FAQs
Below is a list of our most frequently asked questions. If your question isn't answered here, please email reservations@oceansoffun.org and we will respond as soon as possible. If you have an immediate question, please call Oceans of Fun at 414-453-5527 ext 1.
General Questions
- What do I need to do to check in for my program?
- Will participants be able to touch the animals?
- When can I pick up my pre-paid merchandise?
- Can we get our picture taken with a seal or sea lion?
- Do you offer birthday parties and special events?
- What if it’s raining on the day of the program?
- What is your cancellation/refund policy?
- What if I am running late for my program?
- What if I miss my program?
- Can I take pictures during my program?
- What is included in the Observer Program?
- My child requires medication. What should I do?
- Are there any exceptions to the age requirement?
- My child has special needs. May they participate in your programs?
- What is your policy on cell phones/pagers in the programs?
- How do I get in touch with my child while he or she is attending a program?
- What if I need to pick up my child earlier than dismissal time?
- What if my child is sick or will be absent from their program?
- What if I have other questions?
Aquatic Adventure
- Will I get to swim with the animals?
- Do I need to know how to swim?
- My child is 6 – 12 years old. Do I have to participate in the program too?
- What do I wear for the program?
- Do you provide wet suits?
- What do I need to bring to the program?
- Where do I store my personal items during the program?
Sea Lion Splash
- Will my child be featured in a seal and sea lion show?
- Will my child be entering the water in Sea Lion Splash?
- Will my child get wet in this program?
- What should my child bring to Sea Lion Splash?
Underwater Journey Summer Camps
- What is AM/PM Extended Care?
- What should my camper bring to camp?
- What should my camper wear?
- Is lunch provided for my child?
- Can campers buy food at the zoo?
- My child has food-related allergies. What should I do?
Private Parties
- What is a Private Party?
- Do you provide an area for cake and present opening?
- Will my child be featured in a seal and sea lion show?
- Why can’t I make a reservation on-line?
General Questions
What do I need to do to check in for my program?
All interactive programs require liability and participation forms are on file prior to the program start. These forms vary by program and may be completed online or in person during program check-in.
Summer Camp Check-In
Check-in for all summer camp programs will occur in the US Bank Gathering Place. Please look for the Oceans of Fun sign for registration. Please allow extra time for check-in on the first day of camp to review important information. Camp participants do not check-in at the Sea Lion Shoppe.
Other Programs
Check-in for all other interactive programs will occur at the Sea Lion Shoppe which is located on the northeast side of the zoo near Monkey Island. Program check-in begins 15 minutes prior to the program start time. Please allow extra time to enter and navigate the zoo to reach our Sea Lion Shoppe at least 15 minutes before your program is scheduled to begin. This will allow ample time to check in all participants, ensure paperwork is complete and provide an orientation to participants and families.
We strongly encourage participants to visit the restroom prior to the start of their program.
Will participants be able to touch the animals?
Some classes or camps may include an animal that participants can touch or see up close at the discretion of a trainer. All interactive programs include some level of animal interaction; however, Aquatic Adventure is the only program that includes petting.
When can I pick up my pre-paid merchandise?
Pre-paid merchandise will be available for pick up on the first day of your program. Merchandise will be distributed at our Sea Lion Shoppe located north of Monkey Island, just outside of the Oceans of Fun show stadium.
Can we get our picture taken with a seal or sea lion?
Oceans of Fun offers a photo session following most Seal and Sea Lion Shows. For more information please visit our Photo Program page.
Photos are taken during every interactive program and will be available for review and purchase following the program. We offer a variety of photo packages including printed photos and photo CD options so that you may take your memories of your time with us home with you.
Do you offer birthday parties and special events?
Yes. We offer group programs perfect for scout troops, community groups, family outings, special occasions and birthday parties. All Private Parties can be tailored to fit age groups 5 years and older making them a truly unique experience. For more information please visit our Private Parties page.
What if it’s raining on the day of the program?
All interactive programs run rain or shine. Participants should come dressed for all weather conditions. (i.e., rain poncho, closed-toed shoes, boots, hat, gloves, etc.) Umbrellas will not be allowed in animal areas or utilized during interaction times.
In the event of severe weather, accommodations may be made to postpone or reschedule your program. Oceans of Fun will make these determinations and contact you with as much notice as possible.
What is your cancellation/refund policy?
If you cancel: If you call at least 14 days before the program is scheduled, we will try to reschedule your program for another available date within the season, or you may offer your program session to a friend of the same age. Please alert us of any participant changes. All changes will need to be verified by Oceans of Fun staff.
