Members Night
2024-08-14 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit)
Join us Aug. 14 from 5 – 8 p.m. for a one-of-a-kind evening filled with education stations, fun kid’s activities, and more! As a special treat, enjoy a light meal featuring hotdogs, chips, drinks, and a sweet treat. Don’t miss out on the fun – we can’t wait to see you there!
Not a member yet? Now’s the perfect time to become one! Learn more about membership here.

Monarch Day Celebration
2024-08-17 10:00 - 16:00
What: Monarch Day Celebration
When: August 17, 2024, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Where: Potter Park Zoo
Price: Included with admission.
Embark on a wild adventure with Potter Park Zoo as we celebrate Monarch Day!
Join us in honoring these amazing creatures with a day full of excitement, education, and fun, all included in your regular admission. Roam the zoo and discover education stations and activity tables dedicated to Monarch butterflies and other pollinators. Learn about the Super Monarch’s incredible journey from Michigan to Mexico, conservation efforts, and the importance of protecting these endangered species.
It’s a day of Monarch-inspired joy for the whole family. Mark your calendars and be part of the flutter on Monarch Day at Potter Park Zoo!

Action For Cheetahs Conservation Talk
2024-08-19 13:30 - 14:30
Join us for a captivating conservation talk!
Discover the world of cheetahs and their incredible resilience with Mary Wykstra, a renowned expert on cheetahs and community development programs in Kenya since 2001.

Save the date: Monday, Aug. 19 , at 1:30 p.m. in the Discovery Center
Learn about cheetah adaptations and the hurdles they’ve conquered.
Explore the remarkable efforts of the Action for Cheetahs team in Kenya.

Best of all, it’s included with admission to the zoo. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity!

Zoo Nights
2024-08-22 17:00 - 20:00
For our 21+ guests:
Zoo Nights is where casual meets captivating! This adult-exclusive extravaganza boasts delectable delights from nearby eateries and drinks from local breweries and wineries. Explore the zoo after hours, mingling with curious creatures and creating unforgettable moments. Zoo Nights is the ultimate mix of relaxation and exploration, tailor-made for an evening of fun with friends and family.
*All the food samples are included as well as three drink tickets. Additional drink tickets are available for purchase.
GET TICKETS HERE

Event Sponsors
At Potter Park Zoo, we’re dedicated to ensuring all our guests enjoy our events responsibly. That’s why we’re pleased to offer a designated driver ticket at a reduced rate for Zoo Nights! We’re thrilled to have Shaheen Chevrolet join us as our Designated Driver sponsor.
Relax. And enjoy the Shaheen difference!

Biggby Coffee is the official coffee sponsor for Zoo Nights! After an evening of wild adventures, grab a delicious cup of Biggby Coffee on your way out. Sip, savor, and enjoy a cozy treat as you wind down your night at the zoo.
We believe coffee brings people together
Drink Vendors

Food Vendors
*Kona Ice will be available for purchase at the event.

9th Annual Bowling for Rhinos
2024-08-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Spare Time Entertainment Center in Lansing, MI, 3101 E Grand River Ave, Lansing, MI 48912, Lansing, 48912, United States
This is Potter Park Zoo’s AAZK 9th Annual Bowling for Rhinos event. 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.
This year’s event will be held on August 23 from 6:45 to 9 p.m. at . Bowling for Rhinos is a fun way to support such a significant cause.
This year we have two options for tickets! First is a single ticket and second is a team. Single tickets bowlers will be placed on a lane with four other people, team bowlers will be all placed on the same lane! All participants will enjoy bowling for two hours of bowling from 7-9 p.m., shoe rental, pizza, a pitcher of pop, event t-shirts for bowlers, and entertainment in the name of conservation. At the event, there will also be a silent auction, raffle, and animal craft sales. Come and join the fun!
*Purchase Tickets before Aug. 9 to guarantee a shirt*
Get Tickets

Grandparent’s Day at the Zoo – All Grandparents Get FREE Admission at the Gate
2024-09-08 09:00 - 17:00
When: Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024
Time: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Potter Park Zoo
In celebration of grandparents and everything they do, all grandparents will get into the zoo FREE on September 8, 2024. We can’t wait to see you at the zoo!

