Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Special Events
For more information, please call (402) 738-2038 or email communications@omahazoo.com.
Memorial Day Weekend - May 25 - May 27, 2013
Memorial Day Weekend

Kick-off your summer by joining Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium for fun-filled activities Memorial Day Weekend Saturday, May 25 to Monday, May 27, 2013 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There will be wild entertainment including an obstacle course bounce house, DJ and special animal presentations for all ages.  Make sure to check out the Dance…Dance…Dance… performers on Saturday as they perform a patriotic themed dance at different times throughout the day.  The first 1,000 people to walk through the gates receive a free, patriotic gift provided by Oriental Trading Company! 

Event activities are free to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium members or with regular paid Zoo admission.

Jellyfish Talks with Dr. Lisa-ann Gershwin - June 4, 2013
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium welcomes guest speaker Dr. Lisa-ann Gershwin, the author of Stung!: On Jellyfish Blooms and the Future of the Ocean, on Tuesday, June 4, 2013, at 6 p.m.

Join jelly expert Gershwin, marine biologist and director of Australian Marine Stinger Advisory Services, for a special presentation on these surprising animals. The lecture gives an overview of recent jellyfish population bloom and its relation to the tragic state of the world's ocean waters, while also revealing many interesting and unusual facts about jellyfish behaviors and their remarkable ability to adapt to a rapidly changing marine ecosystem.

This event will take place in the Education Conference Center inside the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium and is free and open to the public.


World Oceans Day - June 8, 2013
World Oceans Day

Make a splash and celebrate World Oceans Day with Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Saturday, June 8, 2013 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.!

Participate in family-friendly and educational activities that bring recognition to ocean conservation while allowing Zoo visitors to learn how their everyday actions impact the world’s oceans and inhabitants! 

Event activities are free to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium members or with regular paid Zoo admission.

ZOOm - June 15 - 16, 2013
ZOOm

How fast can a cheetah run? Put the pedal to the metal and ZOOm on over to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Father’s Day weekend Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16, 2013 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to find out!  See cool classic cars, antique cars and environmental friendly cars while exploring your favorite animal exhibits and learning about animal speeds. 

In addition to the car displays, ZOOm will feature Fast Action Motorsports Entertainment (F.A.M.E). There will be Simulator Race Car competitions with a first place trophy for the fastest driver, a Tire Change Challenge tournament complete with trophies and the R/C Racing Tournaments. The addition of F.A.M.E will not only be popular with children but also with the “Big Boys”. The games are interactive, competitive and family friendly.

Event activities are free to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium members or with regular paid Zoo admission.

Moo at the Zoo - June 29 - 30, 2013
Moo at the ZooJoin Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium for a fun-filled country and agriculture themed event Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30, 2013 at Moo at the Zoo from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Get up close to different species of dairy cows, savor some country cooking and join in the watermelon and pie eating contests.  Get your Moo on by playing carnival games and life-size checkers, as well as face-painting, music and much more!  So bring your appetite and get ‘moo’ving to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium!  

Event activities are free to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium members or with regular paid Zoo admission. 
Red, White and Zoo! - July 4 - 6, 2013
Red, White and Zoo!

Celebrate Independence Day with the red, white and blue creatures of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Thursday, July 4 to Saturday, July 6, 2013 from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m.  There will be special animal presentations, face-painting and festive music for all ages.  To add to the celebration, patriotic gifts provided by Oriental Trading Company will be given out at the gate, while supplies last. Event activities are free to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium members or with regular paid Zoo admission. 

Member Appreciation Day - July 31, 2013 & August 7, 2013
Member Appreciation Day

Member Appreciation Days are fun-filled ways for Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium to say thank you for the support throughout the year. Members with last names beginning with A-L can enjoy the fun activities on July 31, 2013 from 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. Members with last names beginning with M-Z can enjoy the fun activities on August 7, 2013 from 1:30 to 7:30 p.m.

If you are unable to visit us on your designated date, please join us on the alternate date!  A complete schedule of activities will be available July 29, 2013. 

Event activities are free to Omaha’s Zoo and Aquarium members or with regular paid Zoo admission.

Tour de Zoo - August 8, 2013
Critter Ride

Bring your bike and ride during Tour de Zoo, a family fun event on August 8, 2013 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. There will be dinner, snacks and refreshments plus special animal encounters during the fun-filled evening.  

If registered by July 24, 2013, receive a FREE T-shirt.  Cost is $15.00 per person for Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium members and $20.00 per person for non-members.  Children 2 and under are free, do not require a registration and will not receive a t-shirt.  Ride-in registrations are available but are not guaranteed a t-shirt. Formally known as Critter Ride. 

Back to School Bash - August 17, 2013
Back to School Bash

Hey kids, before the bell rings for your first class this school year, visit Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium on Saturday, August 17, 2013 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for one last hurrah!

Get into the school spirit by hanging out with local mascots while enjoying kid-friendly music from Omaha’s Street Percussion.  Gate gifts, provided by Oriental Trading Company, will be given out, while supplies last. Event activities are free to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium members or with regular paid Zoo admission. 

Labor Day Weekend - August 31, 2013 & Sept. 2, 2013
Labor Day Weekend

Say goodbye to summer and hello to one last hurrah on Saturday, August 31 through Monday, September 2, 2013 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Labor Day Weekend at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium! There will be wild entertainment including an obstacle course bounce house, DJ and special animal presentations for all ages. Event activities are free to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium members or with regular paid Zoo admission.  Gate gifts, provided by Oriental Trading Company, will be given out, while supplies last. 

Family Fiesta! - Sept. 22, 2012
Family Fiesta

Join Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Sunday, September 22, 2013 from 12 to 5 p.m. for a fiesta the whole family can enjoy!  The annual celebration highlights Latin American culture via dance, a live mariachi band and more.  The event will be filled with fun family-friendly activities, including face painting. 

Event activities are free to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium members or with regular paid Zoo admission.

Zoo Run - Sept. 29, 2013
Zoo Run

Lace up your shoes for the 33rd annual Zoo Run on Sunday, September 29, 2013! Check in begins at 8 a.m. This fun run is great for runners of all levels with the choice between a five mile run and a one mile run/walk.

Participants will receive bagels, bananas and free Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium admission on the day of the run.  Plus, if registered by September 9, 2013, participants will receive a FREE t-shirt.  If registered after September 9, a t-shirt is not guaranteed.

Cost is $20.00 for Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium members and $25.00 for non-members. Children 2 and under are free, do not require a registration and will not receive a t-shirt.

Reservations are required and will be available July 2013.  Registrations made after Wednesday, September 25 or walk-in registrations are available but will not receive an official time and will not be guaranteed a t-shirt.