Archives: Events

Winter at DZCA

Kids Free December

We’re filled with the spirit of the season at DZCA! This December, enjoy FREE daytime admission for children ages 3–15. Plan your day and bring the kiddos for free, all month long! Online ticket reservations are required for entry.

Plan Your Visit

Visit Tropical Discovery

Discover a balmy world of biodiversity, including a fascinating bat cave, a brilliant array of reef-dwelling fish, co-habituating capybaras and howler monkeys, the tiniest tree frogs, and large reptiles like Komodo dragons.

You’ll also encounter our sloth tree, featuring sloth mom Charlotte and baby Chewie—who is growing more curious and confident every day. Try to spot Chewie in the Tropical Discovery tree on your next visit, we promise he’ll steal your heart, slowly but surely.

Holiday Adoption Kits Are Here!

Holiday adoption kits include your choice of a plush rhino or capybara—plus a limited-edition DZCA ornament. ‘Tis the season…to start gifting!

Adopt Now

Don’t miss our other events this season:

Zoo Lights

Prepare to be dazzled once again—the holiday tradition of Zoo Lights returns select nights Nov 24–Jan 4! Each glowing scene is part of a larger tal…
Get Tickets

Zoo Lights Sensory Friendly Night

Join us New Year’s Eve for an inclusive evening for guests living with sensory processing disorders. Enjoy a variety of accommodations including re…
Get Tickets

Zoo Lights Adult Nights (21+)

Enjoy THREE nights out at Zoo Lights without the kids! Tickets include one drink ticket and a whole bunch of holiday fun (just without the little o…
Get Tickets

Member Appreciation Week

Member Appreciation Week 

September 13–21

Join us for a week of celebrating you, our wonderful members!

Calling all DZCA members—this one is for you! Your support makes everything we do possible, from providing world-class animal care to facilitating our wildlife conservation efforts around the world. We are grateful to all of you, and we want to spend a week showing it!  

Visit DZCA September 13–21 to enjoy exclusive members-only perks, animal experiences, giveaways and more as a token of our appreciation. Plus, we’re giving you 20% off all food and beverage purchases and an additional guest pass so you can share it all with a loved one.  

Member Lounge 

Available daily for members from 9:00–11:00 a.m. 

Every morning during Member Appreciation Week, we welcome you to kick back and take in the perks of supporting DZCA in our exclusive Member Lounge! Just present your membership QR code to enter and explore.

Lounge Activities

Get creative or play with coloring stations, lawn games, and enrichment-crafting, where you can create fun enrichment items for our animals to play with and stay active and healthy! 

Chat with DZCA Staff 

For those curious about how the Zoo works, staff from all DZCA departments will be around to chat about their daily work, from Animal Care to Executives and more.

Membership 101 Concierge

Learn everything there is to know about your DZCA membership so you can take advantage of all the great perks available to you. 

Animal Ambassadors

It wouldn’t be a proper DZCA lounge without a few animals! Catch a meet and greet with one of our Animal Ambassadors. 

Member Events

FREE Members-Only Breakfasts 

Enjoy free coffee, juice and pastries!

Saturday, September 13 

Time: 9–11 a.m. 

Location: Members Lounge, Zoo Gardens 

Wednesday, September 17 

Time: 9–11 a.m. 

Location: Members Lounge, Zoo Gardens 

No RSVP required. 

While supplies last for the first 500 members per breakfast.

FREE Member Appreciation Night* 

Friday, September 19 

5–9 p.m. 

Enjoy the whole Zoo, just for members! PLUS, enjoy live music, animal demos and FREE giraffe feedings (while they’re still hungry). All attractions will be open for ticket purchase or voucher use.

5:30 p.m. Flamingo Walk
6:30 p.m. Elephant Demonstration
7:00 p.m. Predator Ridge Demonstration

Get yourself a beer and enjoy a free pretzel with your bevvy or partake in a toasty s’more for purchase at Zoo Gardens. 

RSVP Now

*Event is free to members only, but RSVP is required. Members may use guest passes for this event, but additional tickets will not be available. Please note that Lorikeet Adventure and Wallaby Way will be closed for the evening.

Giveaways

Daily Giveaways


For every day of Member Appreciation Week, three visiting members will randomly be selected to win one of these amazing prizes. Just show your membership QR code at the gate like you always do, and winners will be contacted the very next day.

One-Year Membership Extension

Winners will receive a one-year extension of their current membership for free!

BOO AT THE ZOO PRIZE PACK

Winners will receive four tickets to any night of Boo at the Zoo this fall, plus a Halloween-themed gift package full of tricks and treats!

