Little Rock Family turns 20 in 2014 and we're celebrating all year long. So far, we've caught up with former cover subjects, posted our fashion flashbacks and even recreated our very first cover from 1994.

Now, families are invited to join the celebration at our 20th Birthday Party at the Little Rock Zoo! The full day of birthday fun begins at 9 a.m. on April 5, and continues throughout the day with special performances, animal feedings and more -- all free with regular zoo admission.

Families can start the day at the Little Rock Family table, where you can pick up a special zoo map and full schedule of the day's events. Plus, sign up for cool giveaways, like a weekend getaway to Lake Ouachita's Mountain Harbor Resort or a painting made by the zoo's penguins.

Meet some new animals friends as you explore the zoo, including the brand-new tiger cubs and the elephants Sophie and Babe, who moved to Arkansas in October. Plus, families can watch animal feedings at the Alligator Exhibit, Laura P. Nichols Penguin Pointe Exhibit and more (schedule below).

In between animal visits, visitors can browse the Family Expo, located at the Elephant Exhibit from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. to make crafts, discover art, or learn about local programs for your family. At the Civitan Pavilion, kids can participate in animal yoga with Barefoot Studios and craft critter masks with the CALS Hillary Rodham Children's Library. Or, watch performances from I Can! Dance, Cheer City United and Rock City MMA. (See the full schedule below.)

Last, but not least, join Little Rock Family in the Elephant Exhibit at noon as we blow out the candles on our birthday cake, with a little help from Zina the elephant. Families will be treated to complimentary sweets, including ice cream from Hiland Dairy, cake balls from The Cupcake Factory and animal cookies from Sweet Love Bakes. Gluten-sensitive children can nibble on goodies from Gluten Free Cookies by Stephanie Reeves.

Little Rock Family's 20th Birthday Party will be held from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April 5 at the Little Rock Zoo. All activities and performances will be free with regular zoo admission ($12, children under 12 $9).

Schedule of Events

Family Expo at the Elephant Exhibit, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., includes:

Special Performances and Workshops at the Civitan Pavilion

  • 10 a.m.: Animal Yoga with Barefoot Studios
  • 11 a.m.: I Can! Dance Performance
  • Noon: Blow out the candles on Little Rock Family's Birthday Cake (Elephant Exhibit)
  • 1 p.m.: Storytime with CALS Hillary Rodham Clinton Children's Library
  • 2 p.m.: Cheer City United Performance
  • 3 p.m.: Rock City MMA Performance

Animal Feedings

  • 9:30 a.m.: Penguin Feeding at the Laura P. Nichols Penguin Pointe Exhibit
  • Noon: Elephant Cake Feeding at the Elephant Exhibit
  • 1:30 p.m.: Great Ape Feeding at the Great Ape Exhibit
  • 2 p.m.: Alligator Feeding at Alligator Exhibit
  • 3:30 p.m.: Penguin Feeding at Laura P. Nichols Penguin Pointe Exhibit