Little Rock, Arkansas – The Little Rock Zoo and Hiland Dairy are preparing to welcome thousands of visitors for the annual Hiland Dairy Dollar Day, a popular community event that gives families across Arkansas the chance to enjoy a day at the Zoo for just $1.
The event will take place on Saturday, July 18, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Little Rock Zoo. All guests will receive admission for only one dollar, and parking will be free throughout the day. Hiland Dairy products will also be available for $1 while supplies last, adding another special feature to one of the Zoo’s busiest days of the year.
Supported by longtime Zoo partner Hiland Dairy, Dollar Day has become a yearly tradition for families looking for an affordable way to spend time together while exploring the animals, exhibits, and educational programs offered at the Zoo.
Visitors attending this year’s event will also have the opportunity to experience Bugtopia, the Zoo’s seasonal attraction featuring giant animatronic insects and oversized sculptures. The exhibit includes impressive displays such as an 8-foot monarch butterfly, a 15-foot praying mantis, and a 6-foot caterpillar.
In addition to viewing the large-scale insect creations, guests will have the chance to interact with colorful capybara sculptures placed throughout the Zoo. These hidden-in-plain-sight art installations allow visitors to take photos, climb on the sculptures, and explore the area while celebrating the upcoming return of capybaras to the Zoo in late 2026.
Zoo officials said the combination of special attractions and affordable admission makes Dollar Day a unique opportunity for families to enjoy everything the facility has to offer.
“The Little Rock Zoo always looks forward to welcoming guests to our annual Hiland Dairy Dollar Day. Guests will have a chance to see exciting habitats, learn from the Bugtopia show, interact with our capybara sculptures, and enjoy a day at the Zoo with their family,” said Susan Altrui, Director of the Little Rock Zoo.
The partnership between the Little Rock Zoo and Hiland Dairy has continued for many years. Over the past 17 years, Hiland Dairy has contributed more than $900,000 through cash sponsorships and in-kind product donations to support the Zoo and its programs.
The company is renewing its annual commitment again this year through continued sponsorship support, including a $10,000 capital gift. Hiland Dairy will also sponsor the Zoo’s GloWild fundraising event scheduled for November.
Formerly known as Coleman Dairy, Hiland Dairy said its continued partnership with the Zoo reflects a shared commitment to creating experiences that bring families together throughout Arkansas.
Mike Flagg, a representative of Hiland Dairy, said the company values its relationship with the Zoo and the role the organization plays in the community.
Mike Flagg, representative of Hiland Dairy, shared that Hiland Dairy is proud of this multi-year partnership with the Little Rock Zoo because “the Little Rock Zoo is all about families. We love to serve this community.” Flagg also shared that he was “excited for the future of the Zoo and happy for so many families to be able to enjoy the Zoo.”
Because the event takes place during the summer, Zoo officials are reminding visitors to prepare for high temperatures. Guests are encouraged to bring refillable water bottles, and hydration stations will be available throughout the Zoo. First aid tents will also be on site to assist visitors if needed.
For those looking for food and refreshments during their visit, Cafe Africa will be open, along with several food trucks offering additional options.
Officials expect a large turnout for this year’s Hiland Dairy Dollar Day and encourage visitors to plan ahead. With affordable admission, special exhibits, family activities, and support from a longtime community partner, the event is expected to provide another memorable summer experience for families throughout Arkansas.
More information about the event and other activities at the Little Rock Zoo is available on the Zoo’s official website.
