Upcoming Events
Events Available
Throughout the year, the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» Teaching Zoo hosts a variety of family friendly and community events. Check out our upcoming events below to learn more!
Frog Watch USA Workshop
January 20 and 29, 2026 - Become a citizen scientist and help protect local frogs. Attend a 3-hour FrogWatch USA workshop at the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» Teaching Zoo to learn frog call identification and wetland conservation. No experience needed. Ages 10+. Pre-registration required.
Stop, Paws, Learn with WUFT
March 1, 2026 - Learn about choosing your pets wisely, pet care and training, and visit with animal adoption agencies to find your newest family member and provide a forever home to a pet in need. Admission to the zoo is free, sponsored by Children’s Trust of Alachua County.
Party for the Planet
April 18, 2026 - Join us to Clean, Create, and Connect to nature to celebrate Earth Day. We're throwing a shindig for animals around the world and our own backyards.
World Tree Kangaroo Day
May 17, 2026 - Kangaroos in the trees??? You heard right. We're celebrating this rare, majestic animal and you can learn how to help them in the wild.
CANCELED - Brew at the Zoo
May 30, 2026 - Guests (21+ only) are invited to the Zoo for an evening of live music, craft beer tastings, animal encounters, food and more! Join us for the wildest event in Gainesville.
Prehistoric Palooza
June 7, 2026 - Plan your visit to Prehistoric Palooza at the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» Teaching Zoo in Gainesville, featuring fossil digs with real specimens, paleontologist talks, keeper presentations, planetarium shows, and hands-on activities for families and school groups.
Zookeeper Day
July 18, 2026 - Ever wanted to be a zookeeper? Celebrate National Zookeeper Week with us and try your hand at zookeeping skills while learning about the many roles zookeepers take on every day to care for animals and support conservation.
Teen Summit
July 18, 2026 - Teen Summit is designed for teens who are passionate about animals and interested in turning that passion into a career. While attendees will learn about the zookeeper profession, they’ll also hear from professionals in exotic animal veterinary medicine, wildlife rehabilitation, conservation research, and zoo careers like events, social media, education outreach, and nutrition. Participants will also receive free admission to our Zookeeper Event on July 18 for an even closer look at the world of zookeeping.
Boo at the Zoo
October 31, 2026 - Students transform the zoo into a multi-themed trick or treat wonderland for Halloween! Admission is just 1 non-perishable food item per person to support local food pantries.