Youth Groups
Schools
The zoo offers a living laboratory for lifelong learning at any age! Plan to bring your group to the zoo for a dynamic, engaging field trip. Add a custom program to suit your group’s academic and experiential needs. With a wide variety of experiences available, a trip to the zoo is guaranteed to meet your academic, as well as your student’s expectations for FUN.
Scout Zoobilee!
Scout it out at the Zoo! Bring your Scouts out for zoo adventures that contribute to their merit badges, journeys, & adventures. We offer special Scout Zoobilee days a few times a year. We offer one for boy scouts and one for girl scouts each year. If you do not see dates for your district, contact us to schedule one!
Boy Scout Zoobilee 2023
March 18, 2023
The Zoobilee is a special event hosted just for our local Boy Scout Troops. Scouts can freely roam to explore the Zoo together, and enjoy a multitude of fun and educational experiences that may contribute to their badges. Activities will be stationed throughout the Zoo, including interactive programs and demonstrations, ambassador animal encounters, zookeeper chats, animal feedings, and rides. Scouts are encouraged to participate with their troop, and wear troop uniforms or identification for the event. Please note badges are not completed nor provided.
Who: Boy Scouts in grades K-5
When: March 18, 2023; Zoo hours are 9 a.m. -5 p.m.; Zoobilee activities are 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden; 1545 Mesker Park Dr. Evansville, IN
How much: $20/scout*
*Includes: Scout zoo admission, programming, and amenities (8 tokens).
**Tag along siblings of the same age range are permitted for $20, but they are discouraged for larger troops of 15 or more. Recommended group size is 15-20, with a chaperone for every 10 kids.
***Adult admission is $9, or free for Zoo members. Adults are not charged for programming or provided tokens. Adult admission is free for up to 2 troop leaders for troops of 15 or more.
Tokens (8) will be provided for each Scout for their choice of any of the following amenities open to the public. More tokens can be purchased on-site. *These amenities are weather dependent.* Please see our website at www.meskerparkzoo.com for more information about all the Zoo has to offer.
- Penguin keeper chats: free @ 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily
- Penguin Feedings: 5 tokens @ 11am, 12pm, 1pm, & 2pm daily while supplies lasts (limited to 25 fish per hour)
- *Giraffe Feedings*: 2 tokens @ 11am – 3pm daily while supplies last
- *Budgie Walkabout*: free entry, 2 tokens per feeding @ 10 am – 4 pm, seasonally when nighttime temps > 50 degrees
- Carousel Rides: 2 tokens @ 10am – 4pm daily; 1 handicapped accessible chariot
- Tram Rides: 2 Tokens for ALL DAY (Zoo members ride free); some handicapped accessible
Registration: Begins Jan. 1. Deadline is March 13. Pre-payment is required by deadline.
To Register: Contact us at (812) 435-0809 or education@meskerparkzoo.com
NOTE: Dates for Girl Scout Zoobilee 2023 is still being determined. Call to inquire.
Resources for Youth Leaders
Find self-guided Scavenger Hunts & STEM Activities under the ACTIVITY RESOURCES.
**Please note** At this time, we do not have a granting process or program that allows for a reduced rate for group admission beyond the current discount. Organizations may request a different rate directly through the Parks Commission.