In Rising Sun, Maryland, Plumpton Park Zoo is a popular family-friendly zoo where people can get close to exotic and rescued animals in a peaceful, rural setting and capture memorable plumpton park zoo photos.
Edward Plumstead founded the zoo in 1985 on his family estate. It now boasts approximately 180 animals from 60 species, including giraffes, tigers, bears, zebras, and rare birds.
Plumpton Park Zoo is on Maryland Route 273, which runs along the beautiful Mason and Dixon Scenic Byway. Families, school groups, and animal lovers of all ages can enjoy both informative and relaxing trips there.
Zavros Place in this guide explains the latest 2026 hours, admission prices, discounts and coupons, must-see exhibits, park layout, insider tips, and FAQs to help you plan a pleasant visit to this adorable Maryland zoo.
Planning Your Visit: 2026 Hours & Tickets
When is Plumpton Park Zoo in Rising Sun, Maryland, open and what is the Plumpton park zoo maryland opening date? How much do tickets cost? What changes with the seasons? Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip in 2026.
Zoo Hours & Schedule
- General Hours: Every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., for most of the year. Usually, the last person to enter is around 4:00 PM.
- Summer Hours (Memorial Day to Labor Day): Open from 9 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday, with the last entry at 5 PM.
- Closing: It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, even though the zoo is open seven days a week.
These regular hours make it easy to plan a visit, whether you want to come during the week or on the weekend.
Ticket Prices
Plumpton Park Zoo is family-friendly and clear about prices for Plumpton park zoo maryland tickets:
- Adults (ages 13+): ~$21.95
- Children (ages 2–12): ~$15.95
- Seniors (age 60+): ~$18.95
- Children under 2: Free admission
Most of the time, you can buy tickets at the zoo’s entrance, but during busy times or for special events, it is best to buy them online ahead of time.
Planning Tips
- Get there early in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy the summer’s cooler weather.
- Visitors can park for free on-site, which makes travel easy for families and groups.
- If you want a quieter experience, think about going outside of the busy summer months while planning things to do in Annapolis.
How to Find Plumpton Park Zoo Coupons & Discounts
A fun and cheap day trip to Plumpton Park Zoo is possible, and there are a number of ways to save money or get more out of your trip. Before you go, here are the most effective ways to get a discount:
Online & Seasonal Discounts
- When you buy tickets online ahead of time, especially in the spring and summer, the zoo sometimes has deals that can lower the price at the gate.
- Follow the official Plumpton Park Zoo website or social media pages to find out about Plumpton Park Zoo tickets discount that are only available for a short time or during certain times of the year.
Group & School Rates
You can get $2 off per adult and child ticket if you go with a group of 15 or more people. This is great for field trips with your class or family vacations.
Membership Benefits
People who buy zoo memberships can get free admission every year, guest passes, and savings on events and programs at the zoo, which is great for people who go there a lot. Memberships range from plans for one person to plans for a family or grandparents.
On‑Site Deals
During your visit, prices for animal feed (like giraffe feeding cups) may be lower for members or during special events. Check at the entry desk to see what the current offers are.
Must-See Animals & Exhibits: From Giraffes to Tigers
But even though Plumpton Park Zoo is smaller than a big city zoo, it still has over 180 animals from more than 60 species. You can get close to many of them because they live in large areas that encourage natural behaviors and enrichment. People of all ages love this family-friendly Maryland spot because it has so many different kinds of mammals, birds, snakes, and rare animals.
Featured Mammals — Big & Small
The mammals at Plumpton Park Zoo include both well-known species and unusual ones you might not expect to find there:
Popular Highlights:
- Giraffe: Giraffes are one of the zoo’s most famous animals, and kids often choose them as their favorite animal.
- Siberian Tiger: A beautiful big cat that is in danger of going extinct.
- American Black Bear: A species of bear that lives in North America.
- European Brown Bear: A beautiful type of bear that is usually active when it is cooler outside.
- Alpaca & Bactrian Camels: Are friendly camels that often graze together.
- Zebra & Binturong: are both beautiful mammals that live on different countries.
- Siamang Gibbon: A rare, talkative ape that is known for its high-flying moves.
- Cougar: Also called mountain lion, is North America’s strongest big cat.
The zoo also has wallabies, goats, rabbits, and prairie dogs, so it is a great place for families who want to see a wide range of mammals.
Birds & Reptiles — Feathered Friends & Scaled Species
The birds and reptiles at Plumpton Park Zoo add color and interest to every visit:
Notable Birds:
- Peacocks & pheasants
- Blue‑and‑yellow macaw
- Harris’s hawk
- Grey parrot & cockatoos
- African and Aldabra giant tortoises
- Ball pythons & corn snakes
- Pixie frogs & red‑eared sliders
Interactive & Educational Experiences
- Plumpton Park Zoo offers educational and enjoyable experiences despite its smaller size.
- Feeding times for giraffes at certain times.
- Park signpost about animal behavior and conservation.
Navigating the Park: Plumpton Park Zoo Maryland Map & Layout
Knowing how Plumpton Park Zoo is set up and where the important areas are will help you plan your trip there. The zoo is not very big, but it has a clear road that leads visitors through the main animal exhibits and gives them a place to rest, have a picnic, or do other fun family-friendly activities.
