Indianapolis Zoo Gift Shop — photo 1 of 1

Indianapolis Zoo Gift Shop

Rating

4.5(69)

Family of 4

USD 30-80 for gift shop purchases beyond zoo admission

Duration

20-40 minutes

Best Ages

2-12

About

The Indianapolis Zoo Gift Shop is the perfect final stop on what is already one of the best family days out in Indiana. After hours of exploring one of the country's most acclaimed urban zoos — home to dolphins, polar bears, orangutans, and hundreds of other species — children arrive at the gift shop brimming with excitement and very specific opinions about which animals they loved most.

The shop stocks a well-rounded selection of animal-themed merchandise, from high-quality plush animals and educational books to games, puzzles, apparel, and keepsakes. The focus is squarely on celebrating and reinforcing the natural world, which makes shopping here feel purposeful as well as fun. Many items connect directly to animals kids will have seen during their zoo visit, making the purchases meaningful mementos of the experience.

The gift shop is located inside the zoo grounds, accessible only with zoo admission. It opens when the zoo opens and typically stays open a bit later on busy days. Staff are helpful and accustomed to assisting families who are trying to make final gift decisions while managing tired, excited children.

If you're planning a full day at the Indianapolis Zoo, budget some time and a little extra for the gift shop — it's a consistently satisfying end to a great day.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Nursing / Changing

true

Setting

Rainy Day

Great option!

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

At the end of a zoo visit when kids are already excited about what they've seen

Wait Times

Minimal; can get busy during peak zoo hours

Nearby Food

The Indianapolis Zoo has on-site dining; White River State Park area has additional food options nearby

Why Kids Love It

After seeing real animals, kids are thrilled to bring home a plush or toy version of their favorite creature from the day.

Pro Tips from Parents

  • The Indianapolis Zoo itself is world-class — the gift shop is a natural end to an amazing day
  • Plush animals are the top seller and range widely in price
  • Shop here instead of buying souvenir toys at the zoo entrance — the main gift shop has the best selection

What to Bring

  • Cash or card
  • A sense of which animals your child loved most during the zoo visit
  • A budget ceiling — it's easy for kids to want everything in here

Cost Info

Estimated Cost (Family of 4)

USD 30-80 for gift shop purchases beyond zoo admission

Tips to Save

  • Zoo members often receive discounts in the gift shop; set a per-child budget before entering to manage expectations

Hours & Contact

Hours

Friday
9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Contact

1200 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46222, USA

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Frequently Asked Questions

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