Zoo Nights
2024-09-12 17:00 - 20:00
For our 21+ guests:
Zoo Nights is where casual meets captivating! This adult-exclusive extravaganza boasts delectable delights from nearby eateries and drinks from local breweries and wineries. Explore the zoo after hours, mingling with curious creatures and creating unforgettable moments. Zoo Nights is the ultimate mix of relaxation and exploration, tailor-made for an evening of fun with friends and family.
*All the food samples are included as well as three drink tickets. Additional drink tickets are available for purchase.
GET TICKETS HERE
Event Sponsors
At Potter Park Zoo, we’re dedicated to ensuring all our guests enjoy our events responsibly. That’s why we’re pleased to offer a designated driver ticket at a reduced rate for Zoo Nights! We’re thrilled to have Shaheen Chevrolet join us as our Designated Driver sponsor.
Relax. And enjoy the Shaheen difference!
Biggby Coffee is the official coffee sponsor for Zoo Nights! After an evening of wild adventures, grab a delicious cup of Biggby Coffee on your way out. Sip, savor, and enjoy a cozy treat as you wind down your night at the zoo.
We believe coffee brings people together

Drink Vendors

Drink Vendors
*Kona Ice will be available for purchase at the event.

International Red Panda Day Celebration
2024-09-15 10:00 - 16:00
What: International Red Panda Day Celebration
When: Sunday, Sept. 15, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Potter Park Zoo
Price: Included with admission
Celebrate the enchanting world of red pandas with Potter Park Zoo on International Red Panda Day! Included in your regular admission, join us for a day filled with educational delights and activities dedicated to these adorable, bamboo-munching ambassadors. Roam the zoo to discover special education stations and engaging activity tables highlighting the unique features and conservation efforts for red pandas. It’s a day of discovery, appreciation, and family fun. Don’t miss out – mark your calendars for International Red Panda Day at Potter Park Zoo!

River Cleanup at Potter Park Zoo
2024-09-21 10:00 - 15:00
Join us for an exciting and impactful event at Potter Park Zoo, September 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.! We’re calling all nature enthusiasts, conservationists, and animal lovers to participate in a river cleanup along the Lansing River Trail in front of the park. This is your opportunity to make a difference in our community and protect the beautiful wildlife that calls our rivers home.
We welcome everyone who wants to lend a hand in making our environment cleaner and safer. Supplies will be provided by Michigan Waterway Stewards and participants will receive free admission to the zoo after the cleanup.
There will be lots of activities and give-a-ways provided by the sponsors of this event and is sure to be a fun day for the whole family. Join us and be part of the solution! Let’s work together to protect our rivers, the animals that depend on them, and the beautiful scenery around us.
We can’t wait to see you at Potter Park Zoo on the morning of September 21 for this exciting river cleanup event!

World Rhino Day Celebration
2024-09-22 10:00 - 16:00
What: World Rhino Day Celebration
When: Sunday, Sept. 22, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Potter Park Zoo
Price: Included with admission
Get ready to stand tall for rhinos at Potter Park Zoo’s World Rhino Day celebration! Included in your regular admission, join us for a day dedicated to raising awareness and celebrating these magnificent creatures. Immerse yourself in the world of rhinos with special education stations and interactive activities throughout the zoo. Learn about their habitats, conservation challenges, and how you can contribute to protecting these incredible animals. It’s a day of rhino appreciation and family fun. Mark your calendars and be part of the conservation journey on World Rhino Day at Potter Park Zoo!

Ingham County Free Day 2024
2024-10-05 09:00 - 17:00
Calling all Ingham County & Lansing City Residents!
Join us for a day of FREE adventure at Potter Park Zoo Oct. 5, 2024!
Zoo Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Please note that parking fees still apply.
To claim your FREE admission, bring your ID to verify Ingham County residency when purchasing tickets at the gate. (No discounting or refunds can be given for online ticket purchases used on this day). It’s a day of wild fun you won’t want to miss!

College Day 2024 – All College Students Enter FREE!
2024-10-06 09:00 - 17:00
What: College Day (Free Admission ticket at the gate for College Students with valid college ID)
When: Sunday, October 6, 2024. 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.

Boo at the Zoo
2024-10-12 12:00 - 2024-10-13 17:00
What: Boo at the Zoo
When: October 12-13, 19-20, 26-27, from noon – 5 p.m.
Where: Potter Park Zoo
Tickets: Get tickets HERE.
Get Ready for a Ghoulishly Good Time This October!
This year, we’re brewing up more Halloween magic than ever before! Gather your little goblins, don your most enchanting costumes, and step into a world where the animal kingdom meets the spooky season. Potter Park Zoo transforms into a captivating realm filled with vibrant fall colors, family fun, and the animals!
Sponsors
Join us in thanking our generous sponsors for Boo at the Zoo! Their support helps us create a fun and festive atmosphere for families to enjoy. We couldn’t make this event a success without their contributions!
Presenting Sponsor
University of Michigan Health-Sparrow is the presenting Sponsor for Boo at the Zoo!

