CMZoo Military Appreciation Week Ends Sunday — 50% Off Through Sep 20, Plus Dog Days Coming Sep 23
If you're a military family in Colorado Springs and you haven't made it to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo yet this week, you've got three days left to take advantage of the Military Appreciation Week discount. The promotion runs through Sunday, September 20 — and with the new Giraffe Center just opened and Stroller Safaris still going strong, there's plenty of reason to visit before the week is out.
Advertisement
Advertise hereMilitary Appreciation Week: What You Get
Through Sunday, September 20, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is offering 50% off base admission for active-duty military, veterans, and retired military members — and the discount extends to all same-household dependents. That means the whole family gets in at half price, not just the service member.
To claim the discount, military families will need to show appropriate identification at the ticket window. Check cmzoo.org for the current list of accepted ID types. The zoo is located at 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of the few zoos in the country situated at elevation — it sits at roughly 6,800 feet on the slopes of Cheyenne Mountain, which means the views are excellent and the terrain includes some hills. Comfortable shoes and a plan for young children who tire easily on uphill stretches are worth thinking through ahead of time.
New Giraffe Center: Just Opened
The timing of a CMZoo visit this week has an added bonus: the brand-new Giraffe Center opened on September 15, making it one of the freshest attractions the zoo has seen in years. The center is the result of a $40 million project and features a 12,000-square-foot barn with 11 giraffe feeding zones — meaning more opportunities for the hands-on giraffe-feeding experience that CMZoo is known for.
CMZoo has long maintained one of the largest giraffe herds in the country, and the new facility is designed to support both the herd and the visitor experience with updated infrastructure and expanded access. If you've visited the giraffe area before, this is a meaningfully different — and much larger — setup.
Stroller Safaris Continue Through October 4
For families with infants or very young toddlers, Stroller Safaris run through Saturday, October 4. These guided stroller-accessible tours are designed specifically for caregivers with babies and toddlers in tow — they're a lower-key way to experience the zoo without navigating the full grounds with a stroller. Check cmzoo.org for current Stroller Safari schedules and registration information.
Coming Up: Dog Days at the Zoo — September 23
Mark your calendar for Tuesday, September 23: Dog Days at the Zoo is one of CMZoo's most popular special events, and it's coming up less than a week after Military Appreciation Week ends.
On Dog Days, leashed dogs are welcome to accompany their owners throughout the zoo — a chance for your dog to experience the sights and smells of CMZoo alongside the animals. You'll need to add a dog ticket to your regular admission when you purchase. Visit cmzoo.org to add the dog ticket when you book.
It's worth noting that not all dogs respond well to the zoo environment. The combination of animal scents, crowds, and the presence of other dogs can be stimulating — or stressful — for some animals. If your dog is reactive or anxious in new environments, Dog Days might be better enjoyed as a spectator experience from the parking lot vantage point rather than a full zoo tour.
What's Next
Military Appreciation Week pricing is available through Sunday, September 20 only. If a visit this week doesn't work, regular admission resumes Monday — but there's still plenty coming up at CMZoo through the fall. Stroller Safaris run through October 4, and the new Giraffe Center will be open year-round.
Plan your visit and purchase tickets at cmzoo.org. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is located at 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906.
What locals are saying
Be the first to share your thoughts
Start the conversation about this article.
Leave a reply
More from Colorado Springs
Cool Science Festival Is 2 Weeks Away — What COS Families Can Expect Oct 3–18
Two weeks from Saturday, the Cool Science Festival kicks off at UCCS and spreads across Colorado Springs for a 16-day run of free and low-cost science events for families, school groups, and anyone who's ever wanted to k
AAP Issues 2026–2027 COVID Vaccine Guidance for Kids — What COS Families Need to Know
The American Academy of Pediatrics has released its updated COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for the 2026–2027 season, and for families in Colorado Springs, fall vaccine season is officially here. The new guidance was pu
Two Toddler Kitchen Towers Recalled — More Than 207,000 Units Combined
If you have a toddler kitchen tower at home, you'll want to check the brand name before your child uses it again. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced recalls on two separate products — the Boon PIVO