North Georgia Zoo’s themed summer events
Fourth of July Celebration
What: Visit alligators, owls, opossum, deer, cougar and wolves; face painting, craft stations, snacks and more available.
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 2 and 3
Christmas in July
What: Hear Christmas music during Friday Family Night and have dinner with Santa; then make presents for the animals.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 8
Sunset Tour
When: 7-9 p.m. July 9
What: Get up close and personal guided tour, including a meet and greet with zoo’s baby exotic animals.
The North Georgia Zoo and Petting Farm has official opened its doors during the weekdays for June and July.
For both months, the zoo’s weekday hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. It is closed Mondays.
To launch its summer hours, the zoo will host Family Night Friday from 4:30-7:30 p.m. June 10 at 2912 Paradise Valley Road in Cleveland. Another family night will follow on July 1 and 8.
Adults and children can meet and greet the animals or participate in other activities. Music and karaoke will be available.
And when you need a break, then take a time out to enjoy the pizza on site.
One week later, the zoo will celebrate Father’s Day on June 18 and 19 by allowing a father to visit for free with a paid child’s admission.
Special “Zoo Dad” tours will teach the parental figure all about being a Dad in the animal kingdom. Visitors can even learn what it’s like to be surrogate dad to animals at the zoo and meet some special animal “dads.” Visitors may also talk to dads who help at the zoo and share fun stories of being a dad to the human and animal kind.
Zoo admission is $15 for adults and $12 for children in advance or $18 for adults and $15 for children at the gate. Children 2 years old and younger may enter for free. Members receive a 10 percent discount.