An OKC ZOO summer offers animal-focused events, new Dinner with Dinos and Brush With the Wild, Bowling for Rhinos, Dinosaur Expedition, early hours for ZOOfriends, and more!

 

OKC ZOO’S DINOSAUR EXPEDITION, PRESENTED BY MATHIS HOME, ROARS ON THROUGH NOVEMBER 1

The Oklahoma City Zoo’s Dinosaur Expedition, presented by Mathis Home, is the adventure of the summer! Explorers of all ages will discover over 60 dinosaurs from the Jurassic, Cretaceous, and Triassic periods in a wild way. Guests can interact with animatronic dinosaurs, dinosaur skeletons, fossil digs, photo ops, and more throughout the exhibit. 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 also add to the dinosaur excitement. Additional costs apply for these attractions. Current ZOOfriends have the exclusive opportunity to add a Dinosaur Expedition Season Pass for $28 per person to their memberships, providing unlimited access to this unique experience. Dinosaur Expedition is located adjacent to 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. For additional information and pricing, visit www.okczoo.org/dinosaurs.

 

SATURDAY, MAY 23 THROUGH MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7: OKC ZOO OFFERS EARLY MORNING HOURS FOR ZOOFRIENDS MEMBERS, OPENING AT 8:30 A.M.

Continuing through Labor Day, Monday, September 7, the Oklahoma City Zoo opens at 8:30 a.m. for ZOOfriends members. ZOOfriends members get early access to the park and time to explore the Zoo before it’s open to the public. The Zoo opens at 9 a.m. for all other guests. Purchase or renew ZOOfriends memberships online at www.okczoo.org/membership.

 

SATURDAY, JULY 4: INTERNATIONAL CAT DAY CELEBRATION AT THE OKC ZOO

Celebrate #International Cat Day with the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden on Saturday, July 4, to learn about the Zoo’s small and big cats, and conservation efforts being done to protect them and their habitats. Enjoy caretaker chats, interactive games with prizes for kids, and enrichment events happening from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Zoo’s Cat Forest habitat. There will also be a special storytime and virtual reading of the book A Family for Zoya: The True Story of an Endangered Cub led by author Debra Kim Wolf inside the Rosser Education Auditorium from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. “A Family for Zoya” is the heartwarming true story of Zoya, an endangered Amur tiger cub from the Philadelphia Zoo who is raised by the OKC Zoo’s Sumatran tiger, Lola. The first 25 guests to attend the reading event will receive a free copy of the book. The Oklahoma Zoological Society will be hosting Plush for a Purpose with opportunities for fans to support tiger conservation, adopting a plush tiger for a $25 donation. The first 500 Zoo guests to visit on Saturday will receive a free water bottle courtesy of Shape Your Future, a program of TSET. International Cat Day activities are free with Zoo admission which can be purchased at www.okczoo.org/tickets.

 

SUNDAY, JULY 5: OKC ZOO HOSTS SENSORY-FRIENDLY HOUR FOR DINOSAUR EXPEDITION

The Oklahoma City Zoo continues its monthly Sensory-Friendly hour for Dinosaur Expedition, presented by Mathis Home. On Sunday, July 5, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., guests will enjoy a less-stimulating sensory environment while discovering Dinosaur Expedition with lower crowd sizes and all dinosaur movement, sounds, and effects turned off. Reserve your OKC Zoo admission and Dinosaur Expedition tickets at okczoo.org/dinosaurs.

 

SATURDAY, JULY 11 AND JULY 18: EXPERIENCE OKC ZOO’S NEW DINNER WITH THE DINOS

Gather your herd for an adventurous evening at the Oklahoma City Zoo with a delicious buffet dinner, exclusive activities, and dinosaur-sized excitement. The OKC Zoo is hosting an event full of prehistoric fun with Dinner with the Dinos, a new family-friendly after-hours series occurring on Saturday, July 11th and 18th plus Saturday, August 8th and 15th, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Ticket holders are invited to fuel up for memorable adventure with a dinner buffet of favorite picnic dishes and flavors then set out for an evening safari through the Zoo, exploring Dinosaur Expedition, too. Event admission includes access to the Zoo, Dinosaur Expedition presented by Mathis Home, Explorikeet feeding, rides on the Endangered Species Carousel, and entry to the Children’s Zoo Barnyard presented by Primrose Schools. Event admission starts at $40/person (ages 3+) for ZOOfriends with $2 from every ticket sold will support the Zoo’s lizard conservation programs that benefit species including the Guatemalan beaded lizard, Campbell’s alligator lizard, and the Texas horned lizard. Space is limited and purchasing tickets in advance is recommended. Learn more and purchase tickets today at Dinner with the Dinos.

 

TUESDAY, JULY 14: OKC ZOO VOLUNTEER PROGRAM INFORMATION SESSION

Take the first step to learn more about the Oklahoma City Zoo’s rewarding and meaningful volunteer opportunities at the Volunteer Program Information Session on Tuesday, July 14 at 5:30 p.m. in the Zoo’s Rosser Conservation Education Building located at the east end of the main parking lot. Visit bit.ly/OKCZooVolunteerInfoSession to sign up for this free information session.

