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Special Events

Breakfast at the Zoo

Back by popular demand we have several breakfasts throughout the year. Come enjoy a generous portion of pancakes, bacon, sausage, coffee and juice at a unique time and place. Past participants tell us that the Zoo animals are particularly active during these morning events and that it’s a great time to visit the Zoo. Cost is just $6 for member adults and $3 for member children. Non-member adults are $9 and non-member childen are $5. Invite the neighborhood! Check the Schedule of Events for dates and times.

Conservation Day

Primarily intended for 4th graders, this special day is set aside to educate students about wildlife and natural resource conservation in North Dakota. Due to the great attendance at past events, participants are encouraged to choose either the morning or afternoon session. The morning session runs from 9 to 11:30 a.m., with the afternoon session running from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Each session features various informational booths, hands-on activities and special presentations. Of course the Zoo animals will also be looking forward to seeing visitors as well. Be sure to check the Schedule of Events for the date and time.

Children’s Day

Our annual Children’s Day is an event filled with fun, games, prizes, races, buttons, food and entertainment. The day begins at 10 a.m. when the Zoo opens to the sights and sounds of many young smiling faces. Games run until 1 p.m. when our Grand Finale act will begin on the stage. Whether it’s pitching pennies for prizes, participating in a sack race, saying hello to your favorite animal character or taking a tour around the Zoo aboard one of the Zoo trains, a good time is in store for you! Remember, members enter free for this event--just another great reason for your family to become a Dakota Zoo member! Be sure to check the Schedule of Events for the date.

Member’s Annual Picnic

Each July we host the ever popular member’s annual picnic at the Dakota Zoo. A menu of hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, ice cream and beverages will be available free of charge to our valued members. This is our way of saying thank you to our members who support us so faithfully. The front gates will close at 3:00 p.m. and the grounds cleared so that the Zoo can be made ready for this huge event. Gates reopen at 4:00 p.m. and the food will be available well into the evening. Please have your current season membership card available to speed up your entrance into the Zoo. Be sure to check the Schedule of Events for the date.

Missouri Valley Optimist Club Easter Egg Hunt

Join us for a hopping good time at the Missouri Valley Optimist Club Easter Egg Hunt at the Dakota Zoo. This event includes Easter egg hunts for ages 0-12 at 1:30 and 2:30, plus treats, crafts, games and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny. Be sure to check the Schedule of Events for dates and times.

Animal Ed-Ventures

Animal Ed-Ventures are designed for children ages 5-7 and are packed with fun and exciting adventures. Be sure to check the Schedule of Events for dates and times. Each camp will cover a different topic--some themes of past camps have been mammals, fish and reptiles. Participants have fun learning about and meeting special animal friends and making a craft during the program. Costs are $14.00 for members and $16.00 for non-members. Pre-registration is required at least 7 days before the date of the event as these popular camps fill up quickly. For registration or for more information call our education/volunteer coordinator at 223-7543.

Camps are Fun at the Zoo

The Dakota Zoo offers a variety of opportunities for visitors to learn more about the animal residents and nature in general.   Most camps are held during waking hours and are designed for children, but we also have a very special overnight camping event for the entire family.  Be sure to check out the Family Campover, which is your one opportunity to sleep under the stars on Zoo grounds.

Zoovivor Camp

Are you a youngster age 8-12 who likes adventure and think you are up to the challenge of Zoovivor Kamp? Then this just may be the event for you! Be sure to check the Schedule of Events for dates and times. This exciting event pits 4 teams of 5 kids each against each other in a fun and challenging way. Participants will compete in various games for “rewards” and enjoy experiencing the Zoo in a new and different way. We promise lots of fun, good food and in our game you can’t be “voted off” of the team. To ensure a quality experience for all participants, team sizes are limited. Find a friend and register together, or come yourself and we will assign you to a team. Cost is $35.00 per child for members, $40.00 for non-members. Pre-registration is required at least 7 days before the date of the event as these popular camps fill up quickly. To register or for further information contact the Zoo at 223-7543.

Kids Zoo Snooze Campovers

Two campover events are held each summer for kids ages 8-12. Youngsters are invited to come and enjoy the wonders of the Zoo at night. Tents are provided--just bring your own sleeping bag, pillow and a pad if you want one. The adventure begins at 7 p.m. and lasts until 8 a.m. the next morning. Be sure to check the Schedule of Events for dates and times. Participants can look forward to special presentations, activities and a night time flashlight tour of the Zoo grounds. Breakfast is provided. Cost is $25.00 per child for members, $27.00 for non-members. Pre-registration is required at least 7 days before the date of the event as these popular camps fill up quickly. Call the Zoo (223-7543) to register or for more information.

Family Zoo Snooze Campover

Each summer we host a campover designed for the whole family. Special features of this event include animal-related activities and a night time flashlight tour of the Zoo grounds. Bring your own tent, or if you don’t have one, call and we will reserve one of ours for you. The adventure begins Friday evening and ends Saturday morning following breakfast which we provide. Be sure to check the Schedule of Events for the date and times. Costs are $20.00 per adult and $10.00 per child. Pre-registration is required at least 7 days before the date of the event as these popular camps fill up quickly. Call the Zoo (223-7543) to register or for more information. You haven’t lived until you’ve been awakened by the sounds of amorous mountain lions or peacocks announcing the arrival of morning. Check out the various camps designed for all ages.

Junior Zookeeper Day Camp

The Dakota Zoo Junior Zookeeper Day Camp is designed for children ages 8-12. Programming is designed to teach youngsters about animals and help to develop a caring attitude about nature. The various activities will leave participants with a well-rounded knowledge of animals and conservation...at the same time adding fun games and activities to keep the interest level up. Be sure to check the Schedule of Events for the date and times. Costs are $65 per child for non-members and $60 for members. Pre-registration is required at least 7 days before the date of the event as these popular camps fill up quickly. Call the Zoo (223-7543) to register or for more information.

It's for the Birds

A wine and beer tasting event of wine/beer with animal or bird names takes place at the Zoo's Discovery Center with a wonderful rustic atmosphere with animal viewing.. All proceeds will go towards the Dakota Zoo Bird Rehab Program. Tickets are $30 for Dakota Zoo Members and $35 for non-members. They can be purchased at the admission window or by calling 223-7543. There is a limited number of tickets so purchase your tickets early. Be sure to check the Schedule of Events for dates and times.

Saturday(s) with Santa

Santa will be at Dakota Zoo on Saturday afternoons in December. Children of all ages can visit with Santa, do a craft, have their photo taken with santa and enjoy refreshments in the Discovery Building before going out to greet the animals!! Be sure to check the Schedule of Events for dates and times.

New Year's Eve Run/Walk

Help the Dakota Zoo kick off it’s annual Zoo Year’s Eve Fun Run and Walk! Entry fees are $15 by December 24th / $18 day of the event--$5 for children. The $5 children's fee does not include a t-shirt, but special participation prizes will be given out. Adult and youth fee includes specially designed Zoo animal long-sleeve t-shirt (for first 200 people) and awards in competitive categories. Registration begins at 12:30 pm in the Dakota Zoo Discovery Center (park in Zoo parking lot and enter through main gate). The entire route is on Dakota Zoo grounds and will start just outside the Dakota Zoo Discovery Center. Be sure to check the Schedule of Events for dates and times. Click here for an on-line registration form. For more information call the Zoo at 223-7543. Click the link to check out the 2009 Race Results.