Potter Park Zoo

Just Chillin' Enrichment Event
2022-08-20 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Potter Park Zoo, Potter Park Zoo, Lansing, MI, 48912, United States
What: Just Chillin’ Enrichment Event
When: Saturday, August 20, 1 – 3 PM
Where: Potter Park Zoo
Price: Included with admission
How do our zoo animals keep their cool during the heat of summer? Think ice! We’ve made special themed enrichment for the animals, and we invite you to join us and see what the animals do with them.
These events are great for people of all ages to attend. Animals can be most active when interacting with enrichment. Join us for the fun, no registration required!
Enrichment Schedule:
1:00 – Otters
1:15 – Wolves
1:30 – Ravens
1:45 – Tiger
2:00 – Anteater
2:15 – Rhinos
2:30 – Spider Monkeys
2:45 – Lemurs
3:00 – Kangaroos

7th Annual Bowling for Rhinos Fundraiser
2022-08-19 18:30 - 21:00
What: Bowling for Rhinos Fundraiser

When: Friday, August 19, 6:30 – 9 PM

Where: City Limits East, 2120 East Saginaw Highway, East Lansing, MI 48823

This is Potter Park Zoo’s AAZK 7th Annual Bowling for Rhinos event, back after a two-year Covid break. Zookeepers from around the United States and Canada donate their time and skills to run these events allowing every penny raised to help endangered species such as rhinos, cheetahs, elephants, and tigers. The Bowling for Rhinos event is a fun way to help a such a significant cause.
This year’s bowling tickets are organized with the goal of keeping participants bowling in their own personal groups. Participants enjoy an individual lane of bowling for up to 6 people for two hours, a 2 topping Pizza, pitcher of pop, t-shirts, and entertainment in the name of conservation. Come join the fun!
Event Sponsor
Visions of Wildlife

T-Shirt Sponsors
Joey’s Pet Outfitters

Preuss Pets

Art’s Pub

Zoo Nights #4 (21+)
2022-08-18 17:00 - 20:00
What: Zoo Nights #4
When: Aug. 18, 2022, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Potter Park Zoo
For our 21+ guests:
Zoo Nights is a casual, happy hour style event that will feature tastes from local restaurants and beverage companies. Take the opportunity to see the zoo after-hours, visit with the animals, and enjoy yard games with friends all while savoring tasty treats!
Vendors will include:
Michigan Made Treats
Texas Roadhouse
Outback Steakhouse
Saugatuck Brewing Company

Sierra Rose Hard Cider
Archival Brewings
Red Cedar Spirits
Dan Henry Distributing
Tickets are $15 for zoo member and $20 for non-members. Each guest will receive three drink tickets upon entry, with additional tickets available for purchase.
Purchase tickets HERE

Members Night 2022
2022-08-10 17:00 - 20:00
This one of a kind event for Potter Park Zoo members is filled with animal education stations, kids activities, keeper/animal care talks, and more! A light meal (hotdog, chips, drink and a treat) is also included. This annual event celebrates the contribution members make to the future of the zoo.
JOIN THE FUN!
Member RSVP is required for this event. Registration closes Tuesday, August 9 at 5 p.m.
BECOME A POTTER PARK ZOO MEMBER NOW – HERE!

OR… if you want to see what this is all about first…
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY FOR NON-MEMBERS!
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a Potter Park Zoo member, now is your chance to find out! Those attendees who purchase a ticket can have the total deducted from a membership purchase made within 2 weeks after the event. Offer is valid through Aug. 24, 2022.
NON-MEMBER TICKETS AVAILABLE – HERE!

Sundown Safari Camping
2022-08-06 18:30 - 2022-08-07 09:30
What: Sundown Safari Camping
When: Aug. 6, 6:30 p.m. – Aug.7, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Potter Park Zoo
Have you ever wanted to spend the night at the zoo? Now’s your chance! Potter Park Zoo is offering an opportunity for families and small groups to come experience the zoo after dark. The cost is $40 per person for non-members and $35 for members.
Campers will take a guided tour of the zoo, enjoy s’mores around the campfire, watch a movie outdoors, and sleep under the stars! A continental breakfast and zoo admission the next day are included. Participants must provide their own gear (tent, sleeping bags, etc), and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Click HERE to register!

