Today at the Zoo

Today at the Zoo

Today at the Zoo

Zoo News 

  • For the first time in 30 years, the Zoo has successfully bred and hatched three flamingo chicks, now visible to the public in Simmons Aviary. While the chicks rely on their parents for warmth and feeding, catching a glimpse may take a bit of patience and the right angle to see their tiny heads peeking out from the nest.
  • Wild Explorer, a new 360-degree, 3D live-action journey into virtual reality, is now open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

Operations

  • Gates open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Buildings open until 6 p.m. 
  • The following areas close at 4 p.m.: 
    • Lied Jungle 
    • Berniece Grewcock Butterfly and Insect Pavilion
  • Some animals may be out of view due to weather, habitat changes, care routines, or their own choice.
  • Rides, attractions, and animal encounters are weather and staff dependent.
  • Stingray Beach is closed.
  • Zoo will be closed on Thursday, September 11, and Friday, September 12, for a private event.

Ways to Stay Cool

  • Drink plenty of water and refill your bottles at a refill station near your closest restroom.
  • Grab a cold drink or icy treat at a concession stand or chill out inside Durham TreeTops Restaurant and the African Lodge
  • Cool off at our misting stations on the main pathways.
  • Take a break in the shade, outdoors or inside habitats like Scott Aquarium.

Current Hours

Saturday, July 26

Zoo Admission Rates

May 1-September 30

Adults (ages 12 and over): $31.95

Children (ages 3-11): $24.95

Seniors (65 and over): $28.75

Children (2 and under): Free


Military Adult (12 and over): $28.75

Military Child (ages 3-11): $22.50

image of map

Parking & Entrances

Parking is free. Both entrances are open for the season.
Access Zoo parking from the following intersections:

  • 13th Street and Bert Murphy Ave.
  • 13th Street and Bob Gibson Boulevard (heading northbound only)

Rides & Attractions

two kids sitting in a chair with googles on
Wild Explorer - Now Open!
9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Pricing 

  • Per rider: $8 ($6 for members)
  • 2 rider ticket: $15


More Information 

  • Operations are weather and staff dependent
  • Must be at least 40 inches tall to ride
  • Not recommended for anyone with any condition that could be aggravated by sensory stimulation or motion
Scott Alaskan Adventure Splash Park
10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Pricing

  • Free for Omaha's Zoo and Aquarium members or with regular paid admission

More Information

  • Operations are weather and staff dependent
Bay Family Children's Adventure Trails
9 a.m.-5 p.m.


Pricing

  • Free for Omaha's Zoo and Aquarium members or with regular Zoo admission


More Information

  • Baby Care Station available in this area
  • Operations are weather and staff dependent

 

a train in a zoo
Train
10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Pricing

  • One way: $3.50 per person per ride
  • Roundtrip: $7 per person per ride 
  • Children 2 and under free
  • Members save 5% with membership card and valid photo I.D.


More Information

  • Depot locations: Omaha Depot near the North Entrance and Kenefick Station in the Scott African Grasslands
  • Operations are weather and staff dependent
Tram
10 a.m.-4 p.m.


Pricing

  • One way: $1.25 per person per ride
  • Roundtrip: $5 per person per ride (four stops)
  • Members: Save 5% by presenting membership card and valid photo I.D.


More Information

  • Stop locations: Desert Dome, between Truhlsen African Lodge and Garden of the Senses, Asian Highlands, Glacier Bay Landing
  • Operations are weather and staff dependent
little girl riding a carousel
Sue's Carousel
10 a.m.-4 p.m.


Pricing

  • $4 per person per ride
  • Members save 5% with membership card and valid photo I.D.


More Information

  • Must be at least 42 inches tall to ride without an adult
  • Operations are weather and staff dependent
a small sky lift in a zoo
Skyfari
10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Pricing 

  • $7 per person per ride (roundtrip only)
  • Children 2 and under free
  • Members: Save 5% by presenting membership card and valid photo I.D.


More Information 

  • Roundtrip only today
  • Must be at least 12 years old to ride without an adult
  • Three-person limit per chair
  • Operations are weather and staff dependent
people watching a movie with glasses on
Lozier Giant Screen Theater
9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.


Pricing 

  • $7 per person per film
  • Free for members


Showtimes

  • Oceans: Our Blue Planet: 10:15 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 4:15 p.m.
  • Elephants: Giants of the Desert: 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
a family feeding a giraffe
Giraffe Encounter
10 a.m.-4 p.m.


Pricing

  • $5 per branch


More Information

  • Operations are weather, staff and animal participation dependent

Animal Encounters

Touch Pool
9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Scott Aquarium 

Flamingo Talk
10 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

Simmons Aviary

Penguin Feeding
10:30 a.m.-11 a.m.

Scott Aquarium

Sea Lion Training
10:30 a.m.-11 a.m.

Owen Sea Lion Shores

African Lion Talk
11 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Scott African Grasslands

Wonders of Wildlife
11 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Dick and Mary Holland Meadowlark Theater

Sloth Bear Demonstration
1:30 p.m.-2 p.m.

Asian Highlands

Wonders of Wildlife
2 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Dick and Mary Holland Meadowlark Theater

Sea Lion Training
2 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Owen Sea Lion Shores

Amur Tiger Talk
2:30 p.m.-3 p.m.

Asian Highlands

Prairie Dog Feeding
3:30 p.m.-4 p.m.

Bay Family Children's Adventure Trails

Penguin Feeding
3 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

Scott Aquarium

Learn More

Concessions

Durham TreeTops Restaurant
9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Coffee served at 9 a.m. Grill opens at 10:30 a.m. Limited menu after 4 p.m. 

Plaza Café
9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Full menu all day.

Omaha Steaks Grill
10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Weather dependent.

Sea Turtle Café
9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Drinks and snacks at 9 a.m. Lunch begins at 10:30 a.m. Limited menu after 4 p.m.

Tusker Grill
9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Drinks and snacks at 9 a.m. Lunch begins at 10:30 a.m. Limited menu after 4 p.m.

Orangutan Oasis
10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Full menu all day.

Garden Snacks
11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Weather dependent

Glacier Bay Landing
9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Drinks and snacks at 9 a.m. Lunch begins at 10:30 a.m. Limited menu after 4 p.m.

Ranger Camp Snacks
10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Weather dependent.

Dippin’ Dots
10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Hawks Desert Dome Plaza and Expedition Madagascar open.

Adventure Snacks
10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Weather dependent. 

Theater Concessions
10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Full menu all day.

Yeti Camp
10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Grill open 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Drinks and snacks after 3:30 p.m.

Shopping

Main Gift Shop
9 p.m.-6 p.m.

Main entrance of the Zoo

Scott Aquarium Gift Shop
9 a.m.-5:45 p.m.

Exit of Scott Aquarium

North Entrance Gift Shop
9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

At the Zoo's North Entrance

Sundry Station
10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Near Alaskan Adventure and Sue's Carousel

Yeti Camp
10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Near takin habitat at the Asian Highlands

Orangutan Gift Shop
10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Across Orangutan Oasis concession stand

Frequently Asked Questions

Know Before You Go

Become a Member

Save Today