Fall for the Zoo

Posted Date

September 11, 2025

Category

In The News

The Milwaukee County Zoo is the place to be this season! Join us for a lineup of great fall activities along with autumn colors. The Zoo is open daily from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Check the fall schedule below and buy tickets online to save on your visit.

Throughout September and October, we’ll provide a fall color report showing when the leaves have reached 25%, 50%, 75%, peak, and fading peak. Stay tuned to our social media to track how the Zoo looks before your visit!

While you’re here, be sure to taste our new seasonal menu items. And, of course, don’t forget about the animals — and many babies. Say hello to Ayrshire calf Mabel, bonobo Remi, Humboldt penguin chick Roo, young Japanese macaques, and more.

 

Saturday, September 13: Trains & Tracks

  • Help us welcome Engine No. 2025 to the Zoo with a full lineup of train-themed activities from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Be one of the first to go on the inaugural ride and enter to win a ride within Engine No. 2025 itself.
  • Engine No. 2025 will join our North Shore Bank Safari Train rotation this fall.

 

Saturday, September 20-Sunday, October 26: Leaf & Learn Scavenger Hunt

  • “Leaf” the indoors behind and explore the Zoo with our new scavenger hunt! Enjoy the crisp weather and colorful leaves as you visit the animals in our care and learn about autumn. Answer questions correctly and submit photos for the chance to win a fall prize package!
  • To get started, download the Eventzee app at https://mkezoo.com/ScavengerHunt and create an account. When you’re ready for your autumn adventure, enter event code mczleafandlearn. This free scavenger hunt will have you exploring across the Zoo, so be sure to dress for fall weather!

 

Saturday, September 20: Fall Animal Enrichment

  • Enrichment provides positive stimulation necessary for an animal’s mental and physical health and is an important part of animal care. The Zoo will offer select animals fall-themed enrichment:
  • 11 a.m. — Tigers (inside)
  • 1:30 p.m. — Otters

 

Sunday, September 21: Milwaukee County Discount Sunday

  • Milwaukee County residents can visit the Zoo and receive the reduced County admission rate: $11.50 for adults and $9 for children (age 3 to 12).

 

Saturday, September 27: Fall Animal Enrichment (pumpkins)

  • Enrichment provides positive stimulation necessary for an animal’s mental and physical health and is an important part of animal care. The Zoo will offer select animals themed enrichment featuring pumpkins of all sizes:
  • 10 a.m. — Rhinoceros hornbills
  • 10:30 a.m. — Pigs
  • 11 a.m. — Tigers (inside)
  • 12 p.m. — Cranes
  • 1:30 p.m. — Otters
  • 2 p.m. — Japanese macaques

 

Saturday, October 4: Family Free Day

  • Each year, the Zoo offers six Family Free Days in which all visitors receive free admission to the Zoo. Parking and regular attraction fees still apply. Celebrate fall at the Zoo on October 4 with free admission, sponsored by Tri City National Bank & FOX6.

 

Sunday, October 5: Last Day for Exploration Dinosaur

  • Don’t miss your opportunity to be a dino explorer before the summer exhibit, Exploration Dinosaur presented by Meijer, closes on Oct. 5. Walk among over 20 full-size and scientifically-accurate animatronic displays, including the legendary T. Rex, Triceratops, Stegosaurus, and more! Admission: $4/person.

 

Friday-Sunday, October 17-19 AND Friday-Sunday, October 24-26: Boo at the Zoo

  • It’s Halloween time at the Zoo, now featuring Boo at the Zoo, presented by Prairie Farms Dairy, for TWO weekends! Enjoy not-so-scary family-friendly activities including a Trick-or-Treat Trail, live pumpkin-carving demonstrations, dazzling light shows, and more. Delightful, not frightful! Boo at the Zoo pre-purchased tickets are required for this event and are now on sale.