Upcoming Events

Join the Zoo at Forest Park Nature Center as we celebrate Earth Day! Celebrate Earth Day at our annual festival all centered on the theme of “Growing Together!” Guests will enjoy an engaging vendor and exhibitor area that features organizations and businesses with sustainable practices and missions eager to share their work, products, and ways you can get involved or make a difference. Peoria Zoo and Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum will return with their creative,… Read Full Post

A great opportunity to find unique perennials, native plants, ornamental grasses, unusual tropical plants and annuals. Make sure to check out the Spring Market in the Garden during the sale, where we are even partnering with local garden groups/vendors to bring you an amazing plant sale! Ages: All Ages

Spring Market in the Garden featuring the Luthy Annual Plant Sale! Find unique perennials, native plants, ornamental grasses, unusual tropical plants and annuals during our annual plant sale at the Garden. Browse the market filled with local artisans featuring artists, craftsmen, foodies and collectors bringing the charm and excitement of the spring to Luthy Botanical Garden. New this year, enjoy Parks on Tap, our Traveling TapHouse on May 2nd from 4-8pm. Interested in being a… Read Full Post

Join us for Parks on Tap as we bring the Traveling Taphouse to the beautiful Luthy Botanical Garden! Enjoy an evening surrounded by lush gardens while sipping on refreshing drinks, playing fun games, and soaking in live entertainment. Plus, grab a bite from a delicious local food truck! This event is FREE to attend, but food and drinks will be available for purchase. Experience one of Peoria’s most scenic parks in a whole new way—great drinks, great company, and a great atmosphere… Read Full Post

Enjoy a cosmo while creating your very own container garden for mom…or even better with mom. It’s a gift that keeps on growing, for a front porch, patio, deck. We provide all the plants & supplies. Cosmopolitans and wine will be available for purchase, and participants must be 21 or older. Register here Cost: $35/container. (Max two people per container)  Advanced registration required. This event does sell out.  Check out our Container Gardens with Mom for those under… Read Full Post

Create a container garden with mom…or for mom! It’s a gift that keeps on growing, for your front porch, patio, deck. It’s a popular hands-on class that you can register ahead, all plants and materials are included. Cost: $35/container. (Max two people per container)  Advanced registration required. This event does sell out. Register here Looking to add a little fun for those 21 and older? Check out our Container Gardens and Cosmopolitans class!

🌸 Muffins with Mom | Sunday, May 11 | 10am–5pm Celebrate Mother’s Day with a wild adventure at Peoria Zoo! 🐾💐All moms receive FREE admission with a paying child — because Mom deserves a day to ROAR with joy! 🌞 Explore the Zoo🧁 Pick up a FREE muffin at Zambezi River Lodge (Moms only!)🐘 Make unforgettable memories with the whole family Make this Mother’s Day muffin but magical ✨

Homeschool Classes Science has never been more exciting, with up-close animal encounters, tours, experiments, crafts and more! For students 5-13 years old. Each month is a new topic designed to help meet state standards and ignite a love of animals in young learners. *Parents are welcome to drop children off after sign-in. Parents who wish to attend the session must also enroll for the activity. 2025 Dates and Topics: February 12 – Extreme Extremities Hands… Read Full Post

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 signature martinis and walk the boardwalk with friends for a wonderful spring evening event. Included are four drink tickets, appetizers, dessert, and live music. Raffle prizes will be available. Click here to purchase tickets!   Event Ticket:… Read Full Post

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. This event is included with admission/membership; no registration required.  Come learn about how to celebrate clean sustainable energy sources and learn about conservation of animals and plants.

🦁 Fathers & Floats | Sunday, June 15 | 10am–5pm This Father’s Day, treat Dad to a day he’ll never forget at Peoria Zoo!All dads get FREE admission with a paying child — plus a cool surprise! 😎 🍦 Grab a FREE root beer float at Zambezi River Lodge (Dads only!)🐯 Walk on the wild side with the family📸 Snap a selfie with Dad and his favorite animal It’s the perfect mix of cool, wild,… Read Full Post

Start your weekend on a positive note by connecting with your inner self in the heart of nature. Join us for Yoga in the Park, where our experienced and passionate yoga instructor will guide you through a revitalizing session suitable for all levels, from beginners to seasoned practitioners. Enjoy the picturesque surroundings of our parks, providing a serene backdrop to enhance your yoga experience. Breathe in the fresh morning air while you wind down with… Read Full Post