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.
The kids usually have all the fun, but now it's your turn! Join us for a new and exciting camp experience for adults!
Join us on Monday, November 11, from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. for our last Wake & Learn of the year, presented by Farmers Insurance – Jarred White.
Ring in the Holiday season with Zoo Lights Presented by Evergy, one of Topeka’s treasured holiday traditions returning for its sixth season.
Santa is stopping by the Topeka Zoo for a SWEET Holiday visit - before his big night!
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.
Nestled within the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center, the Kay McFarland Japanese Garden & Venue is a breathtaking blend of architecture, tranquility, and natural beauty. With space for up to 230 guests, our venue offers both indoor elegance and outdoor serenity — the perfect backdrop for weddings, celebrations, and gatherings of all kinds.
Whether you’re envisioning a romantic ceremony surrounded by koi ponds and bridges, or simply wish to stroll through one of Topeka’s most peaceful escapes, we invite you to experience this extraordinary space for yourself.
Learn more or plan your visit at topekazoo.org/private-events/kay-mcfarland-japanese-garden-venue
📸 Photo credit: Ralph Inforzato
#TopekaWeddings #TopekaKansas #TopekaVenues #PrivateEvents #JapaneseGardenVenue #KayMcFarlandJapaneseGarden #TopekaZoo #TopekaZooEvents #EventVenueKansas #DiscoverTopeka
Give the page a follow ➡️ to see posts regarding:
- The serenity & symbolism of the Japanese Garden
- Rental Packages - both private and corporate
- GORGEOUS Wedding & Event Set-Ups - get inspired with us! 💍💐
- Background & history on the woman that made this space possible: Chief Justice Kay McFarland
We're very excited to give this beautiful venue & garden the recognition it deserves - visitors have described it as a hidden gem in Topeka. Bookings are filing in already for 2026, so it may not stay 'hidden' for long!
🐸 MORE INFO: https://topekazoo.org/education/camps/winter-camp/
🐸 REGISTER HERE: https://store.topekazoo.org/#/Education (will request you create/Login to our Education domain page)
Give your loved ones an unforgettable experience this holiday season with a Zoo Lights igloo.
Warm, festive, and filled with cheer — just add friends and cocoa! ☕
Reserve now while dates last: https://topekazoo.org/events/topeka-zoo-lights-around-the-world/private-igloo-rental/
Working with animals means we are ADAPTABLE- so come dressed in your best costume to trick-or-treat from 40 different businesses/vendors, at various booths located inside the Zoo, no matter the weather. The rain won't stop our fun- we'll simply move things inside if we need to (big thanks to Shawnee County Parks & Rec for their accomodations with the Big Gage Shelter House)!
Reminder- BOO! is INCLUDED in Zoo General Admission, and Friends of the Topeka Zoo members get in FREE!
See you at 9am for treats, costumes, and our awesome animal ambassadors! 🐅
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!
