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, all included with admission.
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.
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, featuring a variety of vendors, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The Marketplace will be home to cultural artisans, including the Hanfu Cultural Association, providing traditional demonstrations and activities including Hanfu try-on, paper cutting and more. We will also host daily Lion Dance performances and meet and greets, and Chinese sugar painting.
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, Red Pockets 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 through 8pm daily, Feb 14, 15, 16. to view our lanterns after dark. Giant lanterns inspired by the 12 Zodiac animals, the legend of the koi and dragon's gate, and our own resident animals, to transform the front of the Zoo into a vibrant evening experience that is only available during this special 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.
Spring Festival programs and activities are included with General Admission tickets.
Members receive admission as part of their membership benefits.
