  • Polished stones
  • Clam shell
  • Giant water bug
  • Pressed plant
  • Pine cones
  • Fossils
  • Rocks
  • Botanical specimens

3. Trader’s Account
"Points" never expire and can be used immediately or banked in the Nature Exchange’s trading data bank and used for future.  Points accumulated have no dollar value.

Keep in mind before your next COX Nature Exchange visit:

  • Be certain not to bring any items that are very rare or protected by law.
  • Please leave all bird-related artifacts where they are. No feathers, nests, eggs, or bird bones can be accepted at the Nature Exchange. Consider taking a photograph, or even better, writing in a nature journal about the bird artifacts you encounter. We would love to see your journal, and you can earn points that way while leaving the birds, their homes, and their remains where you found them. All bird homes and bird artifacts are protected by law.
  • The COX Nature Exchange cannot trade cultural artifacts. Please leave any cultural artifacts such as arrowheads or pottery fragments right where you found them.
  • Botanical objects should be collected sparingly. If you find a plant you would like to share with us, bring just a single leaf or a leaf and a fruit or flower. Never uproot an entire plant! Bonus points can be earned by pressing your plant properly before bringing it to the Exchange.

COX Nature Exchange exploration programs are also fun ways to learn more about nature! View program information on our upcoming Spring Break Camps

For more information, call the Exchange at 918-669-6642 or email  natureexchange@tulsazoo.org.


Helmerich Playground
Open during all regular operating hours
Picnic tables surround interactive play equipment.  It is a great place to relax with a frozen treat from Jaguar Junction and enjoy the shade trees overhead.

Climbing Rock
Situated between the children’s zoo and the Tropical American Rainforest, the climbing rock features soft ground below and easy to place footing to make the novice climber feel confident scaling the boulder.

Nature’s Attic
Located inside the Helmerich Discovery Center, Nature’s Attic is open Monday - Friday 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
To learn more click (link)

Contact Yard
Open seasonally, weather permitting
This is a great opportunity to let the kids get up close and personal with goats, sheep and pigs.  Petting the animals is encouraged, and we even provide the hand sanitizer.

Live Animal Presentations and Demonstrations
Our feedings and demonstrations vary from day.  For information on what is happening at the zoo today, call (918) 669-6602