Sundown Safari Camping
2022-07-30 18:30 - 2022-07-31 09:30
What: Sundown Safari Camping
When: July 30, 6:30 p.m. – July 31, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Potter Park Zoo
Have you ever wanted to spend the night at the zoo? Now’s your chance! Potter Park Zoo is offering an opportunity for families and small groups to come experience the zoo after dark.
Campers will take a guided tour of the zoo, enjoy s’mores around the campfire, watch a movie outdoors, and sleep under the stars! A continental breakfast and zoo admission the next day are included. Participants must provide their own gear (tent, sleeping bags, etc), and children must be accompanied by an adult. The cost is $40 per person for non-members and $35 for members.

Click HERE to register!

Zoo Nights #3 (21+)
2022-07-21 17:00 - 20:00
What: Zoo Nights #3
When: July 21, 2022, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Potter Park Zoo
For our 21+ guests:
Zoo Nights is a casual, happy hour style event that will feature tastes from local restaurants and beverage companies. Take the opportunity to see the zoo after-hours, visit with the animals, and enjoy yard games with friends all while savoring tasty treats!
Vendors will include:
Texas Roadhouse
Outback Steakhouse

Saugatuck Brewing Company
Sierra Rose Hard Cider
Archival Brewings
Red Cedar Spirits
Dan Henry Distributing

Zoo Nights will occur July 21, and Aug 18. Tickets are $15 for zoo member and $20 for non-members. Each guest will receive three drink tickets upon entry, with additional tickets available for purchase.
Purchase tickets HERE

Zoo Days 2022
2022-07-12 09:00 - 2022-07-13 17:00
What: Zoo Days
When: July 12 & 13, 2022, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Potter Park Zoo
Tuesday, July 12 and Wednesday, July 13, enjoy admission to Potter Park Zoo for only $2! This family-friendly event will feature community partners with give-away items and take home activities. Of course, you can also pay a visit to our animal residents! Don’t forget to grab a complimentary popsicle on your way out!

4th of July: Military Members Enter Free
2022-07-04 09:00 - 17:00
Happy Independence Day! The zoo will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for all to enjoy!

This year we’d like to say thank you by offering free admission to Potter Park Zoo to all United States Military. Standard admission rates for the rest of your party. Can’t wait to see you at the zoo!

Sundown Safari Camping
2022-06-25 18:30 - 2022-06-26 09:30
What: Sundown Safari Camping
When: June 25, 6:30 p.m. – June 26, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Potter Park Zoo
Have you ever wanted to spend the night at the zoo? Now’s your chance! Potter Park Zoo is offering an opportunity for families and small groups to come experience the zoo after dark. The cost is $40 per person for non-members and $35 for members.
Campers will take a guided tour of the zoo, enjoy s’mores around the campfire, watch a movie outdoors, and sleep under the stars! A continental breakfast and zoo admission the next day are included. Participants must provide their own gear (tent, sleeping bags, etc), and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Click HERE to register!

Father's Day - All Dads Get Free Admission!
2022-06-19 09:00 - 17:00
What: Father’s Day
When: June 19, 2022, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Potter Park Zoo
Celebrate Father’s Day at the Zoo! All dads will receive FREE admission to Potter Park on June 19!
We hope to see you at the zoo!

Zoo Nights #2 (21+)
2022-06-16 17:00 - 20:00
What: Zoo Nights #2
When: June 16, 2022, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Potter Park Zoo
For our 21+ guests:
Zoo Nights is a casual, happy hour style event that will feature tastes from local restaurants and beverage companies. Take the opportunity to see the zoo after-hours, visit with the animals, and enjoy yard games with friends all while savoring tasty treats!
Vendors for this event will include:
Texas Roadhouse
McAlister’s Deli
Pizza House
Burgdorf Winery
Sierra Rose Hard Cider
Archival Brewing
Red Cedar Spirits
Dan Henry Distributing
Zoo Nights will occur July 21, and Aug 18. Tickets are $15 for zoo member and $20 for non-members. Each guest will receive three drink tickets upon entry, with additional tickets available for purchase.
Purchase tickets HERE

Volunteer Recruitment Event
2022-06-14 18:30 - 20:30
We’re looking for volunteer to help us create unforgettable experiences at the zoo!
Join us for a special Zoo Volunteering Info Night – Tuesday, June 14, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Potter Park Zoo! Learn about the different opportunities available and get all your questions answered.Find out more on our website → https://potterparkzoo.org/be-a-volunteer/
Can’t attend but still interested? Contact Kelly Gibson at ppzvolunteer@ingham.org.