Treat Station Sponsor
Meijer is the official Treat Station Sponsor for Boo at the Zoo!
Event Activities
Included in your ticket price:

Straw Maze
Five Treat Stations throughout the zoo
Community Partner Stations
Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt
Be on the lookout for special characters roaming the zoo this season

Additional activities are available for purchase (tickets or wristband required). One ticket per activity:

5 Inflatable attractions (1 ticket per inflatable or purchase a wristband for unlimited access)
Black Light Room
Hayride (ADA accessible)

Activity Ticket Prices
Single Ticket $3
Five Tickets: $6
10 Tickets: $12

Wristbands
Adults (18+) Unlimited use on the hayride: $3
Youth (3-17) Unlimited use at all activities: $15

Cider and Donuts
Warm Mini donuts
3 Count : $5
6 Count: $10
12 Count: $15
Quality Dairy Cider
1 Pint cider: $5
Cider Slush: $5
Hot Cider: $5
Community Partners
Zap Zone XL
Holly Park Academy
Windemere Park Charter Academy
Prepnet Virtual
Goldfish Swim School Okemos
MDHHS-Division of Environmental Health

Event Ticket Prices:

Resident Adult – $8.00
Non-Resident Adult – $15.00
Resident Senior (60+)/Military – $6.00
Non-Resident Senior (60+)/Military- $13.00
All Children (ages 3-12) – $5.00
All Children Under 3 – FREE

Potter Park Zoo Deluxe and Premium receive FREE admission to Boo at the Zoo! Become a member or upgrade your membership today –> Membership Information

**Reciprocal zoo memberships do not allow access to special events such as Boo at the Zoo or Wonderland of Lights

Boo at the Zoo
2024-10-19 12:00 - 2024-10-20 17:00
What: Boo at the Zoo
When: October 19-20, 26-27, from noon – 5 p.m.
Where: Potter Park Zoo
Tickets: Get tickets HERE.
Get Ready for a Ghoulishly Good Time This October!
This year, we’re brewing up more Halloween magic than ever before! Gather your little goblins, don your most enchanting costumes, and step into a world where the animal kingdom meets the spooky season. Potter Park Zoo transforms into a captivating realm filled with vibrant fall colors, family fun, and the animals!
Sponsors
Join us in thanking our generous sponsors for Boo at the Zoo! Their support helps us create a fun and festive atmosphere for families to enjoy. We couldn’t make this event a success without their contributions!
Presenting Sponsor
University of Michigan Health-Sparrow is the presenting Sponsor for Boo at the Zoo!

Treat Station Sponsor
Meijer is the official Treat Station Sponsor for Boo at the Zoo!

Event Activities
Included in your ticket price:

Straw Maze
Five Treat Stations throughout the zoo
Community Partner Stations
Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt
Be on the lookout for special characters roaming the zoo this season

Additional activities available for purchase (tickets or wristband required). One ticket per activity:

5 Inflatable attractions (1 ticket per inflatable or purchase a wristband for unlimited access)
Black Light Room
Hayride (ADA accessible)

Activity Ticket Prices
Single Ticket $3
Five Tickets: $6
10 Tickets: $12

Wristbands
Adults (18+) Unlimited use on the hayride: $3
Youth (3-17) Unlimited use at all activities: $15

Cider and Donuts
Warm Mini donuts
3 Count : $5
6 Count: $10
12 Count: $15
Quality Dairy Cider
1 Pint cider: $5
Cider Slush: $5
Hot Cider: $5
Community Partners
Capital Area District Libraries
Goldfish Swim School Okemos
Mid-Michigan Inter Agency Foster Care Coalition
Sam’s Club
Michigan Department of State
Genesee County Parks’ For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum
Zap Zone XL

Event Ticket Prices:

Resident Adult – $8.00
Non-Resident Adult – $15.00
Resident Senior (60+)/Military – $6.00
Non-Resident Senior (60+)/Military- $13.00
All Children (ages 3-12) – $5.00
All Children Under 3 – FREE

