Milwaukee Zoo A La Carte 2025: Your Family Guide

The fan-favorite Milwaukee County Zoo's A La Carte festival runs this year from August 14-17, 2025. This four-day celebration combines everything families love: amazing animals, delicious food, and live music all in one incredible experience.

Zoo A La Carte is a unique blend of zoo adventure and culinary celebration that creates memories your kids will talk about all year. Where else can you watch giraffes while listening to live rock music and sampling gourmet food trucks? The event is specifically designed to be "perfect for all ages," making it an ideal destination for families with children of any age.

When and Where to Go

Dates: August 14-17, 2025
Location: Milwaukee County Zoo (10001 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee)
Hours:

• Thursday-Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.

• Sunday: 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Important note: Animal buildings close one hour before the festival ends each day, so plan your animal viewing accordingly!

Ticket Information

• Adults: $18

• Children (3-12): $15

• Parking: $15 (FREE with Zoo membership!)

Money-saving tip: Buy tickets online to save about $3 per ticket, or look for discounted tickets at Tri City National Bank locations while supplies last.

If you're planning multiple zoo visits this year, consider a Zoological Society membership – it pays for itself quickly and includes free parking for events like A La Carte.

Food Adventures

With over 40 food vendors, A La Carte offers something for even the pickiest eaters. Here are some family-friendly highlights:

Kid-Approved Options:

• Nothing Bundt Cakes for dessert lovers

• Wild Burger with gluten-free options

• Tots on the Street for gourmet tater tots

• A la Crepes for a fun twist on breakfast

• Bubble Waffle Shoppes for Instagram-worthy treats

For Adventurous Families:

• Lumpia City (NEW!) – Filipino cuisine

• C-Viche – Sustainable seafood and Latin American flavors

• Shawarma House – Middle Eastern specialties

• Taco Caja (NEW!) – Fresh tacos

Special Dietary Needs? Many vendors offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, making it easier to accommodate everyone in the family.

Payment heads-up: Food vendors only accept credit/debit cards – no cash! There's a cash-to-card kiosk available if needed.

Pro parent tip: You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages (no glass containers), which is perfect for families with very young children or specific dietary needs.

Live Music

Live music at Zoo a la Carte

The entertainment lineup features something for everyone across six stages throughout the zoo:

Headliners:

• Thursday: Phillip Phillips (known for "Home")

• Friday: Los Lonely Boys (Grammy winners with their hit "Heaven")

• Saturday: LOCASH (country duo with over 1 billion streams)

Family-friendly genres throughout the festival: Classic rock, country, jazz, Celtic, folk, swing, and even '90s hits that might get parents singing along.

The best part? All music is included with your zoo admission – no additional fees for concerts!

For more live music, see our guide to free outdoor concerts in the North Shore in 2025.

Making the Most of Your Zoo Experience

Remember, this is still the Milwaukee County Zoo with over 2,200 animals across 200 acres! All animal exhibits remain open during the festival, so you can seamlessly move between watching penguins and catching a live band.

New this year: Keep an eye out for the nearly completed Adventure Africa exhibit featuring new rhino and hippo habitats, plus meet the newest residents including penguin chick "Rhubarb."

Additional attractions (extra fees apply):

• Safari Train and Carousel

• Sky Adventure Zip Line and Ropes Courses

• Giraffe Experience

• Goat Yard

• Various animal talks and shows

Family Planning Tips

What to bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes (you'll cover a lot of ground!)

• Sunscreen and water bottles

• Your zoo membership card if you have one

• Credit/debit cards for food purchases

• Stroller for little ones (or rent one for $12.50 plus tax)

Getting there smart: Instead of parking at the main entrance, drive further into the zoo grounds and park near the train and carousel area – it's often less crowded and closer to the action.

Public transit option: Take bus lines CN1, 1, 28, or 92 to the Bluemound/97th St stop (just a 6-minute walk to the entrance) and skip parking fees entirely.

Timing is everything:

• Arrive when gates open at 9:30 a.m. to avoid crowds and heat

• Plan animal viewing for earlier in the day, especially on Sunday when exhibits close at 7 p.m.

• Use the entertainment schedule to plan your route between stages

Family-Friendly Features You'll Appreciate

• Nursing suites available in three locations throughout the zoo

• Stroller and wheelchair rentals available

• Smoke-free environment (smoking only allowed in parking lots)

• Service animals welcome

• Cashless rental transactions for convenience

A La Carte offers that magical combination every parent hopes for: an event that's genuinely fun for adults while keeping kids completely engaged. Whether you're watching your toddler's face light up at seeing elephants, sharing food truck discoveries with tweens, or watching teenagers actually enjoy spending time with the family while listening to live music, this festival creates those precious moments that make summer special.

The beauty of A La Carte lies in its flexibility – spend the morning exploring animal exhibits, grab lunch from multiple food trucks, catch afternoon performances, and wind down with the evening headliner. It's a choose-your-own-adventure day that accommodates different family rhythms and interests.

Final tip: Don't try to do everything in one day. With four days of festivities, you can always come back to try different food vendors or catch different musical acts. Sometimes the best family memories come from the unexpected discoveries – that amazing food truck you stumbled upon or the local band that got everyone dancing.

Mark your calendars for August 14-17, 2025, and get ready for a summer tradition your family will want to repeat year after year!