San Diego is getting ready to welcome its giant pandas home in a big new space. The San Diego Zoo has announced that Panda Ridge, a completely reimagined habitat in the heart of the Zoo, will officially open on Tuesday, November 24, 2026 – and the beloved Panda Trek area will reopen to guests the same day.
The timing could hardly be better for families. Panda Ridge makes its debut during Kids Free month at the Zoo, when children ages 11 and younger receive free admission with a paid adult throughout the fall promotion. That means a family day built around the pandas’ grand return can stretch even further, with the rest of the Zoo’s animals, gardens and sky-high gondola views all in the same visit.
The Zoo has also lined up an extra treat: on the Panda Ridge page, fans will find a Panda Cam presented by Subaru, a live window into the habitat for anyone who wants a first peek at the bears settling in – or a reason to plan a trip in person. Panda Cam presented by Subaru brings the anticipation right to your screen before you go.
Panda Ridge has been one of the most talked-about projects at the Zoo, and its opening lands just before the busy holiday season, giving San Diego families a brand-new reason to spend a day in Balboa Park. Mark November 24 on the calendar: the pandas are the main event, and the whole Zoo is rolling out the welcome mat.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
