2025 Gift of Lights

Make special memories this holiday season at The Gift of Lights, November 28-December 28, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday starting at 5 pm. Tickets are good for any day of the event.

Discounted Zoo Member tickets are available at the Zoo during the event. 

Zoo Member Adult (ages 18+): $10
Zoo Member Child (ages 3-17): $8
Babies 2 and under: Free

Amplify your Gift of Lights experience by Crafting With The Creatures (includes admission to Gift of Lights) or schedule an animal encounter (does not include admission to Gift of Lights).

Additional 12 Cupcakes

Additional Plush

Advance Online Admission

All Zoo admission tickets are non-refundable. Tickets may be used within a year of when they were purchased. They can not be used for special events or on blackout dates. Please check the website for details. 

Advance Online Attraction Ticket

For use on the Potawatomi Express Train, the Endangered Species Carousel, bison feeding or giraffe feeding. May not apply during special events or blackout dates/times.

Animal Encounter: Gift Certificate

Birthday Add-Ons

Birthday Gift Box

Do you know an animal lover with a birthday coming up? You can send the zoo to them with our Birthday Gift Box.

Birthday Party Pizza Party Catering

Pizza Party includes cheese and pepperoni pizzas, an assortment of chips, and water, lemonade, or fruit punch for 35 guests. Must be purchased two weeks before party date. 

brew

Brew at the Zoo 2025

Camp After Care

Camp Before Care

Camp Drawstring Bag

Camp in a Box

Connect your kiddos to nature and the zoo from home! Activities, materials and shipping included. 

Camp T-Shirt

Camp T-Shirt Adventure L

Your camp registration fee already includes one Camp T-Shirt. This $10 fee is for an additional Camp T-Shirt, sized  Adult Large for Adventure Camp (campers entering Grades 2nd-3rd).

Camp T-Shirt Adventure M

Your camp registration fee already includes one Camp T-Shirt. This $10 fee is for an additional Camp T-Shirt, sized  Adult Medium for Adventure Camp (campers entering Grades 2nd-3rd).

Camp T-Shirt Adventure S

Your camp registration fee already includes one Camp T-Shirt. This $10 fee is for an additional Camp T-Shirt, sized  Adult Small for Adventure Camp (campers entering Grades 2nd-3rd).

Camp T-Shirt Adventure XL

Your camp registration fee already includes one Camp T-Shirt. This $10 fee is for an additional Camp T-Shirt, sized  Adult X-Large for Adventure Camp (campers entering Grades 2nd-3rd).

Camp T-Shirt Adventure XXL

Your camp registration fee already includes one Camp T-Shirt. This $10 fee is for an additional Camp T-Shirt, sized  Adult XX-Large for Adventure Camp (campers entering Grades 2nd-3rd).

Camp T-Shirt Adventure YL

Your camp registration fee already includes one Camp T-Shirt. This $10 fee is for an additional Camp T-Shirt, sized  Youth Large for Adventure Camp (campers entering Grades 2nd-3rd).

Camp T-Shirt Adventure YM

Your camp registration fee already includes one Camp T-Shirt. This $10 fee is for an additional Camp T-Shirt, sized Youth Medium for Adventure Camp (campers entering Grades 2nd-3rd).

Camp T-Shirt Adventure YS

Your camp registration fee already includes one Camp T-Shirt. This $10 fee is for an additional Camp T-Shirt, sized Youth Small for Adventure Camp (campers entering Grades 2nd-3rd).

Camp T-Shirt Discovery L

Your camp registration fee already includes one Camp T-Shirt. This $10 fee is for an additional Camp T-Shirt, sized  Adult Large for Discovery Camp (campers entering Grades K-1st).

Camp T-Shirt Discovery M

Your camp registration fee already includes one Camp T-Shirt. This $10 fee is for an additional Camp T-Shirt, sized  Adult Medium for Discovery Camp (campers entering Grades K-1st).

Camp T-Shirt Discovery S

Your camp registration fee already includes one Camp T-Shirt. This $10 fee is for an additional Camp T-Shirt, sized  Adult Small for Discovery Camp (campers entering Grades K-1st).

