Looking for the Doha Zoo & Animal Attractions: Tickets & Timings before you head out with the kids? Here's the short answer: Qatar's main zoo is the Al Khor Family Park & Zoo, entry is QAR 15 for adults and QAR 10 for children, the zoo section runs from 8am to 6pm, and the wider park stays open late into the evening. Below we've laid out everything a Doha family needs — how to buy tickets, when to go, which day is reserved for women and children, and where to find the pandas.
Doha Zoo at a glance
The old Doha Zoo in the city closed years ago, so when residents talk about the "Doha zoo" today they usually mean the Al Khor Family Park & Zoo — a combined green park and wildlife section that has become Qatar's go-to spot for a day out with animals.
- Adult entry: typically around QAR 15
- Child entry: typically around QAR 10 (children aged 10 and under; some sources list under-14 rates, so check with the park for ages 11–13)
- Zoo hours: 8am to 6pm
- Park hours: 8am to 10pm daily
- Location: Al Khor City, off Al Shamal Road north of Doha
Where is the Doha zoo?
The park sits inside Al Khor Family Park in Al Khor City, off Al Shamal Road heading north out of Doha. From the city centre it's roughly a 45-minute drive depending on where you start and how busy the road is. It's an easy trip by car, and the drive is straightforward once you're on the highway. If you're coming from West Bay, The Pearl or Lusail, budget for the full journey each way and set off in the morning to make the most of the cooler hours.
There's no Metro line to Al Khor, so most families drive or arrange a Karwa taxi or ride-hailing car. Free parking is available at the park.
Ticket prices and entry fees
Entry to the combined park and zoo is refreshingly affordable — this is one of the best-value family outings in Qatar.
- Adults: typically around QAR 15
- Children: typically around QAR 10
A few things worth knowing before you pay: tickets are valid for one day only and for the specific date you book, and they are non-refundable. If you hold certain vouchers or membership cards, or you're booking as a group, you may qualify for discounted entry and reduced ride fees.
How to buy tickets
There are no traditional ticket booths selling paper tickets inside the park anymore. Everything is digital, so it pays to sort your tickets before you arrive. You have three main options.
Buy through the Oun app
The Oun app is the most widely used way to book Al Khor Family Park & Zoo tickets. Download it, create an account, select your visit date, pay by card, and you'll receive a digital ticket. This is also where discounted group and voucher rates are applied, so it's worth checking the app for any active offers.
Buy at Al Meera branches
Prefer to buy in person? Tickets can be purchased at selected Al Meera branches, including the Airport, Hyatt Plaza, Gulf Mall, Al Thakhira, Al Khor, Al Wakrah, Al Shamal and Al Mansoura stores. Handy if you're already doing your weekly shop.
Buy online at the gate
You can also buy on the spot using the Ministry of Municipality e-service: scan the barcode displayed at the entrance, fill in your details, pay by card, and the barcode ticket lands in your email. Note that the online ticket window effectively closes around 8pm, so don't leave your evening arrival too late.
Opening hours and timings
The park and the zoo keep different hours, which trips up a lot of first-time visitors. The green park areas stay open into the night, but the animal section closes earlier.
- Park: 8am to 10pm daily
- Zoo (animal section): 8am to 6pm
- Mini-zoo: closes at 6pm
- Online ticket cut-off: around 8pm
Some current schedules also list Saturday to Thursday from 8am to 10pm and Friday from 2pm to 11pm, so it's smart to confirm the day you plan to go. During public holidays such as Eid and Ramadan, the Ministry of Municipality often extends hours — on a recent Eid the park ran from 5am all the way to 2am.
Special days: women and children
This is the single most important thing to check before you plan your trip. Tuesday is reserved for women and children only — men are not admitted that day. It's a relaxed option for mums and little ones who want a quieter visit.
- Tuesday: women and children only (no men)
- Sunday: open to general visitors
- Other days: standard family entry policy
Animals and attractions inside
The zoo section is home to a range of animals that keep children entertained for hours — expect big cats such as lions, giraffes and grazing herds, along with primates, flamingos and other birds, and reptiles. Alongside the animals, the wider park is one of the most enjoyable well-maintained green spaces in northern Qatar, with plenty of shaded lawns, seating and open room for kids to run around and families to picnic.
The mix of nature, family facilities and wildlife is exactly why Al Khor Family Park has become such a popular weekend escape from the city.
Panda Park in Qatar
Qatar's celebrated giant pandas are housed at a separate Panda Park with its own ticketing — it isn't part of the standard Al Khor zoo circuit. If seeing the pandas is top of your list, plan it as its own outing and check the Oun app or Al Meera for the latest location, entry fee and opening hours before you go.
Extra costs: rides and feeding
Entry gets you into the park and zoo, but a few extras inside carry small additional charges — worth budgeting for if you're bringing excited kids.
- Toy train ride: typically around QAR 5
- Animal feeding experiences: typically around QAR 50
Bring a little cash or a card and factor these in so there are no surprises at the gate.
Tips for visiting with the family
- Go early: arrive when the zoo opens at 8am to beat both the heat and the crowds.
- Check the day: remember Tuesday is women and children only.
- Book ahead: sort your Oun app tickets before you leave Doha.
- Pack for the outdoors: hats, sunscreen, water and a picnic go a long way in the green spaces.
- Watch the clock: the animal section shuts at 6pm even though the park stays open later.
FAQs
How much are Doha zoo tickets?
Entry to the Al Khor Family Park & Zoo is typically around QAR 15 for adults and QAR 10 for children, making it one of the most affordable family days out in Qatar.
What are the Doha zoo timings?
The zoo (animal section) is open from 8am to 6pm, while the wider park stays open from 8am to 10pm. Friday hours may run from 2pm, so confirm before you travel.
Which day is for women and children only?
Tuesday is reserved for women and children — men are not admitted that day. Sunday and other days follow the standard family entry policy.
Where do I buy tickets?
The easiest way is through the Oun app. You can also buy at selected Al Meera branches or online at the gate via the Ministry of Municipality e-service, where the online window closes around 8pm.
Where is the Doha zoo located?
It's inside Al Khor Family Park in Al Khor City, off Al Shamal Road north of Doha — around a 45-minute drive from the city centre depending on traffic.
Can I see the pandas at the Al Khor zoo?
No — Qatar's giant pandas are housed at a separate Panda Park with its own tickets, not inside the standard Al Khor zoo circuit.
Ready to plan your day out? Download the Oun app to book, then browse more family activities and weekend outings on Qatar Living.
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