OKC Zoo Buzzing With March Contest, Family Fun Events

Dr. Pepper Vending Machine Art Contest

This year is the 10th anniversary of the Dr. Pepper Vending Machine Art Contest. It also marks the 110th birthday of the Oklahoma City Zoo.

To celebrate these milestones, K-12 students can enter this year's contest by illustrating what they love about the Zoo. Illustrations will be judged on creativity and relevance to the contest's theme, "Celebrate all things zoo–animals, nature and conservation!"

Participants will have a chance to win cash prizes and have their design displayed on a Dr. Pepper machine at the Zoo. Teachers of participating students will be entered to win one of three $50 gift cards from Porch School and Art Supply.

Entries may be submitted through March 31.

Click Here for Official Entry Forms and Event Information

The winners will be revealed 2 p.m. on April 27 at the Zoo's earth day celebration, Party for the Planet.

March 14-15: Spring Break Snooze

Children, ages 4 and up, have an opportunity to take a snooze at the zoo this spring. Spend a night and morning observing all things new at the zoo.

The Snooze starts at 7 p.m. March 14 and ends at 9 a.m. March 15. Adult tickets are $15, and child tickets are $30. A late-night snack and continental breakfast are included.

For information, call 405-425-0218.

Spring Break: Day Camps

Survival often depends on where animals live and how they move. In this game of tag, an animal's ability to adapt is the key to staying alive.

Children, ages 4-11, can participate for one day or up to all four days. Classes meet from 9 a.m. to noon. Cost per child per day is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers.

Camp Themes:

• Up a Tree - March 18
• On the Run - March 19
• Into the Sea - March 20
• Beneath the Ground - March 21

Stingray Bay and Sea Lion Presentations Open

Zoo visitors can see stingrays up close and touch these creatures at the Stingray Bay. The exhibit collection includes cownose stingrays, southern stingrays, bonnethead sharks and white-spotted bamboo sharks.

7/26/2013 Related Story: Kelly Ogle, Amanda Taylor Feed Stingrays At OKC Zoo

Admission to Stingray Bay is $3 per person. Children two and under are free. Occasional feedings of stingrays are also available for an additional $2 fee. Stingray Bay is open daily through October 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The sea lion presentation at the Noble Aquatic Center: Aquaticus is a high-energy and educational splash of fun featuring California sea lions. Cost is $2 per person. Children two and under are free. Two presentations will be offered each Wednesday through Sunday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. through March 23 and from April 23 through Labor Day weekend.

March 15: Poison Prevention Awareness Day

In celebration of National Poison Prevention Week, the Oklahoma Poison Control Center will host a free event to teach the dangers of poisons, how to prevent poisonings and what to do if someone is poisoned.

Families can participate in activity stations in the Global Plaza from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 15. Complete all of the stations for a chance to win a new bicycle and helmet.

Weekend Keeper Connections Begin

Learn about your favorite zoo animals from the keepers. Connect with wildlife while hearing how the zoo strives to conserve and preserve the earth's natural resources, and what you can do to help. Weekend Keeper Connections begin March 15 and run through October 26.

View the Weekend Keeper Connections Schedule

March 22: Celebrate Preparedness

Preparedness Day is March 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Global Plaza. The Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security will provide free activities to teach families about the basics of home preparedness. Build your own home preparedness kit and use a fire extinguisher simulator to learn about fire safety.

March 29: Smile Safari

Students from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and American Dental Hygienists' Association will host Smile Safari March 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children will learn the importance of good dental hygiene through fun activity stations in the Global Plaza and free giveaways while supplies last. This event is free to attend, but zoo admission is required.

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