Bluey’s Big Zoo Adventure Brings Family Fun to Utica Zoo
The popular blue pup will greet families during a full day of games, stories, animal encounters and educational activities on August 1.
For families searching for an affordable summer outing, Bluey Day at Utica Zoo will bring a popular children’s character, wildlife education and playful activities together on Saturday, August 1. Bluey will meet visitors and pose for photographs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., while the zoo hosts storytimes, games, a book swap and activities inspired by the animated series. (Utica Zoo)
The event is designed to offer more than a character appearance. It gives children a chance to play, read, explore the zoo and learn about animals during one family-focused visit.
Bluey Day at Utica Zoo Offers a Full Schedule
Bluey will appear inside the zoo’s Visitor Center between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Families will be able to meet the character and take photographs during that period.
The zoo itself will remain open during its regular hours, from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Bluey-related activities will end at 3 p.m. (Utica Zoo)
According to the zoo’s official event announcement, the day will feature:
- Bluey meet-and-greet opportunities
- A community book swap
- Keepy Uppy games for children
- A Pass the Parcel game with a prize
- A bug scavenger hunt across zoo grounds
- A Butterfly Catcher game
- Bluey storytimes
- A special blue treat at Polly’s Concessions
- Additional family activities
Most Bluey Day activities are included with regular zoo admission. The Pass the Parcel game requires a separate advance registration and fee. Space may be limited, so parents interested in that activity should register through the zoo’s event page before arriving.
Storytimes and Games Bring the Show to Life
Several activities draw inspiration from games and traditions featured in the “Bluey” television series.
The zoo plans to hold Bluey storytimes at 10:15 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Members of the education department and zoo docents will lead the readings. (Utica Zoo)
Children can also participate in Keepy Uppy, a game in which players try to keep a balloon from touching the ground. Another activity, Pass the Parcel, will be played using what the zoo describes as “Lucky’s dad’s rules,” a reference that regular viewers of the series will recognize.
The scheduled games give children an opportunity to take part rather than simply stand in line for a character photograph.
That combination could help families make the most of their visit, especially those bringing children of different ages or attention spans.
Community Book Swap Promotes Reading and Reuse
One of the day’s most community-centered activities will be a public book swap.
Visitors are encouraged to bring used or unwanted books in any age category or genre. Families can then exchange those books for different selections brought by other guests.
The Utica Zoo education department will also contribute books to the exchange. Zoo officials say the effort is intended to encourage sustainability by helping families reuse existing materials before buying something new. (Utica Zoo)
The book swap adds an educational element that fits naturally with the zoo’s broader mission. It promotes reading while showing children that books and other useful items can have a longer life when communities share them.
Parents should make sure donated books are clean, complete and in good enough condition for another family to enjoy.
Wildlife Remains at the Center of the Adventure
Bluey may be the special guest, but the animals remain the heart of the Utica Zoo experience.
The zoo’s collection includes more than 200 animals representing 99 species. More than 140 animals from 64 species are part of its main exhibit collection, while the education department cares for more than 55 animals used in classes, programs and outreach events. (Utica Zoo)
The original announcement also highlighted Australian animal keeper discussions involving species such as the Bennett’s wallaby and blue-tongued skink. Families should check the posted schedule when they arrive because animal programs may depend on staffing, weather and animal care needs.
Keeper talks can turn a fun outing into a meaningful learning opportunity. Children may arrive excited to meet Bluey but leave knowing more about habitats, diets, conservation and the people who care for wildlife.
That is one reason character-themed events can be valuable for community institutions. Familiar characters help draw children into spaces where they can discover unfamiliar animals and ideas.
What Families Should Know Before Visiting
Bluey Day takes place Saturday, August 1, at the Utica Zoo, located at 1 Utica Zoo Way in Utica.
Event information
- Zoo hours: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Bluey appearance: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Bluey storytimes: 10:15 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
- Polly’s Concessions: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Parking: Free parking is available in two lots on zoo grounds.
- Reservations: General zoo reservations are not required.
- Pass the Parcel: Advance registration and an additional fee are required.
Current general admission prices listed by the zoo are $11 for adults ages 13 through 61, $8 for children ages 2 through 12 and $10 for seniors, military members and college students with identification. Children age 1 and younger are admitted free. Families should confirm prices before traveling because admission policies can change. (Utica Zoo)
Visitors may also want to bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen and weather-appropriate clothing
- A camera or charged phone for photographs
- A gently used book for the community swap
- Extra time to visit animal exhibits before or after Bluey activities
Because the meet-and-greet is expected to attract families, arriving early may help visitors avoid the busiest part of the day.
An Accredited Regional Zoo
The Utica Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, commonly known as the AZA. The national organization lists the Utica Zoo as accredited through September 2029. (Association of Zoos & Aquariums)
As of March 2026, the AZA listed 240 accredited institutions and 14 accredited related facilities. Accreditation reviews areas such as animal care, veterinary programs, safety, staffing, conservation and education. (Association of Zoos & Aquariums)
The Utica Zoo reports that it welcomes more than 100,000 visitors each year and cares for more than 200 animals. It operates 363 days annually, closing only on Thanksgiving and Christmas. (Utica Zoo)
Those numbers help explain the zoo’s role as both a visitor destination and an educational resource for Central New York.
A Summer Adventure Built for Families
Bluey Day at Utica Zoo offers families a lively mix of entertainment, reading, outdoor play and wildlife education. The meet-and-greet may be the main attraction for young fans, but the broader schedule gives families several reasons to stay and explore.
Parents planning to attend should review the event information, register early for the Pass the Parcel game and prepare for an active day outdoors.
Most importantly, families should take time to explore beyond the Visitor Center. A photograph with Bluey may capture the day, but an unexpected animal encounter, a favorite book or a lesson from a keeper could become the memory that lasts.
