DATE NIGHTS, summer camps, unique educational experiences, botanical events, animal/conservation awareness days and more

2019 ZOO AMPHITHEATRE CONCERT EVENTS

The Zoo Amphitheatre, Oklahoma City’s iconic, outdoor concert venue, launches another wild concert season with the following events: 

For more than 75 years, the Zoo Amphitheatre has been a mecca for musicians and music lovers alike. Managed by 3HORSE Productions, LLC, the Zoo Amphitheatre is adjacent to the Oklahoma City Zoo and remains one of Oklahoma City’s most enduring and unique attractions. To learn more about the Zoo Amphitheatre, current concert listings or for ticket information, visit www.thezooamphitheatre.com.

THURSDAY EVENINGS IN JUNE: DATE NIGHTS AT THE OKC ZOO

DATE NIGHTS at the OKC Zoo offer an unforgettable experience every Thursday evening in June (June 6, June 13, June 20/Pride Date Night and June 27) from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Almost the entire Zoo will be open for couples 21-and-older to explore together, enjoying beautiful Oklahoma sunsets with a multitude of things to do! In addition to exploring wildlife at dusk, DATE NIGHT attendees can enjoy a sea lion and elephant presentation, dance lessons, karaoke, outdoor games and special keeper chats with Zoo animal experts who will share the unique courting rituals of some of our most popular animals. Culinary creations will be available for purchase at Lotus Pavilion, as well as selections from a special outdoor grille by the Zoo’s Devon picnic grounds. Ticket pricing is $60 (couple package); $35 (single package); and $20 (singe ticket-no drinks) and includes: event admission, two drink tickets per person and access to all activities.

FRIDAY, MAY 31–SUNDAY, JUNE 2: OKC ZOO’S CACTUS, SUCCULENT AND OKC ZOO POO SALE

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Chaos on Coyote Trail greenhouse will be hosting a cactus and succulent sale Friday, May 31 through Sunday, June 2, in the Zoo’s entry plaza from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Guests will also be able to purchase OKC ZOO POO, the Zoo’s organic compost while supplies last. This “brown gold” fertilizer is made from nutrient-rich deposits produced by the Zoo’s Asian elephants, Indian rhinos and other herbivores. OKC ZOO POO is available in two sizes: a small bag for $3.99 or a new, large reusable bag with pollinator seeds for $14.99. For additional information, visit okczoo.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 1 THROUGH WEDNESDAY, JULY 31: SUMMER SAVINGS ADVENTURE SWEEPSTAKES

Oklahomans will go wild for the fourth annual Summer Savings Adventure Sweepstakes sponsored by the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan (OCSP) and the Oklahoma City Zoo. The sweepstakes will see one Oklahoma child win $5,529 toward an OCSP college savings account. Participation is open to parents, grandparents or legal guardians who are at least 21 and have a child or grandchild who is an Oklahoma resident 16 or younger. The winner will be randomly selected and formally announced shortly after the sweepstakes concludes Wednesday, July 31, 2019. Sweepstakes entry, official rules and additional information is available at www.ok4saving.org/SSA. Submit your entry starting June 1.

MONDAY, JUNE 3 THROUGH FRIDAY, AUGUST 9: OKC ZOO SUMMER CAMPS

Give your young explorer a summer to remember with Oklahoma City Zoo’s week-long day camps. These weekly themed camps focus on all things zoo-related from animal training to veterinary care, and are available Monday, June 3 through Friday, August 9, 2019, for children ages 4-15. Full-day camps run Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $275 (ZOOfriends’ members) and $300 (nonmembers). Half-day camps for ages 4-5 (only) meet Monday–Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. for $145 (ZOOfriends’ members) and $160 (nonmembers). Additional fees apply for extended care hours. During the full-day option, campers will enjoy a variety of activities including exploring the Zoo, exhibit tours, animal visits, keeper chats, water play, and Zoo rides and attractions. Daily snacks provided. These highly popular programs usually reach capacity, so enroll now. Advance registration and payment are required. To register online or learn more about camp programs, visit www.okczoo.org/camps or call Education at (405) 425-0218.

