Seniors get into the Louisville Zoo free on three Sundays this month, and grandparents get in free on a fourth. Mayor Craig Greenberg and the zoo announced the dates on September 3, with Humana presenting both offers.
The dates
Senior Sundays give guests aged 60 and older free admission on September 6, September 20 and September 27, 2026.
Grandparents’ Day falls on Sunday, September 13. On that day, buying a regular-priced adult or child general admission ticket gets up to two seniors in free. Zoo members can bring up to two seniors free as well, without buying anything.
“The Louisville Zoo is such a special place for people of all ages to create lasting memories,” Greenberg said. “We are thrilled to partner with Humana once again to offer this great opportunity, and I encourage everyone to come enjoy a special day at the zoo.”
What is happening on the grounds
Both offers come with a scavenger hunt built around the zoo’s own animal grandparents and the part they play in conservation, which gives a multigenerational group something to do together rather than simply walk the loop.
Humana is also running a hydration station from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cub House at Snow Leopard, handing out free water and cooling towels while supplies last.
Hours are about to change
Worth knowing before you plan a September Sunday: the zoo is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through September 20, with guests out by 6 p.m. From September 21 through March 19, 2027, it moves to 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with guests out by 5 p.m. So the September 27 Senior Sunday runs an hour shorter than the two before it.
The zoo is open daily year round, closing only on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
The Louisville Zoo is coming off a strong year at the gate. ZooReviews reported on its record attendance of 945,225 guests. Free days like these are one of the ways a city-owned zoo keeps that number climbing without pricing anyone out.
Full details are at the Louisville Zoo’s announcement.
Quick answers
- When are the Louisville Zoo's Senior Sundays in 2026?
September 6, September 20 and September 27. Guests aged 60 and older get free admission on those days.
- How does Grandparents' Day work at the Louisville Zoo?
On Sunday, September 13, buying one regular-priced adult or child general admission ticket gets up to two seniors in free. Members can bring two seniors free.
- What are the Louisville Zoo's September hours?
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through September 20, with guests out by 6 p.m. From September 21 the zoo runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with guests out by 5 p.m.
