Join Us Family Day Weekend!
Help us celebrate popular New Year's traditions at the Greater Vancouver Zoo during our Spring Festival this Family Day Weekend, with three days of culture, animals, and family fun with your admission.
We are open late until 8pm all weekend, with animals viewable until 5pm, last train at 5:30pm, and LAST ENTRY at 7pm.
We’re Celebrating the Year of the Horse!
For a limited time only, in conjunction with our Spring Festival celebration this Family Day Weekend, we are offering FREE GENERAL ADMISSION on February 14, 15, 16, 2026 for anyone born in the Year of the Horse.
Offer details and eligibility:
- Individuals born in one of the Years of the Horse (e.g., 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, etc.) are eligible for this offer. Proof of birth year is required at the admissions gate (government-issued ID or equivalent).
- Offer is limited to free general Zoo admission on Feb 14, 15, 16, 2026 for eligible visitors born in one of the Years of the Horse. Not transferrable.
- Eligible visitors must arrive with valid proof of birth year and present their ID at the Zoo admissions counter for verification; valid for one visit per eligible individual per day over the offer period.
- Eligible Years:
- 1954 | Feb 3, 1954 - Jan 23, 1955
- 1966 | Jan 21, 1966 - Feb 8, 1967
- 1978 | Feb 7, 1978 - Jan 27, 1979
- 1990 | Jan 27, 1990 | Feb 14, 1991
- 2002 | Feb 12, 2002 - Jan 31, 2003
- 2014 | Jan 31, 2014 - Feb 18, 2015
Cultural Performances and Programs
Guests can enjoy Food Trucks from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM and a special long weekend menu from the Oasis Kitchen.
Browse our Cultural Marketplace from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, featuring a variety of vendors. The Marketplace will be home to cultural artisans, including the Hanfu Cultural Association, providing traditional crafts and experiences including Hanfu try-on, paper cutting and more! We will also host daily Lion Dance performances and meet and greets, and Chinese sugar painting.
Hanfu try-on of traditional clothing will be available for $5 (child) and $10 (adult) with a deposit or ID collected, and participants may leave the marketplace tent to take photos outside or with one of the outdoor lanterns.
Chinese sugar painting is an edible art form, that has existed for hundreds of years and is protected in China as an intangible cultural heritage. Sugar painting demonstrations are scheduled Feb 15 and Feb 16 (see times below), and sugar paintings may be purchased all three days from the Cultural Marketplace area.
Animal Talks and Enrichment
Zoo guests can attend specially scheduled animal spotlights this weekend, including education talks, involving several of the animals from the 12 Zodiacs. These talks will explain animal behaviour, conservation, and the role of enrichment in animal care.
Partake in specially curated enrichment activities, where you will craft holiday enrichment items for our Zoo animal family. Learn how enrichment supports animal care and well being, and hear directly from keepers about the animals that connect culture with conservation. Enrichments items will focus on Animal Valentine's Gifts on February 14, Tipsy Toms for Hippos on February 15, and New Year's Lanterns on February 16.
**Please note: Schedules are subject to change.
Celebrate Into the Evening
The celebration continues after sunset with extended evening hours for our EVENT SPACE through 8pm Feb 14, 15, 16, to view our lanterns after dark. These include lanterns inspired by the 12 Zodiacs, the legend of the koi and dragon's gate, and our resident Zoo animals.
Please note animals and animal habitats, will not be viewable after 5pm all weekend.
Scooters and bikes will not be permitted on-site after 5pm.
Last train is 5:30pm.
LAST ENTRY will be 7pm all weekend.
Red Pocket Surprises for Kids
Red pocket giveaways will be available for children while supplies last. They are one of many popular New Year traditions intended to transfer blessings to the recipient. Red pockets at the Zoo will contain special messages and some lucky guests will receive additional non-monetary surprises inside their pocket. Distribution locations and quantities may vary by day.
Join us for a traditional celebration of culture, community, and wildlife at the Greater Vancouver Zoo!
Access to the Spring Festival Event is included with General Admission tickets.
Members receive admission as part of their membership benefits.