Potter Park Zoo Deluxe and Premium receive FREE admission to Boo at the Zoo! Become a member or upgrade your membership today –> Membership Information

**Reciprocal zoo memberships do not allow access to special events such as Boo at the Zoo or Wonderland of Lights

Boo at the Zoo
2024-10-26 12:00 - 2024-10-27 17:00
What: Boo at the Zoo
When: October 26-27, from noon – 5 p.m.
Where: Potter Park Zoo
Tickets: Get tickets HERE.
Get Ready for a Ghoulishly Good Time This October!
This year, we’re brewing up more Halloween magic than ever before! Gather your little goblins, don your most enchanting costumes, and step into a world where the animal kingdom meets the spooky season. Potter Park Zoo transforms into a captivating realm filled with vibrant fall colors, family fun, and the animals!
Sponsors
Join us in thanking our generous sponsors for Boo at the Zoo! Their support helps us create a fun and festive atmosphere for families to enjoy. We couldn’t make this event a success without their contributions!
Presenting Sponsor
University of Michigan Health-Sparrow is the presenting Sponsor for Boo at the Zoo!

Monster Level Sponsor
Lansing Community College is a Monster Level sponsor!

Treat Station Sponsor
Meijer is the official Treat Station Sponsor for Boo at the Zoo!

Event Activities
Included in your ticket price:

Straw Maze
Five Treat Stations throughout the zoo
Community Partner Stations
Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt
Be on the lookout for special characters roaming the zoo this season

Additional activities available for purchase (tickets or wristband required). One ticket per activity:

5 Inflatable attractions (1 ticket per inflatable or purchase a wristband for unlimited access)
Black Light Room
Hayride (ADA accessible)

Activity Ticket Prices
Single Ticket $3
Five Tickets: $6
10 Tickets: $12

Wristbands
Adults (18+) Unlimited use on the hayride: $3
Youth (3-17) Unlimited use at all activities: $15

Cider and Donuts
Warm Mini donuts
3 Count : $5
6 Count: $10
12 Count: $15
Quality Dairy Cider
1 Pint cider: $5
Cider Slush: $5
Hot Cider: $5
Community Partners
Victory Martial Arts
Zap Zone XL
American Red Cross
Capitol City Baptist School
Pioneer Health Care Management

Event Ticket Prices:

Resident Adult – $8.00
Non-Resident Adult – $15.00
Resident Senior (60+)/Military – $6.00
Non-Resident Senior (60+)/Military- $13.00
All Children (ages 3-12) – $5.00
All Children Under 3 – FREE

Potter Park Zoo Deluxe and Premium receive FREE admission to Boo at the Zoo! Become a member or upgrade your membership today –> Membership Information

**Reciprocal zoo memberships do not allow access to special events such as Boo at the Zoo or Wonderland of Lights

Veterans Day – Veterans & Family Enter FREE
2024-11-11 10:00 - 16:00
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 Monday Nov. 11. We hope to see you at the zoo!

32nd Annual Wonderland of Lights
2024-11-23 17:00 - 2024-12-23 20:00
Get Ready to Be Dazzled: Potter Park Zoo’s 32nd Annual Wonderland of Lights!
✨ When: Thursday–Sunday, 5 – 8 p.m., Nov. 23 – Dec. 23 (Closed Thanksgiving)
✨ Where: Potter Park Zoo
Get Tickets Here
*To ensure a safe and secure experience when purchasing tickets for Potter Park Zoo events, please note that Wonderland of Lights tickets are available exclusively through our official website. Tickets will not be sold on third-party platforms or via alternative payment methods like PayPal or Venmo. We encourage all our guests to remain vigilant and watch out for potential scam accounts.
Experience the zoo in a whole new light! Thousands of shimmering lights transform the pathways into a winter wonderland, perfect for creating unforgettable holiday memories with family and friends. Stroll along illuminated paths, enjoy festive music, and soak in the magic of the holiday season at Potter Park Zoo!
Meet Santa🎅 : Fridays and Saturdays, Santa will be on-site for photos. (Please note: Santa won’t be present on Thursdays and Sundays.)
Don’t miss this enchanting holiday tradition!

