Calendar

Events Calendar for Chicago's Free Zoo

Seal training at the Kovler Sea Lion Pool

Secrets of Animal Training
Enjoy an exclusive look into the world of animal training at Lincoln Park Zoo. Head behind the scenes to see how animal-care specialists use positive reinforcement to encourage animals to take part in their own care.

Saturday, February 25
Learn about Secrets of Animal Training
 

A keeper hangs enrichment at the Helen Brach Primate House

If I Ran the Zoo...
What would you do if you ran the zoo? Spend a day with us to find out! We'll put fifth-eighth graders to work prepping diets and cleaning exhibits and introduce them to the zoo staff who meet the needs of animals every day.

Saturday, March 3

Learn more about If I Ran the Zoo...

   

Member Appreciation Month
We love our members and to show our thanks for all you do for the zoo, we're offering special activities and benefits during the month of February.

February 1–29
Learn more about Member Appreciation Month


 

Throughout February
Member Appreciation Month
We love our members and to show our thanks for all you do for the zoo, we're offering special activities and benefits during the month of February.
Saturday, February 25
Secrets of Animal Training
Enjoy an exclusive look into the world of animal training at Lincoln Park Zoo. Head behind the scenes to see how animal-care specialists use positive reinforcement to encourage animals to take part in their own care.
Saturday, March 3
If I Ran the Zoo…
What would you do if you ran the zoo? Spend a day with us to find out! We'll put fifth-eighth graders to work prepping animal diets and cleaning exhibits and introduce them to the zoo staff who meet the needs of animals every day.
Sunday, March 4
Breakfast with the Apes
Join Lincoln Park Zoo for the wildest breakfast you’ll ever eat! Enjoy a hearty breakfast while getting nose-to-nose with gorillas and chimpanzees at Regenstein Center for African Apes. During this unique morning experience, you’ll learn fascinating facts about wild apes and hear insider stories about some of the zoo’s animals. The curator of primates will explain some of the animal behavior you’ll witness. 9:30–11 a.m. 
Friday, March 9–10
Sleep Under the Skyscrapers: Indoor Overnight
Interested in sleeping among Lincoln Park Zoo’s amazing animals? Families with children ages 5–12 can grab their nighttime gear and join us for an overnight adventure!
Saturday, March 10
Wild Nights: The Study of Sleep Across Species
Getting a good night’s rest is important for rhinos and children. Join researchers from Lincoln Park Zoo and the University of Chicago to hear how experts are studying sleep across species.
Saturday, March 17
Mystery in the Zoo: Notable Nests
Not all birds rely on sticks and twigs to build their nests! First–second graders can explore how nests of all kinds stand up to extreme weather, predators and other natural challenges.
Sunday, March 18
Back from the Brink: Lincoln Park Zoo Conservation Success Stories (adults-only tour)
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the endangered species around the globe. But on this tour, we’ll show that you and Lincoln Park Zoo are part of the solution. Join us to hear conservation success stories from the last few years. From red wolves to apes, these tours focus on some of the zoo’s most successful projects in conservation and animal care.  
Sunday, March 18
Zoo Safari Tour: Choose Your Own Safari (adults with children 5+)
Is that the sound of a hungry lion or a herd of stampeding zebra? You have to decide! Come discover the wildlife of Africa on a choose-your-own-adventure-style tour. 
Tuesday, March 27
Use-Your-Senses Safari
Experience the wild side of Africa by crawling through a life-size termite mound, smelling an aardvark and meeting a cockroach! 4–5-year-olds will have a blast learning about some of their favorite African animals at Lincoln Park Zoo.
Wednesday, March 28
African Adventure
Grab your safari gear—we’re going to Africa! First–second graders can join us for an all-day exploration of African habitats, from savanna to jungle to desert.
Thursday, March 29
Scientists on Safari
