This is a paid piece from the Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium.

Simplified: The Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium is switching up and reimagining some of its popular annual events this year with an increased focus on conservation and connecting the community with the organization's mission.

Why it matters

  • Both the zoo and the aquarium have a number of events scheduled this year for visitors of all ages – including a new opportunity for adults to experience the zoo after hours.
  • Additionally, some previous spring events like Zippity Zoo Day and Rhinopalooza have been combined and reimagined as a new "Summer Celebration" event at the end of May.
  • Across all events, the goal is to connect visitors with the zoo and aquarium's broader mission of creating connection with nature and inspiring conservation of wild species and spaces.
"We want to really highlight that conservation is fun by learning about animals and our impact on our environment," Director of Experience and Engagement La'toria Horan said. "This is what it's all about."

What events should I watch for this year?

The next big one on the schedule is the annual Egg-stravaganza on Saturday, April 19.

  • This year, there will be traditional egg hunts for kids age 7 and under, and then older kids will have a new opportunity to instead participate in a scavenger hunt to find treat-filled eggs at stations throughout the zoo campus.

The following week, guests can take part in the "Party for the Planet" event on Saturday, April 26 at Sertoma Park in partnership with The Outdoor Campus and Friends of the Big Sioux River.

The Summer Celebration on Saturday, May 24 will mark the opening of summer activities at the zoo, including the splash pad, carousel, train and farm feeding.

Grown-ups can enjoy having the zoo all to themselves on three different Adult Night events from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on July 18, August 15 and September 12.

All ages can find fun at "Scoops and Snakes" at the Butterfly House in July as part of "Snake Week." Visitors can learn all about snakes while enjoying a complimentary scoop of ice cream.

Another new event this year is member appreciation day on Aug. 6 at the zoo, where members will be able to experience extra perks as a thank you for their year-round support.

And, as the summer winds down, the Butterfly House will help get back in the school mindset with Books and Butterflies on Aug. 16. In partnership with Reach Literacy, kids will be able to explore books and even enter for a chance to win a gift card to the bookstore.

What about holiday events?

Don't worry – those aren't going anywhere.

ZooBoo is going to include more evening activities with two chances to see the zoo after dark, and Spooky Seas will keep the Halloween fun going at the Butterfly House.

You'll also be able to see Santa at the zoo and celebrate the holiday season at the butterfly house in December.

What happens next?

Many of these events are included in Monarch and Gold-level memberships, and other zoo and aquarium members will be able to purchase discounted tickets for things like ZooBoo and the Summer Celebration.

You can learn more about a membership here, or buy individual event tickets here.