Camp T-Shirt Discovery XL

Your camp registration fee already includes one Camp T-Shirt. This $10 fee is for an additional Camp T-Shirt, sized  Adult X-Large for Discovery Camp (campers entering Grades K-1st).

Camp T-Shirt Discovery XXL

Your camp registration fee already includes one Camp T-Shirt. This $10 fee is for an additional Camp T-Shirt, sized  Adult XX-Large for Discovery Camp (campers entering Grades K-1st).

Camp T-Shirt Discovery YL

Your camp registration fee already includes one Camp T-Shirt. This $10 fee is for an additional Camp T-Shirt, sized  Youth Large for Discovery Camp (campers entering Grades K-1st).

Camp T-Shirt Discovery YM

Your camp registration fee already includes one Camp T-Shirt. This $10 fee is for an additional Camp T-Shirt, sized Youth Medium for Discovery Camp (campers entering Grades K-1st).

Camp T-Shirt Discovery YS

Your camp registration fee already includes one Camp T-Shirt. This $10 fee is for an additional Camp T-Shirt, sized Youth Small.

Camp T-Shirt Heroes L

Your camp registration fee already includes one Camp T-Shirt. This $10 fee is for an additional Camp T-Shirt, sized Adult Large for Heroes Camp (campers entering Grades 4th-6th).

Camp T-Shirt Heroes M

Your camp registration fee already includes one Camp T-Shirt. This $10 fee is for an additional Camp T-Shirt, sized Adult Medium for Heroes Camp (campers entering Grades 4th-6th).

Camp T-Shirt Heroes S

Your camp registration fee already includes one Camp T-Shirt. This $10 fee is for an additional Camp T-Shirt, sized Adult Small for Heroes Camp (campers entering Grades 4th-6th).

Camp T-Shirt Heroes XL

Your camp registration fee already includes one Camp T-Shirt. This $10 fee is for an additional Camp T-Shirt, sized Adult X-Large for Heroes Camp (campers entering Grades 4th-6th).

Camp T-Shirt Heroes XXL

Your camp registration fee already includes one Camp T-Shirt. This $10 fee is for an additional Camp T-Shirt, sized Adult XX-Large for Heroes Camp (campers entering Grades 4th-6th).

Camp T-Shirt Heroes YL

Your camp registration fee already includes one Camp T-Shirt. This $10 fee is for an additional Camp T-Shirt, sized Youth Large for Heroes Camp (campers entering Grades 4th-6th).

Camp T-Shirt Heroes YM

Your camp registration fee already includes one Camp T-Shirt. This $10 fee is for an additional Camp T-Shirt, sized Youth Medium for Heroes Camp (campers entering Grades 4th-6th).

Camp T-Shirt Heroes YS

Your camp registration fee already includes one Camp T-Shirt. This $10 fee is for an additional Camp T-Shirt, sized Youth Small for Heroes Camp (campers entering Grades 4th-6th).

Conservation Button

Dippin Dots

Add Dippin Dots to your birthday party experience. Order needs to be in one week prior to party and it will be delivered to the party area at the beginning of the party. 

GA- Brew At the Zoo

party

Pumpkin Patch

winter

Wristbands

Zoo Luminate 2025

NEW DATES ADDED! Zoo Luminate is Wednesday through Sunday, 6-10 pm, through June 1. 

Zoo Luminate tickets can be used on any date of the event in 2025.

Zoo Luminate tickets are not refundable.

Discounted Zoo Member tickets are available at the gate with your Zoo Membership and photo ID of all named Zoo Members attending.

A discounted Family Four-Pack is also available at the gate, and includes 2 adult and 2 child tickets for $60.

Adults (ages 15+)
Children (ages 3-14)
Babies (ages 2 and under)

Zoo Luminate 2026

Zoo Luminate is Wednesday through Sunday, 7-11 pm, April 22-June 28. 

Zoo Luminate tickets can be used on any date of the event in 2026.

Zoo Luminate tickets are not refundable.

