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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 2025?
- New Train Engine: Engine No. 2025, a Tier 4 diesel hydraulic locomotive built in Texas, joined the Zoo’s Safari Train fleet in August 2025. It’s the first new engine in over three decades, designed with cleaner emissions, a modern cab, and capacity for two riders inside for engineer training.
- New Octopus: The Milwaukee County Zoo’s new octopus is a giant Pacific octopus named Flurry. She arrived in mid-December 2024 and lives in the zoo’s Aquatic & Reptile Center.
- Penguins of the Pacific: The Humboldt penguins have officially returned to the Zoo in their newly remodeled home, Penguins of the Pacific.
- Aziza the Gorilla: The Milwaukee County Zoo recently welcomed a new gorilla leader, Azizi, and he is now settled into his new habitat and ready for visitors.
- Natasha the Tiger: There’s also a new female tiger named Natasha in the Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country.
- Filly the Jaguar: Filly is a 6–7-year-old jaguar who found her way to Milwaukee from Belize, where she was rescued after getting a little too clever around local livestock. She’s now thriving in her new home, keeping a close eye on everything (and everyone!) around her. Zookeepers say she’s highly intelligent, quick to learn, and a “great coworker.” They’re also hopeful she’ll help support the future of her species through a jaguar conservation and breeding program.
- Small Mammals Building Set to Close: After more than 60 years, the zoo is closing its Small Mammals building due to outdated conditions that no longer meet modern animal care standards. Animals like bats, sloths, and tamarins are being relocated to accredited zoos across the country. The closure is expected later this year as part of the zoo’s ongoing commitment to upgraded habitats and animal wellness.
- Two Eastern Black Rhinos Arrive at Milwaukee County Zoo – The Zoo welcomed 16-year-old Zuri from the Cincinnati Zoo and 22-year-old Kianga from the Racine Zoo to the brand-new $22.6 million Ladish Co. Foundation Rhino Care Center.
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.
P.S. Love the Safari Train? We’ve rounded up even more train-tastic experiences in our Train Lover’s Guide to Milwaukee.
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.
More Animal Highlights
Gorillas at the Milwaukee County Zoo
If your kids love primates, don’t miss a stop at the Zoo’s Western Lowland Gorilla habitat inside the Apes of Africa building. The troop includes Azizi, the Zoo’s silverback and newest leader, who arrived from the Lincoln Park Zoo’s bachelor group.
Azizi is known for his calm personality, impressive problem-solving skills, and (according to keepers!) a signature stoic side-eye. You’ll often see him using sticks as tools or interacting with enrichment puzzles — a fun sight for animal-loving kids.
What to look for:
- The towering silverback (Azizi) usually resting or surveying the habitat
- Dotty and Nadami, the two female gorillas in the troop
- Enrichment puzzles and natural behaviors
- Keeper talks on select days
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.
Looking for another fun zoo day?
Check out Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison – it’s one of the only free zoos in the country and makes for an easy, budget-friendly day trip from Milwaukee!
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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.
