Plan Your Visit

Zoo Hours

Daily • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Upcoming Closures:

  • The Zoo will close early at 3 p.m. on Monday, November 25th.
  • CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day
  • OPEN normal hours, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Friday, November 29th. 

The Playstream is closed for the season and will reopen May 2025.


Zoo Admission & Add-Ons

Admission Tickets Ages Prices
Adults 13 - 61 $15.95
Children 2 - 12 $13.95
Seniors 62 & over $13.95
Kids 1 & under
FREE
Zoo Members All Ages FREEwith Zoo Membership
See Membership Options
Add-On Experiences Prices
Giraffe Feed Bundle $3.50
2 Giraffe Feed Bundles $6
Train Ride $3
Camel/Alpaca Feed $2

The pony ride experience will not be returning to the Lincoln Children’s Zoo for the 2024 season.

Although a beloved experience for many years, the decision to cease rides was made to ensure the best experience for the animals, guests, and staff. The Zoo expects to utilize the space for a variety of temporary experiences and general-use offerings as we work on the long-term plan for this space. We thank you for your understanding and look forward to the future of this area.

*If you have a membership package that includes pony rides, those pony rides will automatically be transferred to an equal value worth of train rides.

Rentals Prices
Stroller/Wagon $7
Wheelchair $7
Motorized Scooter $25

Strollers, wheelchairs, and motorized scooters are available on a first come, first serve basis. They can not be reserved in advance. 

Online Admission Purchases 

Online admission ticket and add-on experience purchases are valid for one year from the original purchase date. Online purchases are non-refundable. If you have questions about your purchase, please reach out to contact@lincolnzoo.org, or call 402-475-6741 ext. 0.


Sensory Inclusive Location

Lincoln Children's Zoo has partnered with KultureCity® to enhance our ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs. Our goal is to provide an inclusive experience for all guests during all events. We strive to raise awareness of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with sensory processing needs by supplying our staff with annual training and by offering the resources and accommodations below to our guests.

KultureCity® Sensory bags
KultureCity® Sensory bags containing special KCVIP badges, feeling thermometer, fidget tools, and noise-canceling headphones are available for checkout (at no cost by leaving an ID) at TreeTop Toys.

Weighted Lap Pads
Weighted lap pads are available upon request (at no cost by leaving an ID) at TreeTop Toys.

Quiet Areas
Quiet areas are located at the Animal Encounter Stage and My Yard Garden.

Headphone Zones
Headphone zones (loud areas) are located at The Secret Jungle, Jungle Outpost, Wild Safari Theater, Ellie the Elephant Playground, Train Depot + Train, Animal Kingdom Building and the Penguin Exhibit..


Food & Beverages

Café 65
Burgers, Chicken Tenders, Salads, Wraps, and More
Open Year-Round

Safari Café
Pizza, Mozzarella Sticks, Ice Cream, Dole Soft Serve, Fries and More
Open Seasonally

The Mill Coffee & Tea
Located in The Secret Jungle
Open Year-Round

Dippin' Dots
Located near the Train Depot
Open Seasonally

Food and Beverage hours and menu are subject to change.


Restrooms

Restrooms are located in the following areas:

  • Indoor Red Panda Viewing
  • The Secret Jungle (Nursing Room)
  • Outside Cafe 65 (Adult Changing Table)
  • Train Depot
  • Animal Kingdom Building
  • Zooville Square (Near Safari Cafe and Dino Dig)

Safely Visiting the Zoo

  • If a guest feels sick before their visit, we ask that they not visit the Zoo. 
  • An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. By visiting the Lincoln Children's Zoo you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer discounts for members of other zoos? 
Yes, we participate in the AZA Reciprocal Admissions Program. If you are a member of a participating zoo, including zoos in Omaha, Kansas City, and Des Moines, you can receive discounted tickets to the Zoo. Please bring your memberships cards for your home zoo with you when you visit Lincoln Children's Zoo. Reciprocal discounts are only valid for those included on the membership and for a maximum of 3 adults and 4 children. Reciprocal zoo member discounts are not available on online ticket purchases. 

Do you offer a military discount?
Yes, we offer a military discount. Please bring your military ID with you when you visit the Zoo. The military discount is not available on online ticket purchases. 

How long is my online ticket valid for?
Online ticket purchases are valid for one year from the purchase date.

Is food available for purchase?
Food and beverages are available for purchase at Café 65, Safari Café, and The Mill at Lincoln Children's Zoo. 

  • Visitors in 2023
    Visitors in 2023

    383,169

  • CAMPERS IN 2023
    CAMPERS IN 2023

    1,587

  • CREATURES CARED FOR
    CREATURES CARED FOR

    400