ZOO LIGHTS PRIZE PACK

Winners will receive four tickets to any night of Zoo Lights, plus a holiday-themed package with souvenir cups, hot chocolate vouchers, and glow necklaces.

One Time Giveaways

Win Earlier Early Access to Summer Safari Camps*

Four member families that visit during Member Appreciation Week will receive one guaranteed spot for any Summer Safari camp of their choosing. Meaning you officially get first dibs on our coveted camp spots, featuring animal experiences, zoo expeditions and hands-on, camper-driven exploration.  

Each of the four winners will be notified the following week via email.  

*This is not a complimentary camp. Early access benefit is limited to one family per spot and cannot be shared.

One-Time Giveaway DZCA Behind the Scenes Tour

Ever want to see all the stuff that happens behind closed doors? One lucky member will win exactly that—an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of DZCA! And all you have to do is spend a day at the zoo while enjoying the perks of Member Appreciation Week.  

The winner will be notified the following week via email.

Don’t Miss Out on a Week of Celebration, Just for YOU! 

Member Sea Lion Habitat Preview Event 

Member Sea Lion Habitat Preview Event

Let’s welcome summer, and our sea lions, with a splash!

As a valuable part of DZCA’s membership family, you are invited to be among the first to welcome back our sea lions, experience their new home, and view the progress on our soon-to-open underground viewing area. Our five beloved sea lions have been away from DZCA since the fall of 2023 while we’ve been hard at work building an incredible new habitat for our flippered friends.

This members-only event kicks off extended summer Zoo hours before they begin for the general public on June 20.
Learn more about all the ways we are celebrating Summer at DZCA here!

SCHEDULE

Event Dates:

June 13, 5-8 p.m.
June 14, 5-8 p.m.

ADMISSION

DZCA Members:
FREE

Restrictions:
Exclusive to DZCA members, and members must RSVP to secure a spot

RSVP Now

DETAILS

• Scavenger hunt and coloring books for family-friendly fun!
• Sea lion-themed photo op
• Animal demonstrations at 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. across campus
• Live music around the Zoo
• NEW summer food + beverage menus
• Splash pads and misting tents 

Exclusive Giveaways


But wait, there’s more—this event also includes giveaways for members! Any member who attends will automatically be given the chance to win prizes including sea lion-themed merchandise, Family Plus gift memberships, attractions vouchers, and more!

Winners will be notified via email on Monday June 16.

About Our Sea Lions’ Shiny New Digs

Originally built in 1987, our sea lion habitat had a long legacy of care, and we’re delighted that this space has been enhanced with new features that promote even greater enrichment and wellness for our sea lions. This includes a new saltwater filtration system, larger sunbathing docks, advanced animal care facilities, and major underwater viewing improvements, all with water conservation in mind. 

Can’t Make The Preview Event?

DZCA members are invited to enjoy exclusive daytime access to preview our stunning new habitat before it opens to the public. Stop by anytime between June 15–18 to get a first look—just one more way we’re saying thank you for being a valuable part of our member community. Member buttons can be picked up in the Boettcher Welcome Center while supplies last.

P.S. Nick has been having SUCH a good time in D.C. that he will be making his big return this fall.

Summer at DZCA

New this Summer!

Now–August 10

This summer, we’re turning up the fun—and cooling things down! Enjoy seasonal enhancements designed to help you make the most of every sunny moment at DZCA. Plus, enjoy early summer hours July 21–August 10! Members enter at 8:30 a.m., general guests at 9:00. Beat the heat—and the crowds—by starting your day early.

Plan Your Visit
Flamingo Enrichment Walks,
11 a.m. Daily 

Starting at the flamingo habitat, these walks are voluntary for our vibrant flock and offer extra physical and mental stimulation! 

Exclusive Animal
Experiences 

Watch for surprise moments throughout the day—our Animal Care Team may offer exclusive animal experiences at random! 

OceanX Education
Portal

Here for a limited time this summer! Explore coral reefs, sub dives, and ocean depths in our all-new immersive OceanX Education Portal—free with Zoo admission.

Splash Pads and
Misting Tents

Cool off with splash pads and misting tents throughout the Zoo. Water play encouraged—bring a change of shoes or grab a towel at the DZCA Gift Store!

NEW Summer Food
+ Beverages 

Try something fresh from our new summer menus—including mango-lime Dole Whip at Café Costa or the tamale of the day at Stingray Cove™. 

Wild
Welcome

Members, start your day wild! From 8:30–9 a.m., enjoy an exclusive Animal Ambassador greeting at the main entrance.

