RISING SUN ZOO FIELD GUIDE
Plumpton Park Zoo — Maryland’s family zoo where close-up giraffes and tigers meet shaded picnic lawns
General admission to Plumpton Park Zoo in Rising Sun gives families access year-round to intimate animal exhibits, a petting area where you can hand-feed animals, and on-site facilities; this guide summarizes hours, tickets, and what to expect.
Plumpton Park Zoo — Maryland’s family zoo where close-up giraffes and tigers meet shaded picnic lawns.
Adventure brief
Plumpton Park Zoo — Maryland’s family zoo where close-up giraffes and tigers meet shaded picnic lawns
Plumpton Park Zoo in Rising Sun, Maryland, is celebrated as a family-focused, intimate zoo where visitors encounter animals like Annabelle and Kazar the giraffes, Louie the black bear, Zoe the zebra and Siberian tigers Alexis and Miracle in close settings. The park pairs traditional exhibit viewing with hands-on options such as a petting zoo, and provides shaded picnic areas, a snack stand and a gift shop to round out a single-site outing.
Experience a fun and educational day at Plumpton Park Zoo with their General Admission ticket in Rising Sun, Maryland. Perfect for families, animal lovers, and nature enthusiasts, this outing offers a chance to see a variety of native and exotic species in thoughtfully designed habitats. Wander through the zoo’s scenic trails and enjoy encounters with animals such as red pandas, river otters, and rare birds. The zoo also provides engaging exhibits that focus on conservation and education to deepen your appreciation for wildlife. Located in the charming town of Rising Sun, this destination is ideal for those looking to combine outdoor fun with meaningful learning experiences. Whether you’re planning a weekend outing or a weekday visit, Plumpton Park Zoo’s general admission grants access to all regular exhibits and seasonal events. It’s a great way to support local conservation efforts while enjoying a safe, family-friendly outdoor adventure just a short drive from Baltimore and Philadelphia.
Route Schematic
Typical route through the zoo
Expect a short loop that takes you past major exhibits, the petting area, and visitor amenities.
Entrance & Main Exhibits
Start at the main entrance and move through the closely arranged exhibits to see highlight species such as the giraffes, zebra, black bear and Siberian tigers.
Petting Zoo / Feeding Area
Purchase petting-zoo food on site and hand-feed some of the zoo’s friendly animals in the dedicated petting area.
Picnic Area & Snack Stand
Take a break in the shaded picnic area or visit the snack stand for refreshments during your visit.
Gift Shop
Finish your visit with a stop at the gift shop for souvenirs.
Plan arrival with the zoo’s admission cutoff in mind: last admissions occur one hour before closing (summer hours adjust the closing time—see hours).
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Close-up exhibits: giraffes, tigers, zebra and more
Plumpton Park showcases large species in an intimate setting—giraffes, a black bear, zebra and Siberian tigers are named attractions—making animal encounters the central draw for children and animal lovers alike.
Picnic shade, snack bar, gift shop and a petting zoo
The zoo provides a shaded picnic area, a snack stand and a gift shop; visitors can purchase petting-zoo food and hand-feed some of the zoo’s friendly animals, which reinforces its appeal as a family destination.
Exhibit, education and sanctuary under one roof
Operated to exhibit animals for education and conservation while also providing homes for exotic animals in need, the zoo balances public outreach with animal care.
What the day feels like
What a visit feels like
A general-admission visit to Plumpton Park is a compact experience: guests move between closely sited exhibits to view named animals, pause at the petting area to buy food and feed select animals, and use the shaded picnic and snack facilities for breaks. The layout and amenities are oriented toward families and casual animal-lovers seeking a single-site outing rather than an all-day safari.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this admission suits — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
If you plan to feed animals at the petting area, petting-zoo food is available for purchase on site; the park also has a shaded picnic area for bringing your own food and a snack stand for light purchases.
The zoo includes a snack stand and a gift shop for refreshments and souvenirs.
The zoo operates year-round; plan arrivals to allow for last admission one hour before closing.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What are the zoo’s general opening hours and last admission policy?
General opening hours are typically 10 AM–5 PM with last admission at 4 PM; during the summer (Memorial Day–Labor Day) hours shift to 9 AM–6 PM with last admission at 5 PM.
Are tickets discounted if purchased online?
Yes; there is a discounted rate when tickets are purchased online 24 hours in advance.
How much is admission?
Adult (ages 13+) $20.95; Child (ages 2–12) $14.95; Senior (ages 65+) $17.95. Children under age two are free.
Can visitors feed animals?
Visitors can purchase petting-zoo food at the zoo and hand-feed some of the zoo’s friendly animals.
Is Plumpton Park Zoo open year-round?
Yes — the zoo is open year-round; note the seasonal summer hours that extend the daily schedule during Memorial Day through Labor Day.
What on-site services are available for families?
The zoo offers a shaded picnic area, a snack stand and a gift shop, making it a convenient single-site family outing.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-10T12:59:25.538Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.