Thank you to our 2024 Trim a Tree Sponsors!
Nykamp Dental
Pediatric Dentistry of East Lansing
Dyras Dental
Holly Park Academy and Windemere Park Charter Academy
PrepNet Virtual Academy
Diverse and Inclusive Collaborative Education
Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Advisors
MSU Health Care Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
Odd Nodd Art Supply
Two Men & a Truck
Triterra – Creating Healthier Communities
CASA for Kids, Inc
Hometown Heating & Air Conditioning of St Johns
Lansing Sanitary Supply, Inc.
Holt Lutheran School
DeWitt Family Meijer
Augenstein & Associates
Winalee and Ron Zeeb
Richard and Renate Snider
The Dorin Family
The Decker Family
The Savage Family
Scott Cook Family
Charlie Silm Family
In Memory of Nic Weigold
In Loving Memory of Victoria Foster Perez
In Memory of Frank Eirosius, Sr.
Potter Park Zoo AAZK
Potter Park Zoo Volunteers

Toys for Tots at Wonderland of Lights
2024-12-01 17:00 - 20:00
Get ready to spread some holiday cheer and brighten a child’s holiday season!
Join us for our annual Toys for Tots Toy Drive on Dec. 1, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Potter Park Zoo. All you need to do is bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate, and as a thank-you, you’ll receive FREE admission to Wonderland of Lights that evening.
This is a fantastic way to enjoy our dazzling light displays while giving back to children in need. Don’t miss out on this chance to make the holidays magical for everyone!
S’mores for a Cause!
During our Toys for Tots Night, Potter Park Zoo’s AAZK Chapter will be selling delicious s’mores at the campground! Stop by to toast marshmallows, enjoy a sweet treat, and support a fantastic cause.
All proceeds will go toward purchasing large enrichment items for the animals at the zoo, enhancing their care and well-being. S’mores will be available all evening—or until supplies run out—so don’t miss out on this tasty way to make a difference!

Conservation Talk With Paul Buzzard
2024-12-03 12:00 - 13:00
Join Us for a Conservation Talk with Paul Buzzard!
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 3
Time: Noon – 1 p.m.
Location: Potter Park Zoo
Admission: Free
Leap into the world of snow leopard conservation with Paul Buzzard, whose dedication has taken him from the China Exploration and Research Society to roles such as Director of Conservation at the Detroit Zoo. Currently, Paul continues his impactful work as a regenerative farmer at Detroit Flight Path Farm and as a Conservation Technician with the Michigan Climate Smart Farms Project.
In this engaging talk, Paul will share insights on the importance of the Gaurishankar Conservation Area in Nepal for snow leopards, the growing overlap between snow leopards and common leopards, and the expansion of his project supported by Panthera NGO. He’ll also provide exciting updates on the Pallas’s cat project in Armenia, which now includes work with Persian leopards, mouflon sheep, and endangered newt species.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear firsthand from a conservation expert and gain a deeper understanding of critical wildlife projects around the world!

Zoo Nights, with Lights
2024-12-18 17:00 - 20:00
*Update*
Zoo Nights with Lights is SOLD OUT!
Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets. We truly appreciate your incredible support and can’t wait to see you for a magical evening filled with lights and fun!

Join us at Potter Park Zoo Dec. 18, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for Zoo Nights with Lights!
*To ensure a safe and secure experience when purchasing tickets for Potter Park Zoo events, please note that Zoo Nights with Lights tickets are available exclusively through our official website. Tickets will not be sold on third-party platforms or via alternative payment methods like PayPal or Venmo. We encourage all our guests to remain vigilant and watch out for potential scam accounts.
Get ready to bundle up and experience the magic of the season in a whole new way. This special evening, exclusively for our 21+ guests, offers a delightful happy hour-style gathering that combines holiday cheer with a touch of wildlife wonder.
Here’s what you can look forward to:

Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere with holiday music and enchanting decor.
Savor a variety of delectable bites from local restaurants and sip on beverages from local beverage companies.
Explore the zoo after-hours, getting up close and personal with our amazing animals.
Indulge your taste buds with delicious treats, all while basking in the warm glow of our mesmerizing holiday light display.

Each guest will receive three drink tickets upon entry, with the option to purchase more for those looking to add a little extra holiday spirit to their evening.
Food Vendors
Pizza House
Texas Roadhouse
Saddleback BBQ
Drink Vendors
Ellison Brewing
Dan Henry
Sierra Rose
Red Cedar Spirits
Fenn Valley Winery

S’mores for a Cause!
Potter Park Zoo’s AAZK Chapter will be selling delicious s’mores at the campground! Stop by to toast marshmallows, enjoy a sweet treat, and support a fantastic cause.
All proceeds will go toward purchasing large enrichment items for the animals at the zoo, enhancing their care and well-being. S’mores will be available all evening—or until supplies run out—so don’t miss out on this tasty way to make a difference!
Don’t miss this chance to create unforgettable memories with friends, old and new, in the company of our beloved zoo residents and the enchanting holiday lights. Get your tickets today and make Zoo Nights with Lights a highlight of your holiday season!

