BUILD a great garden adventure during Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects®: Made with LEGO® Bricks. This exhibit celebrates the beauty of nature but also emphasizes the delicate connections that exist between all living things. Marvel at 18 larger-than-life sculptures built from more than 275,000 LEGO® bricks, including a majestic monarch butterfly, a hovering hummingbird, a sly fox, and more! Ignite your imagination, create brick-built works of your own, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the relationships and connections that sustain our ecosystems.

Embark on a dramatic adventure to Antarctica — one of the most isolated and dangerous environments on Earth — and witness the latest discovery: dinosaurs. While Antarctica is a frozen land of snow today, Antarctic Dinosaurs reveals the lush habitat it once was 200 million years ago and the unique animals that called it home. Visitors will learn about rare dinosaurs and the history of the continent with real fossils and engaging interactives. More than 60 fossils, full-scale replications, and touchable models. Numerous mechanical and digital interactives, including “excavation” interactives. Real and cast dinosaur skeletons, including Cryolophosaurus and Glacialisaurus. Meteorite from Antarctica

Reservations open March 4, 2025. Seatings from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Easter Brunch at Lauritzen Gardens has become an annual tradition for many area families. Reservations include a brunch buffet in the visitor and education center, admission to the garden and our spring exhibit, and access to our Spring EGGstravaganza activities. Brunch is $55 for ages 13+, $40 for ages 3 to 12 are $40, and free for children 2 and under. Members, and those covered under their membership category, receive a $10 discount per ticket.

A group of hungry critters led by RJ the raccoon (Bruce Willis) plot to make their way over a giant hedge that was built to separate the woodland animals from their usual treasure trove of snack food. The gang sets out to overcome the new divide in hopes of pleasing a hungry bear - and themselves.

BUILD a great garden adventure during Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects®: Made with LEGO® Bricks. This exhibit celebrates the beauty of nature but also emphasizes the delicate connections that exist between all living things. Marvel at 18 larger-than-life sculptures built from more than 275,000 LEGO® bricks, including a majestic monarch butterfly, a hovering hummingbird, a sly fox, and more! Ignite your imagination, create brick-built works of your own, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the relationships and connections that sustain our ecosystems.

I Spy with my little eye a sensory craft filled with springtime cheer! Join as they create a one-of-a-kind I Spy  Sensory Bottle! These are perfect for all ages and make a fun, educational toy for the car or home!! This is a FREE, all ages event!! 

Join OPL as we engage in digital storytelling through exciting STEM and coding activities with our new community partner Snapology! While children are exploring robotics, coding, and design challenges using LEGO® bricks and technology, they are learning new skills and having fun! This is a free event for kids 6-12.

Be a real-life Steve and Alex with Minecraft-inspired games, crafts, and other fun activities. Great for Grades K-5. Drop in any time.

Dragon needs your help! The tacos for the party are locked in a box. Come help Dragon get to the tacos before it’s too late in this escape room based on the best-selling "Dragons Love Tacos" books by Adam Rubin. Designed for participants ages 6-10. All ages are welcome for this family-friendly drop in event. First come first served.

BUILD a great garden adventure during Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects®: Made with LEGO® Bricks. This exhibit celebrates the beauty of nature but also emphasizes the delicate connections that exist between all living things. Marvel at 18 larger-than-life sculptures built from more than 275,000 LEGO® bricks, including a majestic monarch butterfly, a hovering hummingbird, a sly fox, and more! Ignite your imagination, create brick-built works of your own, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the relationships and connections that sustain our ecosystems.

Embark on a dramatic adventure to Antarctica — one of the most isolated and dangerous environments on Earth — and witness the latest discovery: dinosaurs. While Antarctica is a frozen land of snow today, Antarctic Dinosaurs reveals the lush habitat it once was 200 million years ago and the unique animals that called it home. Visitors will learn about rare dinosaurs and the history of the continent with real fossils and engaging interactives. More than 60 fossils, full-scale replications, and touchable models. Numerous mechanical and digital interactives, including “excavation” interactives. Real and cast dinosaur skeletons, including Cryolophosaurus and Glacialisaurus. Meteorite from Antarctica

Get ready to have a BALL with Mrs. M! Littles will get to move their muscles and test their motor skills as they bounce, roll, and throw all kinds of different balls!

BUILD a great garden adventure during Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects®: Made with LEGO® Bricks. This exhibit celebrates the beauty of nature but also emphasizes the delicate connections that exist between all living things. Marvel at 18 larger-than-life sculptures built from more than 275,000 LEGO® bricks, including a majestic monarch butterfly, a hovering hummingbird, a sly fox, and more! Ignite your imagination, create brick-built works of your own, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the relationships and connections that sustain our ecosystems.

Embark on a dramatic adventure to Antarctica — one of the most isolated and dangerous environments on Earth — and witness the latest discovery: dinosaurs. While Antarctica is a frozen land of snow today, Antarctic Dinosaurs reveals the lush habitat it once was 200 million years ago and the unique animals that called it home. Visitors will learn about rare dinosaurs and the history of the continent with real fossils and engaging interactives. More than 60 fossils, full-scale replications, and touchable models. Numerous mechanical and digital interactives, including “excavation” interactives. Real and cast dinosaur skeletons, including Cryolophosaurus and Glacialisaurus. Meteorite from Antarctica

BUILD a great garden adventure during Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects®: Made with LEGO® Bricks. This exhibit celebrates the beauty of nature but also emphasizes the delicate connections that exist between all living things. Marvel at 18 larger-than-life sculptures built from more than 275,000 LEGO® bricks, including a majestic monarch butterfly, a hovering hummingbird, a sly fox, and more! Ignite your imagination, create brick-built works of your own, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the relationships and connections that sustain our ecosystems.

