Families
New ZOOm A ZOO Virtual Programs!
Mesker Park can ZOOm to you! We now offer live virtual experiences with our zoo animals and staff using Zoom or other video conferencing application. Gather your group to experience dynamic video, interactive discussion, and our special animal guests. Our virtual programs are perfect for all ages, and a great way to bring the zoo to your classroom, scout troop, library, club, birthday party, family gathering, or corporate meeting. Click HERE to see a full description.
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
ZooLittles is a weekly educational 6-part series for preschoolers (ages 3-5) at the Zoo. Children will enjoy learning about plants and animals while experiencing the natural world around them in an interactive program. Programs may include physical activities, animal visits, explorations, stories, or crafts.
FALL 2021 Schedule:
|
Dates |
Theme |
Description |
|
August 19 /20 |
Counting |
In this first week’s class we will practice our counting skills and learn more about our new Humboldt penguin friends coming soon to the zoo! |
|
August 26/27 |
Shapes |
We will learn all about different shapes. We will investigate the shapes of nature and learn how to spot shapes in flowers! |
|
September 2 /3 |
Movement |
By learning about different animal movements, we will practice our motor skills. Guest ambassador animals will show off how they move and what makes them unique! |
|
September 9/10 |
Patterns |
In this class, we will learn about patterns. We will practice our fine motor skills and explore how some animals have patterns in their coats! |
|
September 16/ 17 |
Symmetry |
Symmetry is all around us in nature! This week we will learn about symmetry and explore its beauty in nature! |
|
September 23 / 24 |
Creativity |
After five weeks of classes, we will put together all of our animal knowledge and use our creativity to make our own animal! |
REGISTRATION: (To register, click on button at bottom of this page)
Parents can register their child for all of the sessions in the 6-part series on either Thursdays or Fridays. The lesson will be the same both days of the week, so only sign up for one day! Tickets can be purchased online through our website. Registration is limited to 12 children per session. An adult caregiver should plan to participate with their child.
COST:
The program fee is $45 for children and includes all activity supplies for the program. There is no program fee for adults and children under 2. Program fees can be paid online at time of registration. This program fee is in addition to Zoo admission, which is free for members. A year-round family membership is $65.
LOCATION:
The ZooLittles program will meet in the Event Tent and may move to other parts of the zoo to accomplish the themed activities planned. 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. You can call ahead and ask at the education for updates on location.
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 sent out via email at least one hour prior to program start time for participants. Programs cancelled due to weather can be rescheduled for another time.
Please dress for the weather. We recommend children wear play clothes and closed toed shoes, and bring sunscreen and water.
COVID update:
Weather permitting, the program will be conducted in a sheltered outdoor space. Please limit the number of siblings and adult chaperones attending to keep the Zoolittle group sizes small enough for social distancing. Adults and siblings 3 years and older are required to wear masks unless social distanced outside. Hand sanitizer will be provided.
NOTIFICATIONS:
Direct registrations, questions, or cancellations to the Education Department (812) 435-0809, or education@meskerparkzoo.com, or to the front gate (812) 435-6143.
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