Night at a Living Museum
2025-04-11 17:00 - 20:00
Unlock a world of wonder and discovery at our Living Museum! Join us Friday, April 11 from 5 – 8 p.m. 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.

Party for the Planet
2025-04-19 12:00 - 16:00
Party for the Planet at Potter Park Zoo!
Join us on Saturday, April 19, 2025, for Party for the Planet, North America’s largest Earth Day celebration! More than 120 zoos and aquariums across the country are taking part, and you’re invited to explore conservation in a fun, hands-on way—all included with standard zoo admission!
🌱 What’s Happening?
♻️ Interactive Activities – Discover ways to make a difference for wildlife and the planet.
🌎 Educational Stations – Learn about sustainability, conservation, and how small actions can lead to a big impact.
What can you do to help the planet? Come celebrate Earth Day with us and find out!

Arbor Day Celebration
2025-04-25 12:00 - 15:00
Celebrate Arbor Day at Potter Park Zoo!
Calling all tree lovers and nature enthusiasts! Join us Friday, April 25, 2025, for a day dedicated to celebrating the trees that sustain us and the wildlife that call them home. This event is included with standard zoo admission!
🌲 What’s Happening?
🍃 Interactive Conservation Stations – Learn about tree-dwelling animals, identify different tree species, and discover how you can help protect our forests.
🌳 Take Home a Tree – Pick up a free tree sapling (while supplies last) and plant your own piece of conservation!
🌎 Make a Pledge – Commit to small actions that make a big impact on trees and our planet.
Mark your calendars and celebrate Arbor Day with us at Potter Park Zoo! 🌿✨

Mother’s Day at the Zoo- Mothers Get FREE Admission
2025-05-11 09:00 - 17:00
What: Mother’s Day Celebration
When: May 11, 2024, 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 11.
We can’t wait to see you here at the zoo!

Zoo Nights
2025-05-22 17:00 - 20:00
For our 21+ guests:
Purchase Tickets Here!

Zoo Nights is where casual meets captivating! This adult-exclusive extravaganza boasts delectable sample delights from nearby eateries and drinks from local breweries, wineries, and more. Explore the zoo after hours, mingling with curious creatures and creating unforgettable moments. Zoo Nights is the ultimate mix of relaxation and exploration, tailor-made for an evening of fun with friends and family.
*Additional drink sample tickets and full-sized beverages are available for purchase.

Standard Ticket: $25. This ticket includes: 1 reusable sample cup, 3 free drink sample tickets, food samples, free parking, and an after-hours experience!

Designated Driver Ticket: $25. This ticket includes: 1 reusable sample cup, 3 free non-alcoholic beverage tickets, access to our Designated Driver Mocktail Lounge, food samples, free parking and an after-hours experience! Only 50 tickets are available.
VIP Ticket: $40. This ticket includes: 1 reusable sample cup, 5 free drink sample tickets, food samples, a VIP exclusive bar, a specialty VIP gift, exclusive entertainment, free parking, and an after-hours experience! Only 50 tickets are available.

Themes: Get into the spirit of Zoo Nights by dressing to match the event theme each night! Guests who arrive in themed attire will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a free Potter Park Zoo membership. It’s a fun way to enhance the experience, show off your creativity, and celebrate the night in style. Check out the event themes in advance, plan your outfit, and don’t miss your chance to win while enjoying a unique evening of sampling local beverages and food at the zoo after hours.
May 22nd: Neon Night.
June 12th: Western Night.
July 24th: Animal Print Night.
August 28th: Sports Night
Drink Vendors
We are excited to bring
Sierra Rose Hard Cider, Dan Henry Distributing, Burgdorf’s Winery, West Side Beer, Red Cedar Spirits, Fenn Valley Vineyards and Archival Brewing to Zoo Nights for guests to sample and explore their one of a kind beverages!

Food Vendors
We are excited to bring

Texas Roadhouse, Pizza House, Playa Bowls, Pita Way and The Hummingbird to Zoo Nights for guests to sample their delicious food!

