Activities

An Array of Animal Activities

Every day at the Zoo, there’s a special activity that gets you even more up close and personal than our habitats can. Check them out!

Animals in Action Talks

Learn about these animals through special presentations:

  • Gorilla/Bonobo — 10:30 a.m. Daily — Apes of Africa
  • Aquatics/Reptiles — 11 a.m. Weekends — Aquatic & Reptile Theater
  • Elephants — 11:30 a.m. Daily — Elephants in Action Pavilion
  • Bats — 11:45 a.m. Weekends — Small Mammals Building
  • Camels — 2:15 p.m. Daily — Camel Habitat
  • Harbor Seals — 3 p.m. Daily — Harbor Seal Habitat

Operating Season

May 24-Sept. 1 (weather permitting)

 

 

Animal Feeding Schedule

  • Aquatic & Reptile Center — 2 p.m. (Tuesday, Thursday & Friday. Time subject to change.)
  • Big Cat Country — 3 p.m. (Sign will indicate species.)
  • Harbor Seal Habitat — 3 p.m.

Operating Season

May 24-Sept. 1 (weather permitting)

 

Giraffe Experience presented by Miller Lite

Giraffe feeding time is a tall task! This unique experience allows you to get eye-to-eye with the tallest animals at the Zoo. And, a portion of the proceeds directly support conservation.

Experience opportunities may be affected by animal appetites, construction, weather conditions, or special events.

Operating Season

Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day: Daily

September: Weekends only

October-April: Closed

Operating Times

10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 2-3:30 p.m.*

*Private Wild Connections Tour, 1-2 p.m.

Admission

$5

Goat Yard

Kids with kids! Get up close with the friendliest and furriest animals on the Zoo farm. All of our more than 30 Nigerian dwarf goats are even-tempered and wonderful with children.

Please remember to wash your hands after petting Farm animals.

Sponsored by

Operating Season

May 24-Sept. 1

Operating Times

10 a.m.-4:15 p.m.

Admission

Free; pellets can be purchased for $0.50 for feeding.

Kohl’s Wild Theater

Treat the kids – and yourself – to fun theater at the Zoo! Actors use drama, songs, and puppetry to inspire and empower visitors of all ages to care about our natural world. Catch two different free 15-minute shows on the Kohl’s Wild Theater stage this summer.

Located in the Northwestern Mutual Family Farm.

 

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Operating Season

May 24–Sept. 1 (closed Mondays except for Memorial Day and Labor Day)

Operating Times

Noon and 1:30 p.m.

 

 

Summer Exhibit – Exploration Dinosaur presented by Meijer

Dig into dinos! Unearth the past and explore prehistoric life including the bones, teeth, and more from mighty dinosaurs like the T. Rex and Triceratops! It’s an exciting adventure to inspire the future and protect the species of today.

Located outside, behind the Small Mammals Building.

Operating Season

Daily–Oct. 5

Admission

$4 per person, after regular Zoo admission

 

 

Veterinary Views

Watch the Zoo’s veterinary team in action at the Animal Health Center Learning Zone! See real-time animal exams and procedures in the treatment room, while Zoo Pride volunteers in the observation area help answer your questions.

Operating Season

Varies – check the screen in the U.S. Bank Gathering Place for the upcoming schedule

Operating Times

9:45 a.m. (subject to change)

Admission

Free

Virtual Reality Experience

Explore the wild like never before with our VR experiences: Gorilla Trek, The Great Migration, and Shark Dive. These adventures take you up close with mountain gorillas, across the plains with migrating animals, and deep underwater with sharks. Connect with nature, feel the adventure, and be inspired to protect the animals and habitats that need our care.

Choose one of three VR shows:
Gorilla Trek, The Great Migration, or Shark Dive

Each ticket is valid for one show only.

Located in the Peck Welcome Center and Otto Borchert Family Special Exhibits Building.

 

Operating Season

May-September: Daily

October: Daily (and during Boo at the Zoo event), featuring JINXED

November: Weekends

December: Weekends (and during the Wild Lights event), featuring Elf Power

January-February: Closed

Admission

$6, with a $1 discount for Zoo Pass members

Wild Connections: Animal Encounter Tours

Your very own secret safari! Our up-close encounters with a variety of furry, feathered and finned animals let you go nose to whisker with some of our most popular residents. Get the secrets on animal care, adaptations, behaviors and even their favorite foods.

 

Operating Season

Year-round

Operating Times

Times vary

Admission

Tour fees vary

Zoo Expeditions

Give your feet a rest and join us on our Expedition Shuttle. With convenient stops around the Zoo, your favorite animals are a quick ride away!

 

Operating Season

May 24–Sept. 1

Zoo Playground

A real jungle gym! One of the more popular destinations we have, the Zoo Playground is divided into two age-appropriate sections (2-5 years & 6-12 years).

Operating Season

Year-round

Operating Times

Daily, open to close

Admission

Free