Make way for an exciting May with Dinosaur Expedition, Breakfast with the Animals, Sip and Stroll, Bird Awareness Day, Stroller Meet Ups, and more!

 

OPEN DAILY THROUGH NOVEMBER 1: OKC ZOO’S DINOSAUR EXPEDITION PRESENTED BY MATHIS HOME

Dinosaur Expedition brings prehistoric wonders to life at the Oklahoma City Zoo! Dinosaur Expedition, presented by Mathis Home, is an immersive exhibit that connects people to the age of dinosaurs as they discover over 60 life-sized animatronics dinosaurs, dino skeletons, and interactive fossil digs throughout the exhibit walkway. Dinosaur Expedition also features 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. These rides will only be available for the duration of Dinosaur Expedition and additional costs apply. Single entry tickets to Dinosaur Expedition are $9 per person ages 3 and up ($7 for ZOOfriends members). General Zoo admission is also required. Single rides are $6, or try a ride package with three rides for $15. Guests can bundle their experiences for additional savings by purchasing an “adventure ticket” which includes unlimited same-day entry to Dinosaur Expedition, Explorikeet feedings, and Endangered Species Carousel rides for $15 per person ages 3 and up (or $12 per person for ZOOfriends members). ZOOfriends members can keep the fun roaring with a Season Pass at just $28 per person for unlimited visits. Dinosaur Expedition is located adjacent to the Zoo’s Jungle Gym Playground and will be open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Sunday, November 1, 2026. Dinosaur Expedition sponsors include Mathis Home, Continental Resources, Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, Mike Ura, Primrose Schools, Michael Melott, and Red Dirt Orthodontics.

 

 

TICKETS ON SALE FOR THE 5TH ANNUAL OKC ZOO GALA

The Oklahoma Zoological Society is hosting the fifth annual OKC Zoo Gala: Making Tracks, presented by Expand Energy, on Friday, June 5, 2026. This anticipated event of the summer is a celebration of wildlife and conservation, and one that should not be missed. The unforgettable evening will bring focus to the OKC Zoo’s statewide education program, Making Tracks presented by Bob Moore Subaru, and its goal of creating meaningful Zoo experiences for every third grader across Oklahoma. Chaired by Pama Palmer, the Gala will also honor incredible trailblazers making a lasting impact including Bob Moore Auto Group and Bob Moore Subaru, Julie Hall, and OG&E. Tickets are limited and available now at www.ozsgiving.org/zoogala.

 

 

SATURDAY MORNINGS IN MAY: BREAKFAST WITH THE ANIMALS

Make reservations for the Oklahoma City Zoo’s wild brunch experience, Breakfast with the Animals! Join us Saturday mornings in May for a hearty all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, engaging activities, and wildlife encounters in the spectacular setting of the Zoo’s Expedition Africa. Tickets are on sale now for these morning excursions happening on Saturday, May 2nd, May 9th (Mother's Day Weekend), May 16th, May 23rd (Memorial Day Weekend), and May 30th, starting each morning at 8:30 a.m. Breakfast includes French toast bread pudding, yogurt, biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, and bacon. Guests can also participate in an animal feeding of their choice with either a giraffe, Galapagos tortoise, or flamingo. Event tickets include Zoo admission, breakfast, animal ambassador presentations, activities, and an animal feeding, and start at $31 with discounts available for ZOOfriends members. Breakfast with the Animals is an event with a purpose as $2 from every ticket sold goes to gorilla conservation. OKC Zoo is grateful to our partners, Scooter's Coffee and Chick-fil-A, for their support of Breakfast with the Animals. Seating is limited and first come, first served. Purchase tickets at okczoo.org/breakfast.

 

 

SATURDAY, MAY 2: SAFE KIDS AND ASTHMA AWARENESS DAY RETURNS TO THE OKC ZOO

Safe Kids Oklahoma is excited to bring Safe Kids Day back to the Oklahoma City Zoo on Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to noon. This family-friendly event features a safety scavenger safari with a bike giveaway plus interactive and safety-themed activities suitable for all ages, happening near the Zoo’s Jungle Gym Playground. Safe Kids Day is an opportunity to raise awareness and share resources for staying safe at home, during play, and on the go. Activities are free with Zoo admission. Safe Kids Oklahoma was founded in 1989 and is led by Bethany Children’s Health Center.