If you call less than 14 days before your scheduled program, you may reschedule for a $25.00 rescheduling fee per reservation based on availability. Please call Oceans of Fun directly to make arrangements.
We do not issue refunds if you cancel.
If we cancel: Oceans of Fun reserves the right to cancel programs based on weather restrictions or animal needs. We will attempt to reschedule a cancelled program. If we are unable to do so, or if we cannot accommodate you in another session, you will receive a refund.
What if I am running late for my program?
Program start times are not flexible. Due to animal and show schedules and in respect of other program participants, all programs will begin promptly at their start time. If you arrive late, please check in at the Sea Lion Shoppe where we will ensure all paperwork is complete. We will then allow you to join the program already in progress.
What if I miss my program?
It’s important that you check your confirmation immediately. If you arrive on a day other than the date on your confirmation, we will not be able to accommodate you. Interactive programs have limited availability. If there is availability for a future program/camp, you may register again and pay the program fee.
If you miss a program due to a medical issue, you must provide a doctor’s note confirming care to reschedule your program without penalty. All rescheduled programs are subject to program availability.
We do not issue refunds if you miss your program.
Can I take pictures during my program?
Program participants will not be allowed to bring cameras into their program. It is important that you give the animals and training staff your complete focus and attention to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Our staff will take photos during the interactive program that will be available for review and purchase following each program.
You may also consider adding an observer to your reservation. Program observers are allowed to take unlimited still photography from designated areas during the length of the program however videotaping is prohibited. For more information please visit our Observer Program page.
What is included in the Observer Program?
As an observer, you join the interactive program as a spectator. You will have the opportunity to view the entire length of the interactive program. You are encouraged to take unlimited still photography, however videotaping is prohibited. For more information please visit our Observer Program page.
My child requires medication. What should I do?
If your child requires any medication (prescription or non-prescription) while attending a program, you must fill out and sign a medication form for each day your child attends.
Are there any exceptions to the age requirement?
Children must be the required age by the date of the session. Exceptions for children with special needs should be arranged by calling Oceans of Fun 414-453-5527 ext 1 prior to registering.
My child has special needs. May they participate in your programs?
Please contact Oceans of Fun to discuss any special needs with our training staff. We need to be notified in advance of programs due to the safety considerations while working with animals. We want to ensure that we set both animals and participants up for successful interactions. We have the ability to tailor programs to accommodate a variety of special needs and would be happy to work with you.
What is your policy on cell phones/pagers in the programs?
In order for everyone to enjoy the program, we request that you silence your cell phone and/or pager when participating in an interactive program.
How do I get in touch with my child while he or she is attending a program?
Contact Oceans of Fun at 414-453-5527 ext 1 to get in touch with your child in case of an emergency.
What if I need to pick up my child earlier than dismissal time?
Inform the staff when your child is dropped off for class or camp. If you need an early pick up after you drop off your child, call Oceans of Fun at 414-453-5527 ext 1.
What if my child is sick or will be absent from their program?
Contact Oceans of Fun at 414-453-5526 ext 1 to notify us of the participant’s absence. If you miss a program due to a medical issue, you must provide a doctor’s note confirming care to reschedule your program without penalty. All rescheduled programs are subject to program availability.
What if I have other questions?
If you have any questions regarding the Oceans of Fun interactive programs or your registration, please contact Oceans of Fun at 414-453-5527 ext 1 or reservations@oceansoffun.org.
Aquatic Adventure
Will I get to swim with the animals?
The Aquatic Adventure program is an in-water interactive program where you enter the animal’s environment on a waist-deep wet dock. You will be wearing a life vest and water shoes for your safety and comfort when interacting with our animals. This is not a swim program. All of our interactions occur in a controlled setting where we bring the animals to you.
Do I need to know how to swim?
No. Participants should be comfortable entering waist-deep water but will not be required to swim. You will be fitted with a life vest and water shoes for your safety and comfort when interacting with our animals. All interactions occur on a submerged dock about 3 – 4 in depth where we bring the animals to you.
My child is 6 – 12 years old. Do I have to participate in the program too?
Yes. All participants between the ages of 6 - 12 must have a paying participating adult (18 years or older) in the program with them. This is for the safety and comfort of our guests and animals.
What should I wear for the program?
Please wear or bring a swim suit to wear during the interactive portion of the program. You may come to the zoo with your swim suit already on beneath your clothes or may change prior to the animal interactive time.
Do you provide wet suits?
