The winter season is upon us in Kansas, which means it’s the perfect time for warm drinks, building snowmen and…visiting the Zoo! Despite the colder temperatures, winter can be a surprisingly wonderful time to take a trip to the Zoo. Cooler weather can often mean active animals, less crowds, and unique seasonal sights you won’t see any other time of year. Before you bundle up and head out, here are a few tips, tricks and things to know to make the most of your winter adventure at SCZ!
What animals can be seen?
Many animals enjoy colder weather, especially the ones that are native to chillier climates. Most of the Zoo’s North American animals, like bison, elk and bears, love to be outdoors during this time of year. With cold-adapted features like thick coats, extra fat, and color changing fur for camouflage, these animals don’t just tolerate winter, they thrive in it!
What animals at the Zoo are adapted for cold weather?
- Snow Leopard
- Black Bear and Grizzly Bear
- Red Panda
- Bison
- Mexican Wolf
- Amur Leopard and Amur Tiger
- Domestic Yak
Want to know where to find these animals in the Zoo? Most of our cold-loving critters reside in the Children’s Farms, North American Prairie, and the Slawson Family Big Cat Trek habitats. Discover more on our interactive app or our Zoo map.
Where can I eat?
When visiting the Zoo in the winter, be sure to expect some differences from our normal spring and summer operations. To anticipate lesser crowds, a few of the Zoo’s restaurants go on “seasonal” opening and closing times, or do not operate in the wintertime altogether. Read our list below to learn about our seasonal hours. Please note that these times will change in the Spring.
Seasonal SCZ Restaurant hours
- Beastro: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Nganda: 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday (above 40 degree temps) until end of February
- Kookaburra Canteen *weekends only* 11a.m.-4 p.m. (when weather is favorable)
- Food Truck: closed until March
- Nectar, Baobab, Stingray Bar, Dip N Dots and the Albert’s Lemonade cart will be closed until the end of February
Which habitats are closed?
While some animals at our Zoo, like snow leopards, are seemingly immune to the cold, others are not. Many animals within our African, South American and tropical areas are not equipped with the features needed to withstand freezing temperatures. To keep them comfortable and cared for in the best way possible, these animals have access to heated indoor spaces or, like our South American birds and mammals, are moved to safe, heated barns during the winter months.
Habitat closures & changes during the winter season
- Stingray Cove is temporarily closed for the season through March 2026. It will reopen in the springtime.
- The Tropics building and the Australia/South America habitat are temporarily closed due to HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza). They will reopen once avian flu cases in Kansas are minimized. Stay tuned to SCZ’s social media pages for updates.
- The Elephant Barn is closed to the public through the winter due to construction on the new barn addition. This means elephants will not be visible on days when it is too cold for them to go outside.
- Elephants can often be seen outside during colder days, but for their safety are kept to a strict temperature gauge.
- 35 degrees or lower: elephant will be inside. Adults with no calves may be given access outside around 37 degrees.
- 35-50 degrees: elephants have choice to be where they are most comfortable. Access to barn and outdoors.
- 50 degrees or more: elephants will be outside
Attraction closures & changes during THE winter season
- Weather permitting, the Giraffe Feeding Station will operate from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- The Children’s Farms contact yards will be open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting
Why visit the Zoo during the winter?
During the wintertime, one of the best opportunities to take at the Zoo is Winter Wednesdays. Occurring every Wednesday in November-February, Winter Wednesdays are an opportunity for guests to enjoy $5 general admission all day! Be sure to plan ahead – there’s only a few dates left!
While outdoor temperatures may be chilly, the Zoo offers plenty of indoor spaces to explore, including warm exhibits where guests can get up close with animals while staying comfortable. These indoor habitats provide a cozy break from the cold and a chance to see animals engaging in natural behaviors year-round. Read our list of indoor spaces below.
Another perk of visiting in winter? Smaller crowds. With fewer guests in the Zoo, winter visits offer a more relaxed atmosphere, easier viewing of animals, and more opportunities to chat with Zoo staff along the way. It’s the perfect time to explore at your own pace and enjoy an incredible one-of-a-kind Zoo experience.
Winter at the Zoo offers a calmer pace, unique animal experiences, and great opportunities to explore—indoors and out. Dress for the weather, plan ahead, and discover how magical the Zoo can be during the winter.