Celebrate the winter season with Military Appreciation Month, Santa events, wild gift-giving ideas, family-friendly activities, education programs, day camps and more
NOVEMBER–DECEMBER: ZOOFRIENDS MERRY MEMBERSHIP BUNDLE
This holiday season, there’s no better gift than 12 months of fun at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden! Save $10 when your purchase ZOOfriends Merry Membership Bundle during November and December. You will receive everything you need for the perfect present–in addition to the year-long Family membership, the Merry Membership Bundle includes a stuffed animal plush, animal adoption certificate, and holiday card… all festively packaged and ready to gift! Plus, your purchase supports the OKC Zoo, its animals and conservation efforts. The Merry Membership Bundle is only available in-person at the ZOOfriends Membership Office located in the Zoo’s entry plaza. For questions, call (405) 425-0618.
NOVEMBER 1–30: OKC ZOO SALUTES: MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH
For their service and sacrifice, the OKC Zoo is honoring active duty, retired, veteran members of the military, National Guard and Reserves with free Zoo admission for the entire month of November as part of military appreciation month. Plus, up to four immediate family members will receive 50% off of general Zoo admission on date of visit. Military members must show valid military ID to receive complimentary general admission. Military members will also enjoy the following in-park discounts throughout November:
- 40% off concessions and merchandise at the Zoo’s Safari Gift Shop.
- $10 off all available Wild Encounter experiences.
During November, guests will have the opportunity to collect the OKC Zoo’s newest conservation wristband featuring bison! Get your limited-edition red, white and blue marble wristband designed for the bison, America’s National Mammal. Wristbands are $2 each with all proceeds supporting conservation. For additional information about Military Appreciation Month at the Zoo, click here.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2: NATIONAL BISON DAY PRESENTED BY BOB MOORE SUBARU
Have you herd? The Oklahoma City Zoo is celebrating National Bison Day, presented locally by Bob Moore Subaru, on Saturday, November 2. Join us as we honor the iconic bison, America’s official National Mammal and the cultural, economic and environmental role it has played in our country’s history. Guests will have an opportunity to learn more about the Zoo’s bison–Mary Ann, Yarrow and Verbena and the collective efforts being taken to preserve these majestic animals and their natural habitats both locally and nationally. Make your way to the bison habitat (near the Joan Kirkpatrick Animal Hospital) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., enjoy animal enrichment activities, information stations, photo opportunities and more–all free with Zoo admission. Show your wildlife pride and with the new bison conservation wristband available for purchase during the event. This limited-edition design is available during November only. Cost is $2 per wristband with all proceeds supporting conservation. To learn more, click here.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4: SEASONAL HOURS BEGIN FOR OKC ZOO RIDES, ATTRACTIONS
All your wild winter adventures await at the Oklahoma City Zoo. With the seasonal change, the OKC Zoo has implemented new hours for its rides and attractions. Check out the Zoo’s updated schedule, which includes the Zoo’s rides and attractions such as lorikeet and giraffe feedings at okczoo.org.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11: VETERANS DAY, THE OKC ZOO IS OPEN FROM 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23: RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
The Oklahoma City Zoo and the American Red Cross are coming together for Oklahomans, hosting a community blood drive on Saturday, November 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Zoo’s education center located at the east end of the parking lot. Donors 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. Participation is free and appointments are not required. To learn more about donating blood and the requirements to give, visit www.redcrossblood.org.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28: THANKSGIVING DAY, THE OKC ZOO IS CLOSED.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29–SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22: OKC ZOO’S HOLIDAY GIFT MARKET
Embrace the heart of the holiday season and surprise the wildlife lovers in your life with meaningful gifts from the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden. By purchasing your presents from the OKC Zoo you are helping support animal and habitat conservation efforts locally and globally. From festive finds like conservation coffee to OKC Zoo Poo “stocking stuffer packs” to original animal art, there’s something for everyone on your list. Shop the OKC Zoo’s Holiday Gift Market each weekend from Friday, November 29 through Sunday, December 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Enjoy complimentary gift wrapping on all your Holiday Market purchases. To learn more, visit okczoo.org.
WEEKENDS IN DECEMBER: OKC ZOO HOSTS BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Kick off the ho-ho holiday season with the big, jolly guy himself, Santa! Discover the magic of the
Oklahoma City Zoo’s new Breakfast with Santa and experience a festive morning of merry memories, fun delights and most importantly meeting Santa Claus! Guests will enjoy a delicious hot breakfast buffet, a hot chocolate bar, cookie decorating for kids, a special sea lion presentation and little ones will be wide-eyed as they get their picture taken with Santa. Make plans to attend the OKC Zoo’s Breakfast with Santa events occurring over the course of three weekends in December: 7-8; 14-15; and 21-22. Choose from two event sessions each day, 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. being held in the Zoo’s Canopy Restaurant. The cost is $33.99/adult and $27.99/child (3-11), seniors (65+) for non-members and includes admission; or, $22.99/adult and $19.99/children (3-11), seniors (65+) for ZOOfriends members. For additional information about Breakfast with Santa or to make your online reservations, click here.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2: CYBER MONDAY SPECIAL FOR ZOOFRIENDS MEMBERSHIP TO THE OKC ZOO
Save the date! On Cyber Monday, December 2, ZOOfriends has a special savings just for you on your purchases or renewals of memberships to the OKC Zoo. This discount only applies to memberships purchased online at zoofriends.org.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13: OKC ZOO’S ANNUAL SANTA DELIVERS
Santa is going on a gift-giving safari to the Oklahoma City Zoo! Be there for Santa Delivers, the OKC Zoo’s annual holiday tradition, and watch as Santa Claus delivers enrichment presents to his wildlife friends at the Zoo’s Sanctuary Asia. Animals will receive approved, edible “presents” and treats including popcorn balls and animal-friendly holiday cookies on Friday, December 13 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. As part of the festivities, guests will enjoy free hot chocolate and doughnuts while supplies last. Bring your cameras and your smiles.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25: CHRISTMAS DAY, THE OKC ZOO CLOSED.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31: OKC ZOO’S NOON YEAR’S DAY PARTY
Let the countdown to a wild ZOO year begin! It’s fun for the entire family with the OKC Zoo’s Noon Year’s Day Party on Tuesday, December 31 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Zoo’s Canopy Restaurant. Party goers will enjoy making festive hats, face painting, dancing/DJ, photo opportunities and more. This event is free with Zoo admission.
