Youth, School, & Scout Programs

To book a program at the zoo, visit our website to register your group using the Group Visit Registration Form online.  Your group arrival date will be confirmed immediately, but your educational program is not guaranteed until you receive both a confirmation and an invoice via email. 

To book a program at your location, visit our website to access the Outreach Registration Form and submit it online. You will be contacted by our staff to discuss and confirm details.  Your program is not guaranteed until you receive both a written confirmation and an invoice via email.

For programs at the Zoo, the cost is $50 plus group rate admission ($30 per additional same program for groups over 25 individuals). For programs at your location, the cost is $2 per person-$100 minimum for up to 2 programs ($50 per additional same program or for 45-minute or more wait period between programs). Prices quoted for programs on zoo grounds are generally in addition to zoo admission.  Group admission rates for groups of 15+ are $9.00 for ages 13+, $8.00 for youth 3-12, and free for ages under 3.  Zoo members always get free admission, as do group paid staff, teachers, and bus drivers.

Programs delivered away from zoo grounds require a mileage fee if the location is more than 20 miles from the Zoo. The mileage fee is $1 per one way after 20 miles. (Example-Mileage from the zoo is 30 miles.  Calculate: 30 miles – 20 miles (free) = 10 miles with mileage fee.  10 miles x $1/mile = $10 total mileage fee.) 

We require 48 hours (2 days) notice for cancellations or rescheduling requests for our programs. No requests for changes or refunds will be honored after this time. If you do not attend on your scheduled date or fail to cancel within the 48-hour time frame, you will be charged the full price of the program. While Group Visits can be rescheduled, Education Programs are not guaranteed to be available on your rescheduled date.

If the Zoo must cancel a program due to inclement weather, animal well-being, or staff/volunteer availability, you will be notified as soon as possible. You will have 14 days from that notification to reschedule your event to a future date. If you do not reach out to reschedule within this period, you will be issued a refund and are welcome to re-book. 

Card payments can be collected over the phone with the Education Department in advance of your program. If you wish to pay on the day of your zoo visit, you can pay at the front zoo entrance with check, card, or cash. We do accept purchase orders, but you must note this preferred payment method on your Group Reservation Form.

Programs are 30 minutes in length, but we typically ask that you plan to be with us for 40 minutes total to allow 5 minutes for everyone to get seated and 5 minutes for departure.

Yes, each program includes an animal encounter with up to 3 of our ambassador animals.

Yes, our programs are designed to meet Next Generation Science Standards. Standards that may be met can be found here. (Clickable link to pdf of standards met)

No, your program is not guaranteed until you receive both a written confirmation and an invoice via email.

No, any group with 15 or more people is eligible for a group rate.

We currently do not offer behind the scenes programs for group visits due to group size and safety for both our guests and animals. If you would like additional up-close experiences with animals at the zoo, you can add tokens to your Group Visit request to participate in feedings with our Penguins, Giraffes, and Budgies (weather permitting).

For general questions, you can contact the Education Department at (812) 435-0809 or education@meskerparkzoo.com.

We currently host Homeschool Days intended to provide additional education experiences for groups under the 15 guest minimum required to obtain group rates. For self-guided visits, check out our Educational Activities (link to Educational Experiences—Educational Activities) for materials to use during your visit or at home!

For general questions, you can contact the Education Department at (812) 435-0809 or education@meskerparkzoo.com.

Each Zoobilee hosted by Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden features a theme focused around animal and/or plant conservation and current Scout focus areas. Activities will vary but typically include interactive programs and demonstrations, ambassador animal encounters, and zookeeper chats. Your registration rate also includes 6 tokens which can be used on zoo attractions (animal feedings and carousel/ tram rides) during your zoo visit.

Badges are not provided at Zoobilee. Activities are designed to align with badge goals, but it is up to the discretion of Troop Leaders to determine if a badge has been completed following the event.

Registration for Zoobilee must be completed in advance by contacting the Education Department. You can reach out via phone ((812) 435-0809) or email (education@meskerparkzoo.com), but must pay over the phone to finalize registration.

Additional questions? Contact our Education Department at education@meskerparkzoo.com or 812-435-0809.