Want a nature getaway without leaving the capital? Embark on a real tour of the animal world at the Paris Zoological Park. From the plains of Patagonia to the forests of Madagascar, come and observe fascinating species up close and take part in a unique human and scientific adventure, designed for the whole family.
For this summer, the Paris Zoological Park invites its visitors to the heart of a fascinating exploration with its big meeting “Travel to wetlands” from July 4 to August 30, 2026. Throughout the summer season, this exclusive program highlights the richness and fragility of aquatic and marsh ecosystems. For young and old alike, the summer holidays are the ideal opportunity to understand the capital importance of these environments through a fun trail, thematic nature workshops and daily meetings with the park teams. A captivating immersion that is in full swing all summer through the five major biozones of the zoo.
The summer program: Nocturnes and major events
This summer, experience the magic of the zoo at nightfall! Every Thursday, from July 2 to August 13, 2026, the Paris Zoological Park extends its openings for its famous Nocturnes, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. (cash desks close at 9 p.m., single price of €15). It is a special opportunity to observe the behavior of animals at dusk in a gentle and festive atmosphere, punctuated by activities, quizzes and a temporary terrace. For lovers of unusual evenings, the park also organizes two unmissable events: Silent Zoo, Thursday July 16 and August 6, 2026. Equipped with wireless headphones broadcasting music, visitors can wander around in silence to respect the tranquility of the animals, before enjoying a festive DJ set on the square until 1 a.m.
- Poto Poto Show : Thursday July 23 at 7:30 p.m. (from 12 years old): Between theater, music and science, this show plunges us into the heart of the mangroves of West Africa and the links between human societies and these fascinating wetlands.
- Meeting with the zoo teams every Monday at 2 p.m., from July 4 to August 30
- Meeting with a researcher every Friday at 2 p.m., from July 4 to August 30 (from 8 years old)
- Cistude Mission game: from Monday to Friday at 11 a.m., from July 4 to August 30 (from 6 years old): as a team, your mission is simple: play as a turtle and reach the most favorable nesting site… but the road is full of challenges! To advance on the game board, you will have to answer questions, take on challenges, mime and cooperate.
- Cartoon walks : every Thursday at 2 p.m., from July 4 to August 30 (from 6 years old): an invitation to take the time to look, draw and discover the species living between land and water.
- Insights into the wetlands of the 12th: every Tuesday at 2 p.m., from July 4 to August 30 (from 8 years old): discover the wetlands near you: ponds, ponds, rivers and biodiversity of the Bois de Vincennes.
“Apprentice healer”, guided tour… Experiences not to be missed
Many experiences await families wishing to discover the secrets of the Paris Zoological Park. For total immersion, the park offers thematic guided tours as well as the exclusive “Apprentice Healer” activity (by reservation), allowing the most curious to slip into the shoes of the zoo teams, prepare the rations and witness the feeding of the animals up close. Finally, young and old can prolong the magic of their visit by becoming godfather or godmother of a park animal. Donations collected contribute directly to conservation and protection programs for endangered species around the world. Finally, from June to September, don’t miss “Sundays at the zoo” with activities suitable for all ages combining children’s stories, discovery of animals and fun exploration of biodiversity.
What animals can you see at the Paris Zoological Park?
The Paris Zoological Park, institution of the National Museum of Natural Historyhosts many exotic animals on nearly 15 hectares, including many rare or endangered species. The route is divided into five faithfully recreated biozones: from Patagonia to Madagascar, via Africa, Europe and Amazon-Guyana.
The Patagonia biozone is home to the maned sea lions, Humboldt penguins and pumas. In Madagascarscar, these are lemurs which flourish in freedom, while the Europe biozone brings together Iberian wolves, Scandinavian lynxes and majestic birds of prey. Finally, don’t miss the vivarium installed under the park’s emblematic Great Rock: an unmissable space for observing fascinating reptiles, amphibians and insects.
Address of the Paris Zoological Park
Corner Avenue Daumesnil and Route de Ceinture du Lac Daumesnil, 75012 Paris
Transport to get there: metro line 8 and tramway T3 (Porte Dorée station) and buses 46, 86, 325 and 201 (Parc Zoologique stop).
Paris Zoological Park opening hours
High season opening hours until October 12 inclusive: open Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and until 7:30 p.m. on weekends, public holidays, long weekends and school holidays. The park and the tour route are open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. every Thursday at night from July 2 to August 13 (checkout counters close and last access to visit the park at 9 p.m.). The square remains open until 1 a.m. for the two Silent Zoos on July 16 and August 6, 2026.
Prices for the Paris Zoological Park
- Single night rate for everyone: 15 euros. Ticket valid only on Thursdays from 6 p.m., from July 16 to August 6, 2026.
- Special night rate (Silent Zoo and Poto Poto show) unique for all: 20 euros. Timed ticket valid only on the scheduled date, from 6 p.m.
- If entry ticket already acquired or Annual Pass holders: €5 in addition to the ticket to access the Silent Zoo and the Poto Poto show. 1 euro per ticket will be donated to the conservation of endangered species. The checkouts close at 9 p.m.
More information on the official website of the Paris Zoological Park : www.parczoologiquedeparis.fr