World Migratory Bird Day 2022
2022-06-04 10:00 - 17:00
What: World Migratory Bird Day
When: June 4, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: Potter Park Zoo

Welcome spring! World Migratory Bird Day celebrates the seasonal migration of millions of birds from their southern wintering grounds back to North America. This year’s theme is “Dim the Lights for Birds at Night”, and focuses on the ways light pollution affects migrating birds.
Visit the zoo this Saturday, June 4 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. to participate in fun, family-friendly stations set up throughout the zoo and learn the importance of migratory birds (along with some simple practices you can use to help!)
Learn more: https://potterparkzoo.org/world-migratory-bird-day-2022/

Community partners this year include:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Michigan DNR- Wildlife Division
Michigan State Bird Observatory
Capital Area Audubon
Capital Area Astronomy Club and Fox Park Public Observatory

Read more: potterparkzoo.org/potter-park-zoo-celebrates-world-migratory-bird-day-2022/

Trivia for Turtles
2022-05-26 19:00 - 20:00
Calling all trivia fans – come test your skills for a good cause! Trivia for Turtles will occur May 26 at Potter Park Zoo, with live trivia, beverages and snacks, and a chance to compete for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes. All guests will gain optional early access to the zoo starting at 5:30 p.m., where educators will be on-site to provide conservation resources and information.

Entrance is $20 per person, with all profits benefiting the Turtle Survival Alliance and their work to conserve turtle species worldwide. Trivia will begin at 7 p.m. and run for an hour. Each guest must bring a cellular or wi-fi enabled device to participate.

Purchase your ticket below:
https://www.eventbrite.com/…/trivia-for-turtles-at…

Learn about the Turtle Survival Alliance and their work:
https://turtlesurvival.org/

Zoo Nights #1 (21+)
2022-05-12 17:00 - 20:00
What: Zoo Nights #1
When: May 12, 2022, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Potter Park Zoo
For our 21+ guests:
Zoo Nights is a casual, happy hour style event that will feature tastes from local restaurants and beverage companies. Take the opportunity to see the zoo after-hours, visit with the animals, and enjoy yard games with friends all while savoring tasty treats!
Vendors for this event will include:
Michigan Made Treats
Texas Roadhouse
Burgdorf Winery
Sierra Rose Hard Cider
Archival Brewings
Red Cedar Spirits
Dan Henry Distributing

Zoo Nights kicks off May 12, with following dates on June 16, July 21, and Aug 18. Tickets are $15 for zoo member and $20 for non-members. Each guest will receive three drink tickets upon entry, with additional tickets available for purchase.
Purchase tickets HERE

Mother's Day - All Moms Enter Free!
2022-05-08 09:00 - 17:00
What: Mother’s Day Celebration
When: May 8, 2022, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Potter Park Zoo
Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Potter Park Zoo. All moms will receive FREE admission Sunday, May 8.
We can’t wait to see you here at the zoo!

FrogWatch - 5/7
2022-05-07 15:00 - 18:00
Potter Park Zoo is inviting Michigan residents to join FrogWatch and become volunteer citizen scientists!
Amphibians are some of the most threatened animals on the planet and the anurans (frogs and toads) represent roughly 90 percent of all amphibian species. Their sensitivity to environmental change also makes them important indicators of environmental health, sparking numerous efforts to understand the causes and geographic distribution of their decline.
During our two sessions, volunteers will learn about basic amphibian biology, wetland habitats, and how to identify local frog and toads by their behavior and mating calls. As a citizen scientist, their observations will be uploaded to a national database. This is a great opportunity for adults and families alike to get outdoors and experience our native wildlife. Sign up for session 2 below!
Click to Sign up For Session 2
You do not have to be a frog or toad expert to be a FrogWatch volunteer! All you need is:

An interest in frogs and toads and a willingness to learn their calls
Ability to attend one of our two training sessions
A commitment to follow the standardized protocol to monitor a wetland site over multiple evenings throughout the breeding season (February – August)

FrogWatch training classes for 2022 will be offered at Potter Park Zoo April 30 at 1 p.m. and May 7 at 3 p.m. Children are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult.

