Youth Groups
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.
Schools
We are not currently booking outreach programs at this time.
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.
Scouts
Scout it out at the Zoo! Let us take your Scouts through a zoo adventure that only we can do to earn their merit badges, journeys, & adventures. Choose from one of our established scouting programs or work with us to create a custom experience for your troop or pack! Call us to discuss our program options!
Scout Zoobilee!
October 3, 2020
9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (4 hour timeslots)
Registration deadline is Sept. 30.
The Scout Zoobilee at Mesker Park Zoo is a special opportunity for scout groups to discover the wonders of the zoo, and enjoy private interactive stations designed just for them. Stations will feature animal encounters, biofact displays, hands-on activities and games, and keeper talks. Scouts will gather insightful learning experiences that can be built upon to accomplish future badges. Scouts will also receive an adventure book to complete throughout the visit. Scouts are encouraged to wear their group identification and/or uniforms.
MPZ currently has many health and safety precautions in place for visitors, including timed ticket entry, one way traffic flow through the zoo, and masks required in indoor spaces. Therefore, the 2020 Scout Zoobilee has very limited capacity. Reservations will be limited to a total of 8 scout groups, each approximately 15 scouts and 2 adult chaperones. Groups will be scheduled to enter the zoo on the half hour between 9:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., and should allow 4 hours to move through all 6 stations planned along the one-way route. Packed lunches can be brought on grounds for the entire group with special arrangements with the Education Dept. for pickup and transport.
Program tickets are $6 per scout or tag-along sibling, plus zoo admission. Zoo admission pricing depends on group size. Admission is $8.50 per child, or $6.50 per child for groups of 15 or more. Admission is free for MPZ members and a 2 adult chaperones per scout group.
The registration deadline is Sept. 30. To register, call 812-435-0809 or email education@meskerparkzoo.com.
Plan Your Trip to the Zoo
It’s easy to register your group! It’s also easy to add a custom program to your zoo experience!
- 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 location! We have several programs that can travel off of zoo grounds to come to you. 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
NOTE: Group Reservations and Education Outreach Programs have been discontinued due to COVID – 19. Timed Ticketing Entry will be used when the zoo reopens.
Important Forms for Youth Leaders and Educators
Group Lunch Menu and Order Form
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO- Zoo Visits & Programs
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO – Outreach Programs & Events
Resources for Youth Leaders and Educators
Find self-guided Scavenger Hunts & STEM Activities under the RESOURCES menu category.
**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.