Sedgwick County Zoo Offers Half-Price Admission

The Wichita zoo is discounting entry tickets to celebrate the final weekend of its seasonal Stingray Cove exhibit.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Aquariums

Bold vector editorial illustration of a graceful stingray gliding in clear water, depicting the zoo's closing Stingray Cove attraction. — The Sedgwick County Zoo is discounting admission by 50 percent through November 1 to mark the final days of its Stingray Cove exhibit. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you prefer seasonal attractions or permanent facilities at your local zoo?

The Sedgwick County Zoo is offering half-price admission to all visitors from October 30, 2026, through November 1, 2026. This promotion marks the final operating days for the popular seasonal Stingray Cove attraction.

Why it matters

The zoo is closing the temporary exhibit to facilitate the construction of a new, permanent stingray facility. This change aligns with the zoo's long-term master plan to provide year-round housing for the animals.

Visitors receive a 50% discount on standard zoo admission prices throughout the promotional period. The current Stingray Cove experience has served as a seasonal, outdoor attraction since its debut in 2021.

The players

Sedgwick County Zoo

The Sedgwick County Zoo is a major accredited zoological facility located in Wichita, Kansas, that hosts a wide variety of global animal species.

The details

Stingray Cove allows guests to interact directly with cownose and Southern stingrays through touch and feeding opportunities. The attraction was designed as a temporary installation to gauge interest before the zoo transitions to a permanent habitat.

2021: Stingray Cove first opened as a seasonal exhibit.
October 30, 2026 - November 1, 2026: Half-price admission is available for the final weekend.

Culture Shift

The zoo is shifting away from seasonal, temporary animal exhibits in favor of permanent, year-round habitats. This move reflects a broader trend among modern institutions to prioritize animal welfare and consistent visitor experiences through long-term infrastructure planning.

Residents planning a visit this weekend can access the zoo at half the standard ticket cost for the final opportunity to touch and feed the rays. Families should note that the exhibit will not be available for future visits until the new permanent habitat is completed.

The takeaway

Visitors looking to experience the stingrays one last time should plan their trip during the upcoming three-day window. This event serves as a reminder to check local zoo schedules before visiting, as seasonal attractions often undergo transitions to accommodate master facility upgrades.