Eat, Shop, Etc.
Thundergod Snack & Gift Shop
Located just inside the Zoo entry, a full selection of apparel, books and other gifts, as well as beverages and sweet shoppe selections can be found here daily during Zoo hours. If you are interested in something from the Zoo's Thundergod Gift Shop, please contact them at 719-314-0971 or email: catering@cmzoo.org
Unique Gifts
Discover the Unique Gifts webpage filled with helpful gifts for conservation, behind-the-scenes tour packages, animal artwork, education program options, memberships, Adopt an Animal and more!
Stroller Hut Rentals
Rent strollers, wagons and wheelchairs here during the summer season. The Stroller Hut is located just past Thundergod Snack & Gift Shop on the way into the African Rift Valley. Check inside the Thundergod Snack & Gift Shop when closed and during the winter months. Please visit our Accessibility and Special Needs webpage's Wheelchairs & Strollers section for further details and pricing.
Elson's Place
The space is named after Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's famous male lion, Elson. Elson was known for being a magnificent ambassador for his species and for his uncompromising personality. We remember how he touched the hearts of the millions who were fortunate enough to come in contact with him.
Hours of Operation: 9:30 a.m., May 1st to Labor Day. Optional opening during the off-season. Open weather permitting.
Location: African Rift Valley across from the Lions
Menu: This trendy new food-truck-style eatery is nestled in the heart of African Rift Valley. It features amazing sweets and homemade beverages that will delight the foodie in you. Try the new waffle cakes, homemade lemonade, soft-serve ice cream and more.
Grizzly Grill
Our exciting restaurant offers Zoo guests a unique dining experience while overlooking the city of Colorado Springs and surrounding region. With abundant indoor air-conditioned seating and beautiful new sunlit patios, the Grizzly Grill is a great place to relax and take a break from your journey around America’s mountain Zoo.
Hours of Operation:
May 1 - Labor Day 10 a.m.* - 5 p.m.
Day after Labor Day - April 30 - 10 a.m.* - 4 p.m.
*Note: Doors open at 10 a.m. (beverages available), 11 a.m. food available.
Menu: Grizzly Grill's menu offers selections that guests might not expect to see in a Zoo setting. Delicious offerings such as daily carving stations, pasta bowls, rice bowls, wraps and fresh made-to-order salads. Regular Zoo fare such as burgers, pizza, and ice cream are presented “gourmet.” Diners also enjoy Culinary Theatre as you watch your food selections prepared fresh in front of you. We suggest you bring your appetites and enjoy an amazing lunch in the Rockies at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s new Grizzly Grill! Read a review from The Gazette or check out special Grizzly Grill events and recipes here.
The Overlook - Opening Debut Saturday, May 25th!
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is building a new alfresco patio café geared toward upscale bistro food and drink. The new space is designed to give you a unique alternative for lunch or drinks at the Zoo, and will be the first time craft beer and featured wines will be offered to the public. The space will feature counter ordering with food and drinks delivered right to your table. Visit The Overlook webpage for more information and for photos of the construction process.
Hours of Operation:
Daily, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Location: Diagonally across the sidewalk from the Grizzly Grill.
Picnic Areas
Outdoor seating can be found at various locations around the Zoo. The main picnic area is near the Carousel, please view the Zoo Map.
Food service, merchandising and Taste of the Wild Catering are provided to the public by:
Services Systems Associates, Inc.
Phone: 719-575-0536
Fax: 719-575-0537
