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

Simplified: Summertime hits different at the Great Plains Zoo – with longer hours, zookeeper chats, chances to feed giraffes, and the perfect weather to spend the day outside. It all kicks off with the Summer Celebration event on Saturday, May 23. Here's what you need to know.

Why it matters

  • Summer Celebration is one of the zoo's biggest events of the summer with additional games, activities, vendors and, of course, the splash pad.
  • Admission for Summer Celebration is included in a Monarch Membership – "one of the best membership deals in town," as PR and Marketing Director Denise DePaolo puts it. Others can save an average of $2 per ticket if you buy your special event tickets online in advance.
  • The event will also include a Sioux Falls Fire Rescue truck on display, hula dancing lessons, giraffe feeding and zookeeper chats. Argus Leader is sponsoring this year's Summer Celebration.
"Visiting the zoo is a cornerstone experience for children and families," DePaolo said. "It’s a place where we can feel connected to the larger world here in Sioux Falls."

What else is happening at the zoo this summer?

Summer hours have already started, meaning the zoo is now open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

The zoo also has some special "Evening at the Zoo" events scheduled with hours extending to 7:30 p.m. – giving folks a unique chance to see the animals in action after-hours.

  • Those events are scheduled for June 19 and July 17.

Additionally, zookeeper chats and giraffe feeding opportunities will take place weekly from Friday through Monday.

  • And speaking of feeding, the zoo is also bringing more food options for visitors, including a new snack cart by the bear exhibit – extra handy for those hungry kiddos playing on the playground.

If you're lucky, you'll also catch mini-horse Raindancer walking around the zoo more regularly this summer.

You'll also see continued progress on construction of the new butterfly house on the zoo campus, which is expected to open in early 2027 (and already booking weddings, if that's your jam.)

How can I get Summer Celebration tickets?

You can buy your tickets online here, or, if you're ready for a Monarch membership, you can learn more and join today here.