By popular demand, Glow Wild Lantern Festival is lighting up the night for one more magical weekend! Join us at Peoria Zoo May 2–4 as we extend the festival and give families a few extra nights to experience the breathtaking beauty, cultural artistry, and unforgettable memories of this dazzling event. Wander through vibrant displays of handcrafted Chinese lanterns, savor themed food and drinks, and enjoy family-friendly activities under the stars. Whether you’re visiting for the… 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!

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

🌸 Muffins with Mom | Sunday, May 11 | 10am–3pm 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

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.

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

Celebrate Father’s Day a little early with a sweet treat at Peoria Zoo! Join us on Sunday, June 15 for Fathers & Floats, a special day to honor all the amazing dads out there. Cool off with a delicious root beer float in the Lodge and enjoy a fun-filled day exploring the Zoo. Bonus treat: Fathers receive FREE admission with a paid child admission as well as a free root beer float in the Lodge!… Read Full Post

Join us at Peoria Zoo for National Pollinator Week, a celebration dedicated to the tiny heroes that keep our ecosystems thriving! From bees and butterflies to birds and bats, pollinators play a vital role in our environment. Throughout the week, enjoy special activities and interactive stations designed to engage visitors of all ages. Discover how pollinators impact our daily lives, learn simple ways to help protect them, and explore the important connections between plants, animals,… Read Full Post