If you will be visiting the city of Milwaukee in the state of Wisconsin, one of the best places that you can visit is the Milwaukee County Zoo. You and your kids will enjoy watching different kinds of animals from various parts of the world. With over 1,800 animals and 800,000 square meters of land, this zoo is famous for the first birth of siamangs and polar bears. So those are two of the animals that you should not miss.

Milwaukee County Zoo official website

http://www.milwaukeezoo.org/

The Milwaukee County Zoo is also home to the biggest number of bonobos in a single location, which is outside Democratic Republic of Congo. You also must not miss the cheetahs which are famous all over the world.

Complete List of the animals in the Milwaukee County Zoo

http://www.milwaukeezoo.org/visit/animals.php

There are various exhibits that you should look at while at the zoo. There is the aquatic and reptile center where you will get to see different animals that belong to the class of reptiles, intervertibrates, amphibians and fish.

The Macaque Island is where you can find the Japanese macaques. Back in 2002, the shelter has been remodeled so that many people will be able to observe the birds. You can also find the Primates of the world section which showcases the popular primates such as the orangutans and the mandrills.

If you are fond of underwater creatures, you must not miss the Taylor Family Humboldt which is a display of the Humboldt penguins underwater. The most popular species in the Milwaukee County zoo include the mossy chiton, the purple sea urchin, largemouth bass, peach fairy basslet, bull snake, king cobra, eastern hellbender, Congo peacock, king penguin, reindeer, grey wolf, guinea hog, screech owl and the snow leopard.

Milwaukee County Zoo is a 200-acre zoological garden located at the west of Milwaukee. It was established in 1892 as a miniature mammal display inside Milwaukee's Washington Park, and changed to its current name in 1958. The zoo is divided into five continental sections, dedicating to offering natural habitats for animals it keeps. It is the home to over 18,000 animals of 320 species, featuring the polar bears and bonobos.

Homepage of Milwaukee County Zoo

http://www.milwaukeezoo.org/

At Milwaukee County Zoo, you have opportunities to get a close look at a variety of endangered animals, and take part in a wide option of well-planned educational programs especially for kids and students. When it comes to the general admission, it deserves a good discussion.

- January 1 through March 31, and November 1 through December 31, 2011, the admission is $11.75 for adults, $8.75 for children aged 3 to 12, and $10.25 for seniors of 60 years old and over. Free admission is applied to kids aged under 2.

- April 1 through October 31, 2011, adult admission rate is $13.25, child admission is $10.25, and senor price is $12.25. Free admission is still available for visitors aged 2 and less.

Hours and Fees

http://www.milwaukeezoo.org/visit/hoursfees.php

Then how to save money on the tour to Milwaukee County Zoo? Whether it is difficult to secure coupons and discounts? This issue is never a problem! As one of the highest-attended attractions in Milwaukee, the zoo has offered a number of ways for visitors to cut expense for a fun-filled day. All right, let's set out now and discover any savings opportunity for the admission.

1. For any resident of Milwaukee County, he/she can enjoy $1.75 off general admission every day with the ID. And on each Wednesday, Milwaukee County residents with ID can receive a discounted rate of $8 for adult admission and $5.50 for children admission.

In addition, residents with ID of Milwaukee County can get free admission on select holidays, including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's. Please note that the zoo opens from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm on these designated days.

2. On a family tour? Milwaukee County Zoo has special offers for you. There are six Family Free Days sponsored by North Shore Bank and Fox 6. They are respectively January 8, February 5, March 5, April 2, November 5 and December 3.

PS: Parking fees are in effect still, $11 for passenger cars and $15 for buses.

3. Discounted pricing is valid for any group of 20 members and more. Group rates are $10.25 for adult and senior, and $7.25 for child aged 3 to 12. Make sure your reservation and advanced purchase are at least 2 weeks prior to your visit. You can get through to Group Sales at (414) 256-5430 or (414) 256-5432.

Group Sales

http://www.milwaukeezoo.org/groups/

4. In order to cultivate and inspire students' love for the wildlife, Milwaukee County Zoo has projected special offers for school and education groups. Education opportunities along with the exploration will definitely make your students forget to leave.

- From January 1 to March 31, and November 1 through December 21, 201, students from Milwaukee County schools can receive free admission into the zoo. One free opportunity for chaperone is available for per 10 students. Then each additional chaperone admission is $8 (on Wednesday) and $9.5 (on all other days).

As for students from non-Milwaukee County schools, admission rates are $7.25 for preschool to 8th grade, and $10.25 for 9th grade and up, as well as adults. One free admission is for chaperone each 10 students.

