Milwaukee County Zoo: The Complete Family Guide

The Milwaukee County Zoo delivers exceptional value for families with free admission days throughout 2026, brand-new exhibits including a $22.6 million rhino habitat, and over 3,000 animals across 190 acres. This guide covers everything North Shore families need to plan the perfect zoo day—from money-saving tips and seasonal events to the best routes for toddlers versus older kids.

What's new: Major exhibits

The Milwaukee County Zoo has undergone its most significant transformation in decades with the completion of the $50+ million Adventure Africa project. The crowning achievement opened in fall 2025: the Ladish Co. Foundation Rhino Care Center, a stunning $22.6 million facility bringing Eastern black rhinos back to Milwaukee for the first time since 2021.

Two critically endangered rhinos now call the center home. Zuri, a 16-year-old female from Cincinnati Zoo, and Kianga, a 22-year-old male who spent 18 years at Racine Zoo, arrived in October 2025 as part of a Species Survival Plan breeding recommendation. With fewer than 1,000 Eastern black rhinos remaining in the wild and only 55 in North American zoos, this exhibit represents meaningful conservation work families can witness firsthand.

The Rhino Care Center features indoor viewing areas with floor-to-ceiling windows, a naturalistic outdoor yard, and the Robert Dohmen Hippo Indoor Haven—Milwaukee's first year-round indoor hippo viewing area for resident hippo Happy. Red river hogs and zebras rotate through adjacent habitats, creating an immersive African savanna experience.

Near the main entrance, the newly renovated Humboldt Penguin habitat opened in December 2024 following a $5 million upgrade. The exhibit now features 30,000 square feet of tank space, improved water filtration, and larger viewing windows for nose-to-beak penguin encounters. The upgrade allows extended exhibiting time during warmer months.

Coming in summer 2025, Exploration Dinosaur (May 21–October 5) brings over 20 full-size animatronic dinosaurs to the grounds behind the Small Mammals Building. Admission is $4 per person after regular zoo entry, featuring T. Rex, Stegosaurus, Triceratops, four interactive activity stations, and a scavenger hunt with dinosaur eggs.

Looking ahead to 2026, a new Pollinators exhibit will highlight bees, butterflies, and conservation-focused programming. The zoo's updated strategic plan, "Our Zoo, Our Future," outlines a 7-10 year vision including a future tropical exhibit to replace the aging Small Mammals Building, which closes at the end of 2025.

Six free admission days anchor the 2026 calendar

Families can visit without paying admission on six Saturdays in 2026, sponsored by Tri City National Bank and WITI FOX6:

• January 3 | February 7 | March 7 | October 3 | November 7 | December 5

All Family Free Days run 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission only—parking ($15) and attraction fees still apply. These fall on the first Saturday of selected winter and fall months, making them ideal for budget-conscious families willing to bundle up.

Additional money-saving opportunities include Frosty Free Week (December 26–30, 2025, free daytime admission sponsored by Generac), 414 Day (April 14—just $4.14 for Milwaukee County residents), $4 on the 4th (July 4), and free admission for moms on Mother's Day and dads on Father's Day. Milwaukee County residents save $1.75 daily year-round, with deeper Wednesday discounts bringing admission to just $10.50 for adults and $8.00 for children ages 3-12.

Admission pricing works on a flex model

The zoo uses Flex Pricing where costs vary by date, letting families choose budget-friendly visit days:

Category Price Range Online Savings Adults (13+) $12.75–$19.75 Save $3 vs. gate Children (3-12) $9.75–$16.75 Save $3 vs. gate Children 2 and under FREE — Seniors $18.75 — Parking $15 + tax —

Group rates (15+) drop to $14.25/adult and $11.25/child. Credit union members through Fox CU access $12.75 adult and $9.75 child tickets. Always purchase online to save approximately $3 per ticket.

Zoo Pass membership pays for itself after roughly two family visits. The Family tier covers two adults plus all children/grandchildren under 18, includes reciprocal admission at 150+ zoos nationwide, priority class registration, and member-exclusive events. Zoo Pass Plus adds free parking at the West Lot (Memorial Day through Labor Day). The premium Platypus Circle ($750+) includes transferable cards admitting up to 8 people, year-round free parking, behind-the-scenes tours, and VIP event invitations. Contact 414-258-2333 for membership details.

