Heads up: Milwaukee County Zoo uses flex pricing — admission rises on peak weekends and holidays. Animal demonstrations, daily show times and ride availability shift with weather and season. Every fact below was verified against milwaukeezoo.org and zoosociety.org in June 2026, but always confirm the day's schedule at the gate or on the zoo website before you go.
Milwaukee County Zoo at a Glance
Fast answers to the questions most visitors ask before they go.
Summer hours (through Sept 7)
Daily 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Fall hours (Sept 8–Oct 31)
Daily 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Winter hours (Nov 1–Dec 31)
Weekdays 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; Weekends 9:30–4:30
Summer adult admission (flex)
$14.75–$19.75 (advance online saves)
Winter adult admission (flex)
$12.75–$15.75 (lowest in Jan–Mar)
Parking
$15 per car (free for Zoo Pass members)
Kids 2 and under
Free, every day
Best season for outdoor exhibits
Memorial Day–Labor Day (giraffe feeding, Sky Safari, Goat Yard)
Family-friendly notes
190 acres, 2,400+ animals, stroller rental $12.50, all paved paths
Free admission days
6 Family Free Days + Frosty Free Week (Dec 26–30)
Hours & Admission by Season
The zoo runs three distinct seasons. Buying advance tickets at milwaukeezoo.org saves money over walk-up and skips the entrance line.
Peak Summer (Memorial Day weekend – Labor Day)
Late May through early September 2026
Shoulder (Sept 8 – Oct 31)
Early fall — daily 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Winter (Nov 1 – Mar 31)
Reduced hours; weekday closes 2:30, weekends 4:30
2026 Family Free Days (sponsored by Tri City National Bank & FOX6): January 3, 2026 · February 7, 2026 · March 7, 2026 · October 3, 2026 · November 7, 2026 · December 5, 2026. Parking still $15 on free days. Plus Frosty Free Week Dec 26–30 — free daytime admission for everyone.
Major Exhibits & Animal Areas
Every exhibit below was verified open as of June 2026. Indoor buildings stay open through winter; outdoor habitats and seasonal experiences (Giraffe Experience, Goat Yard, Sky Adventure zip line) close after Labor Day weekend.
Adventure Africa (Elephant Habitat & Care Center)
Largest single addition in zoo history. African savanna elephant Belle now anchors a 1.6-acre outdoor yard and a 20,000 sq ft Care Center; she has been the zoo's sole elephant since Ruth died in September 2025 and Brittany was euthanized in April 2026. The zoo has committed to continuing its elephant program in coordination with the AZA Species Survival Plan. Check the daily schedule at the gate for keeper enrichment talks.
Best Viewing Time
Morning enrichment talk (11:30 a.m. weekdays) — elephants are most active and you get keeper commentary.
Adventure Africa Phase II — Dohmen Family Foundation Hippo Haven
Underwater viewing of Nile hippos in a 60,000-gallon pool. Opened summer 2020. Tied into the Adventure Africa complex with elephants.
Best Viewing Time
Mid-morning before crowds for the underwater windows. Hippos are most likely to swim past then.
Adventure Africa Phase III — Ladish Co. Foundation Rhino Care Center
Newest addition. Houses Eastern black rhinos in habitats reshaped from the former elephant and rhino footprint. The Conservation Outpost nearby features the Adventure Africa mural.
Best Viewing Time
Late morning — rhinos are typically out on warm days. Pair with the elephant talk next door.
Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country
Opened 2005. Lions, jaguars, tigers and snow leopards in naturalistic rock-and-stream habitats with multi-level glass viewing. Daily Big Cat demonstrations at 3 p.m.
Best Viewing Time
3 p.m. demo is the move. Mornings if you want quiet viewing through glass.
Stearns Family Apes of Africa
Opened 1992. Western lowland gorillas and bonobos in West African rainforest habitats with elevated outdoor mesh passageways (added 2011). Bonobo demonstrations Wednesdays at 3:45 p.m.
Best Viewing Time
Wednesday 3:45 p.m. for bonobo demo. Otherwise mid-morning when both groups are most social.
Primates of the World
Indoor building with orangutans, gibbons, lemurs, mandrills and other primates from across the globe. Comes alive on cold or rainy days when guests cluster inside.
Best Viewing Time
Any winter day or rainy summer afternoon — heated, sheltered, never empty-feeling.
Aquatic & Reptile Center
Sharks, sea turtles, alligators, snakes, frogs and a touch tank. Walks visitors through aquatic and herp species across continents. Indoor, year-round.
Best Viewing Time
Hot afternoons (cool indoors) or rainy days. Sea turtle viewing is the highlight.
Small Mammals Building — CLOSED INDEFINITELY
The Small Mammals Building is closed indefinitely. Bats, rodents, marsupials, fennec foxes and other small mammal species that were on display here are not currently accessible to the public. Check milwaukeezoo.org for updates on the building's status.
Best Viewing Time
Plan your visit around the other indoor buildings (Aquatic & Reptile Center, Primates of the World, Bird Building, Apes of Africa) until further notice.
