What’s Happening

Helpful Tips to Plan Your Trip

Are you planning a trip to the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium (SFZA)? Whether your visiting the Great Plains Zoo (GPZ) campus, Butterfly House & Aquarium (BHA) campus, or both, you've come to the right place to find out what's going on today!

Browse the updates and schedules below to make the most effective use of your time at SFZA, and make sure you don't miss out on any of our exciting events. Check back here often as we continually update this page with all the happenings and events planned at the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium.

GPZ Note: Africa area closes daily at 4 pm (species that may not be viewable after 4 pm include African lions, zebras, and giraffes). All animals have access to indoor spaces, dens, and other habitat features that could hide them from public view, if that is their preference.

BHA Note: Building closes daily at 4 pm. To ensure guests have proper time to visit the various exhibits, final admission is at 3:30 pm.

Plan Your Trip

GPZ Campus

Attraction Tickets Available Online!

Now offering the GPZ Ride Pass - 6 rides for $15!Add it on when you purchase your tickets online or ask about it at the Admissions window on your next trip to GPZ!

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ROAR Café

You’ll definitely work up an appetite during all the fun and excitement at the zoo.

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Vet Schedule

^{*Subject to change based on animal needs}

Friday Bookworms

Fridays at 10:30 am. Join us in the classroom for an animal story, activity, and an animal encounter!

Upcoming Events

April 19

Egg-stravaganza (GPZ)

April 26

Party for the Planet (Sertoma Park)

May 24

Summer Celebration (GPZ)

All Events

Sanford Carousel

Open spring-fall. The custom-designed carousel consists of six horses, three zebras, an elephant, white rhino, gorilla, dolphin, deer, rooster, cheetah - and two panda bears! The carousel also has a handicap-accessible bench seat.

BHA Campus

Butterfly Feeding

Have butterflies eating from the palm of your hand with a butterfly feeding flower! Available for rent at the admissions counter.

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Kid's Corner

Need a place to regroup and relax? Our Kid's Corner in Ambassador Alley has a variety of children's books, puzzles, and plush animals for you to enjoy.

Animal Encounters

Daily at 11 am and 2 pm. Join us in Ambassador Alley to meet and learn about one of our many fascinating species!