No. Please come prepared to enter the pool wearing a swim suit. If you already own a rash guard or wet suit you are welcome to bring it along and wear it in the program; however we do not provide wet suits for participants.
What do I need to bring to the program?
Please bring a swim suit, towel and change of clothes for each participant. We provide a changing area equipped with a cold, freshwater shower and changing stall for participant use following the program.
Where do I store my personal items during the program?
We recommend you leave valuables at home. Participants will be asked to remove all jewelry and sunglasses prior to entering the water for the safety of our animals. Oceans of Fun will provide guest lockers to store your personal items during the interaction but will not be held responsible for lost or stolen belongings.
Sea Lion Splash
Will my child be featured in a seal and sea lion show?
Oceans of Fun reserves the right to cancel seal and sea lion show participation without advance notice due to inclement weather or animal needs. In this event, an alternate private presentation will be provided or we may extend an invitation to a future public presentation. We apologize for any disappointment this may cause.
Will my child be entering the water in Sea Lion Splash?
No. Sea Lion Splash is a pool-side program. Participants will interact with our animals in dry areas where they may be splashed by the animals, but will not enter the pool during this program.
Will my child get wet in this program?
We ask that participants dress for the weather. On hot summer days, we have the ability to get children wet while learning about animal adaptations at each participant’s comfort. We are always respectful of the weather/temperature conditions and comfort of our participants. At times children may only get splashed by a little pool water as the animal enters and exits the environment and at others they may get completely soaked.
What should my child bring to Sea Lion Splash?
Sea Lion Splash is a 2 ½ hour program. We recommend that participants bring a towel and water bottle to the program.
Underwater Journey Summer Camps
What is AM/PM Extended Care?
AM/PM extended care is offered only during our summer camp programs. AM/PM extended care is not an extension of the camp. It is supervised care for children ages 7-12 who are attending full-day camps. There is a $7.00 fee for each AM care session and a $6.00 fee for each PM care session. With registration, you may drop off your child for AM extended care as early as 8:00 am and pick up your child from PM extended care by 5:00 pm. There are no refunds for canceling these sessions and arrangements must be made in advance.
What should my camper bring to camp?
Your camper should bring a lunch that does not need to be refrigerated or heated. He or she should also bring a reusable water bottle with them every day. A backpack is recommended with sun screen, a light jacket and a hat. Please label all personal items with the camper's name.
What should my camper wear?
Campers should wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Please dress for the weather. We plan on being outside at times, so campers should dress appropriately. We suggest a rain jacket and umbrella on rainy days, and sunscreen and hat on hot, sunny days. Please apply sunscreen prior to the start of camp so we are ready to explore the zoo.
Is lunch provided for my child?
No. Parents have the option of sending a bag lunch and beverage for each day of camp or purchasing box lunches from the Milwaukee County Zoo. The cost for box lunches is $5.50 (+ tax) per lunch and must be ordered in advance.
A snack and beverage are provided during the camp day. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions your child may have.
Can campers buy food at the zoo?
No. Campers must bring a lunch and beverage or pre-order a box lunch for each day of camp. Camp will be going on during our busy season, so purchasing food in the cafeteria will not be possible. Campers will not be permitted to use vending machines around the zoo or visit food vendors outdoors. Campers will not have access to refrigerators or microwaves. Please make sure your camper eats a complete breakfast before coming to camp each morning.
My child has food-related allergies. What should I do?
We serve a snack in all of our summer camp programs. Please include these details on your child’s emergency forms to inform us of any food-related allergies.
Private Parties
What is a Private Party?
Private Parties are unique group experiences that can be tailored fit age groups 5 years and older. They are perfect for birthday parties, scout troops, community groups, family outings and special occasions. Private Parties include an educational activities and animal interaction time. For more information about these programs, please visit our Private Parties page. (add link to Private Parties page)
Will my child be featured in a seal and sea lion show?
Oceans of Fun reserves the right to cancel seal and sea lion show participation without advance notice due to inclement weather or animal needs. In this event, an alternate private presentation will be provided or we may extend an invitation to a future public presentation. We apologize for any disappointment this may cause.
Do you provide an area for cake and present opening?
No. We do not have a designated party room at Oceans of Fun. There are many public picnic areas located around the zoo that could be utilized for this purpose.
Why can’t I make a reservation on-line?
Private Parties can be tailored to meet ages 5 and older. Due to the uniqueness of this program, phone reservations are required. For details or to book a party, please feel free to contact us at 414-453-5527 ext 1 or reservations@oceansoffun.org