 

THURSDAY, JULY 16: NEW BRUSH WITH THE WILD AT THE OKC ZOO

The Oklahoma City Zoo’s newest event series, Brush With the Wild, paints the perfect night out for wildlife and art enthusiasts 18 and older. Guests will experience the OKC Zoo after hours while participating in a guided painting experience inspired by the Zoo’s incredible animal family. Painting sessions are themed and designed for artists of all skillsets. They also feature animal ambassador presentations and tasty bites plus a selection of specialty drinks will be available for purchase on-site for guests 21 and older. All art supplies will be provided with the cost of the event. Brush With the Wild is perfect for a girls’ or date night, celebrating a special occasion, or just looking for a creative event with sessions on July 16th, September 17th, and November 19th. For additional event details and to reserve tickets, visit www.okczoo.org/brush.

 

FRIDAY, JULY 17: PUBLIC OVERNIGHT AT THE OKC ZOO, FAMILY-FRIENDLY EDUCATION EXPERIENCE

Step into the world of extraordinary wildlife at the Oklahoma City Zoo’s family-friendly overnight program, Meet the Extraordinary: Rarities of the World. Join the OKC Zoo’s education team for this summer’s sleepover event, focusing on nature’s rare animals. From elusive animals that have fascinated scientists for decades, to species that once thrived but are now becoming increasingly rare, this program dives into what makes these animals so special. It’s a night full of engaging animal-themed activities plus private evening and morning Zoo hikes. The cost is $60 per person and all children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program. Visit www.okczoo.org/private-overnights to register.

 

SUNDAY, JULY 19: OKC ZOOFRIENDS PASSPORT PERK, GIVEAWAYS AND DRAWINGS!

The Oklahoma City Zoo’s ZOOfriends program stands out above the rest as an incredible value with exclusive benefits for its members. Along with Zoo admission for 12 months, members enjoy special discounts, taking pride in supporting wildlife and wild places, and a new monthly Passport Perk program! Sunday, July 19th marks the next Passport Perk and members can stop by the ZOOfriends office for a chance to win some wild prizes. Offer valid on July 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., for current members only. Passport Perks are subject to availability, animal participation, and weather conditions. Check out the Passport Perks calendar for upcoming dates and perks.

 

SATURDAY, JULY 24: BOWLING FOR RHINOS, PRESENTED BY R.K. BLACK, INC., FUNDRAISER HOSTED BY THE OKC AAZK CHAPTER

Rally your family and friends for Bowling for Rhinos, presented by R.K. Black, Inc., and roll out to help save wild rhinos! The Oklahoma City chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) invites Oklahomans to be conservation champions at this year’s Bowling for Rhinos on Friday, July 24 at Bowlero, 3501 S. Boulevard Street, Edmond, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. The evening includes pizza, raffles, with all proceeds going towards rhino conservation. The OKC Zoo is home to three Indian rhinos; Mohan (7), Niki (19), and Shanti (39). All five rhino species remaining–Black, Indian, Javan, Sumatran, and White–are endangered, making fundraising and awareness efforts such as Bowling for Rhinos critical. Bowling for Rhinos is also supported by Casady Square Orthodontics, Curbside Apparel, Bowlero-Edmond, HoneyDo Checklist, and J.R. Hornsey & Associates. Spare a night for Bowling for Rhinos and purchase tickets today at 2026 Bowling for Rhinos - Campaign.

 

2026 SEASON AT THE ZOO AMPHITHEATRE

Keeping Oklahoma City rocking and rolling since 1936, The Zoo Amphitheatre is an award-winning, treasured venue for live music. The 2026 season features:

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

 

ONGOING: OKC ZOO’S STATEWIDE LIBRARY PROGRAM, READ FOR ADVENTURE, CELEBRATES ITS TENTH SEASON

Celebrating its 10th year, Read for Adventure continues to provide a unique opportunity for Oklahomans to spend time together through reading and visiting the Oklahoma City Zoo for free. Read for Adventure features nearly 30 animal and nature themed books for card holders to check out and enjoy! 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

The Oklahoma City Zoo’s Art Gone Wild is art for the wildlife fan at heart! New works of art created by members of the Oklahoma City 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.

 

ONGOING: OKC ZOO PHOTO CREW: BEST OF 2025

See the dozens of spectacular wildlife photos from the Oklahoma City Zoo’s dedicated photographer volunteers in the OKC Zoo Photo Crew: Best of 2025 exhibit, now on display at the Patricia & Byron J. Gambulos ZooZeum, the Zoo’s historical museum. The exhibit gives guests a new view of their favorite animals. Sponsored by Bedford Camera & Video, this exhibit is open daily and free with park admission.

 

ONGOING: 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

 

ONGOING: OKC ZOO SUMMER ATTRACTION HOURS

From animal feedings to rides, the Oklahoma City Zoo offers a variety of engaging experiences for all ages. 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.
  • Giraffe Feeding: Feed our tallest friends! Weekday and Sunday feedings are from 11 a.m. to noon and 2 to 3 p.m.

 

 

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.