- On Wednesdays April 1 through October 21, reduced rates (only for Milwaukee County schools) are $5.5 for preschool to 8th grade, and $8 for 9th grade and up, including adults. Please note that there is no free opportunity for chaperones. For all other days, admission rates are $6.5 for preschool to 8th grade, and $9.5 for 9th grade and up. One free admission also works for chaperone per 10 students.

For non-Milwaukee County schools, students' rates are $7.25 for preschool to 8th grade, and $10.25 for 9th grade and up. One free chaperone admission is available for per 10 students.

5. Or you can sign up a newsletter on Milwaukee County Zoo's website. From time to time, the latest news for events, exhibits and special offers is sent to you via e-mails.

Sign Up

http://www.milwaukeezoo.org/zoome.php

Besides all discounts we mentioned above, you can find printable coupons or coupon codes online as well. Such websites, like KeyMilwaukee.com, MilwaukeeConsumer.com and ZooCoupons.com, offer savings opportunities sometimes. You can have a check before your trip.

All parents want to make their kid's birthday special for them, within a specified budget. Celebrating your child's birthday at Milwaukee County Zoo will be cost effective for you and different for your child.

Birthday party information (various options for venues and discounts)

http://milwaukeekidsguide.com/Birthday_Parties.php

Milwaukee County Zoo is a home to animals from all around the world, such as Leopard Shark, Pacific Giant Octopus, Chinese Alligator, King Penguin, Rhinoceros Hornbill, Ring-tailed Lemur, Western Lowland Gorilla, Two-toed Sloth, Red Panda, North American River Otter, Snow Leopard, Bactrian Camel, Speke's Gazelle, Dall's Sheep, African Elephant, Calfornia Sea Lion, Vampire Bat, Orangutan etc.

The zoo remains open seven days a week, 365 days a year and hosts various events frequently. There are Cafe, snack shops, retreat, store, ice cream parlors etc. in the zoo.

The zoo also offers catering and bartending services, with various discounts. They provide American, continental and other varieties of food, accompanied by drinks, chocolate cookies, salads and other items.

Official Website of Milwaukee County Zoo

http://www.milwaukeezoo.org

The zoo has special arrangements to organize children's birthday parties. Party packages are for children celebrating their 4th birthday, through 13 years of age. They provide Paper goods (plates, cups, forks etc.), lunch (pizza or hot dogs), 2 liter soda bottles and a gift for birthday child. They accommodate up to 15 guests for the party.

The zoo charges $250 for 15 party goers, accompany by a maximum of three adults. $15 has to be paid for every additional adult or child. The maximum number can be 25, including adults and children. Package for 15 party-goers (maximum 3 adults) - $250.00.

The party timings are 11am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 3:00pm.

Details of birthday party at the zoo

http://www.milwaukeezoo.org/groups/birthday.php

Though Milwaukee is best known for many different breweries, fine cheese and two professional sports teams (the Milwaukee Brewers and Milwaukee Bucks), there is still so much that can be expected for visitors. Milwaukee also boasts many family-friendly places to visit. Milwaukee County Zoo is just one of them.

Known for polar bears and siamangs, Milwaukee County Zoo houses more than 2000 animals and covers an area of 200 acres. It is also a site for workshops, holiday celebrations, summer concerts and food festivals. Regarded as one of the nation's finest zoological attractions, the zoo is for certain a must visit while traveling Milwaukee.

Milwaukee County Zoo Overview

http://www.milwaukeezoo.org/about/

If you are making a plan to visit the Milwaukee County Zoo, first pack yourself with the info of the zoo hours. Open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, visitors are welcome to visit the zoo any time. The specific zoo hours in 2011 are listed below:

January & February 2011:

- Monday to Friday: 9:30am to 2:30pm

- Saturday to Sunday: 9:30am to 4:30pm

March 1 to May 27, 2011:

- Monday to Sunday: 9am to 4:30pm

May 28 to September 5, 2011:

- Monday to Sunday: 9am to 5pm

September 6 through October 31, 2011:

- Monday to Sunday: 9am to 4:30pm

November & December 2011:

- Monday to Friday: 9:30am to 2:30pm

- Saturday to Sunday: 9:30am to 4:30pm

On the holidays including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day, the zoo is open from 9:30am to 2:30 pm.

Please note that admission / entrance gates will close 45 minutes prior to the official zoo closing time. And animal buildings will close 15 minutes prior to the closing time of the zoo.

There are also family free days at the zoo in 2011 sponsored by North Shore Bank and Fox 6. The free days include:

- January 8

- February 5

- March 5

- April 2

- November 5

- December 3

Upcoming Events: Every year, the Milwaukee County Zoo hosts various events and activities for children and adults. These events and activities are a great addition to your visit. So have a look at the upcoming events and find out whether there is something you are interested.

