Penguins on Parade

Penguins on Parade is dependent on many conditions and may be canceled for the safety of our resident birds. Please check back regularly to see if Penguins on Parade will be available on your weekend of interest.

Waddling back into weather-permitting weekends this winter, enjoy our Pittsburgh Zoo penguins taking a walk outside the Aquarium. Fun for everyone!

The penguins will start their parade at the upper entrance of the Aquarium at 11:30 a.m. sharp and typically spend about 20 minutes exploring outside. Guests will line the pathway along the Aquarium, and the penguins will parade past. This event is popular; parade viewing is not guaranteed.

The Penguins on Parade viewing experience is included free with admission for all guests.

Penguins on Parade Grand Marshal

The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is looking for brave, intrepid souls to help lead our adorable penguins through a parade of cheering spectators! This is that magical opportunity you have always dreamed of to get up close and personal with our dapper little gentoo’s and macaroni penguins as a Parade Marshal. After, you’ve helped escort our penguins you will get to go behind the scenes with our staff and learn about their habitat and life cycle. So, are you ready for an experience that you will treasure for a lifetime?

All participants must be 8 years of age or older.
Participants under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult with a Penguins on Parade Marshal ticket.
Parades are weather dependent and may be canceled if conditions are unsafe for the animals.
- If a parade is canceled, participants will instead enjoy a behind-the-scenes penguin encounter.

Book Now

Additional Information

What factors determine if Penguins on Parade will happen?expand_more

Our indoor penguin habitat is kept at ideal temperatures between 37-45 degrees Fahrenheit. To host an outdoor parade, temperatures should be of similar range: below 45 degrees F and generally feel above 25 degrees F. Cloud cover, wind chill, and precipitation can affect the feel of the air and influence the decision to host the parade. Conditions must not be hazardous to penguins or humans. When temperatures are unsteady, we will monitor the weather until close to the event and do our best to offer a penguin parade when possible. If an outdoor parade cannot take place, penguins will remain visible in their habitat inside the Aquarium.

How do the penguins interact with guests during the parade?expand_more

Guests will line up outside of the aquarium and the penguins will walk up and down the pathway past guests. Penguins participate in the event by choice, so they may feel curious to investigate near guests, they may stay back near the aquarium, or they may choose to remain in their indoor habitat and not participate in the event. With animal welfare in mind, penguin participation in the event is not required, though Penguins on Parade is a great enrichment activity and offers a fun opportunity for people and penguins alike.

Though penguin behaviors vary, they tend to parade down to the bottom of the Aquarium and back. Guests at any point along the pathway are not guaranteed to see the penguin parade. Be sure to arrive early to get a good spot!

Safety Notesexpand_more

If penguins approach you during the parade, enjoy watching them up close, but please do not touch the penguins.

If conditions are slippery, note that the pathway will not be salted for the safety of penguin feet. Please watch your step.

Costumes, especially penguin costumes, are not permitted for the well-being of our birds.