Hours shift significantly between seasons

Winter hours (through February 28, 2026) run 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. weekends—a notably shorter window that catches some families off-guard. Plan accordingly.

Season Hours Winter (Nov 1–Feb 28) Weekdays 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. / Weekends 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Spring/Fall (Mar 1–May, Sept–Oct) Daily 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Summer (Memorial Day–Labor Day) Daily 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Critical timing notes: Admission gates close 45 minutes before zoo closing, and animal buildings close 15 minutes before. The West Entrance operates only Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The zoo closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day, with early 2:30 p.m. closures on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Dining options span quick bites to sit-down meals

The zoo permits outside food and non-alcoholic beverages—bring coolers and picnic baskets to save significantly. Glass containers and alcohol are prohibited. Picnic tables cluster around Lake Evinrude near the bears.

For on-site dining, Café 1892 at U.S. Bank Gathering Place offers pizzas, burgers, chicken tenders, and artisan sandwiches year-round. Nourish 414 near Lake Evinrude provides a more modern menu including kids' meals, craft beer, and salads. Wild Burger & Woody's Custard serves Milwaukee-style frozen custard alongside smash burgers. Taco Caja near Caribou features authentic tacos with tortillas from Milwaukee's Tortilleria El Sol—a local favorite.

Family-friendly highlights include Dole Whip at West End Snacks (kosher, gluten-free, dairy-free), the Ice Cream Parlor at Family Farm, and The Snack Barn for funnel cakes and shaved ice. Bear Garden provides craft beer and cocktails for adults seeking a quick break. Mobile carts throughout the grounds offer popcorn, cotton candy, Dippin' Dots, and soft pretzels.

Rentals and facilities designed for families with young children

Stroller and wagon rentals are available at U.S. Bank Gathering Place (cashless transactions only):

Item Price Double Stroller $12.50 + tax Wagon $15.50 + tax Standard Wheelchair $10 + tax (deposit required) Mobility Scooter $35/day

Reserve same-day online after 2 a.m. at goroll.mobi. Rentals stop 30 minutes before closing. Bringing your own stroller is recommended—even for bigger kids—given the 190-acre layout.

Milwaukee County Zoo was the first zoo nationally to offer private Mamava nursing suites, located at U.S. Bank Gathering Place, Aquatic & Reptile Center, and the Dairy Complex. Call the number on suite doors for access codes. Family restrooms with changing areas are outside the main Gift Shop and at the West Entrance. A Universal Changing Station with an adult-size table (300+ lb capacity) requires a key from the Administration Office—a partnership with Variety–the Children's Charity of Wisconsin.

First aid and lost children services operate from the Administration Office at U.S. Bank Gathering Place (414-771-3040).

Kid-specific attractions range from gentle to thrilling

The Zoo Playground in Northwestern Mutual Family Farm is free year-round with separate sections for ages 2-5 and 6-12—one of the zoo's most popular destinations. The adjacent Goat Yard lets children feed 30+ Nigerian dwarf goats ($0.50 per handful, Memorial Day through September).

Attraction Price Best For Penzeys Carousel $3 + tax All ages North Shore Bank Safari Train $4 + tax Ages 3+ Sky Safari (aerial gondola) $4 + tax Ages 3+ Giraffe Experience $5 All ages (summer only) Gorilla Trek VR $6 ($5 members) School-age+ Sky Tykes Ropes Course $10 + tax Under 48" Sky Trail Ropes Course $15 + tax 48"+ Sky Adventure Zip Line $20 + tax Thrill-seekers

The Safari Train debuted Engine No. 2025 in August—the first new locomotive in over 30 years, replacing retired steam engines. The train carries over 400,000 riders annually.

Important note: The Milwaukee County Zoo does NOT have a splash pad. Families seeking water play should visit Milwaukee County Parks splash pads at other locations.