FrogWatch – 4/30
2022-04-30 13:00 - 16:00
Potter Park Zoo is inviting Michigan residents to join FrogWatch and become volunteer citizen scientists!
Amphibians are some of the most threatened animals on the planet and the anurans (frogs and toads) represent roughly 90 percent of all amphibian species. Their sensitivity to environmental change also makes them important indicators of environmental health, sparking numerous efforts to understand the causes and geographic distribution of their decline.
During our two sessions, volunteers will learn about basic amphibian biology, wetland habitats, and how to identify local frog and toads by their behavior and mating calls. As a citizen scientist, their observations will be uploaded to a national database. This is a great opportunity for adults and families alike to get outdoors and experience our native wildlife.
Click to Sign up for Session 1!
Click to Sign up for Session 2!
You do not have to be a frog or toad expert to be a FrogWatch volunteer! All you need is:

An interest in frogs and toads and a willingness to learn their calls
Ability to attend one of our two training sessions
A commitment to follow the standardized protocol to monitor a wetland site over multiple evenings throughout the breeding season (February – August)

FrogWatch training classes for 2022 will be offered at Potter Park Zoo April 30 at 1 p.m. and May 7 at 3 p.m. Children are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult.

Arbor Day Celebration
2022-04-29 09:30 - 14:00
National Arbor Day is April 29, marking the 150th anniversary of this tree-tastic holiday! Potter Park Zoo will be celebrating from 9:30 a.m to 2 p.m. with activity and information tables presented by community partners and our fabulous PPZ volunteers. (activities included with admission). Learn about animals that live in the trees, how to identify different kinds of trees here in Michigan, make a pledge to protect trees, and more! All are welcome and teachers are encouraged to bring their students.

Potter Park Zoo Job Fair - 4/24
2022-04-24 11:00 - 16:00
Are you looking for your first job, a post-retirement pastime, or just want a fun place to work? We want you on the Potter Park Zoo team!
Join us Sunday, April 24 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Potter Park Zoo for an onsite interview with hiring managers for a variety of seasonal positions in customer service, zoo maintenance, and more. No application is required to attend! If you are unable to attend in person please email zoocontact@ingham.org to request an online interview. Visit www.potterparkzoo.org/job-openings for more detailed position information including wages and age requirements.

Party for the Planet 2022
2022-04-23 12:00 - 16:00
What: Party for the Planet
When: April 23, 2022, 12 – 4 p.m.
Where: Potter Park Zoo
Celebrate Earth Day at the zoo! Party for the Planet is North America’s largest Earth Day celebration, with more than 120 zoos and aquariums across the country participating. Explore conservation issues with hands-on activities, information and demonstrations around the zoo. What can you do to help the planet?

Party for the Planet is included in regular admission price on Saturday, April 23, 2022. Come out and celebrate with us!

Saving Species with Potter Park Zoo
2022-04-15 17:00 - 20:00
What: Saving Species with Potter Park Zoo – An MSU Science Festival featured event
When: Friday, April 15, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Where: Potter Park Zoo 1301 S. Pennsylvania Avenue Lansing, MI 48912
Come out to the zoo Friday, April 15 from 5 – 8 p.m. and
participate in our event, “Saving Species” as part of the annual MSU Science Festival! Visit your favorite animals and learn about the important work zoos do to save endangered species around the world, along with some simple things you can do every day to help.
This event is suitable for all ages, and admission is free! Learn more about the MSU Science Festival and all of its offering here: https://sciencefestival.msu.edu/
We hope to see you there!

Potter Park Zoo Job Fair - 3/27
2022-03-27 11:00 - 16:00
Are you looking for your first job, a post-retirement pastime, or just want a fun place to work? We want you on the Potter Park Zoo team!
Join us Thursday, March 24 and Sunday, March 27 at Potter Park Zoo for an onsite interview with hiring managers for a variety of seasonal positions in customer service, zoo maintenance, and more. No application is required to attend! If you are unable to attend in person please email zoocontact@ingham.org to request an online interview. Visit www.potterparkzoo.org for more detailed position information including wages and age requirements.

