Synthesis of the terpyridine based novel Zn(II) complexes (C1–C3) have been described. Characterization of these complexes has been achieved by spectroscopic studies (IR, 1H, 13C, 19F, HRMS, UV/Vis and fluorescence) and structure of C1 determined by X-ray single crystal analyses. Cautious tuning by incorporating appropriate substituents (–H; C1, –CH3; C2 and –OCH3; C3) enabled the complexes to exhibit solvent dependent emission indicative of more polarized excited state probably due to enhanced intramolecular charge transfer (ICT). Occurrence of aggregation induced emission (AIE) in C3 has been validated by solid state emission and vital role of RIR in inducing AIE upon aggregation by fluorescence lifetime experiments. The role of solvent and substituents on photophysical behaviour and morphology of the complexes has been investigated by UV/Vis, emission and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). As well, lowering of the energy gap between HOMO and LUMO by electron donating substituents –CH3 (C2) and –OCH3 (C3) has been supported by DFT studies.