SATURDAY, JUNE 8: WORLD OCEANS DAY PRESENTED BY BOB MOORE SUBARU

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Bob Moore Subaru invite you to dive in to ocean conservation on World Oceans Day. This global celebration provides a unique opportunity to learn about, help protect and conserve our blue planet. Join the fun on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to learn what actions you can take to ensure our local and global water sources are healthy for future generations. World Oceans Day activities will be held in the Children’s Zoo on Grandma’s Porch and include Seafood Watch talks and videos, the opportunity to decorate a reusable shopping bag, keeper chats, kids’ activities with prizes, and more. All activities are free with paid Zoo admission. For additional information about World Oceans Day including free resources, visit www.worldoceansday.org.

MONDAY, JUNE 17: PLANTING FOR POLLINATORS WORKSHOP AT THE OKC ZOO

Celebrate National Pollinator Week with the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden by learning what you can do to help pollinators from your own backyard! Monarch and other pollinator populations are declining drastically because of habitat loss and actions that compromise our native flora. Attend the OKC Zoo’s Planting for Pollinators workshop on Monday, June 17, from 1 to 3 p.m. to hear from Oklahoma County Extension Master Gardener experts about Oklahoma gardening that supports our pollinators. The presentation is being held in the Zoo’s Rosser Conservation Education Center auditorium and will be followed by a tour of the Zoo’s butterfly and pollinator habitat with the Zoo’s Horticultural Curator, Lance Swearengin. The Zoo maintains one of the largest monarch waystations in Oklahoma, which includes native nectar and milkweed plantings. This is the perfect time of year to participate in this special workshop. The Zoo’s horticulture team will be on hand in the garden to answer questions. All ages are welcome. Registration is $8 for ZOOfriends’ members and $9 for nonmembers.

FRIDAY, JUNE 21: WORLD GIRAFFE DAY PRESENTED BY BOB MOORE SUBARU

On June 21, World Giraffe Day, show your love for the longest-necked animal on the longest day of the year! Make plans to visit the Oklahoma City Zoo on Friday, June 21, to participate in World Giraffe Day, presented by Bob Moore Subaru. Initiated by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, this worldwide event raises awareness and support for giraffes which are listed as vulnerable in the wild. On World Giraffe Day, Zoo guests will enjoy a variety of event activities happening near the giraffe habitat from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet our animal and conservation experts to learn more about what the Zoo is doing to protect giraffes and their habitat, and how you can help.

Wild giraffe populations have declined over the last 30 years due to habitat destruction and poaching. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums recognized that giraffes were in need of conservation action and created the Giraffe SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) program in 2017. The OKC Zoo is proud to be a Giraffe SAFE partner committed to providing annual financial support for giraffe conservation programs in Africa and promote public awareness about the plight of wild giraffes. World Giraffe Day activities are free with Zoo admission. To learn more, call (405) 425-0262 or visit okczoo.org.

FRIDAY, JUNE 21: JOIN OKC ZOO, FASSLER HALL FOR DRAFTS FOR GIRAFFES

The Oklahoma City Zoo invites you to gather the herd and head to Fassler Hall for Drafts for Giraffes, an event benefiting giraffe conservation. On Friday, June 21, Fassler Hall (421 NW 10th Street, OKC) will donate 20% of all food and beverage sales from 5 p.m. through 9 p.m. in support of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, an international science-based conservation organization that provides innovative approaches to save giraffe in the wild. OKC Zoo animal and conservation experts will be in attendance to answer questions about giraffes and the conservation work being done to protect them. Fassler Hall is family-friendly and welcomes dogs in their outdoor patio space. Come enjoy a tall draft and help giraffes! To learn more about this event, visit okczoo.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 29: AMERICAN RED CROSS HOSTS BLOOD DRIVE AT THE OKC ZOO

The American Red Cross of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma City Zoo are providing an opportunity for area residents to roll up a sleeve to save a life. The Red Cross will host a blood drive at the OKC Zoo’s Rosser Conservation Education Center on Saturday, June 29, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. As a thank you, those who come to donate will receive two vouchers good for admission to the OKC Zoo! Each voucher is good for one free admission ticket (adult, child or senior) to the Zoo. For additional information about donating blood and the requirements to give, visit www.redcrossblood.org.