Beat the Heat and Stay Late till 8!

Fridays + Saturdays, June 20–August 9

Enjoy extended Zoo hours every Friday and Saturday this summer! DZCA stays open until 8:00 p.m., so you can explore more and beat the heat. 

• Dates include: 6/20–6/21, 6/27–6/28, 7/4–7/5, 7/11–7/12, 7/18–7/19, 7/25–7/26, 8/1–8/2, 8/8–8/9. No reservations required for members!
• Enjoy 50% off admission from 3:00–8:00 p.m.
• Live music
• Scavenger hunts
• Animal demonstrations at 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. each evening—featuring a rotating lineup of amazing species all summer long!

Plan Your Visit

Don’t Miss These Extras!

Stingray Cove™
Denver Zoo Railroad
Conservation Carousel
Plan Your Visit

Summer Adult Nights
(Ages 21+) 

June 5, 5:30–9:00 p.m.
July 3, 5:30–9:00 p.m.
July 31, 5:30–9:00 p.m.

$30 includes one
complimentary canned alcoholic drink

Learn More

Summer Stampede

Summer Stampede

Join The Herd for Summer Stampede

Saturday, July 12, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Zoo Gardens Pavilion

You’re invited to our annual boozy brunch with DZCA’s amazing young professionals’ group, The Herd! All are welcome to join and learn more about wildlife conservation and the importance of our mission: Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations. Come see what The Herd is all about—RSVP by July 4!

ADMISSION

Herd Members:
FREE

Guests:
$60 Per Person
Herd Member RSVP
Get Tickets

DETAILS

• Gourmet boozy brunch
• Specialty cocktails provided by Spirit Hound
• Live entertainment
• Animal experiences
• Behind-the-scenes look at the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Animal Hospital
• Networking opportunities

About The Herd 

The Herd is DZCA’s collaborative cohort of like-minded young people who want to engage the next generation in support of wildlife conservation, animal care and welfare.  

Learn More

Summer Adult Nights

Summer Adult Nights

Experience summer nights at the Zoo—without the kids! Whether you’re planning a date night or a fun evening with friends, our 21+ Adult Nights offer a fun, after-hours escape just for grown-ups. Your admission includes a complimentary canned alcoholic drink (non-alcoholic and GF options available), FREE Carousel karaoke, animal demonstrations, trivia, live music, and a silent disco. Our summer Adult Nights offer a rare opportunity to enjoy DZCA without the crowds—or the kids!

Due to popular demand, we’re hosting three Adult Nights this summer! These events sell out fast—secure your tickets before they’re gone.

SCHEDULE

Event Dates:

June 5, 5:30–9:00 p.m.
July 3, 5:30–9:00 p.m.
July 31, 5:30–9:00 p.m.






ADMISSION

Ticket Price:
$30, includes one
complimentary canned alcoholic drink

Restrictions:
Ages 21+ Only

Get Tickets

DETAILS

• One complimentary canned alcoholic drink (non-alcoholic and GF options available)
• FREE carousel karaoke
• Live music
• Trivia
• Animal demonstrations


Adult Night Schedule

July 31st

Animal Experiences

• 5:30–6:30 p.m. Animal Ambassadors in Gates Amphitheater
• 5:30 p.m. Grizzly Bear food toss, Harmony Hill
• 7:00 p.m. Hyena demo, Predator Ridge Hyena Yard

Entertainment

• 5:30–8:30 p.m. Carousel Karaoke, Conservation Carousel
• 5:30–8:30 p.m. Taylor Frederick, Primate Panorama
• 5:30–8:30 p.m. Kory Montgomery, Toyota Elephant Passage
• 6:30 p.m. Trivia hosted by Denver Trivia League, Zoo Gardens

Try our new summer food and beverage items!

We do not offer refunds or exchanges for any reason, including inclement weather. In case of closure or cancellation due to extreme weather, ticket holders will be contacted with options. All participants, including infants, require a timed ticket.

Día Del Niño

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance se enorgullece de unirse al Mexican Cultural Center y a muchos de sus homólogos del SCFD para la celebración del “Día del Niño: Celebrating All Children”. 
Únase a nosotros para un día bilingüe de demostraciones de animales, una búsqueda del tesoro, una clase de arte, una presentación de mariachis y visitas de Denver Public Library y otras organizaciones locales. 

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is proud to join the Mexican Cultural Center and many of their SCFD counterparts for the celebration of Día del Niño: Celebrating All Children.
Join us for a bilingual day of animal demonstrations, a scavenger hunt, art class, a mariachi band performance and visits from Denver Public Library and other local organizations.

