Weekly summer events kick off this weekend with new ways to experience Great Plains Zoo

This paid event listing is sponsored by the Great Plains Zoo.

The first day of summer break for Sioux Falls students kicks off a summer of fun at the Great Plains Zoo.

On Saturday, May 27, the zoo will hold its Summer Kickoff event presented by GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness.

“We’re excited to offer a bit more variation to our weekly schedule this year, and this event is a perfect way to check out what’s ahead,” said Denise DePaolo, director of marketing and public relations.

“We’ll be shining a spotlight on our animals in different ways to keep things fresh for our frequent visitors and challenge our team to keep enrichment interesting for the animals.”

Here’s what’s in store for the Summer Kickoff, which is included with daily admission or membership:

• 10 to 10:30 a.m.: HIIT class courtesy of GreatLIFE.
• 10 to 11 a.m.: Morning bubble party with bears and bison.
• 10 to 11 a.m.: Animal trivia.
• 11 a.m.: Giraffe feeding.
• 11 a.m. to noon: Bio-fact-ivity.
• 11:30 a.m.: Watermelon break at brown bears.
• 11:30 a.m.: Brown bear zookeeper chat.
• 1 p.m.: Watermelon break at The Plaza.
• 1:30 p.m.: Giraffe feeding.
• 2 to 3 p.m.: Afternoon bubble party.
• 2 to 3 p.m.: Animal trivia.
• 2:30 p.m.: Komodo dragon enrichment.
• 3 p.m.: Primate feeding demo.
• 3 p.m.: Giraffe feeding.

Summer schedule

Throughout the summer, the Great Plains Zoo will be changing up its weekly animal-focused content, offering a mix of informative talks and fun enrichment.

The zoo also is increasing the number of giraffe feeding opportunities, with at least two designated times daily and three times on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

“Guests can purchase tickets on-site and then feed our giraffes a bundle of lettuce,” DePaolo said. “We have expanded the outdoor fenced area near their barn to allow feedings right there during the summer. Due to construction on the new lion exhibit, giraffes will not go down to the savanna this summer.”

At 10 a.m. each day, Bookworms will offer a free, daily education program with a story and activity around an animal.

And watch the schedule for Creature Features, an opportunity to get up close with the animals.

“Our Junior Zookeeper team presents a rotating array of small mammals, snakes, lizards and tortoises,” DePaolo said. “Many of these animals are touchable, and all present an opportunity to learn something new.”

Here’s a look at the full summer schedule:

For all ages

The Great Plains Zoo starts its late summer hours May 31, offering extended hours until 7 p.m. each Wednesday. A giraffe feeding will be offered from 5 to 5:30 p.m. and miniature horse Raindancer will do a walk-around at 5:30 p.m.

“She is a fan favorite, and every time we bring her out, people are so excited,” DePaolo said. “She will do a walk around the zoo grounds with a stop in The Plaza for pets at the end – as long as her patience lasts!”

The zoo’s cafe will stay open for dinner Wednesdays, with the last admission at 6 p.m. and Fernson’s Zoo Brew and other beverages available for adults.

“We hope people will come to the zoo for those happy hour meetups – or those summer afternoons when they want to play hooky and bring the family to the zoo,” DePaolo said.

Also, starting June 2, the zoo will begin offering private golf cart tours for up to four adults plus small children on laps. A zoo educator will drive groups around to several exhibits and share information about the species, fun tidbits about the animals and more.

The 25-minute tour is $25 for zoo members and $30 for nonmembers, which includes all people on the tour. Tours must be reserved in advance. Click here to book.