Get ready for the ultimate test of teamwork and skill at Puzzle Palooza! Compete against other teams in a race to complete puzzles faster than the rest. With amazing prizes and special appearances by some of our favorite animal ambassadors, this event guarantees fun for puzzle lovers of all abilities.

Puzzle Palooza guests working on puzzle

Tickets:

  • Event admission: $40 per person

All tickets include:

  • Admission to Puzzle Palooza: Competitive Puzzling
  • Meet and greets with animal ambassadors
  • Coffee bar
  • Cash prizes:
    • First: $500
    • Second: $300
    • Third: $200
  • Winners will be required to complete a W-9, and a check will be issued and mailed following the event.

Thanks to CFG Bank, our members enjoy wild savings on exclusive Zoo events. Learn more about becoming a member of the Maryland Zoo!

What to Expect:

  • Each team will consist of four (4) people.
  • All registered participants will be contacted a few weeks prior to the event to confirm team names.
  • Teams will have 3 hours to complete a 200-piece puzzle, followed by a 1,000-piece puzzle.
  • Puzzles must remain sealed in their bags and may not be opened or viewed until the competition begins or the previous puzzle has been completed.
  • Upon completing the first puzzle, a member of the event staff must verify its completion before the team can begin the next puzzle.
  • Each team is allotted to bring up to four (4) sorting trays.
  • Winners will be determined based on the fastest completion of both puzzles. If no team completes both puzzles, the winner will be decided by the fewest remaining puzzle pieces. Groups of three or more connected pieces will count towards your partially completed puzzle.
  • Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will be awarded to the teams with the fewest puzzle pieces remaining, or the top three teams who finish first. Winners will be required to complete a W-9, and a check will be issued and mailed following the event.

Other Details:

  • This event will be held indoors on the Zoo’s Mansion House Porch
  • Check-in begins at 9:30 am, puzzling will begin promptly at 10:30 am.
  • Coffee will be provided but please bring your own snacks
  • This event does not include admission to the Zoo