- Behind the Scenes Weekend at the Zoo (March 12 & 13) - This annual event gives visitors opportunities to access to areas not normally open to the public. You will see what the vampire bats like eating and where the warm weather animals dwell during winters. This event is free with regular admission.

- Breakfast & Lunch with the Bunny at the Zoo (April 16 & 17) - Pre-registration is required for this event. Bookings begin on March 1 online or by calling (414) 256-5466.

- Egg Day (April 23)

- Mother's Day (May - All mothers are admitted free.

- Party for the Planet (May 14 & 15)

- Butterflies! In Living Color (May 28 through September 25) - This is a special summer exhibition at the zoo, with an additional fee of $2.5 per person.

- Father's Day at the Zoo (June 19) - All fathers receive free admission.

- Sunset Zoofari (June 29 & July 6, 13, 20, 27 & August 3) - Enjoy a wonderful summer evening with hot bands at the zoo. Concerts begin from 6pm to 9pm, with the backdrop of exotic animals.

- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel a la Carte (August 18 to 21) - The annual "Feast with the Beasts" food and music festival at the zoo. You will enjoy the hottest local and national bands, at the same time be regaled with delicious delicacies from more than 25 area restaurants. The zoo will open extended hours.

Children's birthday parties are also allowed at the Milwaukee County Zoo. Party packages are for kids celebrating their 4th birthday through 13 years of age. The parties can be held every day in July & August and on Saturdays and Sundays from September to June. The party hours are from 11am to 12:30 pm and from 1:30pm to 3pm. For more info and details, call (414) 256-5432 or visit this page:

Children's Birthday Parties at Milwaukee County Zoo

http://www.milwaukeezoo.org/groups/birthday.php

For families or couples looking for a great and fun outing, Milwaukee County Zoo could be your next stop. The zoo is a huge zoological garden divided into five continental sections to better reflect natural habitats of the animals it keeps. At the zoo, you will find yourself in an amazing animal haven that features more than 2,000 animals with over 330 species represented.

Where is the Milwaukee County Zoo located? The Milwaukee County Zoo is located at 10001 West Blue Mound Road, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Whether you walk, drive or take a bus, it wouldn't take you too long to get there.

For visitors who prefer driving to the location, you may need to know the driving directions.

Coming from Chicago:

- Take I-94 north and turn off at I-94 west towards Madison.

- Take the Hwy. 100 North exit (#304B).

- Make a right at the first stop light, which is the Bluemound Road.

- Stay in the right lane and drive about eight blocks.

- The zoo entrance will appear on your right hand side of the street.

Coming from the North via Highway 45:

- Take I-45 north to I-94 west towards Madison and exit at the Hwy. 100 North (#304B).

- Turn right at the first stop light and stay in the right lane.

- You will find the zoo about eight blocks down on the right side of the street.

Coming from South via Highway 45

- Take I-45 north and get off at Bluemound Road (#39).

- Drive to the first set of stoplights and take a right.

- After two blocks, the zoo will appear in your line of sight, on the left side of the street.

Or,

- Take I-45 north to I-94 west towards Madison and use Hwy. 100 North exit (#304B).

Driving from Madison:

- Take I-94 east from Madison.

- Take the Hwy. 100 North exit (#304B) and turn right at the first stop light.

- Stay in the right lane about eight blocks.

- The zoo can be found at the right side of the street.

Driving from Sheboygan area via I-43 up North:

- Take I-43 south and turn off at I-94 west towards Madison.

- Exit at the Hwy. 100 North exit (#304B).

If you want to get the driving instructions from where you live to where the animals live, turn to this website:

http://maps.yahoo.com/dd#mvt=m&lat=40.114411&lon=-96.990158&zoom=5

Maps: If you want to get fully prepared for your visit to the zoo, the zoo map, direction map and map of hotels near Milwaukee County Zoo would be a big help for you.

Milwaukee County Zoo Map

http://www.milwaukeezoo.org/visit/map/

Milwaukee County Zoo Direction Map

http://www.planetware.com/map-of/milwaukee-milwaukee-county-zoo-us-wi-milz.htm

Map of Hotels near Milwaukee County Zoo

http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocalMaps-g60097-d207622-Milwaukee_County_Zoo-Area.html

Parking is also important for those driving to the zoo. The good news is that parking is available at the zoo. The rates are $11 for passenger cars and $15 for buses. Follow the signs at the zoo, you will find the on-site parking facility.

Actually, you are suggested to park outside the zoo. Before you arrive at the county, you will find that there are a lot of spaces where you can park. If you don't mind walking the rest of the way to the zoo, parking at these spaces would be an economical option. To avoid the parking fees, you also can park your car along the Blue Mound Road or on side roads for free. But you'd better arrive early, as the spaces fill up fast.

