Calling all heroes and royals! Join us for Capes & Crowns at the Zoo—a magical day where fairytales and adventures come to life. From 10 AM to 3 PM, your favorite superheroes and princesses will be roaming the Zoo, ready for high-fives, hugs, and heroic selfies. Enjoy a royal tea party in the Lodge from noon-1pm with enchanting princesses Test your powers at our superhero training skills session from 11am-noon and 1-2pm Don’t miss animal… Read Full Post

International Tiger DayDate: Tuesday, July 29, 2025Time: Activities available throughout the dayLocation: Peoria Zoo – Tropics Classroom + Tiger Exhibit AreaIncluded with Zoo admission Join us at Peoria Zoo for International Tiger Day, a global celebration dedicated to raising awareness for tiger conservation. Visit our Amur tiger habitat and Tropics Classroom to learn about the threats these beautiful cats face in the wild, and how we can help protect their future. This special day includes:–… Read Full Post

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

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.

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

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

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. Guests 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

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

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. Guests 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

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. Guests 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 us for our annual online auction to support YOUR Peoria Zoo! This multi-day auction is loaded with items of all interests and price points. From unforgettable Zoo experiences, to treasures for your home, to sparkling jewelry, to kid-friendly fun, and plenty of gift cards, there really is something for everyone! The auction will go live at 3:00 PM on Thursday, October 16th and will go through Sunday, October 19th at 8:00 PM. We also… Read Full Post

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