PROGRAMACIÓN
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

10:00 a.m.
Apertura de puertas
Gates open

10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Sendero de Juegos en la Naturaleza
Nature Play Trail

10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Búsqueda del Tesoro
Scavenger hunt

10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Bibliobús de Denver Public Library + organizaciones locales
Denver Public Library Bookmobile + local organizations

10:15 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m.
Demostraciones de Animales
Animal Demonstrations

10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Clase de arte de tejer con el artista local Cal Duran
Weaving art class with local artist Cal Duran

12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Presentación del Programa de Colorado Youth Mariachi Program
Performance by Colorado Youth Mariachi Program

Get Tickets | Compre Sus Boletos

En colaboración con | In partnership with:

Fecha + Hora
date + time

3 de Mayo 
Time TBD 

May 3
Time TBD.

EDADES
ages

¡Todas las edades son bienvenidas! 

All ages welcome!

PRECIO
PRICING

Adultos + Tercera Edad: $26.00  
Jóvenes: $19.00  
Menores de 2 años: Gratis 

Adults + Seniors: $26.00
Youth: $19.00
Youth 2 and Under: Free

Get Tickets | Compre Sus Boletos

Glowing Wild Sensory-Friendly Night

Sensory-Friendly Night

When the sun goes down, the adventure begins—Glowing Wild is back! DZCA invites you to wander the world in a single evening, traveling from lush forests to radiant reefs. This limited-time, after-dark event takes you on a glowing journey inspired by wildlife and conservation. Enjoy a variety of accommodations including reduced crowds, low-volume music, quiet rooms and more.

Tickets On Sale Now

Get Tickets

SCHEDULE

Event Date:

April 12
6:30–10:00 p.m.





ADMISSION

Ticket Price:
Adults + Seniors: $24.95
Youth: $17.95
Youth 2 and Under: Free

Members Save 10%!
Member Adults + Seniors: $22.45
Member Youth: $16.15

DETAILS

Accommodations Include:

• Reduced crowds
• No strobing effects and increased light around campus 
• Low-volume music (including the Conservation Carousel and Denver Zoo Railroad)
• No live music performances 
• Available quiet rooms 
• Available sensory kits

Prepare for Your Visit with Our Social Story + Sensory Guide

To make the most of your visit, we’ve created a Glowing Wild Sensory Guide and Social Story to help our guests understand the various sensory stimuli that can be expected during this event.

Download Guide

Celebrate Wildlife in a 
Whole New Light 

These beautiful, gleaming displays feature flora and fauna from across the world—with interactive surprises all along the way! Dare to walk through a giant alligator, have a conversation with chirping budgies and marvel at stunning botanical displays, all while learning about our conservation efforts. This awe-inspiring, evening-only event is best enjoyed in the darker hours—the later you visit, the brighter and bolder our lanterns become.

Food + Drink Passport

$54.95 Onsite | $49.95 Online

Looking to make the most of your evening? Get more bang for your buck with the Food + Drink Passport, which gets you three food items and three drinks (NA options available) to redeem at Samburu Grille, Scratch, and Café Costa. Plus, save even more when you buy online ahead of time—simply add a Food + Drink Passport at ticket checkout.

Don’t miss our other events this season:

Glowing Wild

This limited-time, after-dark event takes you on a glowing journey inspired by wildlife and conservation.
Learn More

Glowing Wild Adult Nights (21+)

Get all the glow without the kids! Glowing Wild now has TWO of our popular Adult Nights. Tickets include one drink ticket too!
Learn More

Glowing Wild Scout Nights

Gather your group and join us for an exclusive educational experience—including early entry to Glowing Wild.
Learn More


In partnership with:

We do not offer refunds or exchanges for any reason, including inclement weather. In case of closure or cancellation due to extreme weather, ticket holders will be contacted with options. All participants, including infants, require a timed ticket.

Glowing Wild Adult Nights

Adult Nights

When the sun goes down, the adventure begins—Glowing Wild is back! Whether you’re going for a date night or gathering with friends, Adult Night is just for kids at heart, ages 21 and up. This limited-time, after-dark event takes you on a glowing journey inspired by wildlife and conservation. Due to popular demand, we’re doubling the fun with TWO Adult Nights!

Tickets On Sale Now

Get Tickets

SCHEDULE

Event Dates:
April 2, 6:30–10:00 p.m.
May 7, 6:30–10:00 p.m.




