Special Events

Join us for opening day and the start of another great year!

Spend a special day making memories that will last a lifetime. The Washington Park Zoo will offer free admission for all mothers and grandmothers with a paid child admission.

Military members are honored with free admission all day with proper ID for active duty, retired military, DOD civilians, and reserve/guard members.

Explore the WPZoo after our normal hours as the animals wind down under the cooler setting sun temperatures. We are extending the visiting hours for this two part summer event series. Although the Observation Tower will be closed during the event, the Gift Shop and Concessions will be open until 7 pm for visitors. No reservations are needed and regular admission fees apply.


Looking for something extra special? Consider booking a private tour to learn about the adaptations and personalities of our critters, as well as meet some animals up-close. Extra fee will apply

Reservations for the private tours are required 2 week in advance, please email jhuss@emichigancity.com.

Spend a special day making memories that will last a lifetime. The Washington Park Zoo will offer free admission for all fathers and grandfathers with a paid admission.

Advance registration is required starting on April 3rd.

• June 17-20 • June 24-27
• July 8-11 • July 15-18
• July 22-25 • July 29 - Aug 1

Explore the WPZoo after our normal hours as the animals wind down under the cooler setting sun temperatures. We are extending the visiting hours for this two part summer event series. Although the Observation Tower will be closed during the event, the Gift Shop and Concessions will be open until 7 pm for visitors. No reservations are needed and regular admission fees apply.


Looking for something extra special? Consider booking a private tour to learn about the adaptations and personalities of our critters, as well as meet some animals up-close. Extra fee will apply

Reservations for the private tours are required 2 week in advance, please email jhuss@emichigancity.com.

Spend a special day making memories that will last a lifetime. The Washington Park Zoo will offer free admission for all grandparents with a paid admission.

A safe trick-or-treating experience for your ghosts and goblins! Area businesses sponsor booths along the decorated zoo paths and hand out candy to the kids. This is a new format with an all day open session with two check in lines:

VIP paper ticket will go on sale May 1st and these ticket holders will be able to get into the zoo starting at 10:00 am. Tickets must be picked up at the zoo admission.

Eventbrite tickets will go on sale on Sept 3rd. We ask that you please print your tickets in advance to help the line go faster and this line will open at 10:30 a.m.

Tickets availability is limited the event and this event will sell out, so advance tickets are recommended.

Regular Admission Fees apply

Washington Park Zoo Members tickets must be picked up at the Zoo Office before October 15th.

Explore a winters day at the WPZoo