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Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo: A Hot Springs Staple

A historic Hot Springs attraction featuring alligators, petting zoo animals, and family-friendly fun since 1902. Open daily!

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Established in 1902, the Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo in Hot Springs is one of the oldest attractions in the area. Home to over 200 alligators, plus a variety of other animals, it offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with wildlife. Visitors can enjoy live alligator feeding shows, a petting zoo, and educational exhibits, making it a memorable experience for the whole family.

A brief summary to Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive by 4 p.m. to have ample time to see all the exhibits and enjoy the petting zoo.
  • Check the schedule for live alligator feeding show times, which usually occur on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at noon from May through mid-October.
  • Print coupons from the Alligator Farm's website for potential discounts.
  • Consider visiting during the spring or summer for the best weather and to see the animals at their most active.
  • Purchase a ticket to feed the baby alligators meat on a stick or feed the parakeets seeds on a stick for a unique experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown Hot Springs and the main visitor areas, head south on Central Avenue. After about a mile, turn left onto Whittington Avenue. Continue walking east on Whittington Avenue until you reach 847 Whittington Ave. The Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo will be on your left. The walk takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Central Avenue in downtown Hot Springs, board a Hot Springs Transit bus heading towards Whittington Avenue. Check the bus schedule for accurate timings. Disembark at the bus stop closest to Whittington Avenue. Walk east along Whittington Avenue to 847 Whittington Ave. The Alligator Farm will be on your right. A single bus fare is $1.25.

  • Ride-Sharing Service

    Use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft from your location in Hot Springs. Enter 'Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo' or the address '847 Whittington Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901' as your destination. The driver will pick you up and take you directly to the zoo. A short trip from downtown Hot Springs will likely cost between $8 and $15, depending on demand.

  • Parking

    If driving, the Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo has a parking lot adjacent to the property. Overflow parking is available on the field next to the parking lot. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo

The Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo, a Hot Springs institution, has been delighting visitors since 1902. Founded by H.L. Campbell as a way to give tourists another activity besides the thermal baths, the farm has evolved over the years into a beloved family destination. The main attraction is, of course, the alligators. The farm houses but does not raise alligators. Visitors can observe these impressive reptiles in their enclosures, learning about their behavior and habitat. For a more hands-on experience, guests can even hold baby alligators. Live alligator feeding shows take place during the warmer months, offering a thrilling spectacle for all ages. Beyond the alligators, the farm is home to a diverse collection of other animals. These include cougars, bobcats, wolves, monkeys, lemurs, and more. The petting zoo provides an opportunity to interact with friendly creatures like goats, sheep, and emus. Visitors can purchase feed to offer the animals, enhancing the experience. The parakeet enclosure is also a popular spot, where guests can feed the colorful birds with seed sticks. The farm also features a small museum with mounted alligators and a mummified "merman". A gift shop offers a variety of souvenirs, from gator-themed trinkets to animal-related memorabilia. Interestingly, the farm's property includes part of what was once Fogel Field, a spring training site for Major League Baseball teams. Babe Ruth even hit a home run that landed inside the alligator farm in 1918.

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