If you’re planning a visit to the Milwaukee County Zoo with your family, you’re in for a treat!
With over 200 acres of animal habitats and attractions located just outside of the city of Milwaukee, there’s no shortage of fun and educational experiences for visitors of all ages.
However, visiting a zoo with kids can be overwhelming and stressful, especially when you’re not sure where to start or what to prioritize.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
In this post, we’ll share our top 5 things to see and do at the Milwaukee County Zoo, along with pro tips to help you make the most of your visit with your little ones.
What’s New in 2024?
- The Humboldt penguins have officially returned to the Zoo in their newly remodeled home, Penguins of the Pacific.
- The Milwaukee County Zoo recently welcomed a new gorilla leader, Azizi, and he is now settled into his new habitat and ready for visitors.
- There’s also a new female tiger named Natasha in the Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country.
- Patti the Hippo turned 55 this year and was one of the oldest hippos in human care. She passed away in November of 2024.
1. Family Farm Area
You’ll definitely want to stop by the Family Farm area where you can feed the goats, observe a cow milking area, play on a huge playground, and enjoy Kohl’s Wild Theater performances.
Kohl’s Wild Theater offers live conservation-themed shows and Birds of Prey shows for young kids, and they happen all throughout the summer for free.
2. Giraffe Experience
Open in the summer, the unique Giraffe Experience allows guests to get eye-to-eye with the tallest animals at the Zoo and feed them their favorite snacks.
Visitors can purchase a $5 ticket near the giraffe exhibit at the base of a large boardwalk known as the Giraffe Deck. (There is not a discount for Zoo Pass holders.)
3. New Elephant Exhibit
The Milwaukee County Zoo recently relocated its elephant exhibit to a five-acre area that includes a watering hole and a 25,000 square foot barn and visitor center with room for five elephants.
You can watch the elephant snack, graze, and do training activities up close.
4. Ride the Safari Train
No visit to the Zoo is complete without a ride on the Safari Train which takes you through wooded lots and past several of the exhibits.
You’ll find it near the Family Farm. Stroller parking is availalabe at the depot, and the carousel is also just steps away.
5. Gorilla Trek
Gorilla Trek Virtual Reality Experience is the newest attraction at the Milwaukee County Zoo, and it’s now open for visitors.
The virtual reality film gives an unprecedented, 360 degree look at mountain gorillas in their natural habitat of Rwanda. They are one of nature’s most endangered animals, with only 900 of them left on Earth.
The Milwaukee County Zoo was the first zoo in the country to unveil this immersive experience.
Visitors sit in a motion platform and wear a virtual reality headset that transports them to the mountains and jungle of Rwanda. Participants can move their head around to see more of their surroundings, and come face to face with a gorilla.
Other Ideas:
Your family mights also love a guided tour on the Zoomobile or riding the Sky Safari for a birds eye view of the animals.
Be on the lookout for unique events such as Snooze at the Zoo (a campout at the zoo with snacks and entertainment), and Ride on the Wild Side, a family-friendly bike ride through the Zoo, plus kid-friendly activities and entertainment. Find out more at milwaukeezoo.org.
Pro tips:
1. First Zoo Visit Certificate
First time at the Milwaukee County Zoo with your little one?
Don’t forget to swing by Administration Office in the Gathering Place for a super cool ‘My First Visit Certificate’!
It’s a memorable keepsake available throughout the year, and even has a special place for you to add a photo from your day.
2. Family Free Days
Family Free Days are offered six times a year, so check their website for dates and times.
3. Get a Zoo Pass
Save money with a Zoo Pass. You get free admission to the zoo for one year, access to members only events, and more.
4. Check out Wild Lights
Around the holidays, don’t miss the magnificent Wild Lights show for a magical evening with your kids.
5. Save at Frosty Free Week
The Zoo offers Family Free Days throughout the colder months, and free admission for Frosty Free Week the last week of December.
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Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