ADMISSION

Ticket Price:
$34.95

Members Save 10%!
$34.95 $31.50

Restrictions:
Ages 21+ Only

DETAILS

• Admission includes one complimentary canned alcoholic drink (non-alcoholic and GF options available)
• Live entertainment and Silent Disco
• Carousel Karaoke
• Animal Demonstrations
• Photo Ops

Celebrate Wildlife in a 
Whole New Light 

These beautiful, gleaming displays feature flora and fauna from across the world—with interactive surprises all along the way! Dare to walk through a giant alligator, have a conversation with chirping budgies and marvel at stunning botanical displays, all while learning about our conservation efforts. This awe-inspiring, evening-only event is best enjoyed in the darker hours—the later you visit, the brighter and bolder our lanterns become.

Food + Drink Passport

$54.95 Onsite | $49.95 Online

Looking to make the most of your evening? Get more bang for your buck with the Food + Drink Passport, which gets you three food items and three drinks (NA options available) to redeem at Samburu Grille, Scratch, and Café Costa. Plus, save even more when you buy online ahead of time—simply add a Food + Drink Passport at ticket checkout.

Don’t miss our other events this season:

Glowing Wild

This limited-time, after-dark event takes you on a glowing journey inspired by wildlife and conservation.
Learn More

Glowing Wild Sensory-Friendly Night

Join us for an inclusive evening for guests living with sensory processing disorders, featuring a variety of accommodations.
Learn More

Glowing Wild Scout Nights

Gather your group and join us for an exclusive educational experience—including early entry to Glowing Wild.
Learn More


In partnership with:

We do not offer refunds or exchanges for any reason, including inclement weather. In case of closure or cancellation due to extreme weather, ticket holders will be contacted with options. All participants, including infants, require a timed ticket.

Glowing Wild

A World of Wildlife, Illuminated

DZCA invites you to wander the world in a single evening, traveling from lush forests to radiant reefs. This limited-time, after-dark event takes you on a glowing journey inspired by wildlife and conservation. Experience the glimmer of 60 illuminated scenes and 175 new larger-than-life lanterns that bring animals and their stories to light, all handcrafted by Chinese artisans.

Tickets On Sale Now

Get Tickets

EVENT DATES +
TIMES

Event Time
6:30–10:00 p.m.

Event Dates
Select Nights March 13–May 10

Nightly: March 13–April 5
Thurs–Sun: April 9–12, April 16–19, April 23–26, April 30–May 3, May 7–10

GENERAL ADMISSION PRICING

Weekends
Friday–Sunday

Adults + Seniors: $27.95
Youth: $19.95
Youth 2 and Under: Free

Members Save 10%!
Member Adults + Seniors: $25.15
Member Youth: $17.95

VALUE NIGHT
PRICING

Weekdays
Monday–Thursday

Adults + Seniors: $24.95
Youth: $17.95
Youth 2 and Under: Free

Members Save 10%!
Member Adults + Seniors: $22.45
Member Youth: $16.15

Celebrate Wildlife in a 
Whole New Light

Glowing Wild is filled with interactive surprises that are sure to dazzle kids and adults alike. Each radiant scene is inspired by habitats from across the globe, while motion-activated lanterns bring the experience to life. Walk through radiant reefs, indulge in new photo ops at every turn and marvel at a moose you can’t miss, standing at 20 feet high and 60 feet wide!  

Plus, there will be a variety of entertainment, food and drinks to enjoy throughout the evening. Touch, explore, eat and play your way through a memorable journey of conservation and discovery, all in one night!

View Event Map

Food + Drink Passport

$54.95 Onsite | $49.95 Online

Looking to make the most of your evening? Get more bang for your buck with the Food + Drink Passport, which gets you three food items and three drinks (NA options available) to redeem at Samburu Grille, Scratch, and Café Costa. Plus, save even more when you buy online ahead of time—simply add a Food + Drink Passport at ticket checkout.

View Menu

Already have tickets?

Here’s what you should know before your visit.

Learn More

Don’t miss our other events this season:

Glowing Wild Adult Nights (21+)

Get all the glow without the kids! Glowing Wild now has TWO of our popular Adult Nights. Tickets include one drink ticket too!
Learn More

Glowing Wild Sensory-Friendly Night

Join us for an inclusive evening for guests living with sensory processing disorders, featuring a variety of accommodations.
Learn More

Glowing Wild Scout Nights

Gather your group and join us for an exclusive educational experience—including early entry to Glowing Wild.
Learn More


In partnership with:

We do not offer refunds or exchanges for any reason, including inclement weather. Entertainment is subject to change. In case of closure or cancellation due to extreme weather, ticket holders will be contacted with options. All participants, including infants, require a timed ticket.

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Denver, CO 80205
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