A mountainside zoo in Colorado Springs with free sensory bags at Admissions and two signed Quiet Zones. Everyone needs an advance timed ticket, babies included.
Sensory supports. Free sensory bags, two Quiet Zones.
Hours
9 am to 5 pm daily, last timed entry 3 pm; open 365 days a year. Opens at 9:30 am on Nov 19 and Dec 15. Closes at 3 pm (last timed tickets 1 pm) on Nov 26, Dec 24, 25 and 31, 2026, and Jan 1, 2027.
“The Zoo has designated Quiet Zones to provide a calm and quiet area for visitors with sensory needs, indicated by signs in these locations.” “Quiet Zones have less activity and provide space to sit and regroup.”
“For guests with sensory needs, sensory bags are available to check out at the Zoo’s Admissions booths. Bags are free to check out.”
The zoo doesn't say which days or times are quieter. Every visitor needs an advance timed ticket, babies included, and each time slot is limited, so you choose your arrival time ahead.
On Dog Days (Thu Nov 12, Fri Nov 20) visitors can bring their dogs all day. If dogs are hard for your kid, pick another day.
The zoo is on a mountainside, from 6,714 feet at the gate to nearly 7,000 feet at the top. The zoo says to drink water, and the paths go uphill.
Free sensory bags at the Admissions booths: noise-reducing headphones, fidget tools and a communication card. They hold a photo ID until you bring the bag back. Weighted lap blankets can be checked out too.
Two Quiet Zones with signs: the elephant demo area in Encounter Africa (when no demo is scheduled) and the top of the Old Gnarly play area, between The Loft and My Big Backyard.
Free parking. Advance timed e-tickets are required for everyone, including kids 2 and under; no refunds or exchanges. Prices change by date (the zoo posts a pricing calendar).
Elephant keeper demos in Encounter Africa (the elephant demo area is a Quiet Zone only “when demos are not scheduled”)not stated
Dog Days: Thu Nov 12, Fri Nov 20 (visitors can bring their dogs all day)not stated
Electric Safari evenings, Dec 4 to Jan 1 (closed Dec 24) (holiday lights and a drone show; no sensory night is listed)not stated
Quieter, in the zoo's words
Quiet Zone: elephant demo area in Encounter Africa, when no demo is scheduledquiet zone
Quiet Zone: top of the Old Gnarly play area, between The Loft and My Big Backyardquiet zone
You can leave and come back the same day; the zoo says to save your receipt for re-entry.
Bring your own food, coolers and backpacks; no glass or alcohol. Outside food can't go into the zoo's restaurants.
A paid caregiver or aide gets in free: buy tickets for everyone else and say so at check-in.
Rentals at The Wheel House just outside the gate: wagons $16 a day, push wheelchairs $15 a day.
First aid: ask any zoo team member, or go to the Administration building in Australia Walkabout (red plus sign on the zoo map).
A universal changing table (up to 440 pounds) is in the family restroom on the lower level of Colobus Tower. A nursing pod is inside the Grizzly Grill.
Electric Safari, the holiday lights evenings, runs Dec 4 to Jan 1, 2027 (closed Dec 24). Entry is 5 to 7:30 pm (members from 4 pm) with advance timed tickets, and it ends at 8:30 pm. Tickets go on sale closer to December.
