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Fisher-Price Play Weekend at Lowry Park Zoo

Posted Sep 17, 2010 by Beth Gaddis

Updated Sep 17, 2010 at 10:26 AM

Here’s a look at the special events going on at Lowry Park Zoo this fall:

SPECIAL BIRTHDAY OFFER

Free Admission for Birthday Guests
Every birthday should be wild!  Let Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo make it a birthday to remember. The birthday guest will enjoy FREE daytime admission into the Zoo to celebrate with 2,000 animal friends.  Guest must present acceptable proof of birth date: driver’s license, birth certificate, passport or military ID. Offer must be redeemed on the individual’s actual birthday with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Not combinable with other offers or discounts.

SEPTEMBER

Swaptember

September 1-30, 2010

The Swaptember reciprocal membership program entitles Zoo Pass holders (with valid ID) to receive free admission to the Florida Aquarium and MOSI in September.  In turn, members of the Florida Aquarium and MOSI receive free admission to the Zoo during this time.

Fisher-Price Play Weekend

September 18-19 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Don’t miss the annual Fisher-Price Play Weekend at the Zoo featuring a giant play area filled with the coolest toys from Fisher-Price, designed to delight children ages five and under.  Kids can take a turn around the track on Power Wheels® vehicles (battery powered ride on toys) with special character appearances by Diego from Nick Jr.‘s™ “Go, Diego, Go!” on Saturday and other Fisher-Price friends on Sunday.  The event is a wild time for the whole family!  Play activities are free with Zoo admission. 

ZooBoo “Shriek Peek” preview weekend

September 24-25 from 7-11 p.m.

When the sun goes down, the frights come out at ZooBoo, Tampa’s largest family Halloween event!  It’s a ghoulish good time for all during the multi-night celebration made possible by Bank of America. Creep through hair-raising haunts like the new “Pharaoh’s Tomb of Revenge,” or find spooky fun for little ones with their own “Beasties Bungalow” and dazzling seasonal lights.  Shake, rattle and roll for free on the “Roarin’ Roller-Ghoster” and other wild rides. Don’t miss this haunting holiday tradition with thrills, chills and family frights.  Preview weekend is “Shriek Peek” (Sept 24-25 only) with all tickets just $10 (ages 3 & up).  Hours are 7-11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 7-10 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays.

Zoo Run Run presented by Sagicor Life Insurance Company

Saturday, September 25 - Check-in 7 a.m., Race starts 8 a.m., Fun Run 9:15 a.m.

Join Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo for the eighth annual Zoo Run Run, a 5K run that winds through the Zoo and along the scenic Hillsborough River.  Children can enter a special “Fun Run” which follows the 5K.  Registration cost includes admission to the Zoo for the day for the entrant only.  All Early Bird registrants are guaranteed a tee-shirt; others available while supplies last. Visit our website to download a registration form, and sign up early. 

OCTOBER

ZooBoo

October 1-2, 8-10, 15-17, 22-24 and 28-31

When the sun goes down, the frights come out at ZooBoo, Tampa’s largest family Halloween event!  It’s a ghoulish good time for all during the multi-night celebration made possible by Bank of America. Creep through hair-raising haunts like the new “Pharaoh’s Tomb of Revenge,” or find spooky fun for little ones with their own “Beasties Bungalow” and dazzling seasonal lights.  Shake, rattle and roll for free on the “Roarin’ Roller-Ghoster” and other wild rides. Don’t miss this haunting holiday tradition with thrills, chills and family frights.  General admission for all October nights is $17 for adults and $14 for children (ages 3-11).  Annual Zoo Pass holders receive discounted admission. Hours are 7-11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 7-10 p.m. on select Sundays through Thursdays.

Cocktails and Conversation Reception with Mireya Mayor, Ph.D.

Friday, October 1 from 5:30-7 p.m.

Meet this explorer and National Geographic wildlife correspondent who shares in the Zoo’s mission, and works to inspire others to care about the natural world.  As host of the new series Wild Nights on the Nat Geo WILD network, Mireya is often described as a “female Indiana Jones.”  She will share some of her most memorable explorations and extraordinary animal adventures.  This gathering of friends will also provide the opportunity to learn more about the Zoo’s upcoming safari travel experience, “Into Africa,” an exclusive AAA Travel custom safari to Kenya and Tanzania in May 2011. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served.  Adults only, please; space is limited.  $25 per person.  Registration required online at LowryParkZoo.com or call 813-935-8552, ext. 390 with questions.

