Get back to adventure and discovery with one-of-a-kind OKC Zoo events and experiences!

SUNDAY, JULY 26 THROUGH THURSDAY, JULY 30: OKC ZOO ADJUSTING PARK HOURS DUE TO EXTREME HEAT

Summer is here and to help guests beat the heat, the Oklahoma City Zoo is adjusting its hours to encourage guests to visit early. From Sunday, July 26 through Thursday, July 30, the park will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. with last entry at 1p.m. for all guests and ZOOfriends members. The Zoo’s Summer Camps and Nature Explorers preschool hours will continue as usual. OKC Zoo officials will continue to monitor the weather and share updates regarding modified hours on its social channels.

 

FRIDAY, JULY 31: TICKETS LAUNCH FOR BREAKFAST WITH THE ANIMALS

This September, the Oklahoma City Zoo is bringing a twist to its popular event series, Breakfast with the Animals, offering guests a fun morning full of themed breakfast and access to the Zoo's immersive Dinosaur Expedition. With three Saturday morning events available, guests will have an opportunity to enjoy exclusive access to Dinosaur Expedition, animal ambassador presentations, and a delicious a dinosaur inspired breakfast buffet inside the Love's Pachyderm Building including fossilized fruit, paleontology potatoes, extinction eggs, spinosaurus sausage, cretaceous cinnamon roll bread pudding, and brachiosaurus biscuits with gravy! Breakfast with the Animals will occur on September 5th, 12th and 19th and begin at 8:30 a.m. Tickets launch Friday, July 31, 2026 at Breakfast with the Animals, and event entry includes Zoo admission, breakfast, and access to Dinosaur Expedition. ZOOfriends discounts apply. Learn more at Breakfast with the Animals.

 

OKC ZOO SPECIALTY “ELEPHANT” LICENSE PLATES NOW AVAILABLE STATEWIDE

Join the herd and show your love and support for the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden and its wildlife with a specialty Zoo license plate. These wild plates feature a beautiful and vibrant design by Oklahoma artist, Rick Sinnett, that was selected from a public vote and inspired by the OKC Zoo’s commitment to caring for and helping conserve Asian elephants. The Oklahoma Zoological Society invites fans to purchase a Zoo plate at www.ozsgiving.org/platecontest, click on “order plate”.  $10 from each plate goes directly back into the OKC Zoo, including renewals after initial plate purchases. Funds raised will support the OKC Zoo’s conservation initiatives, education programs, and operations.

EXPERIENCE OKC ZOO’S DINOSAUR EXPEDITION, PRESENTED BY MATHIS HOME, UNTIL NOVEMBER 1

Looking for a new family adventure? Unearth the excitement of Oklahoma City Zoo’s Dinosaur Expedition, presented by Mathis Home, and journey back to the age of dinosaurs! This immersive exhibit features over 60 animatronic dinosaurs, dinosaur skeletons, fossil digs, and photo ops. The fun roars on with dino-themed children’s rides and a new VR experience Dinosaur: Evolution, narrated by renown paleontologist Dr. Phillip Manning, located in the Love’s Pachyderm Building. Additional costs apply for these attractions. ZOOfriends can enhance their membership with an exclusive Dinosaur Expedition Season Pass for $28 per person, providing unlimited access to this unique experience. Dinosaur Expedition is located near the Zoo’s Jungle Gym Playground and open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Exhibit sponsors include Mathis Home, Continental Resources, Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, Mike Ura, Primrose Schools, Michael Melott, and Red Dirt Orthodontics. Find more details at www.okczoo.org/dinosaurs.

 

AUGUST IS ASIAN ELEPHANT AWARENESS MONTH AT THE OKC ZOO

August is Asian Elephant Awareness Month and the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is calling on elephant fans to show their support for Asian elephants and take conservation action through a social media campaign, #AsianElephantAwarenessMonth. The OKC Zoo is proud to partner with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and its SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction Asian Elephant program to raise awareness of these beloved and endangered animals. Throughout August, follow the OKC Zoo socials @okczoo to learn how you can help Asian elephant and express your care for these beloved animals! Make plans to attend the Zoo’s World Elephant Day celebration on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to noon with a special elephant presentation at 12:30 p.m. Purchase Zoo admission in advance at www.okczoo.org/tickets.