Lincoln Park Zoo scientists travel to Africa every year to study animals in the wild. Third–fourth graders will learn about field research projects focusing on everything from rhino poop to chimpanzee termite fishing.
Tuesday, April 3
Use-Your-Senses Safari
Experience the wild side of Africa by crawling through a life-size termite mound, smelling an aardvark and meeting a cockroach! 4–5-year-olds will have a blast learning about some of their favorite African animals at Lincoln Park Zoo.
Wednesday, April 4
African Adventure
Grab your safari gear—we’re going to Africa! First–second graders can join us for an all-day exploration of African habitats, from savanna to jungle to desert.  
Thursday, April 5
Scientists on Safari
Lincoln Park Zoo scientists travel to Africa every year to study animals in the wild. Third–fourth graders will learn about field research projects focusing on everything from rhino poop to chimpanzee termite fishing.
Saturday, April 7
Easter Egg-Stavaganza
Enjoy a delicious breakfast with the Easter Bunny before searching for eggs, making crafts and participating in animal activities at this inaugural event held at the Farm-in-the-Zoo Presented by John Deere.
Saturday, April 7
Zoo Safari Tour: All About Primates (adults-only tour)
Who is a monkey and who is an ape? What in the world is an “old world” monkey? And which Helen Brach Primate House resident has something in common with a dairy cow? Join us for a tour of the Primate House to learn these fascinating facts about the zoo’s simian occupants. 
Saturday, April 7
Zoo Safari Tour: Choose Your Own Safari (adults with children 5+)
Is that the sound of a hungry lion or a herd of stampeding zebra? You have to decide! Come discover the wildlife of Africa on a choose-your-own-adventure-style tour. 
Saturday, April 14
Second Saturdays Garden Tours
Join Lincoln Park Zoo’s horticulture department for a free look at how they keep the grounds beautiful. New plants and areas will be highlighted each month as they blossom with the seasons.
Thursday, April 26
Junior Zookeepers
What does a zookeeper really spend the day doing? Third–fourth graders will have the chance to learn about animal training, see some tools of the trade and experience what it’s like to prepare meals for zoo animals.
Thursday, April 26
Science Celebration at Lincoln Park Zoo
Presented by the Women's Board of Lincoln Park Zoo, the Science Celebration showcases some of Chicago's brightest young scientists. More information coming soon.
Saturday, April 28
Zoo Babies
Tadpoles, owlets, joeys, piglets…adorable animals are born every year at Lincoln Park Zoo.4–5-year-olds can join us to discover what life is like as a little one in a zoo family.
Saturday, April 28
Zoo Safari Tour: All About Primates (adults-only tour)
Who is a monkey and who is an ape? What in the world is an “old world” monkey? And which Helen Brach Primate House resident has something in common with a dairy cow? Join us for a tour of the Primate House to learn these fascinating facts about the zoo’s simian occupants. 
Saturday, April 28
Zoo Safari Tour: Choose Your Own Safari (adults with children 5+)
Is that the sound of a hungry lion or a herd of stampeding zebra? You have to decide! Come discover the wildlife of Africa on a choose-your-own-adventure-style tour. 
Saturday, April 28
Zoo Safari Tour: Choose Your Own Safari (adults with children 5+)
Is that the sound of a hungry lion or a herd of stampeding zebra? You have to decide! Come discover the wildlife of Africa on a choose-your-own-adventure-style tour. 
Saturday, May 5
Herb Window Boxes 101
Are you a “foodie” in need of a green thumb? We’ll walk you through the basics of growing herbs, taking you from seeds to harvest.
Saturday, May 12
Second Saturdays Garden Tours
Join Lincoln Park Zoo’s horticulture department for a free look at how they keep the grounds beautiful. New plants and areas will be highlighted each month as they blossom with the seasons.
Saturday, May 12
Wildlife-Friendly Gardening
Whether you have an apartment balcony or a large backyard, you can create natural spaces that attract wildlife. Join us to discover how you can provide the basic habitat essentials to help local creatures thrive in the Chicago area.
