Events & Programs

Experiences that connect you with wildlife

Today's Schedule

Animal encounters, keeper talks, and live shows happening today

9:30 AM
Keeper Talk

Good Morning, Gorillas!

Join our primate keepers as they share breakfast with our gorilla family and discuss their conservation.

Primate Paradise 20 min
10:00 AM
Keeper Talk

Elephant Enrichment

Watch our elephants tackle puzzle feeders and learn about their incredible intelligence.

African Elephant Habitat 30 min
11:00 AM
Feeding

Penguin Feeding Time

Watch our African penguins dive and swim for their fish breakfast!

Penguin Coast 15 min
11:30 AM
Feeding

Sea Lion Splash

Our sea lions show off their natural behaviors while enjoying a fish lunch.

Sea Lion Cove 20 min
12:30 PM
Live Show

Wildlife Ambassadors

Meet our animal ambassadors up close including owls, snakes, and armadillos!

Discovery Amphitheater 30 min
1:00 PM
Experience

Giraffe Feeding Experience

Feed our gentle giants from the elevated platform! $5 per person, limited availability.

African Savanna Until 2:30 PM
2:00 PM
Keeper Talk

Big Cat Chat

Learn about our lions, tigers, and cheetahs from the keepers who know them best.

Big Cat Country 25 min
2:30 PM
Live Show

Birds of Prey

Watch hawks, owls, and eagles demonstrate their incredible hunting skills.

Raptor Ridge Amphitheater 30 min
3:30 PM
Feeding

Shark Feeding

Watch our divers feed the sharks in our 500,000-gallon ocean tank!

Shark Tunnel 20 min
4:00 PM
Keeper Talk

Red Panda Playtime

Our adorable red pandas are most active in the late afternoon. Don't miss them!

Asian Forest 20 min
9:30 AM

Good Morning, Gorillas!

Join our primate keepers as they share breakfast with our gorilla family.

Primate Paradise
10:00 AM

Elephant Enrichment

Watch our elephants tackle puzzle feeders and learn about their intelligence.

African Elephant Habitat
2:00 PM

Big Cat Chat

Learn about our lions, tigers, and cheetahs from the keepers who know them best.

Big Cat Country
4:00 PM

Red Panda Playtime

Our adorable red pandas are most active in the late afternoon!

Asian Forest
11:00 AM

Penguin Feeding Time

Watch our African penguins dive and swim for their fish breakfast!

Penguin Coast
11:30 AM

Sea Lion Splash

Our sea lions show off their natural behaviors while enjoying lunch.

Sea Lion Cove
3:30 PM

Shark Feeding

Watch our divers feed the sharks in our 500,000-gallon ocean tank!

Shark Tunnel
12:30 PM

Wildlife Ambassadors

Meet our animal ambassadors up close including owls, snakes, and armadillos!

Discovery Amphitheater
2:30 PM

Birds of Prey

Watch hawks, owls, and eagles demonstrate their incredible hunting skills.

Raptor Ridge Amphitheater

Schedule subject to change based on weather and animal welfare. Check our app for real-time updates.

Upcoming Special Events

Seasonal celebrations and unforgettable experiences

Children exploring the zoo during summer camp
JUN 15
Education

Summer Zoo Camp

Week-long adventure programs for kids ages 6-12! Each day explores a different habitat with behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, and hands-on activities.

June 15 - August 9 (weekly sessions)
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Ages 6-12
$350/week ($300 members)
Register Now
Evening event at the zoo with string lights
JUL 4
Special Event

Zoo Brew & Fireworks

Celebrate Independence Day with craft beer tastings from 20+ local breweries, live music, food trucks, and the best fireworks view in town!

July 4, 2025
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Ages 21+
$45 ($35 members)
Get Tickets
Photographer with camera at wildlife exhibit
JUL 20
Experience

Photo Safari Day

Join professional wildlife photographers for exclusive early morning access. Learn composition, lighting, and techniques for capturing stunning animal photos.

July 20, August 17
7:00 AM - 10:00 AM
All skill levels
$75 ($60 members)
Reserve Spot
Animals at dusk during night safari
AUG 2
Experience

Night Safari

Experience the zoo after dark! See nocturnal animals come to life, enjoy guided tours with flashlights, and learn about adaptations for night life.

August 2, 9, 16
7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
All ages welcome
$25 adult, $15 child
Learn More
Elegant evening gala event
SEP 14
Fundraiser

Wild at Heart Gala

Our annual black-tie fundraising gala featuring gourmet dining, silent auction, live entertainment, and animal encounters. All proceeds support conservation.

September 14, 2025
6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Black tie optional
$250/person
Purchase Tickets
Halloween decorations at the zoo
OCT 18
Seasonal

Boo at the Zoo

Our family-friendly Halloween celebration! Trick-or-treat stations, costume parade, pumpkin patch, hayrides, and not-too-spooky decorations throughout the zoo.

October 18-19, 25-26, 31
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Family-friendly
Included with admission
Learn More

Educational Programs

Learning experiences for all ages

School Field Trips

Standards-aligned programs for K-12 students. Includes guided tours, hands-on activities, and animal encounters tailored to your curriculum.

  • Curriculum-aligned content
  • Certified zoo educators
  • Free teacher planning visit
  • Group rates available
Plan Your Trip

Scout Programs

Badge-earning programs for Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and other youth groups. Overnight camping experiences available!

  • Badge requirements fulfilled
  • Behind-the-scenes access
  • Overnight camping option
  • Certificate of completion
Request Info

Homeschool Days

Monthly programs designed for homeschool families. Each session focuses on different topics with age-appropriate activities.

  • Second Tuesday of each month
  • Discounted admission
  • Hands-on learning stations
  • Take-home resources
View Schedule

Adult Workshops

Deep-dive learning experiences for adults including wildlife photography, animal behavior, and conservation science.

  • Expert-led sessions
  • Small group sizes
  • Wine & wildlife evenings
  • Continuing education credits
Browse Workshops

Host Your Event at the Zoo

From birthday parties to corporate retreats, Metro Zoo offers unique venues for unforgettable events.

Birthday Parties

Private party rooms with animal ambassador visits, themed decorations, and more.

Corporate Events

Team building, client appreciation, and company picnics in stunning outdoor venues.

Weddings & Receptions

Say "I do" surrounded by nature in our lakeside pavilion or garden venues.

Private Tours

VIP behind-the-scenes experiences for groups of all sizes.

Request Event Info
Wedding reception at the zoo pavilion Birthday party with animal ambassador Corporate team building event Outdoor venue with string lights

Never Miss an Event

Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive event announcements and early registration access.