COVID-19 UPDATE: The Zoo is expected to re-open June 14. However, tickets must be reserved or purchased online for designated entry times.
Group Reservations and Education Programs have been discontinued until further notice.
Families
Plan Your Trip to the Zoo
Get out to explore & discover your Zoo! Visit together to enjoy some quality family time and make some great memories. As you wander the zoo, we encourage you to ask our Zookeepers any questions you may have about our plants and animals. Check below for regularly scheduled seasonal family programs, or check the “Today at the Zoo” sign as you enter the zoo for any scheduled programs or Zookeeper chats. We also offer self-guided scavenger hunts in the “Resources” section of our menu.Fun in the Forest
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 between 10a.m. and noon on select Saturdays during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. These activities are seasonal and weather dependent, so call ahead if you want to be sure to catch them. Activities will commence on the children’s stage area, and will include stories, plays, music, crafts, animal biofacts, and live animal encounters.ZooLittles
Spring 2020
ZooLittles is an educational experience for preschoolers (ages 3-5) at the Zoo. Kids will enjoy learning about plants and animals while experiencing nature in an interactive, hands-on program in our Family Garden. Wear your play clothes, and let’s play in nature together!
SCHEDULE:
ZooLittles will be conducted every other Wednesday. Programs last 30-45 minutes from 10 a.m.-10:45 a.m. during the summer of 2020. Registration is limited to 10 children per session.
REGISTRATION:
Parents can register their child for one or all of the programs in the series. Tickets can be purchased at the gate upon entry, in advance over the phone, or online. Early registration is recommended, and ticket availability at the gate depends on enrollment as of the time of entry.
COST:
Fees include all activity supplies for the program, and are in addition to Zoo admission, which is free for MPZBG members. Program Fees: Children: $6; Children under 2: $0; Adult chaperones: $0
LOCATION:
The ZooLittles program will be conducted in the Family Garden area. 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.
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 in one of our classrooms. Cancellation is also possible due to severe weather. Notifications will be made via Remind 101 for pre-registered participants, or announced at the front gate.
Please dress for the weather. We recommend children wear play clothes and closed toed shoes, and bring sunscreen and water.
INFORMATION/NOTIFICATIONS:
Remind class code: @zoolittles
Direct any day-of or cancellation inquiries to the main zoo line. (812) 435-6143
Direct non-urgent general questions for enrollment to the Education Department. (812) 435-0809, or education@meskerparkzoo.com
Click Here To Register for ZOOlittles
Turn that program fee into a Family Membership! For an additional $20 you can become a member at MPZ & BG and enjoy all of the perks that go along with it! Admission to the zoo for one calendar year, discounts on educational programs and zoo events, FREE rides on the Zoo Tram and much more!!
Plan an Experience at the Zoo
It’s easy to add a custom program to your zoo visit for a family group of 15 or more!- Review the general information and FAQ about group reservations (Group Reservations FAQ).
- Review the program options available to your group. (Program Menu).
- Complete the online Registration Form to reserve your arrival date and time.
Click Here To Schedule a Group Visit
The Zoo Can Come to You
We can bring some of the Zoo to you at your family event! We have several programs that can travel out in the community for birthday parties, family reunions, or other family events. They can be customized to fit your group’s needs, and involve encounters with our traveling live animal ambassadors.It’s easy to request a visit from the Zoo!
- Review the program options available to your group. (Program Menu).
- Complete the online Registration Form to request a custom program
Click Here To Schedule an Outreach Program