The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore has a full November on the calendar: a 5K, a corporate networking night, a craft night, a bingo night and a family sleepover. It also has two things that are not in the events announcement and that matter more to anyone planning a visit. The zoo is closed to the public on Saturday November 7 for a private event, and the African Watering Hole habitat goes off exhibit on November 9 for scheduled maintenance.
Take the second one first, because it comes with a discount. While the African Watering Hole is down, the rhinos, ostriches and zebras that live there are off exhibit, and the zoo is reducing general admission to winter rates for the duration.
What is on in November
Zoo Zoom, November 15, 6:30 to 10 a.m. The zoo’s official 5K, open to every skill level, run or walk. Participants pick an animal-themed team and get a race shirt inspired by it, plus post-race refreshments and all-day admission to the zoo.
Emerging Leaders Corporate Networking, November 12, 5 to 7 p.m. Hosted in Penguin Coast by the zoo’s junior board, with hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, and animal ambassador appearances.
Craft Night at the Zoo, November 19. Creative activities, complimentary drinks, animal ambassadors and a one-of-a-kind craft project, for beginners and practiced crafters alike.
Basket Bingo, November 20. Multiple rounds, prize baskets valued at a minimum of $100 each, 18 and over.
Zoo Snooze Overnight, November 21. A sleepover with animal experiences, games and activities, dinner and breakfast, and admission the following day.
And in December
Holly-Days runs every weekend in December, with holiday-themed events, storytelling, crafts and photo opportunities. Breakfasts with Santa, presented by Miss Shirley’s and T. Rowe Price, runs on multiple dates and the zoo warns these sell out, so reservations are the move rather than a walk-up. There are also seasonal gift options that support animal conservation.
What you get without buying a ticket to anything
The zoo runs free daily programming on top of the ticketed events: animal keeper chats, conservation activities, storytime and nature play, and education stations aimed at helping children make sense of what they are looking at. None of it costs extra on top of admission, and on an ordinary November weekday it is most of what a family actually does there.
Last month the same calendar was built around Zoo BOO and OktoBEARfest, which we covered when the October lineup came out.
Check the date before you drive, given the closure on the 7th. Everything after that is open, cheaper than usual while the watering hole is being worked on, and the penguins do not mind the cold.
Source: The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, “November Events for Kids and Adults at Maryland Zoo,” November 3, 2026, plus the zoo’s own visitor alerts.
Quick answers
- Is the Maryland Zoo closed in November 2026?
The zoo is closed to the public on Saturday November 7, 2026 for a private event. It is open on its normal schedule otherwise.
- Why are the rhinos and zebras off exhibit?
The African Watering Hole habitat, which holds the rhinos, ostriches and zebras, goes off exhibit starting November 9 for scheduled exhibit maintenance. General admission is reduced to winter rates while it is down.
- When is the Maryland Zoo's Zoo Zoom 5K?
November 15, 2026, from 6:30 to 10 a.m. It is open to every skill level, and participants choose an animal-themed team, receive a race shirt, post-race refreshments and all-day zoo admission.
- What is Basket Bingo?
A bingo night on November 20 for guests 18 and over, with multiple rounds played for prize baskets valued at a minimum of $100 each.
- What is on at the Maryland Zoo in December?
Holly-Days every weekend in December, with holiday-themed events, storytelling, crafts and photo opportunities, plus Breakfasts with Santa on multiple dates. The zoo says the Santa breakfasts sell out, so reservations are advised.
- Are there free activities included with admission?
Yes. The zoo runs free daily animal keeper chats, conservation activities, storytime and nature play, and education stations.
