Theme Nights
Select Saturdays, 5 to 8 p.m.
Family friendly and free for all guests; no reservations required
These special evenings are a chance to enjoy an after-hours Zoo visit with some extra flair! In addition to seeing animals and enjoying regular operating attractions, you can find unique offerings tailored to each theme.
Note: Some areas of the Zoo may close early, including River’s Edge and Red Rocks.
2026 Theme Nights
Glance below to find a theme night that strikes your fancy!
Note: Some areas of the Zoo may close early, including River’s Edge and Red Rocks.
Saturday, Aug. 15: End-of-Summer Celebration
Get the wiggles out before the school year begins! Guests can buzz to the beat of a DJ in Schnuck Family Plaza, and kids can visit several education stations around the Zoo (show off that newfound animal knowledge with teachers on Monday!).
Also, enjoy the following food specials:
Rum Punch & Chili Cheese Dog in a Cone
Lakeside Cafe
Smoked Wings with Choice of Sauce
River Camp Cafe
Rainbow Sprinkle Sundae
Ice Cream Oasis
Specialty ICEE Toppings: Sour Gummies and Nerds
Tundra Treats
Mango Passion Tea Lemonade
Starbucks
Saturday, Sept. 19: Zootoberfest Extended Hours
The same Zootoberfest fun, just late in the evening! Enjoy a Zoo-themed, family-friendly Oktoberfest with food specials, beer trailers and root beer.
Saturday, Sept. 26: Pajama Party
Put on your pajamas and enjoy all the Zoo has to offer! Journey across the Zoo for storybook readings at your favorite animal habitats. Then make your way to Schnuck Family Plaza for a special “Zootime” story. Milk and cookies for purchase will add to the warm fuzzies of the evening!
“A Sleuth of Bears”
Cheetah, River’s Edge
“The Rhino Suit”
“Where is Little Elephant”
Elephants, River’s Edge
“Me & You at the Zoo”
Big Cat Country
“Pizotito and the Wonders of the Dry Forest,” read by author Laura Toro González
Primate Canopy Trails
“Dogasaurus Rex”
Jungle of the Apes (Phil the Gorilla Statue)
“Secrets of Animal Camouflage”
“The Busy Tree”
Herpetarium
“Steve the Dung Beetle is on a Roll”
“Slugs in Love”
Insectarium
“Pizotito and the Wonders of the Dry Forest,” read by author Laura Toro González
Discovery Corner (Elephant fountain, outside The Living World building)
“Move!”
“Bedtime for Little Bears”
Polar Bear Point
“Penguin's Big Adventure”
“Everybody Poops”
Penguin & Puffin Coast
“Wild About Books”
“Mia's Adventure”
Schnuck Family Plaza