Celebrate the galaxy…that’s not too far away. Enjoy food trucks, games, Star Wars trivia, and more at our May the Fourth Be With You event. KC Bricklab will return with some “out-of-this-world” displays. Plenty of Legos available for kids to build their own Death Star.
Penguin March
Join us for one of our coolest traditions—Penguin March at Helzberg Penguin Plaza! Watch as these charismatic penguins waddle, explore, and parade through the plaza while enjoying the fresh outdoor air and engaging with their animal care team. It’s a delightful opportunity to see these fan favorites up close and learn more about their behaviors, personalities, and care.
Penguin Marches are FREE with zoo admission!
32nd Annual Dogtober Fest
Who let the dogs out? We did, and it’s paw-ty time! Grab your leash and your furry best friend and head to the Kemper Outdoor Education Center for the ulti-mutt dog lover’s day out! Join 3,000+ pups and their people for a tail-wagging celebration packed with fun, fur, and fetch-worthy activities. Explore 90+ pawsome booths featuring everything from pet supply crafters and photographers to dog rescues and veterinarians.
Show off your pup’s talents in crowd-favorite contests like Best Trick, Dog/Owner Look-Alike, Best Tail-wagger, and the Howl-o-ween Costume Contest. Try out an agility course with your dog or see what kind of high-flying acrobatics they can do in our frisbee contest and join in other family-friendly games – from Musical Discs to Bobbing for Biscuits, there’s a surprise around every corner. Come wag, play, and make it a day to remember: it’s FUN for the dogs, FUN for their humans (that’s you!), and FUN FOR EVERYONE!
Movies in the Park
Grab your lawn chairs and blankets for a season of cinema under the stars! Join us at the park for our FREE outdoor movie series. To make the evening even sweeter, we’ll provide complimentary popcorn at each movie.
Check out the whole 2026 series below. We’re bringing back the classics with your favorite 80s and 90s retro movies!
Little Giants
Friday, May 22 | Erfurt Park
Movie begins at 8:45PM
Kick off the season with this 1994 family favorite! Watch as a group of misfits takes on the town’s powerhouse pee-wee football team in a classic story of heart and determination. Popcorn will be served beginning at 8:15PM with the movie beginning shortly after sunset at approximately 8:45PM.
Rookie of the Year
Friday, June 12 | Garrett Park
Movie beings at 9:00PM
Step up to the plate with 12-year-old Henry Rowengartner, who goes from the bleachers to the mound as a star pitcher for the Chicago Cubs. This summer must-watch for baseball fans originally released in 1993. Popcorn will be served beginning at 8:30PM with the movie beginning shortly after sunset at approximately 9:00PM.
The Goonies
Friday, October 9 | Listowel Park
Movie beings at 7:05PM
Follow Mikey and his band of friends on a legendary underground adventure to find One-Eyed Willy’s hidden treasure in the 1985 classic, The Goonies. Popcorn will be served beginning at 6:35PM with the movie beginning shortly after sunset at approximately 7:05PM
Little Makers: Crochet Club at Inspired Play Cafe
ALL CLASSES ARE COMPLIMENTARY IN YOUR DAY PASS, PUNCH CARD, OR MEMBERSHIP RESERVATION
Please register for the class online you simply “reserve play” at our website under in the time range the class starts and ends within. Classes and events are subject to change.
What iF Puppets presents – How to Snag a Sea Monster
The MTC Kids Jam concert series is specially designed with families in mind! Join us in the MTC lobby at 10 a.m. for art activities, followed by an hour-long concert with an acclaimed children’s musician.