Upcoming Events

Sponsored by Sendik’s Food Market

Open May 20 – Oct. 8, 2023

A magnificent menagerie of giant mammals awaits guests this summer! The now-extinct animals once roamed the world during the Ice Ages – some dating back 2.4 million years. Meet the animatronic life-size creatures as they move, rumble, and roar in their outdoor forest.

Zoo Brew is a fun way to sample new brews, try new foods and meet new people while visiting various locations inside the Milwaukee County Zoo. From the micro to the macro, guests can sample beers from a wide variety of brewers, as well as sample foods from local area vendors. When available, tickets will be sold through www.zoosociety.org.

Sponsored by Tri City National Bank & FOX6

Fall is the perfect season to visit the Zoo, with colorful leaves throughout the forest and the crisp autumn air. As an added perk, on these special days, all guests are admitted FREE! (Parking and regular attraction fees remain in effect.) Meet a newer species added to the population, three scimitar-horned oryx, residing in the former elephant habitat. Currently extinct in the wild, these graceful animals are a type of antelope from the deserts of North Africa.

Presented by Prairie Farms Dairy

Enjoy “merry not scary” Halloween happenings at the Zoo! Boo at the Zoo features wicked family-friendly activities including a Trick-or-Treat Trail, live pumpkin-carving demonstrations, dazzling light shows and…ANIMALS! All ghosts and goblins (and their parents) are encouraged to come in costume!

Boo at the Zoo pre-purchased tickets are required for this event and are now on sale. Zoo Pass members save 15% with code spooky and their membership number.

Sponsored by Tri City National Bank & FOX6

Mark your calendar for the first Saturday in November for a special visit to the Zoo. And on this Saturday, all guests receive free admission. (Parking and regular attraction fees remain in effect.) Be sure to visit the Small Mammals building to see a new species to the Zoo, two pygmy slow lorises – the only venomous primate. In the wild, these endangered animals are found in the tropical forests of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and southern China. Learn more about this species, sadly highly trafficked and sold as exotic pets.

Register your child for a Zoo Class! Have your little one learn about animals, zookeepers and veterinarians in these engaging, hands-on camps and classes. Zoo Pass members are able to register a week earlier at a discounted price. For a look at options, visit www.zoosociety.org/education.

Powered by We Energies
Dec. 1-31; except closed Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 24, 25

Wild Lights and Frosty Nights! The Zoo transports guests to an illuminated destination with millions of sparkling lights throughout the forest and pathways. Enjoy an enchanted evening under the stars while strolling along pathways glowing with a variety of animal-themed light displays. Even MORE lights to be added in 2023!

Sponsored by Hawks Landscape

Local youth groups decorate nearly 70 trees inside the Zoo with animal-themed, homemade ornaments. The Fantastic Forest is a great opportunity for local youth to learn about animals, use their imagination, show off their work and engage the community. The trees are visible through the month of December.

Sponsored by Tri City National Bank & FOX6

Winter is one of the best times to visit the Zoo and get up close with the animals! And on this Saturday, all guests receive free admission. (Parking and regular attraction fees remain in effect.) In between seeing the animals, be sure to visit Gorilla Trek 4D Reality Experience! With motion platform seating and virtual reality headsets, you’ll travel to the jungle of Rwanda to meet mountain gorillas – face to magnificent face! You’ll want to reach out and ALMOST touch these beautiful animals.

Sponsored by Generac

It’s the season of giving, and the Zoo offers a week of free daytime admission to thank guests for their support. Visit the Zoo during “Frosty Free Week” – to enjoy animals and nature. All guests receive free daytime admission December 26-30. (Regular concessions and attraction rates apply. Regular admission rates apply to the Zoo’s Wild Lights night event.)