A discounted Family Four-Pack is also available at the gate, and includes 2 adult and 2 child tickets for $70.

Discounted Zoo Member Tickets are available at the gate with your Zoo Membership and photo ID of all named Zoo Members attending. Zoo Member tickets are $18 for adults and $14 for children. Babies 2 and under are free.

For regular admission tickets below:

Adults (ages 15+)
Children (ages 3-14)
Babies (ages 2 and under)

Sloth Encounter

Wait at the Learning Center gate located between the Learning Center and Admission Building. Please arrive 10 minutes before the encounter. 

Animal Insights Class

Winter and Spring 2026 Class Series: Animal Insights!

Calling all animal lovers! Join the Animal Insights class as we learn about some of the amazing animals that call Potawatomi Zoo home. We will learn about these animals through activities, demonstrations, games, animal encounters, and more! These classes are for children in Kindergarten or 1st grade.

Dates:

Outstanding Owls - Saturday, January 24
Goofy Geckos - Saturday, February 21
Gorgeous Goats - Saturday, March 14
Playful Painted Dogs - Saturday, April 18
Giant Giraffes - Saturday, May 9

Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Cost: $20

Members receive a 10% discount.

Amazing Adaptations

Spring/Summer 2026 Class Series: Animal Alliances and Mortal Enemies

Welcome to the animal soap opera! A series of classes about relationships in the animal kingdom. We will explore food chains, meet the most unusual friendships, and don’t forget about humans! We are animals too, and we play a BIG role in the animal kingdom. Join the Amazing Adaptations class as we learn about animal relationships and the importance of animal diversity in an ecosystem through activities, demonstrations, games, animal encounters, and more!

These classes are suitable for children in 2nd and 3rd grade.

Dates:

Beast Feasts - Saturday, April 25
Bizarre Buddies - Saturday, May 16
Man vs Wild - Saturday, September 26

Time: 10 – 11:30 am

Cost: $20

Members receive a 10% discount.

Endangered Encounters

Endangered Encounters

Join us for Endangered Encounters, where students will learn about the world’s most endangered species and explore why these animals are at risk. Students will investigate ways we can all help protect these incredible creatures and their habitats through animal encounters, games, crafts, and more! 

Time: 10AM - 12PM

 

Charming Chinchilla

Date: Saturday, January 31

 

Tropical Tamarins

Date: Saturday, February 28

 

Stealthy Snow Leopard

Date: Saturday, March 28

 

One of a Kind Okapi

Date: Saturday, April 25

 

Mischievous Monkeys

Date: Saturday, May 30

 

This class is designed for children in 4th to 6th grades.

Cost: $25. Zoo Members receive a 10% discount.

Zoo Snooze Sleepover

Wild Birthday

We offer add-ons! Check out your options on the main party page for purchase.

Stroller Safaris

Stroller Safaris: Colors of the Wind!

This special class is designed for children ages 0-2 and a caregiver.

Pack up the stroller, put on your walking shoes and bring your little one on an early learning adventure as we stroll through the Zoo. Make new friends while you visit animal exhibits, meet a friendly animal ambassador, read a story, and find all the colors of the rainbow along the way! We will begin with a 45- minute guided stroll around the Zoo, and we will finish with a story and a special animal encounter with one of the Zoo’s colorful ambassador animals!

Program begins promptly at 9:00 am, and will take place rain or shine. Spots for this event are limited so make sure you sign up today. For questions, contact the Education Department at 574-235-9070.

Dates: 

Time: 9:00 am – 10:00 am

Cost: $15/non-members, members get 10% off
Additional child (0-2): $5

 

Registration fee includes the cost of the caregiver and child.

Senior Stroll

Bookworms

Calling all Tiny Bookworms!

 

This special class is designed for children ages 0-2 and a caregiver.

Just because it is wintertime and the Zoo is closed doesn’t mean learning and fun has to take a break ! Join us for Bookworms at the Zoo! Bring your little one (0-2 years old) and come visit the Zoo to listen to a couple of stories and meet an ambassador animal! You and your little one will leave this special 20 minute program feeling giddy about animals and excited to read!