Potter Park Zoo Job Fair - 3/24
2022-03-24 12:00 - 18:00

Ice Safari, Feb. 19-20
2022-02-19 10:00 - 2022-02-20 16:00
What: Ice Safari
When: Feb. 12, 13, 19 & 20, 2022 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Potter Park Zoo
Visit the zoo and experience our Ice Safari! For four days only, a variety of animal ice carvings will be on display throughout the zoo. Conservation messaging attached to each sculpture will provide a fun and educational tour for all guests to enjoy. The installations will be supplied by Miller Ice Sculptures of Lansing. Live carvings will also be featured in the Green Space each day.
Never visited the zoo in the winter? Many of our animals thrive in the cold, and will be out and about for you to observe – bald eagles, wolves, otters, Arctic foxes, and the snow leopard to name a few.
Thank you to Liberty Tax of Lansing, Zepolla Innovations, Windemere Park Charter Academy and Lansing Charter Academy, and Outback Steakhouse for generously sponsoring our sculptures.
Reservations
To find tickets, manually adjust the dates in the search window. Walk-ups are also welcome! Note – Because Ice Safari is a special event, reciprocal member discounts will not apply during these weekends.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS
*Because tickets can only be ordered two weeks in advance, reservations for Feb. 19 & 20 will not be available until Saturday, Feb. 5.
Proceeds from this event will support Potter Park Zoo and its mission of inspiring the conservation of animals and the natural world.

Ice Safari, Feb. 12-13
2022-02-12 10:00 - 2022-02-13 16:00

Zoo Nights (With Lights) (21+)
2021-12-15 17:00 - 20:00
Bundle up and come out to our final Zoo Nights event of the year! This casual, happy hour-style event will feature holiday music and decór, and a variety of tastes from local restaurants and beverage companies. Take the opportunity to see the zoo after-hours, visit with the animals, and enjoy tasty treats under the glow of our dazzling holiday light display!
Tickets are $15 for zoo member and $20 for non-members. Each guest will receive three drink tickets upon entry, with additional tickets available for purchase. Vendors will include:
Burgdorf Winery
Sierra Rose Cider
Saugatuck Brewing
Red Cedar Spirits
Texas Roadhouse
Outback Steakhouse
Click below and join us! ⁠
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

*This event generously sponsored by BJ’s Wholesale Club. Coming Soon to Lansing, BJ’s offers unbeatable deals and convenient shopping options like same-day delivery and curbside pickup. Join now to save up to 25% on your family favorites. Visit BJs.com/Lansing to learn more.

Toys for Tots at Wonderland of Lights
2021-12-04 17:00 - 20:00
It’s our annual toy drive! Each person who brings in a new, unwrapped toy Dec. 4 will be admitted to Wonderland of Lights for FREE. Join your friends at the zoo to make this our most successful Toys for Tots night yet!

Thousands of lights create an extraordinary holiday display at the 27th annual Wonderland of Lights! Stroll around the zoo during a magical Michigan winter evening and take in the twinkling light displays across the zoo while holiday music plays. Grab a goodie bag for children to take home and enjoy as you leave the zoo.
RESERVE TICKETS – DECEMBER 4, SPECIAL TOYS FOR TOTS WONDERLAND OF LIGHTS

27th Annual Wonderland of Lights
2021-11-20 17:00 - 2021-12-26 20:00
What: 27th Annual Wonderland of Lights
When: Thursday through Sunday, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, November 20 – December 26 (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day)
Where: Potter Park Zoo
Thousands of lights create an extraordinary holiday display at the 27th annual Wonderland of Lights! Take a stroll around the zoo, enjoy holiday music, and marvel at the twinkling light displays during this series of magical Michigan winter evenings. Stop by the Savanna Grill for a bite to eat, and grab a goodie bag for children as you leave to take home and enjoy.
Admission rates charged at the gate are below:

$9 adults
$5 for kids 3-12, seniors (60+), and military
Free for kids under 3 years old

RESERVE TICKETS