 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1: CELEBRATE WORLD ELEPHANT DAY WITH THE OKC ZOO

The Oklahoma City Zoo’s Animal Awareness Days continue with a ton of fun planned for World Elephant Day on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Gather the herd and head to the Zoo’s Sanctuary Asia for caretaker chats, enrichment events, and a variety of interactive games with prizes for kids. Connect with the Zoo’s elephant care experts and learn more about the Zoo’s Asian elephants and conservation efforts being done to protect this incredible species and its habitat. There will also be a special elephant presentation at 12:30 p.m. in the Inasmuch Elephant Pavilion at Sanctuary Asia with a big announcement being shared! Guests will also have an opportunity to see the Zoo’s newest herd member, a female calf born on June 26 to mom Asha. The Oklahoma Zoological Society is joining this pachyderm party with opportunities to support elephant conservation. Fans can adopt an elephant plush for $25 and purchase custom canvas totes painted by the Zoo’s elephants for $30 each with proceeds benefitting the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Asian Elephant SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction program. A bundle option with both, a plush and tote, will be available for a $50 donation! Plus, the first 500 guests to visit on Saturday will receive a free water bottle sponsored by Shape Your Future a program of TSET. World Elephant Day activities are free with regular admission which can be purchased at www.okczoo.org/tickets.

 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 2: OKC ZOO HOSTS SENSORY-FRIENDLY HOUR FOR DINOSAUR EXPEDITION

On Sunday, August 2, the Oklahoma City Zoo is hosting a Sensory-Friendly hour for Dinosaur Expedition, presented by Mathis Home. From 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., guests will enjoy a less-stimulating sensory environment for Dinosaur Expedition with lower crowd sizes and all dinosaur movement, sounds, and effects turned off. Purchase OKC Zoo admission and Dinosaur Expedition tickets in advance at okczoo.org/dinosaurs.

 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7: ZOOBREW TICKETS ON SALE

Spend an unforgettable evening at the Oklahoma City Zoo for its largest and most popular fundraiser, ZOObrew, presented by Bryon’s Liquor Warehouse, on Friday, September 25. Eighteen years and still flowing strong, ZOObrew is a 21-and-older event that invites revelers to sample dozens of local, regional, and national breweries plus a selection of other libations and non-alcoholic beverages while supporting wildlife conservation and the OKC Zoo. The evening also includes animal caretaker chats, food trucks, live entertainment, and unique wildlife experiences only found at the Zoo! Create a new tradition with PREbrew, from 4 to 6 p.m., with early access to the event, unlimited samplings, access to the VIP Lounge, a limited-edition shirt, exclusive animal engagements, and carousel rides for $130/person. PREbrew tickets are limited. ZOObrew general admission tickets are $75/person including event access, unlimited samplings and carousel rides. And new this year, a mocktail ticket will be available for $75/person. The Zoo will close at 1 p.m., last entry at noon, on Friday, September 25 in preparation for ZOObrew. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 7 at ozsgiving.org/zoobrew. 

ZOObrew Volunteer Opportunities: Lend a hand to help with ZOObrew on Friday, September 25. Volunteers must be 21 or older. Register to volunteer for this and other events at okczoo.org/volunteer.

 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16: OKC ZOOFRIENDS PASSPORT PERK, FREE TRAM RIDES

The Oklahoma City Zoo’s ZOOfriends membership is an incredible value with unlimited Zoo admission for 12 months and special discounts, and now, members receive monthly Passport Perks, too! The next Passport Perk is set for Sunday, August 16 with free tram rides for members. Monthly Passport Perks are subject to availability, animal participation, and weather conditions.  View the complete Passport Perks calendar for upcoming dates and offers.

 

ONGOING: SUMMER SHOWS AT THE ZOO AMPHITHEATRE

The Zoo Amphitheatre is an award-winning, treasured venue that has been connecting Oklahomans to live music since 1936. The 2026 season features:

Visit www.okczooamp.com for more information and tickets.

 

ONGOING: OKC ZOO’S STATEWIDE LIBRARY PROGRAM, READ FOR ADVENTURE, OFFERS READING FUN AND FREE ADMISSION TO THE ZOO

Read for Adventure brings Oklahomans together with reading fun and visits to the Oklahoma City Zoo for free! This statewide library program, encourages card holders to check out and enjoy nearly 30 animal and nature themed books. When these books are returned to any participating library, card holders will receive a voucher redeemable for free general admission to the OKC Zoo for up to four people (child, adult, or senior). Expanding the program’s book options not only increases program participation but sparks young readers’ curiosity for new stories. To date, more than 100,000 Oklahomans have participated in Read for Adventure and been able to experience the Zoo at no cost. For additional details about Read for Adventure, including a downloadable coloring page and list of participating libraries, visit www.okczoo.org/readforadventure.

