Wild for Abilities

Get ready for a roaring good time at the Akron Zoo!

Wild for Abilities

Friday, June 5, 2026

Abilities Unite is excited to bring you this new opportunity on Friday, June 5th. Paws, claws, feathers, and more, coupled with cool treats will surely lead to otter-ific fun!


The Akron Zoo will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for our outing. Pack your lunch and join us for this fun-filled day. The large covered pavilions are reserved for our families to use throughout the day. The pavilions are located past the Conservation Carousel on the right hand side. You can drop off your cooler in this area and our volunteers will reserve your space. Meet us back at the pavilions from 12 - 1:30 p.m. for ice cream sundaes.


Registration is due by May 15th:

  • Parents, siblings, caregivers, and direct support professionals can purchase tickets through this portal at a discounted rate. Please read all ticket descriptions before purchasing. Children ages 2 and younger are free but still need to register for a ticket.
  • All tickets include a free ice cream sundae, served in our pavilions from 12 - 1:30 p.m.
  • Purchase Conservation Carousel tickets in advance and skip the line. Parents/caregivers/direct support professionals do not need a carousel ticket if you intend to stand beside an individual to provide support. If you intend to sit during the carousel ride a ticket is required.


Purchase Wild for Abilities Zoo Tickets

The NEW Dino Trek experience is included with your zoo ticket. Discover which of the 30 dinosaurs on display were hunters and which tried to avoid becoming food. Learn about the adaptations dinosaurs used to protect themselves and survive. Many of the dinosaurs are animatronic and move and make noise. Guests will also enjoy exploring the Dino Lab and Nursery with interactive and educational activities for children.


The Akron Zoo Sensory Accessibility Program

As part of the sensory accessibility program, the Akron Zoo offers various resources to help make your visit possible:

  • Sensory bags containing fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones, an Akron Zoo AAC, and other resources are available for checkout (at no cost by leaving an ID) in their Welcome Center reception office.
  • Weighted lap pads are also available upon request (at no cost by leaving an ID) in their Welcome Center reception office.
  • The zoo has designated “Quiet Areas” throughout the park. These areas typically have less activity and spaces to sit and regroup after becoming overstimulated. They have identified areas that are noisy from guests or animals, are crowded, and where guests tend to linger as “Headphone Zones.”
  • Their new Guest Comfort Station is available in the Komodo Kingdom Education Center near the exit of Curious Creatures. This room is available for nursing mothers, guests experiencing sensory overload, or anyone who needs a break during their visit. The space features sound-dampening walls, dimmable lights, comfortable furniture and more.
  • The Akron Zoo Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) board is available for guests who are non-verbal, minimally speaking, or language learning to use as a tool to communicate with Akron Zoo staff members and other guests.
  • A universal changing table is available for use in the restrooms located in Pride of Africa. This table is fixed to the wall. It's 62 inches long and can accommodate up to 400 pounds.
  • Download the Akron Zoo social story.