Iowa PBS Day at the Blank Park Zoo
Join us for Iowa PBS Day at the Blank Park Zoo for a wild day of family fun, learning and adventure! Throughout the day, popular PBS costumed characters including Elmo from Sesame Street, will meet fans during special meet-and-greet opportunities.
Families can also enjoy hands-on STEAM activities designed to spark creativity and curiosity in children of all ages. Kids will receive free coloring books and crayons while supplies last. Stop by the Iowa PBS tent to enter our drawing for a basket of PBS KIDS items featuring Elmo, Clifford, Arthur, Molly and Carl.
Gather the whole family for a day of educational fun, imagination, adventure and unforgettable memories. Funded in part by a gift from Becky and Toby Joseph.
Character and Activity Schedule
| Activity | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Meet Elmo | 10 a.m., 11 a.m., Noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. | Event Center |
| Meet Clifford the Big Red Dog | 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. | Event Center |
| Meet Carl the Collector | 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. | Joseph Stage |
| Meet Arthur | 10 a.m., 11 a.m., Noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. | Classroom |
| Meet Molly of Denali | 10:30 a.m, 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. | Classroom |
| Storytime | 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. | Joseph Stage |
| Coloring and PBS Kids Tattoos | 10:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m. | Pavilion |
Discounted Tickets Available
Receive one free child admission to the Blank Park Zoo with the purchase of one adult admission. Valid only on July 18, 2026.
- Purchase tickets online in advance (one child/one adult per transaction to receive free ticket)*
- Print or screenshot a coupon and present it at the admission gate on July 18.
* The online ticketing system allows only one free child admission per transaction. If you are purchasing tickets online for multiple children, complete a separate transaction for each adult-child pair to receive all eligible discounts. Example: A family with two adults and two children should place two separate orders (1 adult + 1 child per order) to receive both free child admissions.
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