Central Coast Zoo to open new nature play area; Host inaugural 'Noon Year’s Eve' celebration

By Atascadero News · Tue Dec 30 2025

ATASCADERO — The City of Atascadero and the Central Coast Zoo will celebrate the opening of a new Nature Play Area and the Zoo’s inaugural “Noon Year’s Eve” event on Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Festivities begin with a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. for Wild Journeys Play Zoo, a nature-based play space designed for young children that emphasizes creativity, empathy and hands-on learning through outdoor exploration.

The new play area features interactive elements such as sandboxes for digging like a meerkat, a pretend zoo animal kitchen and veterinary clinic, and other imaginative play features. The project was made possible through support from Service Systems America, El Camino Veterinary Hospital and the Central Coast Zoo Foundation.

Following the ribbon cutting, families are invited to take part in the Zoo’s first-ever Noon Year’s Eve celebration, a kid-friendly New Year’s event with themed activities, a festive ball drop and a sparkling cider toast at noon. Activities run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and are included with general admission.

The Central Coast Zoo, located at Atascadero Lake Park, is home to more than 300 animals representing nearly 100 species. For more information, visit centralcoastzoo.org or call (805) 461-5080