Youth, School & Scout Programs
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.
Cub Scout Zoobilee 2025
March 15, 2025
Registration: Begins February 3rd. Deadline is February 28th, 2025. Pre-payment is required by the deadline.
To Register: Contact us at (812) 435-0808 or education@meskerparkzoo.com
The Zoobilee is a special event hosted just for our local Scout Packs. 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 uniforms or identification for the event. Please note badges are not completed nor provided. Our theme for the day is “Proper Pets & the Wildlife Trade”. Scouts will learn the importance of responsible pet ownership and how the pet trade impacts wildlife.
Who: Cub Scouts in grades K-5
When: March 15, 2025
Zoo hours are 9 am – 4 pm
Zoobilee activities are 10 am – 2 pm
Where: Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden
1545 Mesker Park Dr.
Evansville, IN
How much: $20/scout, includes admission, programming, and amenities (6 tokens*)
No discount for family membership.
**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 any tokens. Adult admission is free for up to 2 troop leaders for troops of 15 or more.
*Tokens (6) 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
NOTE: Dates for Girl Scout Zoobilee 2025 will be announced at a later date, check back for updates.
Important Info for Group Leaders
Resources for Youth Leaders
Find self-guided Scavenger Hunts & STEM Activities.
**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.