Here on the Eastern Shore, we are lucky enough to have a great community zoo right in our backyard! We don’t know about you, but sometimes we find ourselves taking this amazing resource for granted. The mild weather provides the perfect opportunity to spend the day at the Salisbury Zoo, and with a fall line-up of fun events, there’s even more reasons to celebrate the Salisbury Zoo this fall!

The Salisbury Zoo was founded in 1954 when many animals were placed on permanent exhibition in the Salisbury City Park. The zoo made improvements in the 1970’s and now provides enclosures for species native to North, Central and South America. The Zoo is open every day, year round from 9AM to 4:30PM except for Christmas and Thanksgiving Day. The best part about this wonderful spot… it’s free! One of our favorite pastimes is taking a picnic to the Salisbury Park and then heading to the zoo afterwards. The Salisbury Zoo also takes great pride in the events they hold each fall and holiday season. With tons of space and a great exhibition area, it’s no wonder that they like to show off their beautiful landscape. Some of the conservatory areas include wolves, deer and turkey, jaguar, owls, bison, llama, waterfowl, bobcats, tropical birds, monkeys, flamingos, bears and otters.

Listed below are some of our favorite events that the Salisbury Zoo holds each fall. This year is particularly special because it’s their 60th anniversary! So check out all the fun activities below, especially the 60th Anniversary Party, it’s going to be a blast!

Coastal Cleanup: September 6th 9AM-12PM

Make a difference by helping to make Salisbury a better place. Come down to the Salisbury Zoo and help cleanup one of the Wicomico tributaries that runs through the city and through the park. In addition to helping a great cause, you will meet the zoo’s education department and be given tee shirts and all the supplies you will need. For more information call: 410-860-6880

Bunk with the Beasts: September 12th 6PM-9AM

This is a once in a lifetime experience… you’re spending the night at the zoo! This overnight adventure includes a cookout, guided tour, fun activities for families, animal encounters, night hike thru the zoo and breakfast the next morning. For just $20 per person, this is an opportunity you and your family don’t want to miss out on. Bring your own tents, sleeping bags and most importantly, flashlights!

3rd Friday Salisbury Zoo’s 60th Anniversary Celebration: September 19th 5PM-8PM

Join the zoo on Main Street in Salisbury’s Downtown Plaza for the kickoff of their 60th year anniversary party. The educational zoo assistants will be there with animals, history to share, giveaways and much more.

Go Wild with Art: September 20th 12PM-3PM

If you have a passion for art and wildlife… look no further than this fun event. Head to the Salisbury Zoo to explore, discover and create. This event is for all ages and most of the activities are free. Tons of classes will be offered including: Animal Origami, Australian Aboriginal Art, Animal Shape Drawing, Plein Air Painting, Collage, Water Color, Chalk, Photo Walks and a variety of educational demonstrations. Make sure to register online.

The Salisbury Zoo’s 60th Anniversary BIG Celebration: September 26th 4:30PM- 7:30PM

This is the party of the fall! Free to the public and a big celebration within the community to honor our beloved local zoo, what could be better? The celebration will offer education talks, demonstrations, animal enrichment, face painting, history of the zoo and obviously (our favorite part) cake. A commemorative wristband will be handed to the first couple of hundred people that enter the zoo.

Halloween Happening: October 18th and October 25th: 1PM-4PM

This event is for children under 10. They will be able to trick or treat throughout the zoo, participate in fun Halloween games and compete in several costume contests. There will be food vendors as well. BRING CANDY BUCKETS!! Tickets are $5 for children and $2 for adults.

Zoo Cleanup: December 6th: 9AM-12PM

Help our local zoo clean up from the busy season by helping volunteers and staff with their fall cleanup. You will mostly be raking designated areas all over the zoo. Make sure to wear old clothes and a rake if you have one!

Critter Christmas: December 6th & 13th 1PM-4PM

This is a great way to spend your holiday season. Enjoy a day filled with fun holiday activities such as decorating your own ginger bread house, visiting with Santa, making presents for your friends, walking through a craft fair and making your own ornaments. There will be live performances on the zoo stage as Christmas carols.

The Salisbury Zoo has tons and tons of fun activities for you and your family all throughout the fall so make sure you don’t miss out on them!