ZooAmerica to Host Teddy Bear and Friends Day on March 14
Winter 2026 Zoo Event in Hershey Features Bear-Related Activities for Kids
Calling all teddy bear lovers! ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park in Hershey, Pa., is delighted to announce the return of its popular family-friendly winter event, Teddy Bear and Friends Day, on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This special day is dedicated to celebrating all things bear-related and offers a variety of engaging activities for guests ages 12 and under, along with their cherished stuffed animal companions.
Teddy Bear Activities Included with Zoo Admission
ZooAmerica will be open on March 14 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., providing ample time for guests to enjoy the day's events and the entire 11-acre North American Wildlife Park.
The highlight of the event is the Teddy Bear Repair Clinic, which will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. inside the Woodlands Classroom. Here, children can bring their beloved teddy bear or any other stuffed animal friend for a comprehensive wellness check-up. The "medical team" consists of a real veterinarian and knowledgeable Zoo naturalists who will carefully examine each patient.
If a stuffed companion is diagnosed with a loose eye, a slight tear or any other "boo boo," a dedicated teddy bear surgeon will be on hand with stitches and Band-Aids to perform necessary repairs and send the stuffed friend home feeling good as new. This interactive experience offers a unique, fun-filled way for children to learn about caregiving and veterinary science.
In addition to the clinic, the day features several other activities designed to entertain and educate, including a story time, a scavenger hunt and a bear artifact station.
Plus, Coco the Bear, The Official Mascot of the Hershey Bears, will make a special appearance from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. for photos with attendees!
Meet ZooAmerica's Resident Black Bear
After participating in the indoor activities, guests can explore the Zoo at their own pace. A must-see on the trail is the Eastern Woodlands region, home to Chief, the resident American black bear.
Chief was born in January 2014. He was found begging for food in Oregon as a yearling. He was likely a pet that was returned to the wild. Malnourished and small, he was taken to a wildlife rehabilitator and then sent to ZooAmerica in June 2015, where he has thrived ever since.
While Chief may be taking a winter nap in his large tube den, which mimics a natural den site, guests are encouraged to observe his spacious habitat. The black bear is a remarkable species, and Chief serves as an excellent ambassador in animal behavior and adaptation during the colder months.
Plan Your Visit: Additional Event Information to Bear In Mind
- Weather Policy: Teddy Bear and Friends Day is a rain-or-shine event, ensuring the fun happens regardless of the weather.
- Included Activities: All special activities for Teddy Bear and Friends Day are included with regular Zoo admission.
- Ticket Prices: ZooAmerica admission is $16.50 plus taxes and fees for guests ages 9 to 61 and $14.50 plus taxes and fees for guests ages 3 to 8 and ages 62 and older. Children 2 and younger (and stuffed animals) are free!
- Pass Holder Benefits: Admission is also complimentary for both ZooAmerica Annual Pass Holders and 2026 Hersheypark Season Pass Holders.
We look forward to seeing you soon for a truly beary-fun celebration!
Make it a Bear-Filled Weekend with the Hershey Bears
For sports fans, the celebration doesn't have to end at the Zoo! The legendary 13-time Calder Cup Champion Hershey Bears hockey team is scheduled for an action-packed three-game streak during the same weekend. The schedule kicks off with an away game at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Friday, March 13, followed by two home games on Saturday, March 14, and Sunday, March 15, against Belleville.
Both home games are promotional nights, making them perfect family activities or group outings for fans of all ages. The home game on Saturday at 7 p.m. is Penn State Health Drawstring Bag Night for all fans. The home game on Sunday at 5 p.m. is Washington Capitals Night, where all fans receive a rally towel.
