Advance online tickets are not mandatory, but you may be able to save when buying online instead of at the gate. Please note: Some individual events may require advance reservations.
The Zoo’s main entrance and walk-in entrance are open year-round. The West entrance is open Memorial Day weekend – Labor Day. This lot is for expedited entry for our Zoo Pass members and pre-ticketed guests.
From Waukesha County, you can also take the Waukesha Metro Route 1.
Zoo Pass holders will need a photo I.D. and membership card for admittance. For single-time visitors, tickets are required for entry. All visitors are recommended to have comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and water.
The Zoo makes every effort to ensure guests of all economic backgrounds are able to visit one of Milwaukee County’s finest attractions. Click here for details on ways to enjoy the Zoo at a discounted rate.
Our 2024 Family Free Days, sponsored by Tri City National Bank & WITI FOX6, are January 6, February 3, March 2, October 5, November 2, and December 7.
Viewable animals may change from day to day, based on weather conditions and necessary veterinary procedures. In general, a variety of animals will be in their outdoor habitats at all times.
Yes, Café 1892 (formerly known as the Flamingo Café) and Coffee Shop are open regularly on weekdays and weekends. Various snack stands and other food locations are open throughout the week, weather permitting.
All rides and activities are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day — check their pages for confirmation.
Yes. Our nursing suites can be found in U.S. Bank Gathering Place, Dairy Complex, and Aquatic & Reptile Center. Call the number on the front of the suite to receive the door code for access.
Yes, you can bring your own. Strollers, wagons, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters are also available to rent (cashless transactions ONLY). For more details, click here. Stroller: $12.50 plus tax
Wagon: $15.50 plus tax
Wheelchair: $10
Mobility (ECV) Scooter: $35
No. The Milwaukee County Zoo does not allow the open or concealed carry of any weapons in any Zoo building or during any posted special event on Zoo grounds.
No. Carry-ins of alcoholic beverages are not allowed. No glass bottles or glass containers are allowed in the Zoo for the safety of all visitors.
The Zoo is a smoke-free attraction (including e-cigarettes and vaporizers). Smoking is allowed only in the Zoo parking lots.
No. Pets are not allowed in the Zoo or in a vehicle in the Zoo’s parking lot. Service animals that assist individuals with disabilities and comply with the Milwaukee County ADA Service Animal Procedure are welcome at the Zoo.
Yes. The Zoo donates tickets to fundraising events reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Because the Zoo is owned and operated by Milwaukee County, organizations and schools within Milwaukee County are given priority. Donations typically include 2 one-day admission passes.
Please complete this form for lost and found items. If your item is found, a Zoo staff member will be in contact with you. If you lost your item today, please check with Zoo Administration to see if it was turned in. Zoo Administration is located in the U.S. Bank Gathering Place and can be reached at 414-771-3040.
The Zoo offers seven areas to hold your event. Based on the size of your group, we will recommend the area best suited for you.
We send you a Planners Guide approximately a month before your picnic. The Planner’s Guide allows you to tell us how many guests you’re expecting. We ask that you fill out and return the Planner’s Guide at least two weeks before your picnic event. Since children age two and under are free, you do not need to include them in your count. Tickets can be picked up at the Zoo so that you can distribute them to your guests prior to the event. Your guests will present their tickets at the admission gate. You will be billed accordingly.
Yes, and you can order tickets in advance. You are billed for what is ordered. Each ticket can be redeemed for only one activity.
No. A Zoo Pass is for individual family visits and is not valid when you attend the Zoo as part of a corporate function.
Yes. You can choose the caterer from our Approved Caterers List and contact them directly for pricing information. Your chosen caterer will be charged a commission fee.
No. The Zoo does not provide banquet tables. If banquet tables are needed, you are required to rent them through the Zoo’s sole source vendor.
You are required to purchase all beverages from the Zoo’s in-house concessionaire, TASTE. Please contact larrypeterson@thessagroup.com. Deposit and final billing will be provided for you by The SSA Group, d.b.a TASTE.
The Zoo provides a pre-placed assembled 20×20 tent. If additional tenting is needed, you are required to rent them through the Zoo’s sole source vendor.
No. They can simply arrive at the Zoo and present their picnic pass ticket. This process remains the same as past years.