Program begins promptly at 9:30 am, and will take place indoors. Spots for this event are limited.

Registration fee includes the cost of the caregiver and child.

Cost: $5. Zoo Members get 10% off.

Dates:

Third Monday of the month 9:30-9:50 am

Tamandua Encounter

Please wait at the Learning Center gate, located between the Learning Center and the Admission Building. Please arrive 10 minutes before the encounter. 

Zoo Trivia

Flamingo Encounter 2026

You must select the date you want to reserve or the computer will choose for you. 

Refunds or reschedules will not be issued for no-shows. We will allow full refunds or reschedules made at least 48 hours before the scheduled Animal Encounter.

MEMBERS: Sign-in or Register to receive discount in cart. 

Flamingo Encounter: During this encounter, you'll go in the flamingo feeding corral and get a cup of krill, one of our flamingos' favorite snacks! You'll get to feed the flamingos and learn about them from one of our zoo keepers.

Check-In at our ticket kiosk near the carousel at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled animal experience. Your ticket(s) will be printed for you to present to a Zoo Team Member at the exhibit. Enjoy your experience! 

Capybara & Anteater Encounter 2026

You must select the date you want to reserve or the computer will choose for you. 

Refunds or reschedules will not be issued for no-shows. We will allow full refunds or reschedules made at least 48 hours before the scheduled Animal Encounter.

MEMBERS: Sign-in or Register to receive discount in cart. 

Capybara & Anteater Encounter: Meet our capybaras and anteaters in this mixed-species encounter, and learn about them behind-the-scenes with one of our zoo keepers. You'll even have a chance to feed the animals a portion of their vet-approved diet!

Check-In at our ticket kiosk near the carousel at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled animal experience. Your ticket(s) will be printed for you to present to a Zoo Team Member at the exhibit. Enjoy your experience! 

Otter Encounter 2026

You must select the date you want to reserve or the computer will choose for you. 

Refunds or reschedules will not be issued for no-shows. We will allow full refunds or reschedules made at least 48 hours before the scheduled Animal Encounter.

MEMBERS: Sign-in or Register to receive discount in cart. 

Otter Experience: Frannie and Sam would love to show off their intelligence during a behind-the-scenes tour and training session. Watch our animal care staff train the otters and you can have the opportunity to feed and train the otters as well! 

Check-In at our ticket kiosk near the carousel at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled animal experience. Your ticket(s) will be printed for you to present to a Zoo Team Member at the exhibit. Enjoy your experience! 

Galapagos Tortoise Encounter 2026

You must select the date you want to reserve or the computer will choose for you. 

Refunds or reschedules will not be issued for no-shows. We will allow full refunds or reschedules made at least 48 hours before the scheduled Animal Encounter.

MEMBERS: Sign-in or Register to receive discount in cart. 

Galapagos Tortoise Encounter: Meet Isabela and Floreana, our Galapagos tortoise sisters! During this encounter, learn about this giant species from one of our keepers, and then have the opportunity to either feed the tortoises part of their Zoo-approved diet, or give them a shower on a hot day.

Check-In at our ticket kiosk near the carousel at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled animal experience. Your ticket(s) will be printed for you to present to a Zoo Team Member at the exhibit. Enjoy your experience! 

2026 Giving Society Events

Welcome! Please register yourself and a guest for the event below.

Eco Leaders

Wild About Mom 2026

Tiny Explorer

Tiny Explorers 2026 Winter Class Series: 

Where do animals live? In a house or an apartment? No! They live outside in the wild in a specific habitat suited for them! There are special adaptations animals have that allow them to live underground, in trees, or in ponds. During this Tiny Explorers series, students will explore the different and unique homes animals live in around the world.

Bungalow Burrows
Available Date: Saturday, January 10


Treehouse Adventures
Available Date: Saturday, February 7


Wondrous Ponds
Available Dates: Saturday, March 7 or Tuesday, March 10

 

Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Cost: $17.00

Members receive a 10% Discount

This is a family class, so the registration fee includes 1 child and 1 adult.