Summer Experiences

Visit the only zoo in the Land of the Midnight Sun. We enjoy long days of zoo operation in the summer. We are open daily from 9am to 8pm during June, July and August. Last entry is always 30 minutes before closing.

See our full list of hours and rates here.

The following offerings occur from May 22nd through September 1st, 2025 on select days.

Summer Shuttle from Downtown Anchorage

  • Free summer shuttle, advance online reservations required.

  • Shuttle operates Thursdays-Sundays only (no shuttle Mondays-Wednesdays.

Animal Feeding Experiences

No reservations. Pay at the gate on the day of the feeding, before the feeding.

  • May 22nd - September 1st, 2025, 5 days a week, no Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

  • 30-minute feeding session with a trained guide.

  • You get to feed the animal, ask questions and take pictures.

  • Ages 2 and under are free. No advance reservations, pay at the zoo gate.

  • $50 per person plus zoo entry fees.

  • 11:00am: Moose feeding

  • 1:00pm: Black bear feeding

  • 2:30pm: Moose feeding

Brown Bear Encounters - mid-June through mid-September. Information is coming soon!

Wildlife Walk Small Group Tours

Take a 1.5 hour guided tour of the Alaska Zoo for just $50 per person! An experienced guide will take you on a walk through the zoo's naturally wooded trails to explore the zoo's animal stories, mission and species natural history. Limited to 8 guests. Tours must be purchased 24 hours in advance of the tour date. Tours are available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10am from May 22nd - September 1st, 2025. Price includes zoo admission and the tour. Ages 3 and up need a ticket.

VIP Tour with Education Director Rich Capitan

The VIP tour must be reserved in advance online and includes:

  • 2-hour, behind-the-scenes tour led personally by Education Director Rich Capitan.

  • VIP tours are held on Wednesdays only throughout the year, including summer.

  • VIP tours begin at 8am, one hour before the zoo opens. The tour ends at 10am.

  • VIP tours are $1,000 for up to 4 participants, age 9 and older only.

  • Tour must be purchased in advance online at least 1 day before the preferred tour date.

  • VIP tour behind-the-scenes stops include polar bears, the commissary and more.

  • Stops may be added or changed as new animals arrive or if animals have health concerns.

  • Your tour purchase is non-refundable. We will work with you to reschedule.

  • Email Education Director Rich Capitan here if you would like to discuss the tour.