FAQs

The Zoo is open:

• Now through May 22, 2026 — Weekdays: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Weekends: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• May 23 through Sept. 7, 2026 — Weekdays: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Weekends: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Zoo will be closed the following holidays:

• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• New Year’s Day

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.

These Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) bus routes provide service to or close to the Zoo:

• CONNECT (Bluemound Road/95th Street)
• 28 (Bluemound Road/108th Street)
• 92 (Bluemound Road/95th Street)

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 2026 Family Free Days, sponsored by Tri City National Bank & WITI FOX6, are January 3, February 7, March 7, October 3, November 7, and December 5.

We are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

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 and Coffee Shop is open daily, year-round. Various snack stands and other food locations are open seasonally, weather permitting.

The following areas accept Apple Pay (subject to change):

• Drive-in Admission gates
• Cafe 1892
• Giraffe Experience presented by Miller Lite
• Ice Cream Parlor
• Nourish 414
• Safari Train sponsored by North Shore Bank
• Sky Adventure Zip Line and Ropes Courses
• Sky Safari
• Virtual Reality Experience
• West Entrance snacks
• Wild Burger
• Wilderness Resort Stroller and Wagon Rentals
• Zoo Expeditions

Yes, you can bring in food and non-alcoholic beverages. No glass bottles are allowed.

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.

The rental fee is for the picnic area. The fee for each guest covers Zoo admission.

No. This is included with your picnic pass admission.

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 and bar service, and coordinate through the Zoo’s Catering department. Please contact mczcatering@thessagroup.com. Deposit and final billing will be provided for you by The SSA Group.

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. Balloons are prohibited at the Zoo for animal safety policy.

No. They can simply arrive at the Zoo and present their picnic pass ticket. This process remains the same as past years.

Yes. The Zoo offers two main halls: The Peck Welcome Center, located within the Zoo grounds, and the Zoofari Center, located outside of the Zoo grounds, just east of the Zoo’s main entrance on Bluemound Road. Animal buildings are also available. Each building offers a unique atmosphere.

Rental fees for the Peck Welcome Center and Zoofari Center include tables and chairs (for up to 320 guests). Rental fees for the animal buildings do not include tables and chairs. All facilities include parking, set-up and take down of floor plan, custodial services, and an Event Manager during the event. Facilities can be rented for a six-hour time frame, typically 6 p.m. to midnight.

Yes. You can choose the caterer from our Approved Caterers List and contact them directly for pricing. Your chosen caterer will be charged a vendor fee to use Zoo grounds.

Caterers provide food and can arrange for rentals of linens, plate settings, and if needed, additional tables and chairs.

You are required to purchase all beverages and bar service, and coordinate through the Zoo’s Catering department. Please contact mczcatering@thessagroup.com. Deposit and final billing will be provided for you by The SSA Group.

Peck Welcome Center: 550 guests
Zoofari: 300 guests

Flowers and candles are allowed. Candles must be enclosed in glass. The Zoo prohibits the use of balloons, confetti, wish lanterns, fog machines or string guns. Nothing can be affixed to the walls or ceilings.

Yes. You may hire a band or DJ.

Checks or major credit cards. Beverages are billed separately through SSA Group d.b.a TASTE.

Yes, they may walk around Zoo grounds until dusk, but all other buildings are closed.

Call to set up an appointment with an experienced sales staff member.