Find the current opening hours, admission prices, animal feeding times, memberships, group rates, and rental information below. For questions before your visit, call 423-257-1927.
Opening Hours
Hours change seasonally. Last admission is at 3:30 p.m. The zoo is closed on Thursdays during the fall and closed throughout the winter season. Please confirm the dates and check for weather-related closures before traveling.
| Season | Days | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Spring: March through Memorial Day | Monday–Saturday | 10 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Spring | Sunday | Noon–5 p.m. |
| Summer: Memorial Day through Labor Day | Monday–Saturday | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Summer | Sunday | Noon–5 p.m. |
| Fall: September–December 1 | Monday–Wednesday, Friday–Saturday | 10 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Fall | Thursday | Closed |
| Fall | Sunday | Noon–5 p.m. |
| Winter: December 2–March 1 | All days, including Thursdays | Closed for the season |
Weather and animal care: Animals may remain indoors during rain, cold temperatures, or other conditions for their comfort and safety. The zoo may close without notice due to weather or other circumstances. Check the zoo’s announcements or call 423-257-1927, particularly when rain is expected or temperatures are below 50°F.
General Admission — 2026–2027
| Admission category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults (18–54) | $24.02 + tax |
| Seniors (55+) | $22.01 + tax |
| Children (13–17) | $20 + tax |
| Children (2–12) | $17.03 + tax |
| Children age 1 and under | One free with each paid adult |
| College students (with college ID) | $20 + tax |
| Active military (with military ID) | $20 + tax |
| Veterans (with eligible ID) | $20 + tax |
| First responders (with ID) | $20 + tax |
| Zoo members | Free |
| Parking | Free |
Animal Feedings & Activities
Animal feedings are offered at scheduled times. Availability and timing may change due to animal welfare or operating conditions.
| Activity | Price | Times / details |
|---|---|---|
| Brights Zoo Express train | $5 per guest | 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. |
| Giraffe feeding | $3 per feeding guest | 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m. |
| Budgie feeding | $3 per feeding guest | Noon, 3 p.m. |
| Goat feeding | $3 per feeding guest | During open hours |
| Large stationary dinosaur ride | $5 per ride | Stationary ride |
| Small motorized ride-on dinosaurs near the zoo entrance | $10 for 10 minutes | Children drive these timed rides in the designated area |
Gemstone & Fossil Mining
| Bag | Contents | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pay Dirt | 6+ oz gemstone mix | $6.99 + tax |
| Arrow Head | 7 stone arrowheads | $6.99 + tax |
| Seashell Find | 4+ oz seashells | $6.99 + tax |
| Lucky Strike | 9+ oz gemstone mix | $10 + tax |
| Emerald Strike | 6+ oz gemstone mix and 3+ oz emeralds | $11 + tax |
| Large Fossil Dig | 8 oz fossil mix, ½ oz shark teeth | $11 + tax |
| Mother Load | 10+ oz gemstones, 4 oz fossils, ½ oz shark teeth, 2 arrowheads, large amethyst | $24.02 + tax |
| Mega Strike | 20+ oz gemstones, 4+ oz fossils, 2 arrowheads, 1 oz shark teeth, and more | $64.98 + tax |
Annual Memberships
Memberships are valid for one year from purchase and include unlimited zoo admission and eligible discounts on food, merchandise, special events, and activities. Memberships are not transferable. See full membership benefits and rules.
| Membership | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $87 + tax |
| 2 people | $130 + tax |
| 3 people | $180 + tax |
| 4 people | $220 + tax |
| 5 people | $270 + tax |
| 6 people | $320 + tax |
| 7 people | $370 + tax |
| 8 people | $420 + tax |
| 9 people | $470 + tax |
Group Admission
IMPORTANT: Group discount eligibility requires BOTH a submitted reservation form AND a confirmed date on the Brights Zoo calendar. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Walk-in groups do not automatically qualify.
IMPORTANT — TENNESSEE SALES TAX EXEMPTION FORMS: Effective June 1, 2023, the Tennessee Department of Revenue informed Brights Zoo that we cannot accept Tennessee tax exemption forms dated before July 1, 2023. Tax-exempt organizations must provide an updated, valid Tennessee exemption form. Please have your current documentation ready for your visit.
Group rates are available only for groups with at least 15 paid admissions that have submitted the group reservation form and are scheduled on the Brights Zoo calendar. The reservation form must be submitted at least 24 hours before the planned visit. Simply arriving with 15 or more guests does not qualify a group for discounted admission. All guests must arrive together for an accurate count. Education field trips have separate rules and rates: field trip information.
| Group admission category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults (18–54) | $20 + tax |
| Seniors (55+) | $17.99 + tax |
| Children (13–17) | $17.99 + tax |
| Children (2–12) | $16.03 + tax |
| Children age 1 and under | One free with each paid adult |
| College students (with ID) | $17.99 + tax |
| Active military (with military ID) | $17.99 + tax |
| Veterans (with eligible ID) | $17.99 + tax |
| Zoo members | Free |
| Parking | Free |
Reserve your group visit before arrival. First check the Brights Zoo calendar, then complete the required group reservation form. The visit must be scheduled on our calendar to qualify for group pricing. Groups wishing to use the outside picnic area for food may reserve that area for $50 for 1½ hours.
Stroller & Mobility Rentals
| Rental | Price |
|---|---|
| Stroller | $8 + tax |
| Wheelchair | $12 + tax |
| ECV / electric scooter | $35 + tax |
ECVs are not available in the rain. Listed weight limit: 500 pounds.
Before You Visit
No outside food or drinks are permitted inside the zoo. Guests are welcome to return to their cars for packed meals and snacks. Brights Zoo is a smoke-free property, including vaping.
Discount eligibility requires appropriate identification. Accepted military or veteran identification listed on the current page includes active-duty photo ID, retired military photo ID, VA Veteran Identification Card and eligible dependent IDs; fire department and EMS photo IDs are listed for first responders. Military discounts apply to the cardholder only.
Download the zoo scavenger hunt. For visit questions, call 423-257-1927.