Events from February 24 – April 28 – Peoria Zoo

Upcoming Events

Check out what is coming up at the Zoo!

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Monarch Day

Peoria Zoo 2320 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL, United States

Join us for a flutter-filled celebration of one of nature’s most iconic travelers—the monarch butterfly! Discover the magic of their epic migration, learn about conservation efforts, and explore how these delicate creatures make a big impact on our world. Enjoy hands-on activities and fun for all ages as we honor the monarch and its essential role in our ecosystem. Let your love for pollinators take flight at Peoria Zoo! Included with regular Zoo admission.

Wild Encounters: Second Saturdays

Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum 2218 N. Prospect Road, Peoria, IL, United States

There’s more to explore at the PlayHouse this summer! Join us and Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum for Wild Encounters on the Porch: Second Saturdays, a special monthly program where Zoo educators take amazing animals and nature lessons to the PlayHouse! Happening every second Saturday from May through September, a new topic highlights an exciting animal group or environmental theme through up-close animal presentations, fun facts, hands-on activities, and nature-themed crafts where educators from the Peoria Zoo take the wonders of wildlife… Read Full Post

$5 – $7

Murder Mystery Dinner

Peoria Zoo 2320 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL, United States

Welcome to the School of Hard Knocks Class Reunion—an evening filled with memories, laughter, and unexpected twists. Join us for an interactive Murder Mystery Dinner at the Peoria Zoo, where old classmates gather to reminisce... but not everyone is here to celebrate. Some people never change, and tonight may be a night they'd rather forget. As secrets surface and tensions rise, it's up to you to piece together the clues and uncover the truth behind… Read Full Post

$40

Zootober

Peoria Zoo 2320 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL, United States

Welcome to Zootober, where Halloween comes alive in the most thrilling way! Each weekend, the Peoria Zoo transforms after dark into a family-friendly fright fest, bursting with glowing lights, spooktastic characters, and hair-raising fun. Guest can enjoy: Immersive Halloween scenes filled with lifelike animatronics, dazzling light displays, and live actors who’ll surprise and delight around every turn. Themed food and drinks—think witches brew, spooky snacks, and ghoulish goodies. Costumes encouraged—come dressed to impress and strike… Read Full Post

“Visions of Kyoto” Chrysanthemum Show

Luthy Botanical Garden 2520 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL

The imperial flower of Japan, the chrysanthemum, takes center stage in this elegant fall display at Luthy Botanical Garden. The "Visions of Kyoto" Chrysanthemum Show invites you to explore the rich history and cultural significance of this timeless bloom while enjoying the peaceful beauty of our Japanese-inspired gardens. Admission is free, though donations are appreciated to support the garden and its programs. Come take in the colors, textures, and traditions of Japan—right here in Peoria.… Read Full Post

Donations Appreciated

Zootober

Peoria Zoo 2320 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL, United States

Welcome to Zootober, where Halloween comes alive in the most thrilling way! Each weekend, the Peoria Zoo transforms after dark into a family-friendly fright fest, bursting with glowing lights, spooktastic characters, and hair-raising fun. Guest can enjoy: Immersive Halloween scenes filled with lifelike animatronics, dazzling light displays, and live actors who’ll surprise and delight around every turn. Themed food and drinks—think witches brew, spooky snacks, and ghoulish goodies. Costumes encouraged—come dressed to impress and strike… Read Full Post

Zootober

Peoria Zoo 2320 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL, United States

Welcome to Zootober, where Halloween comes alive in the most thrilling way! Each weekend, the Peoria Zoo transforms after dark into a family-friendly fright fest, bursting with glowing lights, spooktastic characters, and hair-raising fun. Guest can enjoy: Immersive Halloween scenes filled with lifelike animatronics, dazzling light displays, and live actors who’ll surprise and delight around every turn. Themed food and drinks—think witches brew, spooky snacks, and ghoulish goodies. Costumes encouraged—come dressed to impress and strike… Read Full Post

Zoobrew, Wine and Spirits Too!

Peoria Zoo 2320 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL, United States

Join us for a favorite fall tradition and have a HOWLing Good Time at Peoria Zoo! Come sample beer and wine selected by local vendors, and BOOzy spirits of all kinds, as you experience the haunting Halloween trails at Peoria Zoo. Your ticket also includes appetizers from Cracked Pepper, dessert from Peoria Zoo's Chef Karen Hocker, live music by The Matt Eckberg Band, and exclusive access to our UpROARious annual auction. Costumes optional. You can… Read Full Post

$100

Zootober

Peoria Zoo 2320 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL, United States

Welcome to Zootober, where Halloween comes alive in the most thrilling way! Each weekend, the Peoria Zoo transforms after dark into a family-friendly fright fest, bursting with glowing lights, spooktastic characters, and hair-raising fun. Guest can enjoy: Immersive Halloween scenes filled with lifelike animatronics, dazzling light displays, and live actors who’ll surprise and delight around every turn. Themed food and drinks—think witches brew, spooky snacks, and ghoulish goodies. Costumes encouraged—come dressed to impress and strike… Read Full Post

Zootober

Peoria Zoo 2320 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL, United States

Welcome to Zootober, where Halloween comes alive in the most thrilling way! Each weekend, the Peoria Zoo transforms after dark into a family-friendly fright fest, bursting with glowing lights, spooktastic characters, and hair-raising fun. Guest can enjoy: Immersive Halloween scenes filled with lifelike animatronics, dazzling light displays, and live actors who’ll surprise and delight around every turn. Themed food and drinks—think witches brew, spooky snacks, and ghoulish goodies. Costumes encouraged—come dressed to impress and strike… Read Full Post

Zootober

Peoria Zoo 2320 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL, United States

Welcome to Zootober, where Halloween comes alive in the most thrilling way! Each weekend, the Peoria Zoo transforms after dark into a family-friendly fright fest, bursting with glowing lights, spooktastic characters, and hair-raising fun. Guest can enjoy: Immersive Halloween scenes filled with lifelike animatronics, dazzling light displays, and live actors who’ll surprise and delight around every turn. Themed food and drinks—think witches brew, spooky snacks, and ghoulish goodies. Costumes encouraged—come dressed to impress and strike… Read Full Post

Zootober

Peoria Zoo 2320 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL, United States

Welcome to Zootober, where Halloween comes alive in the most thrilling way! Each weekend, the Peoria Zoo transforms after dark into a family-friendly fright fest, bursting with glowing lights, spooktastic characters, and hair-raising fun. Guest can enjoy: Immersive Halloween scenes filled with lifelike animatronics, dazzling light displays, and live actors who’ll surprise and delight around every turn. Themed food and drinks—think witches brew, spooky snacks, and ghoulish goodies. Costumes encouraged—come dressed to impress and strike… Read Full Post

Join Our Mission

Our Mission: create connections that inspire an appreciation for and encourage actions to conserve the natural world. The Peoria Zoo will be recognized as a leader in raising public awareness and commitment to conservation.