Family Programs
Fun in the Forest & Family Garden
Join in on the fun in the Children’s Enchanted Forest or the Family Garden during your visit at the zoo! Our Mesker Park Zoo Docents will provide interactive experiences for children of all ages on select Saturdays during the late spring, summer, and early fall seasons. These activities are seasonal and weather dependent, so check the zoo calendar or call ahead if you want to be sure to catch them. Activities will commence in the Children’s Enchanted Forest stage area or in the Family Garden area, and will include stories, plays, music, crafts, animal biofacts, and live animal encounters.
ZooLittles
ZooLittles is a weekly educational 4-part series for preschoolers (ages 3-5) at the Zoo. Children will enjoy learning about plants and animals while experiencing the natural world around them in an interactive program. Programs may include physical activities, animal visits, explorations, stories, or crafts.
AGES
- Ages 3-5
SESSIONS 2024*
Schedule | Theme | Description |
April 3/4 | Counting | We will practice our counting skills and learn more about our animals! |
April 10/11 | Patterns | We will explore patterns in animal shapes and coverings. |
April 17/18 | Movement | We will explore different animal movements and practice our motor skills. |
April 24/25 | Colors | We will learn about colors and how they apply to animals in the wild! |
REGISTRATION
- Parents can register their child for all sessions in the 4-part series on either Wednesdays or Thursdays from 10am – 11am. The lessons will be the same both days of the week, so only sign up for one day! Tickets can be purchased online through our website. Registration is limited to 12 children per session. An adult caregiver should plan to participate with their child.
HOURS
- Wednesdays or Thursdays
- 10:00a – 11:00a
RATES
- $45 and includes all activity supplies for the program. There is no program fee for adults and children under 2. Program fees can be paid online at time of registration. This program fee is in addition to Zoo admission, which is free to members. A year-round family membership is $75.
LOCATION
- The ZooLittles program will meet in the Event Tent and may move to other parts of the zoo to accomplish the themed activities planned. From the entrance, enter the path to the right and walk past the Amazonia rainforest, past the wolves, and you will find the garden on your right before the Event Tent on the large hill. You can call ahead and ask Education for updates on location.
WEATHER
- In the case of rain, we will announce an alternate location at the front gate. Depending on the forecast, we may use the Kiwanis shelter, event tent, or move it entirely indoors to one of our classrooms. Cancellation is also possible due to severe weather. Notifications will be sent out via email at least one hour prior to program start time. Programs cancelled due to weather can be rescheduled for another time.
- Please dress for the weather. We recommend children wear play clothes and closed toed shoes, and bring sunscreen and water.
Direct questions to 812-435-0809, or education@meskerparkzoo.com, or to the front gate 812-435-6143.