Entrance & Main Walkways
- The entrance to the zoo is at 1416 Telegraph Road in Rising Sun, Maryland. This is right next to Exit 100 of I-95.
- Paved paths lead from the gate to the different display areas. This makes it easy to follow a logical path and see all the animals without having to go back.
Exhibit Zones
Along the main road, there are enclosures for mammals, birds, and reptiles. Spread out so you can easily see all the animals, including giraffes, tigers, bears, and alpacas.
Concessions & Picnic Areas
Near the middle of the zoo, there are picnic tables and shady spots where families often eat snacks or dinners that they bring from home or buy there.
Family Friendly Stops
Official maps do not show specific playground equipment, but many visitors do note play and rest places near picnic areas where kids can rest and refuel before continuing their walk.
Important Tips for First-Timers (The “Pro” Advice)
If this is your first time at Plumpton Park Zoo, a little planning can help you have a more relaxing, fun, and memorable day. This is especially true since the zoo is smaller and outdoors compared to zoos in cities. Here are some useful tips from other travelers that will help you get the most out of your trip.
Comfort & Weather Preparation
- Wear strong shoes that feel comfortable. Most of the paths are outside, and after it rains, they can get muddy or uneven, so shoes with good support are helpful.
- Check the forecast before you go. Rising Sun’s weather can change quickly. In the summer, it is hot and sunny, but in the spring and fall, it is cooler with breezes, so bring layers of clothes and sunscreen or a hat in case you need them.
Getting There & Parking
- The zoo is at 1416 Telegraph Road, Rising Sun, MD. It is only a 10-minute drive from I 95 Exit 100, so it is a simple day trip from Baltimore, Philadelphia, or Annapolis.
- There is free parking right next to the door, so you will not have to walk far when you get there.
Animal Feeding & Safety
- You can choose not to feed some animals, like giraffes or goats, which is a fun thing to do. Bring cash or check for feed cups at the door.
- Always stay behind boundaries and follow the signs, for your own safety and the safety of the animals.
Best Times to Visit
- Visiting early in the morning, especially during the week, usually means fewer people and more busy animals.
- Allow one to two hours to leisurely stroll around and enjoy the displays. This is enough time to see most of them without rushing.
Honest Plumpton Park Zoo Reviews: What to Expect
My family and I recently visited Plumpton Park Zoo in Rising Sun, Maryland, and it is a terrific place for a casual zoo visit. The zoo is not as big as parks in big cities, but that is part of its charm. Great for a half-day trip, especially for families with young children who might get too excited in bigger groups.
What I Loved
- Up Close Animal Encounters: Seeing the giraffes up close was one of the best parts for me. It was fun to feed a goat too! Something wonderful about being so close to the animals makes it feel like magic.
- Family Atmosphere: The zoo is great for families because the paths are easy to walk on and there are lots of shady spots to rest.
- Great Value: I thought it was a great deal for the price, especially since I got to feed the animals. Being less crowded than larger zoos gave us a more personal experience.
What Could Be Improved
- Smaller Exhibits: Appears well-maintained, but some enclosures feel tight compared to larger zoos.
- Staff Interactions: Some of the staff were not as friendly or helpful as I thought they would be, but it was not a big deal.
Overall Rating
Plumpton Park Zoo is a relaxing, cheap, and family-friendly day out. It is not as big as some parks, but that is part of the fun if you want to do something low-key.
FAQs
Is the zoo open year round?
Yes, the Plumpton Park Zoo is open 24/7, though the hours change during the summer and winter. The zoo is only closed on Christmas and Thanksgiving. Normal business hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the last entry is around 4 p.m. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the store is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the last entry at 5 p.m.
Can we bring our own food?
Yes! There are picnic areas on the grounds where people often eat food they bring from home. It is a great place for a relaxed family day outside. If you would rather buy snacks or food on-site, there is a concession stand and an animal feed vending machine near the exits.
Are there “Plumpton Park Zoo Maryland discount tickets” for residents?
Instead of regular resident prices, Plumpton Park Zoo offers savings for groups and members. There is a $2 discount per ticket for groups of 15 or more people, and zoo members get free entry every year, guest passes, and discounts on programs and events.
How far is it from Annapolis?
It is possible to make the trip from Annapolis, Maryland to Plumpton Park Zoo in one day. The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, based on traffic and route (major freeway via I 95).
Can you bring food into Plumpton Park Zoo?
In fact, picnic areas do allow food from outside, and most people bring lunches or snacks to eat between shows. There are also cash machines and food stands inside the zoo.
What animals live at Plumpton Park Zoo?
The zoo is home to more than 180 animals of many kinds, such as giraffes, tigers, bears, zebras, camels, wolves, and many birds and reptiles. There are educational signs for each animal.
How much does it cost to visit Plumpton Park Zoo?
The standard prices to enter (2026) are:
- Adults (13+): ~$21.95
- Children (2–12): ~$15.95
- Seniors (60+): ~$18.95
- Children under 2: Free
You can buy tickets at the gate or online, which is what we suggest if you want to make sure you get in during busy times.