The San Antonio Zoo is one of the top attractions in the city, especially among families with children of all ages. If you’ve visited the zoo in the past, you may not think there is much else to see, but this attraction is always adding new exhibits, hosting events, and creating a more personalized experience for every visitor.
Behind-the-Scenes Experience
Some of the most unique experiences offered at the San Antonio Zoo are those that allow you to go behind the scenes. During one of these experiences, you can get an up-close look at some of the rarest and largest animals in the zoo. The behind-the-scenes tours are available for an additional cost. The Aldabra Tortoise Experience is available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 2:15 p.m. and allows visitors to interact with the tortoises.
Guests can also feed one of the hippopotamuses at the Hippo Experience on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 11:15 a.m. All behind-the-scenes programs last between 20 and 30 minutes. Guests ages 15 years and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Zoo Lights
During the holiday season, it’s always fun to find new traditions to add to your family’s favorite activities. Zoo Lights is a great option, offering a unique experience that allows you to visit your favorite animals and see eye-catching light displays. Zoo Lights at the San Antonio Zoo takes place daily between November 17 and December 31. You can attend between noon and 9:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and between 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Other activities during the event include a lakeside light show, bonfires with all the fixings for toasting marshmallows for s’mores, and camel rides. Don’t forget to bring your children to meet Santa Claus, choose a present from beneath the tree, and hop inside the snow globe for a family photo. For older kids, the ice skating rink at Polar Point offers a festive way to get in the holiday spirit.
Zoobilation Ball
Each year, the San Antonio Zoo also hosts an upscale event to raise funds for its educational programs and exhibits. This event is called the Zoobilation Ball and takes place in early November. A ticket to the Zoobilation Ball includes cocktails; access to the silent and live auction, which offers a variety of appealing giveaways available; and dinner. After you eat, you can dance the night away and enjoy more cocktails at the after party.
The event is held at the zoo, so you can stroll around and view the exhibits as well. Since it’s held later in the evening, many of the animals will be asleep for the night, but you may spot a few nocturnal critters prowling for food.
Take advantage of the unique experiences available at the San Antonio Zoo during your next visit. Your kids will love feeling like they’re part of the action, and you can find new ways to celebrate the holidays while making memories with your loved ones.
Image by amboo who? is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Connect with us
