Get Ready For CritterFest At The Science Spectrum This July

If you've ever wanted to see an elephant, pet a goat, ride a camel, and stare down a crocodile all in the same day without leaving Lubbock, your chance is almost here.

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CritterFest is back at the Science Spectrum, and once again, the museum is transforming into what can only be described as the biggest zoo in town.

From July 16th through July 19th, CritterFest 2026 will bring four days of animals, shows, rides, and family fun to one of Lubbock's most beloved attractions.

Science Spectrum

It's A Zoo In Here

For four days, the Science Spectrum will be packed with animals from all over the world.

Visitors can get up close to elephants, camels, alligators, crocodiles, tortoises, giant snakes, sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits, and plenty of other creatures.

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Honestly, if your kids have ever asked to visit a zoo, CritterFest may be the closest thing you'll find without leaving the South Plains.

The event's popular petting zoo returns along with pony rides, camel rides, reptile encounters, and opportunities to learn about animals from experts who work with them every day.

Jenny Evans, Getty Images

Two Crowd-Favorite Shows Return

One of the biggest draws every year is the live entertainment, and this year's lineup looks fantastic.

JUMP! The Ultimate Dog Show will be performing multiple times each day. If you've never seen these incredible dogs in action, imagine athletic stunts, frisbee catches, high-flying jumps, and plenty of laughs. The show has been entertaining audiences across the country for more than 36 years.

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Also returning is Crocodile Encounters, an educational reptile show featuring American alligators, Nile crocodiles, and other fascinating reptiles. It's a chance to get a close-up look at some animals most of us only see on television.

Your Ticket Includes More Than You Think

One of the best parts about CritterFest is that your admission includes access to the Science Spectrum Museum itself.

That means visitors can also explore Texas Alive: The Brazos River Journey, Lubbock's only public aquarium exhibit. The massive exhibit features freshwater and saltwater fish along with native Texas wildlife.

Leon Neal, Getty Images

Plan Your Visit

CritterFest runs Thursday through Sunday, July 16th through July 19th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Tickets are available only at the door. Adult admission is $16, while children ages 3 through 12 and seniors are $13. Kids two and under get in free.

If you're looking for a family-friendly event this summer that combines education, entertainment, and a whole lot of animals, CritterFest might just be the wildest ticket in town.