Bird Building (Bird House)
Multi-zone indoor flight rooms with tropical and shorebird species. Often the warmest building in the park — a winter favorite.
Best Viewing Time
January–February afternoons when outdoor exhibits are limited. Quiet weekday mornings are best for photography.
Idabel Wilmot Borchert Flamingo Exhibit
Caribbean and Chilean flamingos in an open outdoor habitat near the zoo entrance. Added 2008.
Best Viewing Time
Late morning when birds are most active and grouped together.
Northwestern Mutual Family Farm
Working dairy and farm complex with cows, goats, sheep, pigs, horses, alpacas and farm-life programming. The Goat Yard (Nigerian dwarf goats) opens May 23–Sept 7, 10 a.m.–4:15 p.m.; pellets are $0.50.
Best Viewing Time
Late morning before farm animals nap. Bring quarters for goat pellets — Goat Yard is a kid magnet.
Australia (Australian Animals Building)
Indoor exhibit area featuring kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and other Australian wildlife. Climate-controlled, open year-round.
Best Viewing Time
Mid-day visits when koalas are most likely to be visible (still mostly napping — that is the truth about koalas).
Modern Woodmen Otter Passage
North American river otters in an outdoor habitat with underwater viewing windows. Opened 2018.
Best Viewing Time
Morning or right after a keeper enrichment feed — otters are most playful with fresh ice or toys.
Giraffe Experience (presented by Miller Lite)
Hand-feed giraffes from an elevated platform. Operates weekends in May, daily Memorial Day through Labor Day, then weekends in September. Times: 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 2–3:30 p.m. Cost: $5.
Best Viewing Time
Earlier session (10:30 a.m.) — shorter lines and giraffes are hungrier.
Powerful Pollinators (2026 Summer Exhibit)
Special interactive seasonal exhibit with animatronic pollinators. Runs May 23 – October 4, 2026. $4 per person on top of zoo admission.
Best Viewing Time
Pair with the Family Farm next door — most pollinator content is hands-on for kids 4–10.
Rides, Sky Adventure & Extras
None of the rides are included in admission — most run $3–$5 a person and the Sky Adventure complex tops out at $30 for the zip + ropes combo. All prices are plus tax.
Sky Safari (chairlift)
$4 + tax per person
Daily, March–November (weather permitting)
One-way aerial ride across the zoo's interior — great way to scout the layout when you arrive.
Safari Train
$5 + tax per person
Daily, March–November (weather permitting)
Miniature train loop. Saves toddler legs late in the day.
Penzeys Carousel
$3 + tax per person
Daily March–November; winter weather-permitting
Hand-painted animal carousel near the entrance plaza.
Sky Adventure Zip Line
$20 + tax
May 23 – Sept 7 (weather permitting)
400-foot zip line — adults and older kids only. Height/weight rules apply.
Sky Adventure Ropes Course
$15 + tax
May 23 – Sept 7 (weather permitting)
Multi-element course beside the zip line. Combo zip + ropes is $30.
Sky Tykes (kid ropes course)
$10 + tax
May 23 – Sept 7
Lower, safer course for small kids — same plaza as the big zip line.
ScooterPals (mobility scooters for rent)
$5 activation + $0.35/min
Daily, weather permitting
Driver must be 16+. Returns to designated docks around the park.
Virtual Reality Experience
$6 ($5 for members)
Year-round
Three VR adventures in multiple languages — the Gorilla Trek experience is the best one.
Stroller rental
$12.50 + tax
Daily at the entrance
Wheelchairs are $10; mobility scooters $35. All first-come, first-served.
Daily Animal Demonstrations & Feedings
Typical summer schedule below. The zoo varies these by season and weather — always check the day-of schedule at the entrance kiosk or at the building you want to visit.
Dining at the Zoo
The full-service option is Café 1892 and Coffee Shop, open daily year-round near the main entrance — sit-down seating, coffee, hot food, beer and wine. In summer, additional snack stands operate seasonally across the park (ice cream, pretzels, hot dogs, churros) at locations including the Family Farm, Big Cat Country and the Sky Adventure plaza.
You're allowed to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks into the zoo — there are picnic tables throughout the grounds and several covered picnic shelters that can be reserved for groups. No outside alcohol. For an upgrade, the À La Carte at the Zoo event (Aug 20–23, 2026) features food trucks and tasting stations across the park.
2026 Annual Events Calendar
Confirmed 2026 dates from milwaukeezoo.org and zoosociety.org. Boo at the Zoo and Wild Lights 2026 schedules are typically published in late summer and early fall.
Egg Day
Saturday, April 4, 2026 — 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.Spring family event. Scavenger hunts, Bunny Parade at 10:30 a.m., noon and 1:30 p.m., face painting, Chalk the Zoo, Dixieland jazz, and egg-themed animal enrichment for lions, otters and elephants. New 2026 brunch buffet package: $70 adults / $36 kids 3–12 (includes admission, parking, train ride, animal encounter).