ONGOING: OKC ZOO’S EDUCATION PROGRAMS
This November and December, nature enthusiasts of all ages have an opportunity to feel connected to the Zoo’s animals through unique educational experiences. Pre-registration is required in advance of program date. For more information, call (405) 425-0218 or visit www.okczoo.org/education.
BOY SCOUTS AND GIRL SCOUTS PROGRAM
- The OKC Zoo invites young explorers to learn about the wild world around them. The Zoo’s education team is offering a number of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts programs this November and December. Pre-registration and pre-payment is required.
CUB CLUB TODDLER PROGRAMS
- FABULOUS FROGS (NOV. 13, 21 & 23): Hop into Cub Club to learn about fabulous frogs and their habitats through activities and meeting a live frog ambassador. Dates: Wed., Nov. 13; Thurs., Nov. 21 and Sat., Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. each day.
- TALENTED TORTOISES (DEC. 11, 19 & 21): Shellebrate talented tortoises with activities, story time, crafts and an interactive with a live tortoise ambassador. Dates: Wed., Dec. 11; Thurs., Dec. 19 and Sat., Dec. 21 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. each day.
- 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. Dates: Fri., Nov. 1; Fri., Nov. 8; Fri., Nov. 15; and Fri., Nov. 22. Cost is $12/person for ZOOfriends members, $15/person for non-members. Ages 4 & up. Children must have a responsible adult in attendance with them.
HOMESCHOOL PROGRAMS
- Calling all explorers for the Zoo’s Homeschool Program, Around the World Series! Discover animals around the world with animal encounters, Zoo exhibit tours, and hands on activities. Ages: 4-5 yrs., 6-7 yrs., 8-12 yrs. (separate age groups). Cost is $10/student for ZOOfriends members, $12/student for non-members. Only registered participants with one adult are allowed in class. However, adults are not required to stay. Children of different age groups, must be enrolled separately into proper age groups.
- Around the World Series: South America – Thur., Nov. 7 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. / Fri., Nov. 8 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. or 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Around the World Series: Asia – Thur., Dec. 5 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. / Fri., Dec. 6 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. or 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- From becoming a frogsicle to digging a den, animals are excellent at surviving the blustery winter months. Bundle up, grab your hot cocoa and snooze next to the bears during this chillingly fun family overnight event at the OKC Zoo. Fri., Dec. 13 through Sat., Dec. 14, 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. Cost is $35/child, $20/adult. Evening snack and light breakfast will be provided plus, Zoo admission included. Age limit: 4 and up. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
SCHOOL’S OUT DAY CAMPS: NOV. 25-27 / DEC. 23, 27 AND 30
School’s Out Day Camp at the OKC Zoo offer a variety of unique activities during school holiday including Zoo tours, up-close animal visits, crafts and games. Snacks are provided, but campers must bring their lunch. Ages 4-11 welcome. Advanced registration and payment required. All campers are required to bring a copy of their immunizations. Camp runs 8:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m. Drop-off at Education Center from 8-8:30 a.m. Cost per child per day is $40 (ZOOfriends members) or $45 (non-members). To learn more about this program and register, click here.
ONGOING: EYE SPY SAFARI FOR KIDS PRESENTED BY DEAN MCGEE EYE INSTITUTE
What will you spy with your little eye? Presented by Dean McGee Eye Institute, Eye Spy Safari for Kids is a free, interactive activity for children ages 3-11 to experience while exploring the OKC Zoo. Eye Spy Safari cards are available at the Zoo’s Guest Services and ZOOfriends’ offices. Each child who completes their “Eye Spy” scratch-off card will receive a prize. Prizes are available at the Safari Shop located in the entry plaza. Participation is free with Zoo admission.
ONGOING: BINOCULAR BORROW PROGRAM PRESENTED BY DEAN MCGEE EYE INSTITUTE
The Binocular Borrow program presented by Dean McGee Eye Institute provides OKC Zoo 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: 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 the holidays. 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.
ONGOING: OKC ZOO’s “ASK A Keeper”
Discover a new way to learn about the Oklahoma City Zoo’s animal family from the experts who care for them. OKC Zoo offers free, daily opportunities for guests to engage with its animal keepers called “Ask A Keeper” and ask questions about the Zoo’s wildlife and commitment to conservation. The “Ask A Keeper” 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.: Stingray Bay
- 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)
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2020: NEW YEAR’S DAY, THE OKC ZOO IS OPEN FROM 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M.
Find yuletide cheer this time of year at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden! Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the Oklahoma City Zoo 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, Instagram and YouTube by visiting Our Stories. Zoo fans can support the OKC Zoo by becoming Oklahoma Zoological Society members at ZOOfriends.org or in-person at the Zoo! To learn more about these and other happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.org.