Embark on a dramatic adventure to Antarctica — one of the most isolated and dangerous environments on Earth — and witness the latest discovery: dinosaurs. While Antarctica is a frozen land of snow today, Antarctic Dinosaurs reveals the lush habitat it once was 200 million years ago and the unique animals that called it home. Visitors will learn about rare dinosaurs and the history of the continent with real fossils and engaging interactives. More than 60 fossils, full-scale replications, and touchable models. Numerous mechanical and digital interactives, including “excavation” interactives. Real and cast dinosaur skeletons, including Cryolophosaurus and Glacialisaurus. Meteorite from Antarctica

Join Washington Branch every Thursday as local community members share their story. Enjoy snacks, engage in discussion with the storyteller, and explore new professions, storytelling mediums, and activities. This program is for teens 11–18 years old.

BUILD a great garden adventure during Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects®: Made with LEGO® Bricks. This exhibit celebrates the beauty of nature but also emphasizes the delicate connections that exist between all living things. Marvel at 18 larger-than-life sculptures built from more than 275,000 LEGO® bricks, including a majestic monarch butterfly, a hovering hummingbird, a sly fox, and more! Ignite your imagination, create brick-built works of your own, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the relationships and connections that sustain our ecosystems.

Embark on a dramatic adventure to Antarctica — one of the most isolated and dangerous environments on Earth — and witness the latest discovery: dinosaurs. While Antarctica is a frozen land of snow today, Antarctic Dinosaurs reveals the lush habitat it once was 200 million years ago and the unique animals that called it home. Visitors will learn about rare dinosaurs and the history of the continent with real fossils and engaging interactives. More than 60 fossils, full-scale replications, and touchable models. Numerous mechanical and digital interactives, including “excavation” interactives. Real and cast dinosaur skeletons, including Cryolophosaurus and Glacialisaurus. Meteorite from Antarctica

Get ready for a bee-utiful time as we craft our very own honey bee sensory bins!  Each bin will be buzzing with fun materials that you can explore, play with, and take home. Perfect for little hands to discover the magic of nature, with all the textures, colors, and excitement of a bee’s world! After crafting, we’ll gather together for a sweet storytime, where we'll be reading "The Honeybee"—a delightful tale about the importance of these incredible creatures. 

Learn about the planting and caring of trees while honoring Arbor Day, a national holiday that originated in Nebraska. Watch a special introduction and tree planting near the new picnic shelter.
Free grab-and-go lunches will be available to those who sign up in advance. Children are invited to take home free saplings and special gifts. (While supplies last.)

5K Run, 5K Walk, 1-Mile Kids Race at Baxter Arena. Booth Vendors, Interactive inflatables for kids, beer garden.

BUILD a great garden adventure during Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects®: Made with LEGO® Bricks. This exhibit celebrates the beauty of nature but also emphasizes the delicate connections that exist between all living things. Marvel at 18 larger-than-life sculptures built from more than 275,000 LEGO® bricks, including a majestic monarch butterfly, a hovering hummingbird, a sly fox, and more! Ignite your imagination, create brick-built works of your own, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the relationships and connections that sustain our ecosystems.

Celebrate Earth Day at the Zoo during Party for the Planet. As part of their senior capstone project, this year's event is presented by the Zoo's own Zoo Academy high school students! Each event element from logo design to day of activities is led by these passionate, conservation-loving students. Animal Talks, Storytime, Scavenger Hunt, and more!

A community event aimed at giving back to the beautiful space we all enjoy. This day is dedicated to all those who have used Lake Cunningham for events, runs, and festivals, and we’re asking you to help us maintain its beauty. They will provide rubber gloves and trash bags, but feel free to bring your own grabbers, thick gloves, and wear appropriate attire for outdoor clean-up activities. Bottled water will be provided throughout the event to keep everyone hydrated.

Embark on a dramatic adventure to Antarctica — one of the most isolated and dangerous environments on Earth — and witness the latest discovery: dinosaurs. While Antarctica is a frozen land of snow today, Antarctic Dinosaurs reveals the lush habitat it once was 200 million years ago and the unique animals that called it home. Visitors will learn about rare dinosaurs and the history of the continent with real fossils and engaging interactives. More than 60 fossils, full-scale replications, and touchable models. Numerous mechanical and digital interactives, including “excavation” interactives. Real and cast dinosaur skeletons, including Cryolophosaurus and Glacialisaurus. Meteorite from Antarctica

A Farmers market for your dog. Vendors, fun, food trucks, coffee truck

8th Annual Youth Triathlon. Kids will have fun in this recreational backwards triathlon running, biking, and swimming. Register between March 3rd - April 4th. Space is limited.

Join SNJ Studio of Music's first ever student-led rock band for an afternoon of music! Featuring hits from the 70's-00's, the talented young adults of Blackbird Rock Co. put modern twists on tried and true classics. This is a free event, so bring a chair and get ready to rock!