Milwaukee County Zoo: Tickets, Hours, Animals & Visitor Guide

Welcome to Milwaukee’s wild side! What began as a collection of small mammals and birds in the 1890s has grown into the Milwaukee County Zoo, and it’s one of the best in the Midwest for animal lovers of all ages.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit, including ticketing, hours, resident animal highlights and more insider tips.
 

Why Visit the Milwaukee County Zoo?

An African savanna without ever leaving Wisconsin. Penguins in the Midwest. A hippo haven on the Fresh Coast. The 190-acre Milwaukee County Zoo is a wonderland of discovery, and one of the top Milwaukee family attractions.

In addition to over 300 species and 2,100 animals, you’ll find rides, seasonal activities and experiences for all ages year-round.
 

Animal Exhibits & Attractions at Milwaukee County Zoo

With over a dozen habitats to explore, families can trek through the wilds of Africa, shores of the Pacific and the jungles of South America. Plus, with a Safari Train and giraffes to feed, there are countless memories to be made at the Milwaukee County Zoo.
 

Must-See Animal Habitats

At the Milwaukee County Zoo, adventure awaits around every corner. You’ll find 300 species from four continents in family-favorite habitats like Big Cat Country, where snow leopards, spotted hyenas, Amur tigers and African lions roam.

In Apes of Africa, Western lowland gorillas are joined by one of the largest groups of bonobos (aka the pygmy chimpanzee) outside of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Elsewhere in Africa, giraffes and elephants rove savannas alongside Thomson’s gazelles and Southern ground hornbills, while ostriches and impalas trot along Impala Plains.

For adorable photo ops, don’t miss the Penguins of the Pacific and Otter Passage!
 

Rides, Shows and Experiences

There’s more to explore at the Milwaukee County Zoo than animal exhibits. Family-friendly attractions, rides and more give you plenty of ways to explore the zoo beyond its habitats.

The Safari Train is a staple that pre-dates the zoo. Before the zoo moved to its current location in 1961, steam engine trains made loops around the zoo site, and it’s been chugging along ever since! Today, the vintage train takes guests on scenic 1.25-mile rides around the zoo.

And, if watching animals makes you want to ride a zebra, you can do so on the carousel. Featuring classic, hand-crafted animals, the timeless attraction lets kids saddle up on anything from giraffes and ostriches to lions, tigers and bears.

Looking to get up close and personal with some of the zoo’s most popular specimens? Animal presentations and educational experiences let you feed giraffes, pet Nigerian dwarf goats and even watch veterinarians in action at the Animal Health Center Learning Zone.

Additional seasonal experiences include the Powerful Pollinators summer exhibit, the Wild Lights holiday festival and Egg Day, featuring Easter activities like a Bunny Parade and Egg Hunt Trail.
 

Milwaukee County Zoo Tickets & Admission Information

Milwaukee County Zoo admission includes options for daily tickets, discounted online purchases, group rates and annual memberships, making it easy for families to plan a visit at any budget.

Ticket prices vary per season and per day, with a $1.75 discount for Milwaukee County residents.

Purchasing tickets at the gate: Standard rates run between $14.75 and $19.75 for adults, $9.75 and $16.75 for children 3-12 and free for children two and younger.

Purchasing online: Tickets are $3 less when purchased online.

Group rates: Discounted group rates for 15 or more are $14.75 for adults and seniors, and $11.75 for children 3-12. Rides and attractions cost extra.

If you’re planning multiple visits in a year, purchase a Zoo Pass, which includes free regular admission and parking, along with discounts and benefits. Prices start at $110 annually.

Zoo Hours, Parking & Best Times to Visit

The Milwaukee County Zoo is open year-round, closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Hours change seasonally, so check the schedule ahead of time.

Generally, winter hours are 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (until 4:30 p.m. on weekends). Spring through fall runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 5 p.m. Based on weather and hibernation, some animals may be off-habitat, and some exhibits close. This includes many African habitats and the Hippo Haven (closed November-March), while bears and badgers hibernate mid-November through mid-March.

Get there early on weekdays to find better parking and beat the crowds. Once again, double-check the hours, because admission ends 45 minutes before closing, and animal buildings shut 15 minutes ahead of closing.

Parking for non-members is $15 per vehicle, or $20 for oversized vehicles and RVs. Rates can be purchased on-site via QR codes.
 

Seasonal Events at the Milwaukee County Zoo

Year-round, seasonal events keep things hopping at the Milwaukee County Zoo.

Egg Day is an Easter tradition with themed activities like face painting, the Bunny Parade and an Egg Hunt Trail, all included with admission. Animals get in on the fun, too, with enrichment activities like egg-shaped ice for otters and jumbo Easter eggs for elephants.

Other events include A La Carte at the Zoo, a food and music festival in August, and Zoo Brew, a beer and food tasting event in October. And for the holidays, don’t miss Wild Lights. Held late November through December, the zoo gets festive with a musical Christmas tree and massive animal-themed light displays.

The zoo also hosts educational classes and camps for all ages, spring through fall, like Hangin’ Out with Bats and Animals of the Amazon. Zoo members get priority registration and discounts on classes and events, as well as exclusive after-hours access to Nights in June.
 

Planning Your Visit to Milwaukee County Zoo

There’s no wrong way to do the zoo. Depending on how much you’d like to see and do, it takes roughly two to three hours for a quick overview of select habitats. A full day at the zoo can run five to six hours if you want to see it all.

Hungry? You can bring outside food and non-alcoholic drinks or fuel up at snack spots. Find pizza and pasta at Crust & Copper, chicken sandwiches at The Coop and tacos from Taco Caja and more. For a midday break, the Safari Train and indoor exhibits are a nice escape from the sun.

Looking for more family-friendly fun in Milwaukee? Pair the zoo with other fun attractions, like Discovery World and the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, for extra hands-on edutainment.
 

What’s New at the Milwaukee County Zoo

There’s always something new to see at the Milwaukee County Zoo. An Adventure Africa expansion brought new habitats for hippos and indoor-outdoor space for Eastern black rhinos. The new Rhino Care Center also features surrounding space for zebras and red river hogs.

The Penguins of the Pacific habitat also underwent renovation. Home to 15 Humboldt penguins, the expansion grew the pool from 10,000 gallons to 30,000 gallons, with new shaded areas, a water filtration system and larger viewing windows.

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