Senior Safari
June 16, 2026Free admission for guests 60+ (and caretakers). One of the year's most-attended free days.
Father's Day
June 21, 2026Free admission for dads.
Zoo Ball (gala fundraiser)
June 27, 2026Zoological Society's flagship adults-only gala. Ticketed, formal.
$4 on the 4th
July 4, 2026Independence Day promotion — $4 admission for everyone.
Military & Veterans Family Day
July 5, 2026Free admission and free parking for military and veterans plus immediate family.
Kids Nights (members only)
July 14–16, 2026After-hours Zoo Pass member event with extended hours and family activities.
Birdies & Eagles Golf Tournament
July 27, 2026Annual Zoological Society golf fundraiser.
Snooze at the Zoo (overnight camping)
August 13–15, 2026Family overnight inside the zoo grounds — registration through the Zoological Society.
À La Carte at the Zoo
August 20–23, 2026Multi-day food, music and dining festival across the park.
Zoo Brew
Thursday, October 8, 2026 (21+)Zoological Society's adults-only craft-beer tasting across three zones. Includes local and national breweries plus food. Tickets at gozoobrew.com.
Boo at the Zoo
Two October weekends (2025 ran Oct 17–19 and 24–26; 2026 dates confirmed on zoo site closer to fall) — 5:30–9 p.m.Not-so-spooky family Halloween event. Trick-or-Treat Trail through Adventure Africa with six treat stops, light show, Candy Corn Farmer's Market, Pumpkin Park, Haunted Hollow. Pre-purchased tickets required; parking included.
Wild Lights
Select nights Nov 21 – Dec 31 (2025 schedule; 2026 dates confirmed in fall) — 5:30–9 p.m.Holiday light walk presented by We Energies Foundation. Expanded route, opening-night drone show, four Drive-Thru nights, an adults-only Cheers! night, and a Dogs After Dark night.
Frosty Free Week
December 26–30, 2026Free daytime zoo admission for everyone — one of the best low-cost holiday-break activities in Milwaukee.
Zoo Pass Memberships (2026 Pricing)
Memberships are sold by the Zoological Society of Milwaukee. Every tier includes free zoo admission, free parking ($15/visit value), ride and VR discounts, and reciprocal admission at 150+ AZA zoos nationwide. Pricing below reflects the Feb 2026 update.
Individual
$110
One adult, 18+
Dual
$135
Two adults at the same address
One-Adult Household
$155
One adult + their kids/grandkids 17 and under
Two-Adult Household
$180
Two adults at the same address + their kids/grandkids 17 and under
Affiliate
$355
Household + 4 guests per visit + 4 one-time guest passes + education class certificate
Benefactor
$460
Household + 4 guests per visit + 6 one-time guest passes + class certificate + walking tour certificate
Parking, Accessibility, Strollers & Lockers
Parking
$15 per car at the entrance booths. Free for Zoo Pass members. Picnic-area parking is complimentary for group events. The main lots fill on summer Saturdays — arrive before 10:30 a.m. on peak days.
Accessibility
All main pathways are paved and ADA-accessible. Wheelchair rental $10. Mobility scooter rental $35 (limited supply — first come, first served). Service animals welcome; pet animals are not.
Strollers
Single stroller rental $12.50 + tax at the front entrance. Bring your own if you prefer — paths are stroller-friendly, including the Sky Safari boarding zone.
Re-entry & Stamps
Same-day re-entry is allowed — get a hand stamp at the exit if you need to go to your car for snacks, sunscreen or a stroller swap.
Outside Food
Picnics are welcome — bring food and non-alcoholic drinks. Picnic shelters can be reserved for groups; no outside alcohol or glass.
How Long to Plan
4–6 hours covers a complete adult-pace visit. With young kids and a Sky Safari, train and carousel ride, plan a full day. Winter visits often fit in 2.5–3 hours since outdoor exhibits are limited.
Nearby in Wauwatosa & West Milwaukee
The zoo sits at the Milwaukee–Wauwatosa border on Bluemound Road, with several worthwhile stops within a 10-minute drive.
Mayfair Mall
~5 min north on Hwy 100 — the largest indoor mall in metro Milwaukee. Apple Store, food hall, year-round air-conditioned backup plan.
American Family Field
~7 min east on Bluemound (Story Hill exit). Pair a Brewers afternoon game with a morning zoo visit.
Wauwatosa Village
~10 min north along Underwood Creek. Walkable independent restaurants, brewpubs (Leff's Lucky Town, Café Hollander), and shops along Harwood Ave.
Hoyt Park & Pool
~7 min northeast. Menomonee River trails, summer outdoor pool, and one of the area's best beer-garden patios at the Friends of Hoyt Park beer garden.
Story Hill / Bluemound dining
Bluemound between the zoo and downtown is dense with options — Maxie's Southern Comfort and Story Hill BKC both anchor the strip.
North Avenue (Tosa)
Five minutes north. Independent breakfast spots, coffee, and casual dinner restaurants — quieter than the Village strip.
Frequently Asked Questions
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