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.

It’s art gone WILD at the Zoo! Join us for an exciting opportunity to meet a special animal up close and paint its portrait. An art instructor will guide everyone to create their own masterpiece as both kids and adults meet some amazing animals at the Zoo! Supplies will be provided.

Space is limited. This program is designed for families with children ages 5 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Advance registration is required.

Cost: $18 per person - Zoo admission is not included or required for this event.

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

Have you ever wondered what happens after everyone leaves the zoo? Just because our guests and staff leave for the night, doesn’t mean things are any less wild. Get to see many of your favorite animals prowling and calling in ways you’ve never heard before.

Explore the zoo with an experienced night owl staff who know their way around in the dark by booking a private tour to learn about the adaptations and personalities of our nocturnal critters, as well as meet some animals up-close. Reservations for the private tours are required 1 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

Have you ever wondered what happens after everyone leaves the zoo? Just because our guests and staff leave for the night, doesn’t mean things are any less wild. Get to see many of your favorite animals prowling and calling in ways you’ve never heard before.

Explore the zoo with an experienced night owl staff who know their way around in the dark by booking a private tour to learn about the adaptations and personalities of our nocturnal critters, as well as meet some animals up-close. Reservations for the private tours are required 1 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.

It’s art gone WILD at the Zoo! Join us for an exciting opportunity to meet a special animal up close and paint its portrait. An art instructor will guide everyone to create their own masterpiece as both kids and adults meet some amazing animals at the Zoo! Supplies will be provided.

Space is limited. This program is designed for families with children ages 5 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required.

Cost: $18 per person - Zoo admission is not included or required for this event.

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 August 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

Tickets sold on Eventbrite and at the Zoo Admission Office.

Washington Park Zoo Members tickets are 50% off with a special pass that must be picked up at the Zoo Office before October 15th.

Enjoy the last day of the season.