OKC ZOO’S EDUCATION PROGRAMS/EVENTS IN JUNE

For additional information about these and other programs, contact the OKC Zoo’s Education department at (405) 425-0218 or visit okczoo.org.

  • THURSDAY, JUNE 13; Thursday, JUNE 20 AND SATURDAY, JUNE 29: CUB CLUB TODDLER PROGRAM

Enroll in June’s Cub Club program, Galloping Gazelles. Gallop on in to learn about endangered Addra gazelle through activities, story time, crafts and a guided Zoo tour. Ages 2-5 welcome. Toddler Cub Clubs are held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Cost per child/adult pair is $12 (ZOOfriends’ member) and $15 (nonmember).

  • SATURDAY, JUNE 1:  ZOO DONE IT? ADULT OVERNIGHT

Enjoy a night on the wild side and explore the OKC Zoo after dark. Do you have what it takes to navigate the Zoo, collect the clues, and solve our animal mystery? This program is Saturday, June 1 from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. the next morning. Evening snack and light breakfast will be provided, and Zoo admission included. Ages 18 and up. Cost: $35/adult.

  • FRIDAY, June 14; FRIDAY, JUNE 21 AND FRIDAY, JUNE 28: NEW! PROWLERS FAMILY AFTER-HOURS EVENT

Enjoy a night on the prowl as you explore the Zoo like animals do! Learn about nocturnal animal features through activities, like trying on echolocation ears and using night vision binoculars. Heighten your senses and experience the wildest side of the Zoo. This event runs from 7:30–9:30 p.m. The cost per person is $12 (ZOOfriends members), $15 (nonmembers). Ages 4 and up. Children must have a responsible adult in attendance with them.

ONGOING: OKC ZOO, METROPOLITAN LIBRARY SYSTEM CONTINUE STATEWIDE LIBRARY PROGRAM

Reading is wild! The Oklahoma City Zoo and Metropolitan Library System are excited to continue their community literacy program, “Read for Adventure”. This popular promotion enables Oklahoma library card holders to check out the original children’s book, Our Day at the Zoo, from any participating public library location within the state to receive four general admission ticket vouchers to the OKC Zoo. “Read for Adventure” continues through March 31, 2020. Zoo ticket vouchers are good through March 31, 2020. To find a public library near you, click here.

ONGOING: BINOCULAR BORROW PROGRAM PRESENTED BY DEAN MCGEE EYE INSTITUTE

Experience a new view of the OKC Zoo with the Binocular Borrow program presented by Dean McGee Eye Institute. This program provides guests with the opportunity to borrow a pair of branded binoculars during their visit at no cost. To participate, guests will bring a valid photo ID to the Zoo’s guest services office in the entry plaza and complete a quick information form. The photo ID will be securely held by Zoo officials as guests enjoy the beauty of the Zoo during their visit and will be returned when the binoculars are brought back to the office. One valid photo ID is required for each pair of binoculars. Participation is free with Zoo admission.

ONGOING: EYE SPY SAFARI PRESENTED BY DEAN MCGEE EYE INSTITUTE

Presented by Dean McGee Eye Institute, Eye Spy Safari is an engaging way for young zoo fans to learn about the OKC Zoo’s animals and the challenges threatening their wild counterparts as they explore the Zoo. Eye Spy participants will be inspired to learn how the Zoo is leading the way in local and global conservation efforts and want to take action to help. Locate all seven Eye Spy stations in the Zoo, and scratch off your card to reveal the secret word as you go! Completed cards can be returned to the Zoo’s Safari Gift Shop for a prize. Eye Spy Safari cards are available at the Zoo’s Guest Services and ZOOfriends’ offices. Participation is free with Zoo admission.

