Hints for a Great Zoo Visit!

●   Please note that during warm weather, the animals are more active in the mornings when it is cooler. May we suggest an early start for your visit? 

●   Please Note:  During the winter months, not all animals will be on exhibit.  The Plains Biome animals, for example, do not go on exhibit until warm weather arrives.

●   Take advantage by reading the many signs and graphics that are posted throughout the Zoo.  They contain interesting and educational information about our animals and plants and how you can become part of the Zoo's animal conservation mission.

●   If you arrive at the Zoo later in the day, you may wish to go to the Plains Biome first to assure you have a chance to see all the animals of the African Plains before they go inside for the evening.

●   Please keep in mind that the Zoo is very busy toward the end of the school year (especially in the month of May) as schools take their field trips to the Zoo during weekdays. You may wish to plan for a weekend visit during this time.

●   During really hot weather, the Zoo has misting stations for visitors in the Forests and Plains Biomes, as well as the Splash Park presented by Kroger play area with water features for children. You may wish to bring a change of clothes for the children; they will get wet!  Please take advantage of these opportunities to cool off!

●   In order to find a good seat for the daily dolphin shows, visitors need to pick up a ticket to a particular dolphin show as they enter the admission gates.  There is no charge for the show - the ticket helps us insure that our guests are able to attend the very popular shows.

●   So that everyone may enjoy the show free from distractions, visitors may not stand to view the show. When sitting in the bleachers directly in front of the performance pool, visitors should be prepared to get wet and properly secure camera equipment and other items that may be sensitive to water.

●   The best time for food service is a half-hour before and during the dolphin shows. The restaurants tend to become crowded right after the performance.

Photo by Jackie Curts

Hints for a Great Gardens Visit!

• Don’t forget to bring a pencil and paper so you can takes notes on the various plants you see at the Gardens.  You can take your list of favorites to the nursery!

• Be sure to check out the “Gardens Notes” signage in the Conservatory and outside gardens.  These short, but very valuable, pieces of information are constantly being changed by our knowledgeable Gardens staff members, so you can find new tips on every visit!

• If you are interested in seeing the wildlife that comes to the Gardens – such as songbirds, insects and small “furry” creatures – your best chance for to catch them is in the early morning or late afternoon.

• We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes when visiting the Gardens.  Although it is densely packed into a relatively small area (a total of 3.3 acres), White River Gardens includes a lot of pathways if you walk them all.

• As gardeners know, one of the fascinations of gardening is the constant change.  We will try our best to let visitors know what flowers and plants are at their peak of bloom by including this information on the web site.  Check back from time to time to see if your favorites are at their best.