World Turtle Day Celebration
2025-05-23 10:00 - 16:00
Join Us for World Turtle Day at Potter Park Zoo! 🐢
Celebrate World Turtle Day with us May 23 and dive into the amazing world of turtles! This event is included with standard zoo admission.
🌍 What’s Happening?
📚 Education Stations – Discover fascinating turtle facts, from their unique adaptations to their vital role in ecosystems.
🎨 Fun Activities – Enjoy interactive experiences, crafts, and games for all ages.
Turtles are essential to our planet’s ecosystems, and this special day is all about celebrating and protecting them. Don’t miss out—mark your calendars and visit Potter Park Zoo May 23 for a shell-tastic day of learning and fun!

Michigan Waterway Stewards River Cleanup
2025-06-07 10:00 - 15:00
Join Potter Park Zoo for a River Cleanup!
📅 When: Saturday, June 7, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
📍 Where: Lansing River Trail (in front of Potter Park Zoo)
Calling all nature lovers, conservationists, and community heroes! Help us protect local wildlife and keep our rivers clean by joining Potter Park Zoo’s River Cleanup Day. We’ll provide the supplies—you bring the enthusiasm!
Every piece of trash removed makes a difference for the animals and ecosystems that depend on our waterways. Together, we can make a cleaner, healthier environment for all.

Zoo Nights
2025-06-12 17:00 - 20:00
For our 21+ guests:
Zoo Nights is where casual meets captivating! This adult-exclusive extravaganza boasts delectable sample delights from nearby eateries and drinks from local breweries, wineries, and more. Explore the zoo after hours, mingling with curious creatures and creating unforgettable moments. Zoo Nights is the ultimate mix of relaxation and exploration, tailor-made for an evening of fun with friends and family.
*Additional drink sample tickets and full-sized beverages are available for purchase.

Purchase Tickets Now!
(Scroll down in the above link to Zoo Nights for tickets)

Standard Ticket: $25. This ticket includes: 1 reusable sample cup, 3 free drink sample tickets, food samples, free parking, and an after-hours experience!

Designated Driver Ticket: $25. This ticket includes: 1 reusable sample cup, 3 free non-alcoholic beverage tickets, access to our Designated Driver Mocktail Lounge, food samples, free parking and an after-hours experience! Only 50 tickets are available.

VIP Ticket: $40. This ticket includes: 1 reusable sample cup, 5 free drink sample tickets, food samples, a VIP exclusive bar, a specialty VIP gift, exclusive entertainment, free parking, and an after-hours experience! Only 50 tickets are available.

Themes: Get into the spirit of Zoo Nights by dressing to match the event theme each night! Guests who arrive in themed attire will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a free Potter Park Zoo membership. It’s a fun way to enhance the experience, show off your creativity, and celebrate the night in style. Check out the event themes in advance, plan your outfit, and don’t miss your chance to win while enjoying a unique evening of sampling local beverages and food at the zoo after hours.

June 12th: Western Night.
July 24th: Animal Print Night.
August 28th: Sports Night

Drink Vendors
We are excited to bring
Flying Otter Winery, Brew Detroit, Dark Horse, Sierra Rose Hard Cider, Dan Henry Distributing, Burgdorf’s Winery and Red Cedar Spirits to Zoo Nights for guests to sample and explore their one of a kind beverages!

Food Vendors
We are excited to bring

Texas Roadhouse, Pizza House, Playa Bowls, and Pita Way for guests to sample their delicious food!

Fathers Day – All Dads Get Free Zoo Admission!
2025-06-15 09:00 - 17:00
What: Father’s Day
When: June 16, 2025, 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 16!
We hope to see you at the zoo!

Twilight Adventures
2025-06-28 18:00 - 21:00
Experience a magical evening at Potter Park Zoo during our Twilight Adventures! Join us for an adventure-filled night from 6-9 p.m. as you embark on a scavenger hunt, following clues along the way, and learn from our conservation stations.
Engage in fun games and activities under the stars while enjoying delicious s’mores and concession snacks! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore the zoo after hours and create unforgettable memories with family and friends.
Get ready for an exciting twilight adventure at Potter Park Zoo!
Adult: $18
Child (ages 3-17, under 3 free): $12
Member Adult: $12
Member Child: $6
Purchase Tickets Now!
(Scroll down in the above link to Twilight Adventures for tickets)
