Starting the week of October 6, 2025, the Zoo’s playhill area will be closed for major upgrades including slides, cushier turf playhills, a guest-only sidewalk, more outdoor seating areas and a bigger-than-ever dirt hill.
“When we opened this version of the play area, in 2021, we wanted to test whether guests enjoyed it or if we should transform the area another way,” Dave Ruhl, executive vice president at CMZoo, says. “The area has been incredibly popular, and we have loved watching kids of all ages playing on the hills, digging in the dirt mound and using the sidewalk seating area. When we bring it back, it will be better than ever!”
In addition to bigger and better play and seating areas, the playhills will get a drainage system upgrade. Because the current playhills were never meant to be permanent, there are infrastructure improvements to be made. The better drainage system should reduce puddles in the warmer months and ice patches in the colder months, improving the guest experience.
The shipping container farms will continue to operate behind the scenes before moving to their permanent home near the Zoo’s new International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe.
“We know we are asking for a lot of patience during improvements, and we appreciate everyone’s support and enthusiasm as we take this on together,” Dave says. “We promise the new playhill area will make future visits even more awesome. 2026 is going to be an incredible year at CMZoo!”
The playhill is estimated to open back up in March 2026 – in time for the Zoo’s centennial Spring Break. Until then, we hope these tips are helpful:
- Members and guests are welcome to walk on the road between Grizzly Grill and elephants. A brand-new guest-only sidewalk will open next to the road in the coming months as part of this project!
- The Zoo’s eateries will lift its customers-only rule for outdoor seating, so anyone can use the restaurant patios to enjoy their snacks and lunches from home. Limited indoor seating is still reserved for restaurant guests.
- The Nature Play Trail in Water’s Edge: Africa will stay open (as long as ice and snow are removed, and it’s safe to explore), along with the giant slides in Rocky Mountain Wild, and the play areas in My Big Backyard and Old Gnarly Tree by the carousel.