Milwaukee County Zoo Free Day

Name: Milwaukee County Zoo Free Day
Start: 2026-02-07T09:30:00-06:00
End: 2026-02-07T16:30:00-06:00
Location: Milwaukee County Zoo

February 7 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Free – $20

Weekend Guide Free Zoo Day Milwaukee County Zoo Lake Country Family Fun

2026 Milwaukee County Zoo Free Days

Milwaukee County Zoo Day is FREE during winter break! Whether it’s been years, months or days since you’ve been to the Zoo, there is always something new to explore. Family Free Days are a perfect opportunity for you, along with your family and friends, to come and enjoy the Zoo, free of charge (parking and concession fees still apply). Family Free Days are held January-March and October-December, one Saturday a month + winter break. Zoo Pass Plus and Platypus Circle members get free parking.

ALL VISITORS RECEIVE FREE ZOO ADMISSION, BUT THE PARKING FEE REMAINS IN EFFECT.

January 3, 2026
February 7, 2026
March 7, 2026
October 3, 2026
November 7, 2026
December 5, 2026

The Zoo is open from 9:30 to 2:30 p.m. on weekdays, and 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
For more information, call the Zoo at 414.771.3040.

NEW Milwaukee County Zoo Front Entry Reconfiguration Project

“Free Flow” Into the Zoo Begins April 21, 2026

Milwaukee County Zoo is embarking on a project to improve traffic congestion on Bluemound Road and prioritize pedestrian safety. High-volume attendance days at the Zoo can affect the traffic on Bluemound Road and the surrounding neighborhood. While we do this work, construction will be on Bluemound Road and could potentially impact drive times. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we undergo a better solution for the future!

PROJECT IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE:

New signalized entry at Bluemound Road and 99th Street
Pedestrian crosswalk with signals
Reconfigured ticketing entry to the Zoo, eliminating traffic congestion on community roads

TRAFFIC IMPACT: Bluemound Road reduces to one lane both east and westbound from approximately April 2026-July 2027

ENTERING THE ZOO: WHAT TO KNOW
Beginning April 21, here’s what you can expect when arriving at the Zoo.

Be Aware of Construction

Part of Bluemound Road may be reduced to one lane in both directions.
Follow digital signage for Zoo entry.

Proceed Past the Admission Booths

Free flow into the Zoo — the longstanding ticket booths will be unstaffed, and there’s no need to stop. Drive straight through and park in any available space.
A few areas of the main parking lot will be fenced off, for construction staging.

Entry and Exit Shifts to the Gathering Place

All guests will now enter and exit through the U.S. Bank Gathering Place.
Pay for admission at the temporary admission booths located just outside the Gathering Place. Then proceed inside with your ticket for scanning.
Pre-ticketed guests and Zoo Pass/Platypus Circle members: Enter directly through the Gathering Place with your tickets/cards for scanning, bypassing the admission booths outside.
Because of this entry/exit change, the gates by the Education building and picnic areas will no longer be open for guests.
Need to go back to your vehicle? Please see the Administration Office in the Gathering Place for a hand stamp to re-enter the Zoo.

A Faster Way to Park

The Zoo is moving to a license-plate based parking system. All vehicles parked at the Zoo will register their license plate, including Zoo Pass/Platypus Circle members. Use any of the convenient QR codes throughout the parking lots or near admission.

SEE HOW IT WORKS

Buy Online and Save

Avoid the ticket line and receive a lower rate when you purchase your admission online. Pre-ticketed guests can go right into the U.S. Bank Gathering Place to get their tickets scanned and start exploring!

(Parking must be purchased on-site.)

Questions about construction and the front entry reconfiguration project? Please email mkezoo@milwaukeecountywi.gov.

—

See our zoo fun from August 2020.

NEW NEW NEW in spring 2025:

At your next visit to the Zoo, be sure to visit our newest arrival — a prehensile-tailed porcupette born on March 27 to mom Quinn and dad Seamus. This is the sixth porcupette for the pair!

The Milwaukee County Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals representing 330 species. While it’s always exciting to explore, it’s hard to know exactly where to begin. Click on the links below for overviews of major exhibit locations and a list of animals you’ll find there!