The zoo is KultureCity certified sensory-inclusive. Sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones, fidgets, and weighted lap pads are available free at Guest Services. Aira Services provides free assistance for blind/low-vision visitors.

Seasonal events create year-round reasons to return

Boo at the Zoo (October 17-19 and 24-26, 2025) expanded to two weekends for 2025. Tickets run $17 adults/$15 children ages 3-12 (parking included), featuring a trick-or-treat trail through Adventure Africa, haystack maze, Halloween light show, and carved pumpkin displays. Pre-purchased, date-specific tickets required; memberships provide 15% discount only.

Wild Lights (November 21–December 31, 2025) transforms the zoo into a 1-mile walking path with 300,000+ LED lights. Tickets are $18 adults/$16 children online (parking included); members receive 20% off with code "bright." Special nights include Wild Lights Wednesdays ($12 all ages on December 3 and 10), Cheers! Wild Lights (December 11, adults 21+ only, $22), and Dogs After Dark (December 17, bring your dog for $20). Drive-thru options run November 23 and December 7, 14, 21.

Zoo Brew (October 8, 2026) is the annual adults-only craft beer festival with 30+ breweries, live music, and food vendors. A La Carte at the Zoo (August 14-17, 2025) brings 40+ food vendors and six stages of live music with headliners like Phillip Phillips and LOCASH.

Snooze at the Zoo (August 13-15, 2026) offers the only public opportunity to camp overnight at the zoo—it sells out quickly. Samson Stomp (January 18, 2026) is a winter 5K/2-mile/1-mile run honoring the zoo's legendary silverback gorilla.

Strategic tips maximize your family visit

Best times to arrive: Weekday mornings starting at 9:30 a.m. offer the least crowding and most active animals. Spring and fall provide pleasant weather without summer crowds. Winter visits mean shorter hours but also smaller crowds and more indoor animal viewing.

For toddlers (ages 2-5): Start at Family Farm for the goat yard and playground, then see elephants (the new indoor viewing area includes pretend play), penguins near the entrance, and the Aquatic & Reptile Center for air-conditioned animal viewing. End with a carousel ride.

For school-age kids (6-12): Begin with the Safari Train, then hit Big Cat Country for tigers and lions, the new Rhino Care Center, hippo underwater viewing, and the Gorilla Trek VR Experience. Summer visitors should add the Giraffe Experience and Sky Safari aerial ride.

For teens: The 500-foot zip line, 4-story ropes course, and VR experiences provide age-appropriate thrills.

Budget strategy: Pack your own food (permitted), buy tickets online ($3 savings per ticket), visit on Wednesday discount days or Family Free Days, and consider a Zoo Pass if planning two or more visits annually.

Practical essentials: Wear comfortable shoes for hilly terrain, bring sunscreen and hats (limited shade in some areas), download the zoo map app beforehand, and expect 30+ minute train lines on busy days. Stop at the Administration Office for a free First Visit Certificate for kids.

Contact information and planning resources

Milwaukee County Zoo
10001 W Bluemound Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226
Phone: (414) 771-3040
Website: milwaukeezoo.org
Tickets: shop.milwaukeezoo.org

Zoological Society of Milwaukee (memberships and programs)
10005 W Bluemound Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226
Phone: 414-258-2333 (Zoo Pass) | 414-918-6151 (Platypus Circle)
Website: zoosociety.org

Social Media: @MilwaukeeCoZoo on X/Twitter, @milwaukeecozoo on Instagram, facebook.com/MilwaukeeCountyZoo

Conclusion

The Milwaukee County Zoo has transformed dramatically with the Adventure Africa completion and continues evolving through 2026 with dinosaur and pollinator exhibits. For North Shore families, the combination of six free admission days, deep resident discounts, outside food policies, and exceptional new exhibits makes this a top-tier destination. Plan around the seasonal hours—particularly the abbreviated winter schedule—and arrive early on weekends to beat crowds. The zoo's 190 acres reward multiple visits; a Zoo Pass membership quickly pays for itself while supporting conservation of critically endangered species like the Eastern black rhinos now calling Milwaukee home.