Special Events
There's always something happening at the Washington Park Zoo!
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Opening Day
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Regular Admission Fees Apply
Stroller Safari
Friday, April 25, 2025
9:00 am – 10:00 am
Mother's Day
Sunday, May 11, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Spend a special day making memories that will last a lifetime. The Washington Park Zoo will offer free admission for all mothers and grandmothers with a paid child admission.
Military Members Day
Monday, May 26, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Military members are honored with free admission all day with proper ID for active duty, retired military, DOD civilians, and reserve/guard members.
Sunset Zoofari Night
Saturday, June 14, 2025
5:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Explore the WPZoo after our normal hours as the animals wind down under the cooler setting sun temperatures. We are extending the visiting hours for this two part summer event series. Although the Observation Tower will be closed during the event, the Gift Shop and Concessions will be open until 7 pm for visitors. No reservations are needed and regular admission fees apply.
Looking for something extra special? Consider booking a private tour to learn about the adaptations and personalities of our critters, as well as meet some animals up-close. Extra fee will apply
Reservations for the private tours are required 2 week in advance, please email jhuss@emichigancity.com.
Father's Day
Sunday, June 15, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Spend a special day making memories that will last a lifetime. The Washington Park Zoo will offer free admission for all fathers and grandfathers with a paid admission.
Zoo Camp Programs
Monday, June 16, 2025
Monday - Thursday 9:00 am
Advance registration is required starting on April 3rd.
• June 16-19 • June 23-26
• July 7-10 • July 14-17
• July 21-24 • July 28 - 31
Sunset Zoofari Night
Saturday, July 19, 2025
5:00 pm - 8:30pm
Explore the WPZoo after our normal hours as the animals wind down under the cooler setting sun temperatures. We are extending the visiting hours for this two part summer event series. Although the Observation Tower will be closed during the event, the Gift Shop and Concessions will be open until 7 pm for visitors. No reservations are needed and regular admission fees apply.
Looking for something extra special? Consider booking a private tour to learn about the adaptations and personalities of our critters, as well as meet some animals up-close. Extra fee will apply
Reservations for the private tours are required 2 week in advance, please email jhuss@emichigancity.com.
Family Zoo Camp
Saturday, August 23, 2025
9:00 am- 12:00 pm
Explore the zoo in a new way in our new family day camp experience. Investigate animals up close and discover what you can do at home to help our native wildlife. Plus, there will be plenty of opportunities for photos of this shared experience that will be lifetime keepsakes. For Families ages 3 years and up. Advance registration is required and MUST include at least one adult with any children registrations.
Cost: $40 for each attendee
Grandparent's Day
Sunday, September 7, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Spend a special day making memories that will last a lifetime. The Washington Park Zoo will offer free admission for all grandparents with a paid admission.
Adult Zoo Camp
Saturday, September 20, 2025
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Zoo camps for adults explore all kinds of zoo-related topics, with behind-the-scenes tours, guest speakers, and more interactive experiences. At this zoo camp, learn about zoo exhibit design and all the decisions that go into the process. Advance registration is required.
Cost: $40 for each attendee
Boo at the Zoo
Saturday, October 18, 2025
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
A safe trick-or-treating experience for your ghosts and goblins! Area businesses sponsor booths along the decorated zoo paths and hand out candy to the kids. Advance tickets are recommended due to limited supply.
Cost: Regular admission rates apply