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.
2020 Schedule Coming Soon!!
ZooLittles
Spring 2020
ZooLittles is an interactive and educational experience for preschoolers and their grown-up. Kids will enjoy learning about plants and animals and their environment in this fun and hands-on program. Pre-registration for the series is required for each 6-week series. Cost for each 6-week ZooLittles series per child is $45/members and $90/non-members. Fees include all activity supplies. The non-member rate includes discounted admission for the 6-sessions for 1 child and 1 adult.
Spring 2020 ZooLittles Dates
Tuesdays 10:00am – 11:00am
Thursdays 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Date: Topic: Location:
March 5th Animal Appreciation Discovery Center
March 12th Animal Alphabet Discovery Center
March 19th Big, Tall, and Small Discovery Center
March 26th *Spring Break!!*
April 2nd Sensational Senses Discovery Center
April 9th Mythical Animals Discovery Center
April 16th Colorful Animals Discovery Center
April 23rd Snow Make-Up Day ***
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Call (812) 435-0809 or email education@meskerparkzoo.com for more details.
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