Visiting the Milwaukee County Zoo with Kids: What to Know Before You Go
If you’re looking for a fun day trip with kids in Wisconsin, the Milwaukee County Zoo is definitely worth considering. It’s about a two-hour drive from Sauk County, making it a doable day trip for families in Sauk County and the Madison area.
We recently visited and had a really nice time. The zoo is big, beautiful, and open year-round, with plenty to see and do for kids of all ages. If you’re planning a visit, here are a few insider tips and things to know before you go.
What to Know Before You Go
Buy Your Milwaukee County Zoo Tickets Online
One of the easiest ways to save money is to purchase tickets ahead of time online.
Tickets are typically $3 cheaper when purchased in advance, and the price per ticket can fluctuate depending on the day of the week and time of year. In some cases, tickets are cheaper the farther in advance you buy them.
Just keep in mind that tickets are nonrefundable and only valid for the specific date you purchase, so make sure your plans are set before buying.
Parking at the Milwaukee County Zoo is currently $15 per vehicle, so be sure to factor that into your budget.
Food, Drinks, and Picnic Areas
One thing families love about the Milwaukee County Zoo is that you’re allowed to bring your own food and drinks. There are plenty of picnic tables and benches throughout the zoo, making it easy to take a break for lunch or snacks.
If you prefer to purchase food there, the zoo also offers restaurants, snacks, and ice cream throughout the grounds.
Expect a Lot of Walking
One thing to know before you go is this zoo is big. Be prepared for a lot of walking if you want to see everything. The grounds are spacious and beautifully maintained, which helps make the experience feel relaxed even when the parking lot looks full. When we visited, it actually never felt crowded once we were inside.
There are also many clean restrooms throughout the zoo, and we had almost no wait times.
What You’ll See at the Milwaukee County Zoo
The Milwaukee County Zoo is considered one of the best zoos in the Midwest, with animals living in large natural habitats designed to reflect their environments.
You’ll find many classic animals kids love, including: lions, elephants, zebras, penguins and monkeys. There’s also a farm area with goats, cows, and sheep, which younger kids especially enjoy.
Many of the exhibits include interactive experiences that help kids learn about animals and the zoo’s conservation efforts.
The zoo also works closely with the Zoological Society of Milwaukee, which helps support conservation programs, animal care, and family experiences throughout the year.
The Train Ride (A Must for Kids)
One of our favorite parts of the visit was the Milwaukee County Zoo train. The train currently costs about $5 per person and runs for 10–15 minutes through parts of the zoo. If your kids like trains at all, it’s definitely worth doing. It’s also a nice break after walking for a while.
Playgrounds, Indoor Exhibits, and Extras
Beyond the animals, the zoo has plenty of other family-friendly features including a large playground area, several indoor exhibits, a zip line attraction, a gift shop, and event spaces available to rent the zoo for special events.
The zoo also hosts special events throughout the year, including the popular Wild Lights holiday event during winter.
Families who visit frequently sometimes purchase zoo passes or become Platypus Circle members through the Zoological Society of Milwaukee for additional benefits.
The zoo would make a great destination for school groups and field trips thanks to its strong focus on educational programs.
Our Honest Takeaway
Overall, we had a great time at the Milwaukee County Zoo, and I would absolutely recommend visiting at least once. Trips like this turn into core memories for kids. My son had so much fun, and I can see this becoming an annual family outing that he looks forward to.
That said, we’re also really lucky to live close to the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, which is also wonderful, big enough, and completely free. Because of that, I probably wouldn’t feel the need to visit the Milwaukee zoo more than once a year or even every other year. But, if you’ve never been before, it’s definitely worth experiencing.
Sometimes the best days aren’t about doing the biggest thing…it’s about mixing in special outings like this while still enjoying all the great places we have close to home.
You May Also Like:
Looking for more things to do with kids in Sauk County and beyond? I share local events, seasonal guides, and real-life outings for families each week. Be sure to follow along so you don’t miss out.
