When Does Niabi Zoo Open? | Hours, Last Entry, Fees

Niabi Zoo opens at 10 a.m. Tuesday–Sunday from April 21 to October 25, with last entry at 4 p.m.

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Niabi Zoo is seasonal, so the answer changes if you are checking in winter versus spring. For the 2026 season, the Coal Valley zoo opens at 10 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday from April 21 through October 25, and admission closes at 4 p.m.

The practical move is to arrive before midafternoon, not right before the gate closes. The zoo starts shifting animals to off-exhibit areas at 4 p.m., so a late arrival can still get in but may miss some habitats.

If your date is set and you just need entry options, compare ticket availability before you drive over:

Niabi Zoo Opening Hours In 2026: Dates, Days, And Closures

Niabi Zoo’s 2026 season runs April 21 through October 25, with regular hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The zoo is closed on most Mondays, but it opens regular hours on Memorial Day and Labor Day.

The open season matters because Niabi Zoo is not a year-round general-admission zoo. A winter search for hours can show old listings, so use the season dates before making the drive to 13010 Niabi Zoo Road in Coal Valley, Illinois.

How Late Can You Enter Niabi Zoo?

Niabi Zoo’s last entry is 4 p.m. on normal days, one hour before the grounds close. Guests need to be out by 5 p.m., so 4 p.m. is a cutoff for entry, not a full-visit start time.

Animal care routines also affect late-day visits. Starting at 4 p.m., the zoo begins moving animals to evening holding areas, and weather, minor maintenance, or animal health needs can change what is visible.

Current Niabi Zoo Hours, Tickets, And Fees

Niabi Zoo’s regular admission window is simple, but the total cost depends on age, parking, and add-on experiences. The table below puts the current visitor numbers in one place.

Niabi Zoo publishes these season dates, hours, prices, and ride details on its official Hours and Pricing page.

Extended Summer Hours And Free Admission Days

Niabi Zoo keeps evening hours on the third Thursday of each month from May through August, staying open until 8 p.m. with last entry at 7 p.m. Those nights are the best fit if you need an after-work visit or want less afternoon heat.

The posted free admission dates for 2026 are September 15-18, September 22-25, September 29-October 2, October 6-9, October 13-16, and October 20-23. Free admission does not make the whole day free; parking, rides, and feeding bags still cost extra.

Tickets And Entry: What To Sort Before You Go

Niabi Zoo sells same-day tickets at the admission gates, and guests enter first-come, first-served. Members and online ticket holders should still expect the same entry line.

Online tickets can help if you are buying ahead, but the ticketing portal says online tickets must be purchased by 9 a.m. on the day of your visit to receive the daily discount. After that, same-day purchases move to the admission booths at the regular price.

Simple arrival check: bring your ticket or membership card, ID if using a membership, and payment for parking if your pass does not include it.

Where To Stay Near Niabi Zoo

Moline is the easiest hotel base for most Niabi Zoo visitors because it keeps you close to Coal Valley and the Illinois side of the Quad Cities. Davenport works too if your trip also includes the Iowa side of the river.

Use a hotel map if you want the shortest morning drive to the 10 a.m. opening:

Should You Go Right At Opening?

Arriving at Niabi Zoo near 10 a.m. is the strongest plan for families, first-time visitors, and anyone who wants rides or feeding stops. A morning arrival gives you time to see the grounds before the 4 p.m. animal-shift window.

Midday still works if you only want a shorter visit. A late-afternoon arrival is the weakest choice on normal days because you have less than an hour before last entry turns into closing prep.

Pick The Right Arrival Plan

A smooth Niabi Zoo visit starts with the opening time, then works backward from last entry, parking, and add-ons. Pick the plan that matches your date rather than treating every open day the same.

• Regular family day: arrive between 10 and 11 a.m., buy admission at the gate, and fit the train or carousel before late afternoon.
• Budget visit: choose one of the September or October free admission dates, but still budget for parking and paid extras.
• After-work summer visit: use a third-Thursday extended-hours date from May through August, when the zoo stays open until 8 p.m.
• Short stop: arrive by 2 p.m. instead of 4 p.m. so you are not racing the last-entry and animal-care cutoffs.
• Monday visit: go only on Memorial Day or Labor Day; other Mondays are closed during the regular season.
• Ticket choice: gate tickets are fine for most visitors, while online tickets make sense if you are buying before the 9 a.m. same-day cutoff.