Saturday, May 26
Back from the Brink: Lincoln Park Zoo Conservation Success Stories (adults-only tour)
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the endangered species around the globe. But on this tour, we’ll show that you and Lincoln Park Zoo are part of the solution. Join us to hear conservation success stories from the last few years. From red wolves to apes, these tours focus on some of the zoo’s most successful projects in conservation and animal care. 
Sunday, May 27
Back from the Brink: Lincoln Park Zoo Conservation Success Stories (adults-only tour)
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the endangered species around the globe. But on this tour, we’ll show that you and Lincoln Park Zoo are part of the solution. Join us to hear conservation success stories from the last few years. From red wolves to apes, these tours focus on some of the zoo’s most successful projects in conservation and animal care. 
Sunday, May 27
Zoo Safari Tour: Choose Your Own Safari (adults with children 5+)
Is that the sound of a hungry lion or a herd of stampeding zebra? You have to decide! Come discover the wildlife of Africa on a choose-your-own-adventure-style tour. 
June 3
United Run for the Zoo
Join us for Chicago's favorite running race featuring a 10k run/5k run, 5k walk and kids' dash.  
Wednesdays, June 6, 13, 20
Plentiful Perennials
Looking for a garden class that makes learning about plants easy? This three-part introductory series focuses on the tools you need to ID perennials!
Saturday, June 9
Second Saturdays Garden Tours
Join Lincoln Park Zoo’s horticulture department for a free look at how they keep the grounds beautiful. New plants and areas will be highlighted each month as they blossom with the seasons.
June 22
Jammin' at the Zoo
Join us for outdoor concerts in the wildest setting in town! Bands will be announced this spring.
Wednesdays, July 11, 18, 25
Native and Prairie Plants of the Midwest: Advanced Class
Want to learn about plants native to the Midwest? This three-part series offers a regional round-up that’s accessible, easy and useful.
July 13, 2012
Zoo Ball 2012: The Great Catsby
At Zoo Ball 2011, 1,000 of Chicago’s civic and social leaders and raised more than a $1 million to provide critical support to maintain one of Chicago’s greatest community treasures: Lincoln Park Zoo. Stay tuned for more information.
Saturday, July 14
Second Saturdays Garden Tours
Join Lincoln Park Zoo’s horticulture department for a free look at how they keep the grounds beautiful. New plants and areas will be highlighted each month as they blossom with the seasons.
July 27
Jammin' at the Zoo
Join us for outdoor concerts in the wildest setting in town! Bands will be announced this spring.
Wednesday, August 1
Wine & Wildflowers
Get an inside look at Lincoln Park Zoo’s lush landscapes with this green garden party. Enjoy in-season hors d’oeuvres and drinks as you experience the proud past—and exciting future—of Lincoln Park Zoo’s living garden. $85 for members / $95 for non-members. More details to follow. 
Saturday, August 11
Second Saturdays Garden Tours
Join Lincoln Park Zoo’s horticulture department for a free look at how they keep the grounds beautiful. New plants and areas will be highlighted each month as they blossom with the seasons.
August 24
Jammin' at the Zoo
Join us for outdoor concerts in the wildest setting in town! Bands will be announced this spring.
Saturday, September 8
Second Saturdays Garden Tours
Join Lincoln Park Zoo’s horticulture department for a free look at how they keep the grounds beautiful. New plants and areas will be highlighted each month as they blossom with the seasons.
October 6 & 7
Harvest Day at the Farm-in-the-Zoo
Enjoy the fall at our annual Harvest Days festival, featuring a pumpkin patch, crafts, music and much more.
Saturday, October 13
Second Saturdays Garden Tours
Join Lincoln Park Zoo’s horticulture department for a free look at how they keep the grounds beautiful. New plants and areas will be highlighted each month as they blossom with the seasons.