For visitors who don't want to drive to the zoo, you can take advantage of Milwaukee County Transit System. For MCTS routes and schedules, click here:

Milwaukee County Transit System

http://www.ridemcts.com/

Milwaukee County Zoo is an awesome destination for kids and adults who have not outgrown their fascination with zoos yet. Some superstars of the zoo include Leopard Shark, Pacific Giant Octopus, Two-toed Sloth, Speke's Gazelle, Speke's Gazelle, California Sea Lion and more. Beside animals, there are some other attractions at the zoo such as Safari Train, Feeding Times, Animal Rides, Sky Safari, Carousel and etc.

There is so much to see and do at Milwaukee County Zoo. Kids seem to never get bored of it. However, as many people complained, the admission price of the zoo is a little bit pricy. Not to mention multiple trips. Fortunately, the Zoological Society, whose mission is to support the Milwaukee County Zoo and protect wildlife, offers us different types of membership packages.

Notes: Before we list all the membership packages, there are a few things you need to know first. The Zoological Society offers various categories of Zoo Pass & Zoo Pass Plus packages to benefit people of different individual situations. Just choose the category that is best for you. All Zoo Pass would be valid for 12 months since the day you join.

What are the differences between Zoo Pass and Zoo Pass Plus? Zoo Pass is a basic membership. While Zoo Pass Plus is an upgraded level covering all the benefits of Zoo Pass. Simply speaking, the only additional benefit of Zoo Pass Plus is free parking for one car per membership per day. Get a Zoo Pass Plus if you have to drive there every time.

There are 11 categories of Zoo Pass and Zoo Pass Plus packages provided by Zoological Society. In the following part, we'd like to list all the categories and their respective privileges for you:

Individual

With Individual card, only the person named on membership card can get free admission to the zoo. Basic Pass for Individual is $50 and Plus Pass is $80.

Individual + 1 Guest

With Individual + 1 Guest card, not only the person named on card but also a friend of his/her can get free admission to the zoo. But it doesn't include your minor children. Basic Pass for Individual + 1 Guest is $55 and Plus Pass is $85.

Couple

With the Couple Card, two adults living at the same address can get free admission to the zoo. Both of your names should be put on the card. Basic Pass for Couple is $55 and Plus Pass is $85.

Individual + 2 Guests

With Individual + 1 Guest card, not only the person named on card but also two friends of his/her can get free admission to the zoo. But it doesn't include your minor children. Basic Pass for Individual + 2 Guests is $65 and Plus Pass is $99

Family

With Family card, two adults whose names are on the card can bring their minor children or grandchildren to the zoo free. Basic Pass for Family is $65 and Plus Pass is $99.

Single Adult Family

Single Adult Family card applies to widowed, divorced, or single parent/grandparent. With this card, the single parent and his/her minor children can get free admission to the zoo. Plus they can invite an adult guest to the zoo free whose name must be put on card as well. Basic Pass for Single Adult Family is $65 and Plus Pass is $99.

Family + 1 Guest

Apart from family members, you can invite an additional guest to the zoo each time with free admission. Basic Pass for Family + 1 Guest is $80 and Plus Pass is $115.

Family + 2 Guests

Apart from family members, you can invite 2 additional guests to the zoo each time with free admission. Basic Pass for Family + 2 Guests is $95 and Plus Pass is $130.

Family + 3 Guests

Apart from family members, you can invite 3 additional guests to the zoo each time with free admission. Basic Pass for Family + 3 Guests is $120 and Plus Pass is $155.

Affiliate

Apart from family members, you can invite 4 additional guests to the zoo each time with free admission. Affiliate cardholders can receive two additional guest passes and education class certificate. Basic Pass for Affiliate is $200 and Plus Pass is $225.

Advocate

Apart from family members, you can invite 4 additional guests to the zoo each time with free admission. In addition, Advocate cardholders can receive four additional guest passes, education class certificate and Behind-the-Scenes tour certificate for six. Basic Pass for Affiliate is $300 and Plus Pass is $325.

Benefactor

Apart from family members, you can invite 4 additional guests to the zoo each time with free admission. In addition, Benefactor cardholders can receive six additional guest passes, education class certificate, Behind-the-Scenes tour certificate for six and invitation to VIP event. Basic Pass for Affiliate is $400 and Plus Pass is $425.

Plus, members can get decent discounts on Oceans of Fun, Inc. interactive programs. If you are interested in those programs, please visit:

Oceans of Fun Programs

http://www.oceansoffun.org/rs/programs

Ready to sigh up for Milwaukee County Zoo Membership? Read more by visiting:

Membership Categories

http://www.zoosociety.org/Membership/Categories.php#bottom