ONGOING: OKC ZOO’s “ASK A Keeper”

OKC Zoo offers daily opportunities for guests to engage with its animal keepers called “Ask A Keeper”. These free, informal chats allow guests to ask questions about the Zoo’s wildlife and their counterparts in nature from the experts themselves–our keepers. Our animal keepers are everyday heroes dedicated to protecting and conserving our world’s wildlife and wild places. “Ask A Keeper” signage will be posted on grounds and the schedule includes the following animal areas:

  • 10 a.m.: Wallaby (Children’s Zoo)
  • 10:30 a.m.: Galapagos tortoise (Island Life)
  • 11:30 a.m.: Big Rivers Aquarium (Oklahoma Trails)
  • 1:30 p.m.: Great Escape
  • 2 p.m.: Asian Elephant Presentation (Sanctuary Asia, elephant pavilion)
  • 2:30 p.m.: Red panda (Sanctuary Asia)
  • 3 p.m.: Southern cassowary (Sanctuary Asia)

ONGOING: CAMEL RIDES AT THE OKC ZOO

OKC Zoo guests can add to their zooventure with a camel ride on one of three dromedary camels, Fred, Bill or Mongo. The $6 tickets to ride may be purchased on-site at the camel ride area. Rides will take place daily from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (weather permitting) and children under 6 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Other rules are posted at the habitat. Camel rides are not included in the Zoo-It-All or Ride-It-All packages.

ONGOING: OKC ZOO SPRING/SUMMER ATTRACTION SCHEDULE

Immerse yourself in all there is to do and see at the OKC ZOO! OKC Zoo rides and attractions are operational weather permitting. The following schedules can be made and all are subject to change without notice.

  • Centennial Choo Choo:  All aboard! Daily rides from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $3 per person. Children two and under free.
  • Children’s Zoo Barn: Meet and greet the Zoo’s goats and sheep. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Free to experience. 
  • Elephant Express Tram: Rides offered daily 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with four stops in the park. All day bracelets are $6 per person. Children two and under free.
  • Endangered Species Carousel: Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $3 per person.
  • Explorikeet Feedings (Children’s Zoo): Guests have the unique opportunity to feed and interact with our colorful lorikeets. $3 per person to feed. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This experience closes for a “bird break” from 1-1:30 p.m.
  • Giraffe Feeding Platform: Our giraffes are waiting to greet you! Daily feeding opportunities at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Cost is $5 per person.
  • Sea Lion Presentations: These engaging presentations offer “fin”tastic fun for all ages. Daily presentations at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the Zoo’s Sea Lion Presentation Stadium. Cost is $4 per person. Children two and under are free.
  • Stingray Bay: Add a splash of fun to your day with a stop at Stingray Bay! Cost is $3 per person with paid Zoo admission. Children two and under are free. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

ONGOING: OKC ZOO’S WILD ENCOUNTERS

The Oklahoma City Zoo provides you with an exclusive peek at what happens behind the Zoo scene with Wild Encounters! Wild Encounters are unique experiences that let you see some of your favorite Zoo animals in up-close ways like never before. Follow our expert animal keepers backstage to learn more about the animal’s unique personalities, stories. Wild Encounters are available daily and each experience comes with a souvenir lanyard! Wild Encounters are also a great gift idea for any occasion. Participants must be 6 years of age or older. Prices range from $41–$79 per person depending on the encounter. ZOOfriends’ members receive $11 discount per encounter. Contact Guest Services at (405) 425-0262 for reservations.

Save these dates for Zoo happenings in July:

  • ZOOfriends Capture the Wild Photo Contest (Monday, July 1 through Wednesday, July 31)
  • Independence Day (Thursday, July 4 / 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.): The Zoo is open on Independence Day, regular admission applies.
  • American Red Cross Blood Drive at the OKC Zoo (Saturday, July 6 / 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.): To learn more, visit www.redcrossblood.org.
  • Sales Tax Appreciation Day (Tuesday, July 9 / 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.): Held annually on the second Tuesday of July, in recognition of Oklahoma City citizens passing a 1/8 of a cent dedicated sales tax to the Zoo in 1990, admission to the Zoo is free for guests of all ages.
  • World Chimp Day (Sunday, July 14 / 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.): Join us for this special day presented by Bob Moore Subaru to learn more about chimpanzees and what you can to help protect them.
  • Bowling for Rhinos Fundraiser at Heritage Lanes, OKC (Saturday, July 27 / 6-9 p.m.): Help save wild rhino populations with the roll of a bowling ball!

Go wild this summer at the OKC Zoo! The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, Oklahoma City’s Adventure District and an Adventure Road partner. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Regular admission is $11 for adults and $8 for children ages 3-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free. Stay up-to-date with the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and by visiting the Zoo’s Blog. To learn more about these and other happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.org.