The morning also includes Asthma Awareness Day activities from 9 a.m. to noon, dedicated to raising asthma awareness among children. The goal of the Bethany Children’s Respiratory Therapy department is to provide essential education, valuable resources, hands-on training, and information for families to manage asthma effectively. We are excited to empower you with the knowledge and tools needed for the well-being of your children. There will be games, prizes, and giveaways! For more information, visit safekids.org or safekidsok.org.

 

 

SATURDAY, MAY 2: OKC ZOO PRESENTS BIRD AWARENESS DAY ACTIVITIES FROM 9:30 A.M. TO NOON

Wildlife fans get ready for a new season of Oklahoma City Zoo’s Animal Awareness Days, on the first Saturday of each month May through October, and the opportunity to learn more about the Zoo’s wildlife from our animal experts. The season debuts with Bird Awareness Day on Saturday, May 2, 2026, and the chance to connect with the Zoo’s avian caretakers about the bird species who call the OKC Zoo home. Did you know that tens of millions of birds migrate through Oklahoma in May as part of their spring migration? Learn about this phenomenon and more by taking part the morning’s activities planned throughout Dan Moran Aviary, Lakeside Grottos, and the Children’s Zoo presented by Primrose Schools. Be sure to grab one of 500 free water bottles sponsored by Shape Your Future and TSET (Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust). Event activities are free with Zoo admission and scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

 

 

SUNDAY, MAY 3: OKC ZOOFRIENDS PASSPORT PERK, FREE CAROUSEL RIDES

The Oklahoma City Zoo’s Passport Perks are coming around again with free rides on the Zoo’s Endangered Species Carousel on Sunday, May 3. These monthly Passport Perks are exclusive for ZOOfriends, featuring a range of special offers and giveaways. May's perk is one per person on Passport. Monthly Passport Perks are subject to availability, animal participation, and weather conditions. See the full Passport Perks calendar and mark your calendar for our upcoming dates.

 

 

SUNDAY, MAY 3: OKC ZOO HOSTS SENSORY-FRIENDLY HOUR FOR DINOSAUR EXPEDITION

The Oklahoma City Zoo will host a Sensory-Friendly hour for Dinosaur Expedition, presented by Mathis Home, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. During this hour, guests will experience 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.

 

 

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6 AND TUESDAY, MAY 19: MERCY STROLLER MEET UPS AT THE OKC ZOO

Grab the stroller and roll out to the Oklahoma City Zoo for a free Stroller Meet Up presented by Mercy!  The OKC Zoo and Mercy are hosting Stroller Meet Ups on Wednesday, May 6 and Tuesday, May 19, starting at 8:30 a.m. These fun outings are ideal for parents with stroller-aged kiddos offering time to talk with Mercy experts about pediatric care and explore the Zoo. Participation includes general Zoo admission and is free with advance registration. Events will be held rain or shine. Reservations can made at Stroller Meet Ups presented by Mercy.

 

 

FRIDAY EVENINGS, MAY 8, 15, & 22: SIP AND STROLL, 21+ EVENT SERIES

Sip and Stroll, the Oklahoma City Zoo’s popular series of evening events for adults 21 and older, returns for six nights in May and June. Revelers will discover wildlife, delicious bites, flavorful cocktails and mocktails, and entertainment while supporting the Zoo’s conservation programs. Sip and Stroll is set for Friday evenings including May 8, 15, and 22 as well as June 12, 19, and 26, from 6 to 10 p.m. each night. Sip and Stroll is a relaxing way to experience the Zoo, see wondrous wildlife, and connect with friends and loved ones. While strolling the grounds, guests can quench their thirst at numerous bars and grab tasty sweet and savory treats. Sip and Stroll is also a conservation event with $2 of every ticket sold going to the OKC Zoo’s conservation program, Round Up for Conservation. The June 19 Sip and Stroll will celebrate PRIDE and feature a community station with representatives from LGBTQIA2S+ organizations, and a PRIDE performance at the Lotus Pavilion. General admission for Sip and Stroll is $25 per person for nonmembers and $20 per person for ZOOfriends members. Tickets and food and drink packages are on sale now at www.okczoo.org/sipandstroll.

