Events
Garden Lily Show

Explore and experience the lily show, themed “The Secret Garden,” and displayed in the lush, tropical Conservatory! A community tradition, this show is a wonderful way to greet spring.
March 17-April 9
Free admission, donations appreciated.
Easter Egg Scramble

Looking for a hopping good time? Bounce on over to the Zoo for our annual Easter egg celebration, loaded with candy and fun. The Easter egg hunt is for children 0-12 years.
10:30 ages 0-3 years
10:50 ages 4-7 years
11:10 ages 8-12 years
Please note, everyone entering the Zoo from 10am-noon, will be charged to participate in the scramble.
ADVANCE TICKETS can be purchased at the Barton Pavilion.
Vino Van Gogh

Vino Van Gogh- April 2, 2023
6-8 pm
Vino Van Gogh has become super popular in years past, but if you’ve never been to paint night before, you may find yourself wondering what the heck it is. Sure, you’ve seen the photos on Facebook of all your friends holding up identical paintings, clutching wine glasses in their hands, but you’ve probably asked yourself, first, why didn’t I get invited? And also, what are they doing? Even if you think you know what paint night is about. Come let your creative side shine painting, and having a glass of wine (or beer)! Our teacher/artist Andrea Enderle is a local artist that will teach the way of basic painting technique and create a masterpiece worthy of hanging above the fireplace.
Family Nature Club

Family Nature Club is a program for all ages! This program is designed for parents and children to explore the natural world together.
Family Nature Club Programs are running March 11, March 25, April 9, and April 22.
March 11 “Spring is in the Air”
March 25 “Colors and Patterns”
April 8 “Flowers and Pollinators”
April 22 “Earth Day”
Registration is not required; participants can drop-in and pay at the door.
Bat Appreciation Day

Conservation Days- These exciting days are celebrated around the world and these days dive into the realm of certain animals or species and highlight conservation efforts.
There will be self-guided activities/crafts which will give guests a chance to learn about some of their favorite animals and how to help with their preservation.
Interpretations or Keeper Chats may take place depending on the different animal and topics.
April 17th is Bat Appreciation Day.
zoo admission:
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Just drop in!
Pokémon Day

Come find all of the Pokéstops at the Zoo, while visiting our Pokémon friends. Battle, Trade, Collect them all here on this day.
zoo admission:
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Just drop in!
ZOOTINI

It’s time to shake things up – mark your calendar for the wildest martini tasting event in Peoria! A variety of martinis (shaken, not stirred) are served by local mixologists at this outdoor, after-hours event in Africa! Taste our signature martinis and walk the boardwalk with friends for a wonderful spring evening event. Included are four drink tickets, appetizers, dessert, and live music.
Zootini VIP Tickets: Available for $150, VIP tickets include the opportunity to sample a selection of martinis from 5:00-6:00pm before the regular Zootini event begins.
Zootini Bistro Table: Back by popular demand, you can reserve a gathering place for you and your friends at Zootini! For a $100 donation, you can reserve a high-top bistro table at the event.
Zootini Reserved Parking: For a $25 donation, you can reserve a parking space in the parking lot in front of the event entrance.
Interested in volunteering for this event? Register here
For more information, please call (309) 681-3500 or email [email protected]
Migratory Bird Day

Conservation Days- These exciting days are celebrated around the world and these days dive into the realm of certain animals or species and highlight conservation efforts.
There will be self-guided activities/crafts which will give guests a chance to learn about some of their favorite animals and how to help with their preservation.
Interpretations or Keeper Chats may take place depending on the different animal and topics.
May 14th is Migratory Bird Day.
zoo admission:
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Just drop in!
Mother’s & Muffins

All moms will get free admission with a paying child. Moms, make sure to stop by the the Zambezi Lodge to get a free muffin!
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Just drop in!
Endangered Species Day

Conservation Days- These exciting days are celebrated around the world and these days dive into the realm of certain animals or species and highlight conservation efforts.
There will be self-guided activities/crafts which will give guests a chance to learn about some of their favorite animals and how to help with their preservation.
Interpretations or Keeper Chats may take place depending on the different animal and topics.
May 19th is Endangered Species Day.
zoo admission:
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Just drop in!
Party for the Planet

From recycling to skipping the straw, explore simple ways you can help make the planet a better place. We will have animal encounters, activities, and earth friendly treats our animals will receive throughout the day. Fun on the Run inflatables will be in Glen Oak Park leading to the Peoria PlayHouse for a fun activity.
zoo admission:
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Just drop in!
Fathers & Floats

All dads will get free admission with a paying child. Dads, make sure to stop by the the Zambezi Lodge to get a free root beer float!
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Just drop in!
Rhythm in the Rainforest

Back by popular demand, enjoy this soothing concert while seated outdoors in the beautiful rose garden inside Luthy Botanical Gardens. Have a cocktail while feeling the beat with Preston Jackson & Friends Band. This event kicks off our Spring/Summer season at Luthy. Heavy hors appetizers are included and cash bar will be available.
Tickets can be purchased in advance on-line or at the Peoria Zoo. Tickets will be available the night of the event at Luthy.
If you have any questions please call Steve Hausler at 309-681-3507.
World Snake Day

Happy World Snake Day! Join us to celebrate the remarkable world of our reptiles for World Snake Day! There will be self-guided activities/crafts which will give guests a chance to learn about some of their favorite animals and how to help with their preservation.
This is event is part of our Conservation Days Series- These exciting days are celebrated around the world and these days dive into the realm of certain animals or species and highlight conservation efforts. There will be self-guided activities/crafts which will give guests a chance to learn about some of their favorite animals and how to help with their preservation. Interpretations or Keeper Chats may take place depending on the different animal and topics.
zoo admission:
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Just drop in!
World Tiger Day

Happy World Tiger Day! Join us for a roaring good time as we celebrate World Tiger Day! There will be self-guided activities/crafts which will give guests a chance to learn about some of their favorite animals and how to help with their preservation.
This is event is part of our Conservation Days Series- These exciting days are celebrated around the world and these days dive into the realm of certain animals or species and highlight conservation efforts. There will be self-guided activities/crafts which will give guests a chance to learn about some of their favorite animals and how to help with their preservation. Interpretations or Keeper Chats may take place depending on the different animal and topics.
zoo admission:
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Just drop in!
Day of the Cotton-Top Tamarin

Join us to celebrate the day of the Cotton Top Tamarin! There will be self-guided activities/crafts which will give guests a chance to learn about some of their favorite animals and how to help with their preservation.
This is event is part of our Conservation Days Series- These exciting days are celebrated around the world and these days dive into the realm of certain animals or species and highlight conservation efforts. There will be self-guided activities/crafts which will give guests a chance to learn about some of their favorite animals and how to help with their preservation. Interpretations or Keeper Chats may take place depending on the different animal and topics.
zoo admission:
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Just drop in!