Milwaukee County Zoo Features Dinosaur Exhibit

This summer, families across Milwaukee’s North Shore can take a giant step back in time—literally. The Milwaukee County Zoo’s “Exploration Dinosaur” exhibit is roaring to life with more than 20 life-size animatronic dinosaurs, turning your zoo visit into a prehistoric adventure.

From May 21 through October 5, guests can stroll through this outdoor experience, located behind the Small Mammals Building, where creatures like the Tyrannosaurus rex, Stegosaurus, and Euoplocephalus move and roar in startlingly realistic displays.

Looking for more dino fun this summer? The Milwaukee Public Museum is transforming into a dinosaur wonderland from July 7-25, 2025, with their exciting "Dino Days of Summer" event.

🦖 Discover Life-Size Dinosaurs

Kids and adults alike will marvel at scientifically accurate giants from Earth’s ancient past:

• T. Rex: Towering at over 42 feet long and weighing more than 9 tons, the “king of the dinosaurs” makes a dramatic entrance.

• Stegosaurus: Known for its distinctive diamond-shaped back plates, some over 2 feet tall.

• Euoplocephalus: A plant-eater built like a tank, with bony armor and a powerful tail club.

Informational signs accompany each dinosaur, sharing facts that will fuel your dino lover’s imagination and knowledge.

🧠 Hands-On Learning and Activities

Beyond the dinosaurs themselves, the exhibit includes four interactive stations where children can get hands-on with paleontology and science. Dig for fossils, match dino teeth with diets, and learn how dinosaurs connect to modern-day animals.

📅 Roar & Explore Wednesdays

Looking for an extra special experience? Visit on a Wednesday between Memorial Day and Labor Day, from 10 am to 2 pm, for Roar & Explore Wednesdays. These themed days include:

• Dino Detective Dig

• Dino Delight (teeth and diet activity)

• Dino Egg Scavenger Hunt

• Protecting the Present (a conservation-focused take-home activity)

All activities are included with the $4 exhibit admission, in addition to Zoo entry.

🎟️ Admission & Hours

• Exhibit Admission: $4 per person (plus regular Zoo admission)

• Tickets: Purchase on-site

• Exhibit Hours:

  • May 21–23: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm

  • May 24 – Sept. 1: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm

  • Sept. 2 – Oct. 5: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm

🏞️ Make It a Summer to Remember

Whether you're exploring fossils, learning about conservation, or standing face-to-face with a moving, roaring dinosaur, Exploration Dinosaur is one of the must-see attractions in Milwaukee this summer. It’s an unforgettable day out for families, nature lovers, and future paleontologists.

Plan your visit soon—before these dinosaurs go extinct again!