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 an educational experience 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.
SCHEDULE:
REGISTRATION:
Parents can register their child for one or all of the programs in the 4-part series. Tickets can be purchased at the gate upon entry or online through our website. Please bring your e-ticket or receipt to the program to show payment. Registration is limited to 10 children per session. An adult caregiver should plan to participate with their child. Early registration is recommended, and ticket availability at the gate depends on enrollment as of that time.
COST:
The program fee includes all activity supplies for the program, and are in addition to Zoo admission, which is free for members. The program fee for children is $6. There is no program fee for adults and children under 2. Program fees and gate admission can be paid online or at the time of entry.
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 front gate 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 made via Remind 101 at least one hour prior to program start time for pre-registered participants, or will be announced at the front gate. 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:
Remind class code: @zoolittles
Direct registrations, questions, or cancellations to the Education Department (812) 435-0809, or education@meskerparkzoo.com, or to the front gate (812) 435-6143.
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