Potter Park Zoo

Mother's Day - All Moms Enter Free!
2022-05-08 09:00 - 17:00 UTC | MI
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!

Zoo Nights #1 (21+)
2022-05-12 17:00 - 20:00 | MI
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

Trivia for Turtles
2022-05-26 19:00 - 20:00 | MI
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/

World Migratory Bird Day 2022
2022-06-04 10:00 - 17:00 | MI
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/

Volunteer Recruitment Event
2022-06-14 18:30 - 20:30 | MI
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.

Zoo Nights #2 (21+)
2022-06-16 17:00 - 20:00 | MI
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

Father's Day - All Dads Get Free Admission!
2022-06-19 09:00 - 17:00 | MI
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!

Sundown Safari Camping
2022-06-25 18:30 - 2022-06-26 09:30 | MI
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!

4th of July: Military Members Enter Free
2022-07-04 09:00 - 17:00 | MI
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!

Zoo Days 2022
2022-07-12 09:00 - 2022-07-13 17:00 | MI
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!

Zoo Nights #3 (21+)
2022-07-21 17:00 - 20:00 | MI
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

Sundown Safari Camping
2022-07-30 18:30 - 2022-07-31 09:30 | MI
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!

Sundown Safari Camping
2022-08-06 18:30 - 2022-08-07 09:30 | MI
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!

Members Night 2022
2022-08-10 17:00 - 20:00 | MI
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!

Zoo Nights #4 (21+)
2022-08-18 17:00 - 20:00 | MI
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

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

Just Chillin' Enrichment Event
2022-08-20 13:00 - 15:00 | 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

Grandparent's Day - All Grandparents Enter FREE!
2022-09-11 09:00 - 17:00 | MI
In celebration of grandparents and everything they do, all grandparents will get into the zoo FREE September 11, 2022. We can’t wait to see you at the zoo!

Action For Cheetahs Conservation Talk
2022-09-11 17:00 - 19:00 | MI
What: Action for Cheetahs Conservation Talk
When: Sunday, September 11, 5 – 7 PM
Where: The Safari Room in our Discovery Center
Mary Wykstra is the Executive Director overseeing Action For Cheetahs in Kenya. Learn more about cheetah monitoring, conflict mitigation, scat detection dogs and more!
Donations are always welcome.
Register for this free event today!

International Red Panda Day Celebration
2022-09-18 11:00 - 15:00 | MI
Come celebrate Red Pandas Sunday, Sept. 18 at Potter Park Zoo! Volunteers will be on hand to answer all of your questions and guests can participate in fun family activities such as children’s crafts and a scavenger hunt. A number of animal enrichments will also occur – come join the fun!

World Rhino Day Celebration
2022-09-25 11:00 - 15:00 | MI
What: World Rhino Day Celebration
When: Sunday, Sept. 25, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Potter Park Zoo

Join us in celebrating the 13th annual World Rhino Day at Potter Park Zoo! Learn about rhinos at our conservation tables, play rhino themed games, and see our resident black rhinos Doppsee and Phineus.

Schedule of events:

Rhino enrichment- 11 am, 12:30 pm, and 2pm.

Rhino barn tours from 12 – 2 pm.

*Event included with regular admission*

Ingham County Free Day 2022
2022-10-01 09:00 - 17:00 | MI
Ingham County & Lansing City Residents will receive free admission to Potter Park Zoo on Oct. 1, 2022!
The zoo will be open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. See you at this fun (FREE) event! Visitors will still be responsible for parking fees.
Please bring an ID to verify Ingham County residency for tickets purchased online or to receive your discount at the gate.

College Day - All College Students Enter FREE!
2022-10-02 09:00 - 17:00 | MI
What: College Day (Free Admission ticket at the gate for College Students with valid college ID)
When: October 2, 2022, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Potter Park Zoo

Don’t miss free admission to Potter Park Zoo for students with current college ID!
Please Note: Free admission for college students can not be reserved online and can be obtained only at the admissions gate.

