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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

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