Make your Zoo Lights visit extra special with a private igloo rental! Enjoy cozy seating, festive décor, and exclusive perks as you sip, snack, and soak in the sparkle of the season.
Ring in the Holiday season with Zoo Lights Presented by Evergy, one of Topeka’s treasured holiday traditions returning for its sixth season.
Adventure, learning, and wild memories await! Sign up for Topeka Zoo Adventure Camps — with sessions offered in spring, summer, and fall/winter. Click through for details and registration links!
The Topeka Zoo is accepting clean, live Christmas trees December 26–January 8! Drop trees inside Gage Park near the horseshoe courts—no appointment needed. Trees free of decorations become enrichment for zoo animals and are later mulched for reuse.
Celebrate the New Year in style at the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center with Toast at Ten, an exclusive cocktail event presented by SDG Architecture + Interiors, featuring a special plated dinner, entertainment, a silent auction, and a sparkling champagne toast at 10 PM.
Every Wednesday from 5–9 PM
Join us for a midweek glow-up!
Everyone gets in for just $9.00 — no other discounts apply.
Dates: Nov 26, Dec 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
https://topekazoo.org/events/topeka-zoo-lights-around-the-world/
Thank you Kansas McDonald's for donating Grinch meal boxes & shaker bags, perfect use for hiding & placing enrichment! In this round of photos, our primates used their searching & problem solving skills to discover the hidden snacks and get the boxes open. The level of challenge varies by species!
Note: Only the packaging from McDonald's were used, all animals were given their natural/daily diets.
Stay tuned for more photos of how the Grinch BROUGHT Christmas to the Zoo. 💚🎁
#thegrinch #grinch #grinchmas
Bring your broken or unused holiday lights to the collection boxes behind the Concessions Stand from December 1 through January 15, 2026.
No zoo admission is needed; drop-off is available right in the parking lot.
Every small action helps make our holidays a little brighter and a little greener.
🐻 Alt caption: A rescue Black bear cub (Taz) is seen chewing on a stick, dropping it on his stomach and picking it up using his back feet multiple times. Due to gaining winter weight, he is quite rotund and finds himself momentarily rocking & shifting his weight in order to get up off his back. Onlookers comment on his stick holding talents, then likeness to a beached whale.
See news on our facebook page here.
2025 DATES
•Membership Only Events are in orange.
September
- Brew at the Zoo - Sept 13
- World Rivers Day - Sept 27
- Member pricing for Zoo Lights (discount codes will be emailed to members)
October
- Boo at the Zoo - Oct - 18
- Boo at the zoo - Oct -25
- Boo at the Zoo (Member Only Lane) – Saturday, October 18 (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
- Boo at the Zoo: (Member Only Lane) – Saturday, October 25 (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
November
- Zoo Lights Begins - Nov 21
- Wake & Learn – Behind the Scenes of Zoo Lights: Tuesday, November 11 (8 a.m. – 9 a.m.)
- Member pricing for Zoo Lights (discount codes will be emailed to members)
December
- Cookies with Claus - Dec 6
- Zoo Lights Closes - Dec 31
- Member pricing for Zoo Lights (discount codes will be emailed to members)
- Cookies with Claus (Member Discount): Saturday, December 6 (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
- Gift Membership Drive – Purchase the gift of year-round Zoo Membership!
The last two weekends in October are all set for spooky, family fun! Visit vendors, collect candy, giveaways, and more! Dress up as your favorite characters, goblins, witches, and ghosts and we will see you SOON!
Ring in the Holiday season with Zoo Lights Presented by Evergy, one of Topeka’s treasured holiday traditions returning for its sixth season.
Enjoy a memorable night tucked away from the cold at the 2025 Topeka Zoo Lights! Our Igloos provide a cozy, secluded space to enjoy this Winter Wonderland all evening long. Whether celebrating a birthday, anniversary or having a night out with friends or coworkers. Elevate your experience with your very own private igloo!
Santa is stopping by the Topeka Zoo for a sweet holiday visit—before his big night! Come enjoy a magical morning filled with: Cookie decorating & hot cocoa, A festive holiday craft, Giraffe feeding, Storytime & music, A photo opportunity with Santa, and a candy cane hunt!
Our Mission is to enrich our community through wildlife conservation and education.
BE THE DIFFERENCE.
When you become a business partner, you become a huge part of the success of the zoo AND the community! Join us today!
