Wild Weekend November 7-8 Oceans Photo of polar bears, penguins, and Wild Weekend logo

November 7-8, 2026

Wild Weekend: Oceans

Oceans cover more than 70% of Earth’s surface, pulling in over two billion tons of carbon from the atmosphere each year. They’re home to countless species, including polar bears and penguins, and support a complex web of marine life that relies on healthy oceans to thrive. With the health of our oceans threatened by environmental instability and pollution, we’re working to protect these immense ecosystems through our Oceans Conservation Hub.
 

Join us to celebrate Polar Bear Week and Wild Weekend: Oceans on Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8. Discover all you make possible for oceans and the marine life that calls them home when you dive in at the San Diego Zoo. You’ll have a chance to meet wildlife care specialists and plunge into interactive experiences for the whole family.

 

ACTIVITIES

penguin diving underwater

Ask an Ally

  • Between 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Various locations

Curious about polar bears, penguins, and other aquatic birds? You’ll be submerged in fascinating insights about these incredible species while you learn about the conservation efforts you make possible here in San Diego and across the globe.

  • Polar Bears, 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m., Polar Bear Habitat, Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge
  • Cormorants, Noon, Upper Center Street
  • Penguins, 1 p.m. Penguin Habitat, Conrad Prebys Africa Rocks
Up close portrait of polar in snow

Dynamic Wildlife Experiences

  • All Day
  • Polar Bear Plunge

At Polar Bear Plunge, you might see the bears relaxing on snowy hills or chomping on tasty treats.

Wildlife activities subject to change.

Photo of California tide pool

Dive In

  • Between 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Treetops Plaza

Discover more about local marine life and participate in an exciting activity for wildlife allies.

guests at a craft table

Channel Your Inner Creativity

  • Between 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Treetops Plaza

Ride the wave into your creative side. Explore ways you can protect our oceans while making a homemade craft to bring home.

Team member on boat

Come Aboard and Meet Our Team

  • Between 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Treetops Plaza

Chat with our Oceans Conservation Hub experts and dive deep into how we’re collaborating with partners to save, protect, and care for marine wildlife.

Polar bear

Take the Plunge to Be an Ally for Wildlife

  • Between 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Treetops Plaza

We can all make a difference for wildlife. Join us to help endangered wildlife across our oceans.

Dr. Zoolittle

Meet Dr. Zoolittle

  • Between 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
  • Treetops Plaza

Snap a photo with your favorite wildlife science explorer, Dr. Zoolittle, as he shares about the delicately balanced aquatic ecosystems we all rely on. And don’t forget to say “cheese!”

UPGRADED EXPERIENCE

Penguin up close

Upgraded Experiences

  • Reservation required

Enhance your day at the Zoo with one-of-a-kind adventures! There’s something for everyone, as experiences vary with tons of wildlife-focused options to choose from. All tour participants require a tour ticket, regardless of age.

polar bear swimming underwater

Wildlife Cams

Witness the fascinating world of polar bears and penguins at the Zoo from wherever you are.

Birds

Support Ocean Wildlife

Share your love for ocean wildlife when you bring home a unique souvenir. Your purchases help support wildlife conservation and education efforts to protect the future of endangered species, including polar bears and penguins through our Oceans Conservation Hub.

Polar bears

Become a Wildlife Ally

As a wildlife ally, your visits to the Zoo and continued generosity helps save wildlife locally, across our vast oceans, and around the world. Become a hero for wildlife and secure their future with a monthly gift today.

polar bear plush and adoption card

Wildlife Adoptions

Your symbolic adoption of a polar bear or penguin helps support critical conservation efforts which benefit ocean wildlife.

Shopzoo Joy to the Wildlife
Joy to the Wildlife

Celebrate the season of giving

Preferred Hotels
Preferred Hotels

Places to Stay

San Diego Zoo, JUNGLE BELLS, Select Dates December 19th to January 3rd
THE MAGIC’S RETURNED

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

SDZWA adventures pantanl jaguar
SDZWA Adventures

Come Travel with Us!