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

Grandparent's Day - All Grandparents Enter FREE!
2022-09-11 09:00 - 17:00 UTC
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 UTC
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 UTC
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 UTC
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 UTC
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 UTC
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 UTC
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 UTC
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 UTC
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 UTC
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 UTC
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 UTC
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 UTC
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

Winter Gifts Enrichment
2023-01-15 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Detroit)
Winter Gifts Enrichment
Sunday, Jan. 15 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
There are still some gifts to open at the zoo. Join us for the delivery and see the animals in action as they “wrap” up the holiday season.
Come dressed for the weather. Reduced winter admission rates apply.

Ice Safari, Feb. 11-12
2023-02-11 10:00 - 2023-02-12 16:00 UTC
What: Ice Safari
When: Feb. 11, 12, 18 & 19, 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, otters, Arctic foxes, and the snow leopard to name a few.

Pre-purchase your tickets HERE.

Ice Safari, Feb. 18-19
2023-02-18 10:00 - 2023-02-19 16:00 UTC

FrogWatch 3/19
2023-03-19
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 frogs and toads by their behavior and mating calls. As citizen scientists, 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. Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.
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)

Michigan Frog/Toad Webinar – Free
Learn more about frogs and toads by attending this free webinar, even if you can’t attend one of the FrogWatch training sessions.
(Participants taking the FrogWatch training must attend one of these webinars prior to the FrogWatch course.)
Monday, March 13, 6 – 8 p.m. – Register HERE
Wednesday, March 15, 7 – 9 p.m.– Register HERE
Potter Park Zoo will offer three FrogWatch training sessions for 2023:
March 19 (One session): 1 – 3 p.m. – SOLD OUT
March 25: 10 a.m. – noon – GET TICKETS HERE
March 25: 2 – 4 p.m. – GET TICKETS HERE

FrogWatch 3/25
2023-03-25

Night at a Living Museum
2023-04-07 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit)
Unlock a world of wonder and discovery at our Living Museum! Join us on Friday, April 7th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm for an evening of interactive experiences that will immerse you in the world of conservation and the natural world.
Experience the zoo like never before, as you explore select animal exhibits at twilight when the zoo is not normally open to the public. Get up close and personal with our animal care staff and discover the magic of the zoo in a whole new light.
Our hands-on activities are designed for guests of all ages to learn about the care of animals at the zoo and our conservation efforts both locally and globally.
This event is part of the MSU Science Festival Nights at the Museum series, a multi-day event highlighting science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) through talks, demonstrations, tours, open houses, and hands-on activities for lifelong learners of all ages.
Admission is free and open to all ages, so bring the whole family and join us for an evening of learning and fun! No registration is needed. Visit www.sciencefestival.msu.edu for more information.

EGGS-travaganza Enrichment Event
2023-04-08 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Detroit)
What: EGGS-travaganza Enrichment Event
When: Saturday, April 8, 1 – 3 PM
Where: Potter Park Zoo
Price: Included with admission
Get ready to experience an egg-citing adventure at Potter Park Zoo’s Spring Enrichment Event! Join us on Saturday, April 8 from 1 – 3 p.m. for an afternoon of unforgettable entertainment.

Immerse yourself in the wild world of our animals as they embark on scavenger hunts to uncover a variety of treats and eggs. Witness their intelligence and curiosity in action as they hunt, play, and engage with their environment.

The best part? This incredible event is included with the price of admission. Don’t miss your chance to witness this unique and captivating spectacle that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime!

Party for the Planet 2023
2023-04-22 12:00 - 16:00 UTC
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 the regular admission price on Saturday, April 22, 2023. Come out and celebrate with us!
What: Party for the Planet

When: April 22, 2023, 12 – 4 p.m.
Where: Potter Park Zoo

Earth Day BioBlitz Exploration
2023-04-22 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit)
Embark on a thrilling journey of discovery and join our community of citizen scientists for a guided walk along the River Trail. Using smartphones and iNaturalist, we’ll work together to find and document as many species as possible, uncovering the hidden gems of our local environment. Not only will you get to enjoy a peaceful stroll through nature, but you’ll also be making a meaningful contribution to science by recording the diversity of life we find. No prior experience is necessary, as our experienced guides will be on hand to provide all the training you need. As a token of our appreciation for your participation, all participants will receive free admission to the zoo and have the opportunity to enjoy the Party for the Planet event at the conclusion of the BioBlitz. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with nature, learn new skills, and make a difference.
Register for this FREE event here.
You can learn more and download the iNaturalist app here!

Arbor Day Celebration
2023-04-28 09:30 - 14:00 UTC
National Arbor Day is April 28, marking the 151st 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.

Hosting Purple Martins—They Need Us
2023-05-07 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Detroit)
You can register HERE
Are you looking for an exciting and educational experience for the whole family? Look no further than Potter Park Zoo’s upcoming presentation and workshop on Purple Martins, hosted by expert naturalist Penny Briscoe!
Penny has been advocating for Purple Martins since 2010, and her backyard colonies have been attracting these friendly and cheerful swallows since 1985. Her recent travels to Amazonia have given her unique insights into their behavior and winter roosting habits.
During her presentation, Penny will share her vast knowledge of these fascinating birds, covering their unique nesting requirements and behavior. She’ll also explain why their numbers are declining and how humans can help by providing essential nest cavities.
Join us May 7 at 2 p.m. for this event which is included in the price of admission and discover the mesmerizing flying ability of Purple Martins. You’ll be captivated by their aerial acrobatics and delighted by their friendly demeanor toward humans. This is an event not to be missed, so mark your calendars and come to Potter Park Zoo to experience the wonder of Purple Martins with Penny Briscoe!

Zoo Nights #1 (21+)
2023-05-11 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit)
What: Zoo Nights #1
When: May 11, 2023, 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!
Get Tickets Here!
*All the food samples are included as well as three drink tickets. Additional drink tickets are available for purchase.

Mother’s Day – All Moms Enter Free!
2023-05-14 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Detroit)
What: Mother’s Day Celebration
When: May 14, 2023, 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 14.
We can’t wait to see you here at the zoo!

Spotting the Spotted Hyenas: The Mara Hyena Project
2023-05-31 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Detroit)
Join us at Potter Park Zoo on Wednesday, May 31, from 2 – 3 p.m. for an exclusive opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of Spotted Hyenas with The Mara Hyena Project. With over 30 years of field experience, The Mara Hyena Project is a leading authority in studying these magnificent creatures.
Discover the invaluable work carried out by The Mara Hyena Project as they tackle critical issues such as human-wildlife conflict, habitat management, and the vital role of the spotted hyena in African ecology. Gain insights into the significance of research in conservation efforts and its positive impact on protecting these remarkable animals.
Don’t miss this unique chance to engage with renowned experts and deepen your understanding of hyenas and their conservation. This enlightening conservation talk is included with the price of admission, making it an incredible value for zoo visitors.
Mark your calendar and seize the opportunity to learn from the best. Join us May 31 at Potter Park Zoo, and be part of the movement to preserve and protect these captivating creatures.