Fall Zootacular, October 8 & 9
2022-10-08 12:00 - 2022-10-09 17:00 | MI
What: Fall Zootacular
When: October 8-9, 15-16, 22-23 from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: Potter Park Zoo

Get ready for an event full of colors, costumes, candy, and more! Gather the family, put on your best Halloween getup, and join us for this seasonal stroll through Potter Park Zoo. Beautiful autumn colors and decor will accompany you as you visit all of your favorite animals.
Fall Zootacular will also include:

– Activities provided by community partners

– Candy stations

– A straw maze

​Activity tickets and wrist bands will be available for an additional purchase. The activities that are available for tickets and wrist bands include:
​String maze
​Black light room
Inflatable zone (weather permitting)

Additional activities may be available for purchase based on weather and staffing.

Skip the line at the gate and buy your tickets HERE

Fall Zootacular, October 15 & 16
2022-10-15 12:00 - 2022-10-16 17:00 | MI
What: Fall Zootacular
When: October 15-16, 22-23 from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: Potter Park Zoo

Get ready for an event full of colors, costumes, candy, and more! Gather the family, put on your best Halloween getup, and join us for this seasonal stroll through Potter Park Zoo. Beautiful autumn colors and decor will accompany you as you visit all of your favorite animals.
Fall Zootacular will also include:

– Activities provided by community partners

– Candy stations

– A straw maze

​Activity tickets and wristbands will be available for additional purchase. The activities that are available for tickets and wristbands include:
​String maze
​Black Lightroom
Inflatable zone (weather permitting)

Additional activities may be available for purchase based on weather and staffing.

Get Fall Zootacular Tickets HERE.

Fall Zootacular, October 22 & 23
2022-10-22 12:00 - 2022-10-23 17:00 | MI
What: Fall Zootacular
When: October 22-23 from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: Potter Park Zoo

Get ready for an event full of colors, costumes, candy, and more! Gather the family, put on your best Halloween getup, and join us for this seasonal stroll through Potter Park Zoo. Beautiful autumn colors and decor will accompany you as you visit all of your favorite animals.
Fall Zootacular will also include:

– Activities provided by community partners

– Candy stations

– A straw maze

​Activity tickets and wristbands will be available for additional purchase. The activities that are available for tickets and wristbands include:
​String maze
​Black lightroom
Inflatable zone (weather permitting)

Additional activities may be available for purchase based on weather and staffing.
Get Fall Zootacular Tickets Here!

Veterans Day - Veterans & Family Enter FREE
2022-11-11 10:00 - 16:00 | MI
What: Veterans Day
When: Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Potter Park Zoo
In honor of those who serve, Potter Park Zoo is welcoming all veterans, military members, and their families into the zoo free of charge Friday, Nov. 11. We hope to see you at the zoo!

30th Annual Wonderland of Lights- December 22 & 23 Cancelled Due to Winter Storm
2022-11-19 17:00 - 2022-12-23 20:00 | MI
What: 30th Annual Wonderland of Lights
When: Thursday through Sunday, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, November 19 – December 23 (closed on Thanksgiving).
Where: Potter Park Zoo
Thousands of lights create an extraordinary holiday display at the 30th 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

Thank you to this years Trim-a-Tree supporters!

YMCA of Metropolitan Lansing
WLNS
Augenstein & Associates
The Barre Code – East Lansing
Pediatric Dentistry of East Lansing
Dyras Dental
Fish Window Cleaning
Hometown Heating and Air Conditioning – St. Johns
Yeo & Yeo
PrepNet Virtual Academy
Lansing & Windemere Park Charter Academy
Suzy’s Nature Studies
Two Men & a Truck
REACH Studio Art Center
Lansing Sanitary Supply, Inc.
MSU Health Care Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
Emergent BioSolutions
New Creation Church
Amanda Weigold & Family
Allyse & David Anderson & Family
Winalee & Ron Zeeb
Karen McGowan
The Dorin Family
Richard & Renate Snider
In Memory of Sandra “Perky” Murphy

Toys for Tots at Wonderland of Lights
2022-12-03 17:00 - 20:00 | MI
It’s our annual toy drive! Each person who brings in a new, unwrapped toy Dec. 3 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 30th 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.

Zoo Nights, with Lights! (21+)
2022-12-14 17:00 - 20:00 | MI
What: Zoo Nights, with Lights!
When: Dec. 14, 2022, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Potter Park Zoo
For our 21+ guests:
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.

Purchase tickets HERE
