Family Programs

Storytime at the Zoo programs will include book readings and an interactive experience for visitors of all ages on select days during the
late Fall, Winter, and early Spring seasons.  Storytimes will occur in various locations in the zoo with different themes for each session. Storytime at the Zoo is a free
program for zoo visitors and do not require advanced registration.

Join in on the fun in the Children’s Enchanted Forest 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. Activities will commence in the Children’s Enchanted Forest stage area and will include stories, plays, music, crafts, animal biofacts, and live animal encounters.

Join in on the fun in the Family Garden during your visit at the zoo!  The Southwestern Indiana Master Gardeners Association (SWIGMA) 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.

Join us for an opportunity for family bonding, learning, and having fun at Mesker Park Zoo! ZooLittles is an educational program for preschoolers (ages 3-5) at the Zoo. During a ZooLittles session, you and your little learner will connect with animals and the natural world through play, storytelling, crafts, animal visits, and other hands-on activities!

AGES

• Ages 3-5

REGISTRATION

• Parents can register their child for one session or multiple sessions in April.
• Tickets must be purchased online through our website. Registration is limited to 12 children per session.  An adult caregiver must stay with their child and should expect to participate.
• Registration is required for all sessions your learner wishes to attend!

SESSIONS SPRING 2025*

Schedule	Meeting Location	Theme	Description
April 5 (Saturday) 10:00 am REGISTER HERE>>	Event Tent (By Family Garden)	Animal Hide and Seek	Learners will identify animal species that use camouflage to stay protected from predators.
April 16 (Wednesday) 2:30 pm REGISTER HERE>>	Amazonia Research Station	Swimming Safari	Learners will dive into exploring animals that call the water home.
April 21 (Monday) 2:30 pm REGISTER HERE>>	Event Tent (By Family Garden)	Earth’s Helpers	Learners will uncover the importance of ‘unusual’ animals and how they help the Earth.

HOURS

• Saturday April 5^th 10:00am – 11:00am  Meet in Event Tent. From the entrance, enter the path to the right and walk past the Amazonia rainforest, past the wolves, and you will find the Family Garden on your right before the Event Tent on the large hill.
• Wednesday April 16^th 2:30pm-3:30pm Meet in Research Station. From the entrance, enter the path to the right and enter the Amazonia rainforest, into the room on the left just past the monkey exhibit.
• Monday April 21^st 2:30pm-3:30pm Meet in Event Tent. From the entrance, enter the path to the right and walk past the Amazonia rainforest, past the wolves, and you will find the Family Garden on your right before the Event Tent on the large hill.

RATES

• $20 and includes all activity supplies for the program. There is no program fee for adult caregivers and additional children under 2. Program fees are paid online at the 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 at the location listed above and will move to other parts of the zoo to accomplish the themed activities planned.  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.
• 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 canceled due to weather may be rescheduled for another time.
• Please dress for the weather. We recommend program participants wear play clothes and closed-toed shoes. As we will be outdoors, we do suggest bringing sunscreen and water.

QUESTIONS? 812-435-0809, education@meskerparkzoo.com, or the front gate 812-435-6143