ONGOING: ART GONE WILD, ORIGINAL OKC ZOO ANIMAL ART

Don’t miss the latest selection of Oklahoma City Zoo’s Art Gone Wild. These wild paintings are created by select members of the OKC Zoo’s animal family are available for purchase throughout the year by the Zoo. Select from original masterpieces made by Asian elephants, giraffes, reptiles, and more, on display in the OKC Zoo’s Guest Services Office in the entry plaza. Canvases range in size from 6-by-6 inches for $35 all the way up to massive 30-by-40 inches pieces for $300.

 

OKC ZOO FREE CARETAKER CHATS

Caretaker Chats are a chance to gain firsthand knowledge about the Zoo’s animal family from the people who know them best: the caretakers! Caretaker Chat opportunities:

  • African Hoofstock – 10 a.m. daily at Expedition Africa
  • Asian Elephants – 11 a.m. Monday-Thursday at Sanctuary Asia
  • Common Dwarf Mongoose – 11 a.m. Friday-Sunday at Love’s Pachyderm Building
  • Veterinarian Talk – 11:30 a.m. daily at Joan Kirkpatrick Animal Hospital
  • African Lungfish – 1:30 p.m. Thursday-Tuesday at Love’s Pachyderm Building
  • Gorillas – 2:30 p.m. daily at The Great EscApe Building
  • Dan Moran Aviary – 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday

 

OKC ZOO SUMMER ATTRACTION HOURS

Imagine feeding a giraffe, rhino, or flamingo! You can with the Oklahoma City Zoo’s unique experiences and attractions. Activities are dependent on weather and animal participation. The Zoo’s summer season schedule runs through Monday, September 7, and attraction hour are as follows:

  • Scooter Pals: Take a ride on the wild side with the OKC Zoo’s new Scooter Pals. This new mobile entertainment opportunity is a fun way for guests 16 and older to explore the park. Scooter Pals are animal themed and available to rent daily weather permitting, located in the Zoo’s entry plaza. Cost is $5 activation fee, $0.35/minute.  
  • Primrose Schools Children’s Zoo Barnyard: The Primrose Schools Barnyard is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
  • Elephant Express Tram: Take the tram for a relaxing, informative tour of the Zoo. Rides offered daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All day bracelets are $6 per person. Children two and under free. 
  • Elephant Presentations: Head to the Inasmuch Elephant Pavilion for the free-to-attend elephant presentation in Sanctuary Asia at 2 p.m. Friday through Sunday. 
  • Endangered Species Carousel: Carousel rides are available daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $5 per person and $4 per person for ZOOfriends.
  • Explorikeet Feedings: These feathered favorites are waiting to meet you! Feeding opportunities are available daily from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m. Cost is $5 per person and $4 per person for ZOOfriends. Participants under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult. 
  • Virtual Reality Wildlife Experiences: Guests can experience four different and immersive encounters with wildlife with the help of virtual reality (VR). Each experience offers a 360-degree live-action virtual reality film with surround sound and motion! Find this attraction in the Love’s Pachyderm Building at Expedition African and Great EscApe. Hours are Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $8 per person. 
  • Rhino Feedings:  Discover this memorable experience with one of the largest residents at the Zoo – an Indian rhino! Feeding opportunities available Thursdays through Sundays plus, Memorial Day, Monday, May 25 and Labor Day, Monday, September 7, from 11 to 11:30 a.m. at Sanctuary Asia. Cost is $10 per person. Children age 2 and under are not permitted.
  • Flamingo Mingle: Flock to the Flamingo Mingle feeding daily from 9:30 to 10 a.m. and 3:30 to 4 p.m. daily. Saturdays in May, feedings are 3:30 to 4 p.m. only. Cost is $5 per person. Children age 2 and under are not permitted.
  • Giraffe Feeding: Feed our tallest friends! Weekday and Sunday feedings are 11 a.m. to noon and 2 to 3 p.m., Saturday feedings in May are 2 to 3 p.m. Cost is $5 per person.

 

Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums and Oklahoma City’s Adventure District. Zoo admission can be purchased at the park or online at  Admission Tickets. Stay connected with the Zoo on Facebook, Instagram, Linktree, and TikTok, and through the Zoo’s Blog. Zoo more with a ZOOfriends membership! Members enjoy free admission to the Zoo for 12 months, plus exclusive benefits and discounts while supporting the Zoo’s animal care and conservation initiatives locally and all around the world. Learn more and become a member today at www.okczoo.org/membership.