 

 

SUNDAY, MAY 10: OKC ZOO CELEBRATES MOTHER’S DAY WITH FREE WATER BOTTLE GIVEAWAY

Celebrate mom on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, with a visit to the Oklahoma City Zoo and a free gift, too. Moms receive a free water bottle sponsored by Shape Your Future and TSET (Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust) while supplies last. Regular Zoo hours and admission apply on Mother’s Day.

 

 

SUNDAY, MAY 17: TOUCH-A-TRUCK EVENT AT THE OKC ZOO

The Oklahoma City Zoo, in partnership with EMSA, invites the community to a Touch-A-Truck event on Sunday, May 17, from noon to 4 p.m., in celebration of National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week. This activity is free and open to the public and will be setup in front of the Zoo’s Conservation Education Center. Regular admission applies to enter the Zoo. On Sunday, May 17, EMS employees will receive $10 general Zoo admission. Qualifying guests must present a valid work ID or badge at the OKC Zoo’s ticket windows upon arrival to receive complimentary admission which is valid on May 17 only. To learn more about the Zoo or purchase tickets visit, www.okczoo.org.

 

 

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

Morning safaris await! Oklahoma City Zoo ZOOfriends members can take advantage of Early Mornings hours and exploring the Zoo before it’s open to the public. Beginning Saturday, May 23 and continuing through Labor Day, Monday, September 7, the Zoo will open at 8:30 a.m. for ZOOfriends members. The Zoo will open for all other guests at 9 a.m. Purchase or renew ZOOfriends memberships online at www.okczoo.org/membership.

 

 

ONGOING: ART GONE WILD PIECES MAKE UNIQUE GIFTS

The Oklahoma City Zoo’s Art Gone Wild pieces are unique, thoughtful gifts that are ideal for any occasion. The Zoo has an assortment of new paintings available for purchase that have been created by members of our animal family. Each piece is original and designed with custom color palettes that change seasonally. Canvases range in size from 6-by-6 inches for $35 all the way up to massive 30-by-40 inches pieces for $300, and are displayed in the Zoo’s Guest Experience Office in the entry plaza. Don’t wait too long, because Art Gone Wild paintings always sell out fast!

 

 

ONGOING: LIGHTS OUT OKLAHOMA TO PROTECT MIGRATORY BIRDS

The OKC Zoo, a partner in the Oklahoma Animal Coalition, is asking Oklahomans to turn out non-essential outdoor lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. during the spring migration season, happening now through May. Excessive outdoor lighting confuses birds as they migrate through Oklahoma, separating them from their families, causing collisions with buildings and powerlines, and getting lost in dangerous environments. To learn more about LIGHTS OUT OKLAHOMA visit LIGHTS OUT OKLAHOMA.

 

 

ONGOING: OKC ZOO SUMMER CAMP ENROLLMENT IS OPEN

Enrollment is now open for the Oklahoma City Zoo’s award-winning Summer Camp program. The Zoo’s camp program is built around five thoughtfully designed themed weeks, each offering its own blend of discovery, creativity, and wildlife learning, created for kids ages 5-17. Camp themes include Zooperheroes, Not-So-Creepy Crawlies, Camp Eco-Logical, and more. Class sizes are limited, so register early. Each week-long day camp is $300 per camper ($270 per camper for ZOOfriends members). Visit okczoo.org/summer-camps-2026 to learn more and sign up. If you're seeking summer camp care for early childhood children ages 2-4, please get in touch with preschool@okczoo.org or call (405) 425-0597 to explore enrollment options. To learn more about our early childhood programs, visit okczoo.org/preschool.

 

 

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

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 May 23 through September 7, and attraction hours 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.

 

 

The OKC Zoo is located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35 and a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, and Oklahoma City’s Adventure District. The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with last entry at 4 p.m. Purchase Zoo admission in advance at okczoo.org/tickets to avoid the entry lines. Stay in the know on all things OKC Zoo on Facebook, Instagram, Linktree, TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories.

 

Experience the OKC Zoo as only a ZOOfriends member can! With a ZOOfriends membership, enjoy free general admission to the Zoo for 12 months, plus additional benefits and discounts. You will also be supporting the Zoo’s animal family, education programming, and conservation initiatives both locally and globally. Join or renew today at okczoo.org/membership.