World Animal Day Celebrations

Saturday, October 2 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Join National Geographic Kids for a fun-filled day of family activities to celebrate, observe and learn about our favorite animal friends!  You’re invited to a pachyderm party as we celebrate the 5th birthday of the African elephant calf, Tamani, along with music and games from Radio Disney AM 1380, arts and crafts, and more.  SPECIAL EVENT—Family photography workshops (for kids 3+) at 9:30 a.m. or 10:45 a.m. led by Mireya Mayor, a two-time Emmy Award-nominated field correspondent for the National Geographic Channel and host of the new series Wild Nights on the Nat Geo WILD network.  Registration required online at LowryParkZoo.com or call 813-935-8552, ext. 390 with questions. 

Macy’s Shop for a Cause—Shop & Support the Zoo!

Saturday, October 16 at Macy’s (savings pass on sale now at the Zoo)

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is a proud partner of Macy’s Shop for a Cause, a national charity shopping day held Saturday, Oct. 16 to benefit nonprofit organizations, including the Zoo. Visit the Zoo’s Membership Office during regular operating hours through Friday, October 15 to purchase a $5 ticket for storewide shopping savings at any Macy’s store on October 16, 2010. The Zoo receives 100 percent of the proceeds of every ticket sold at the Zoo. Macy’s Shop for Cause day will also include special events, prizes and in-store excitement. *NOTE-Macy’s shoppers must present ticket when making purchases Oct. 16 to qualify for savings.

Pumpkin Toss

Friday, October 29 at 11 a.m.

Watch the animals have some Halloween fun with their own pumpkin party, a seasonal treat for the animals and guests at the Zoo. See which animals stomp, chomp, kick, play and pounce on special seasonal treats! The pumpkin toss is part of the animal enrichment program at the Zoo and is included free-of-charge with Zoo admission.

NOVEMBER

Zoofari

Saturday, November 6 from 7-11 p.m.

Known as one of the largest and “wildest” all-inclusive food festivals in the Tampa Bay Area, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo invites food lovers to its 24th annual Zoofari feeding frenzy.  For one ticket price, guests can dine around the Zoo - sampling food from more than 60 of the Bay area’s best restaurants, enjoy open bars, browse the “Art Safari” art auction, and dance to live music on multiple stages.  The Zoo welcomes headliner Gin Blossoms on the main stage and local artists Glenn Cummings, Roberto Debourg & The Flats, Shaun Hopper, Terry T. Trio, and the Vodkanuts throughout the Zoo.  Admission tickets are all-inclusive and the event is rain or shine.  Individual tickets start at $75 in advance, and will be available in October online at LowryParkZoo.com or by phone at 813-935-8552 ext. 276.  VIP/group packages are available in the Baldwin Connelly “Rhino Club” with exclusive use of the beautiful Safari Lodge. Individual Rhino tickets start at $135 with group packages available.

Fisher-Price “Luv U Zoo”

Saturday, November 13 at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. or 2 p.m.

To celebrate its new Luv U Zoo™ collection of baby gear and toys featuring colorful and cute zoo animals, Fisher-Price is inviting Bay area moms-to-be to a special shower at the Zoo.  Register today for this FREE one-hour private event for moms-to-be, courtesy of Fisher-Price.  Limited spaces available.  Advance registration required online at LowryParkZoo.com or call 813-935-8552, ext. 390 with questions. 

2010 General Information

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is located at 1101 W. Sligh Avenue in Tampa, one mile west of I-275 (exit 48). The Zoo is open seven days a week, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with extended hours on select nights during the summer.  Regular admission prices are: adult - $20.95, seniors (60+) - $18.95, children ages 3-11 - $15.95, and children 2 and under - FREE.  Parking is free.  Visit LowryParkZoo.com or call (813) 935-8552 for more information.  Also find the Zoo on Facebook and Twitter.