Hutchinson Zoo Transforms Into Winter Wonderland With Educational Programs, Holiday Light Show
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — While many visitors associate zoos with warm weather and active animals, the 9-acre Hutchinson Zoo proves that education and entertainment don't hibernate when temperatures drop.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited facility, which has served central Kansas since 1986, maintains its commitment to wildlife education throughout fall and winter with specialized programs designed to engage visitors of all ages during the cooler months.
Fall and Spring Camps Bridge Seasonal Gaps
The zoo offers spring and fall camps for school-aged children, providing educational experiences beyond the traditional summer programming. These camps focus on animal behavior, habitat exploration and conservation awareness through hands-on activities and guided tours.
School groups can participate in field trip programs aligned with Next Generation Science Standards, featuring 45-minute interactive sessions with biofacts and live animal encounters. For younger students or those with shorter time frames, the zoo offers abbreviated educational chats tailored to specific learning objectives.
The Education & Event Center remains available for private rentals from January through September, allowing organizations to host meetings, birthday parties and corporate events in a unique wildlife setting.
Holiday Traditions Draw Winter Crowds
The zoo's signature winter event, "Nights Before Christmas," celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025 as the zoo's annual holiday light show. The winter wonderland features twinkling lights throughout the facility, creating a magical atmosphere for families during the holiday season.
Tickets include access to the light show, holiday cookies, hot cocoa, pictures with Santa, and a holiday train ride. The event typically runs on select evenings over two holiday weekends, with advance ticket purchases recommended to guarantee admission.
For adults seeking a more sophisticated holiday experience, the zoo hosts a "Holiday Happy Hour" exclusively for visitors 21 and older, featuring complimentary beverages, gourmet snacks, fire pits for s'mores, and after-hours animal experiences.
Year-Round Operations Continue Despite Challenges
The zoo maintains daily operations from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. year-round, closing only on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Admission operates on a suggested donation basis of $2 per person or $5 per family, making it an accessible destination for families during economic uncertainty.
However, seasonal limitations affect some attractions. The popular zoo train operates dependent on volunteer conductors, with service sometimes suspended during colder months when fewer volunteers are available.
Some visitors note challenges with fall and winter visits. One TripAdvisor reviewer observed that "Fall is NOT the time to go," suggesting summer visits when "the train is running and animals are more on display".
Conservation Focus Continues Year-Round
The zoo focuses primarily on animals native to Kansas and the United States while also housing exotic species. Notable conservation efforts include participation in the black-footed ferret recovery program, making it the first Kansas zoo to house this endangered species, and involvement in the AZA's Species Survival Program for cotton-top tamarin monkeys.
Recent additions include the Gateway to the Prairie exhibit, allowing guests unprecedented close interactions with bison, and the Splash River & Nature Play area, which operates as a naturalistic creek bed in summer and dry exploration space during colder months.
The zoo currently features two new male skunks from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado, with a public naming contest underway.
Educational Mission Transcends Seasons
Zoo visitors can access educational opportunities through informational signs and "touch and talk" encounters throughout their visit. The facility also offers outreach programs for schools unable to visit in person.
The zoo is fully accessible and maintains KultureCity certification as a Sensory Inclusive Venue, with wheelchairs available on a first-come basis.
Despite its modest 9-acre size, the zoo houses approximately 160 animals and continues expanding its educational impact. The Friends of the Zoo Gift Shop operates Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., with proceeds directly supporting zoo operations.
For more information about fall and winter programs or to register for educational activities, contact the Hutchinson Zoo at 620-694-2672 or visit hutchinsonzoo.org.
The Hutchinson Zoo is located at 300 Kenwood St. in Hutchinson's Carey Park. Free parking is available.