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Fall Programs for Young Children

education_class04_sm.jpg: Young children program
education_class03_sm.jpg: Young children program
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These programs require the participation of at least one parent or other adult for every one to two registered children. Each child in attendance must be registered. Unregistered children (siblings, nursing infants, etc.) will not be allowed to attend the program. The fees for these programs are per child. There is no charge for the accompanying adult. Please list the accompanying adult on the registration form.

These programs are designed for you and your child to explore the animal world together. Programs are hands-on and may include crafts, live animals, songs, stories, role-playing, and more.

Based on the age of your child, please select from the fall programs below.

For Children Ages 18 - 36 Months

Stroller Safari Series

You and your child will experience a live animal encounter and then take a guided stroll throughout the Zoo. Come on a learning adventure as we visit our wonderful animal exhibits and meet a few interesting characters along the way. Don't forget your stroller!

NOTE: Due to the need for one-to-one interaction between parent(s) and participants throughout this program, younger and older siblings cannot be accommodated.

Limited to 12 children per session
Fee: ZFA Members $14/General Public $16


Happy Homes

Animals live all over the world from the oceans to the sky. Come on a safari with us as we discover all the places that animals like to live. We might even find some that live by us.

C0917SS - September 17 (W); 9-10 a.m. - CLOSED
C0918SS - September 18 (Th); 9-10 a.m. - CLOSED

Goofy Groupers

Some animals live all alone, others live in huge groups, and some only live with their families. Let's stroll through the Zoo and see if we can discover who lives with whom.

C0924SS - September 24 (W); 9-10 a.m. - CLOSED
C0925SS - September 25 (Th); 9-10 a.m. - CLOSED

Animal Décor

Skins, scales, feathers, furs, horns and hooves. Animals seem to have all kinds of different things on their bodies. Come scope out all the cool animal body parts on the animals as we figure out why they need so many decorations.

C1001SS - October 1 (W); 9-10 a.m. - CLOSED
C1002SS - October 2 (Th); 9-10 a.m. - CLOSED

What Makes Me Special?

All animals have things that make them special. Join us as we find out what makes an elephant so strong and a cheetah so fast. We might even find out what makes you so special to.

C1008SS - October 8 (W); 9-10 a.m. - CLOSED
C1009SS - October 9 (Th); 9-10 a.m. - CLOSED

For Children Ages 2 – 3

Backyard Buddies

Do you know who's living in your backyard? Come dig in the dirt to discover who helps our gardens grow. We'll dance and sing about animals that hop, run and slither. Come investigate the amazing animals that live right under our noses, from owls and opossums, to worms and roly polys.

Limited to 12 children per session.
Fee: Zoo Friends Members $14; General Public $16
C1102B1 - November 2 (Su); 9 - 10 a.m. - CLOSED
C1102B2 - November 2 (Su); 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. - CLOSED

Arms, Legs and Tails

Are YOU like the animals at the Zoo? Find out how we are the same as and different from our animal friends.

Limited to 12 children per session
Fee: ZFA Members $14/General Public $16
C1213A1 - December 13 (Sa); 9 - 10 a.m.
C1213A2 - December 13 (Sa); 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Totes for Tots Series (for children ages 2 - 3)

Come learn about animal bodies! Each program includes a classroom portion with educational "circle time," a story and an animal guest. We will then put on our tote bags, filled with fun items to explore, and go on an adventure on Zoo grounds. At the end of class, when you turn in your tote bag, you'll receive a stamp in your Zoo Passport!

NOTE: Due to the need for one-on-one interaction between parent(s) and young participants throughout this program, other siblings cannot be accommodated.

Limited to 12 children per session
Fee: ZFA Members $14/General Public $16


I'm All Ears

Small ears, floppy ears, big ears, or no ears! Bring your ears and get an earful about different animal ears.

C0908TT - September 8 (M); 9-10 a.m. - SOLD OUT
C0909TT- September 9 (Tu); 9-10 a.m. - CLOSED

The Eyes Have It

Big or small? On the front or the side? Where are the animals' eyes? We'll explore how animals see the world.

C1006TT - October 6 (M); 9-10 a.m. - SOLD OUT
C1007TT - October 7 (Tu); 9-10 a.m. - SOLD OUT

Feet Feats

Make sure you step lively to join this class all about animal feet! We'll explore furry and scaly feet and discuss how animals use their feet.

C1103TT - November 3 (M); 9-10 a.m. - SOLD OUT
C1104TT - November 4 (Tu); 9-10 a.m. - SOLD OUT

The Nose Knows

Join us as we sniff out what makes a nose a nose! We'll also learn about what our animal friends do with their whiskers.

C1201TT - December 1 (M); 9-10 a.m. - SOLD OUT
C1202TT - December 2 (Tu); 9-10 a.m.

Tale of a Tail

Join us as we explore animals and their tails. We'll look at tails that are long, short, fluffy, scaly and feathery.

C0112TT - January 12 (M); 9-10 a.m. - SOLD OUT
C0113TT - January 13 (Tu); 9-10 a.m.

For Children Ages 3 - 4

Crazy Climbers

Explore the many creatures that live in and on trees, from slow sloths to pretty parrots.

Limited to 14 children
Fee: ZFA Members $16/General Public $18
C1108CC - November 8 (Sa); 10 - 11:30 a.m. - SOLD OUT

Talk With the Animals, Walk With the Animals

Come hiss, squawk and growl as we slither, soar and prowl through the world of animal sounds and movements. We will explore animals' voices and motions through games and crafts.

Limited to 14 children per session
Fee: ZFA Members $16/General Public $18
C1116TW - November 16 (Su); 1 - 2:30 p.m. - CLOSED

Curled Up and Cozy

How are you preparing for winter? Discover how native animals prepare through an interactive puppet show, some simple hands-on experiments and more. We'll meet some live winter residents up close and personal. Create a treat to help your own backyard wildlife stay cozy this winter.

Limited to 14 children per session.
Fee: Zoo Friends Members $16; General Public $18
C1122CU - November 22 (Sa); 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. - SOLD OUT

For Children Ages 4 - 6

Spiders, Bats and Owls, Oh My!

Be a mad scientist as we discover the amazing adaptations of spine-tingling spiders, bizarre bats and ominous owls through exciting experiments, live animal interactions and creature creations!

Limited to 14 children
Fee: ZFA Members $16/General Public $18
C1011OM - October 11 (Sa); 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. - CLOSED

The Winter Snow Ball

Join the Icicle Princess at her royal Snow Ball. Celebrate the wonders of winter and create your very own winter wand. Songs, stories, crafts, games and snacks complete the party!

Limited to 14 children
Fee: ZFA Members $18/General Public $20
C1221SB - December 21 (Su); 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

For Children Ages 5 - 6

Marsupial Madness

Discover what goes on in the wacky world of pouched pals like the kangaroos and koalas.

Limited to 14 children
Fee: ZFA Members $16/General Public $18
C1116MM - November 16 (Su); 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. - CLOSED

Holiday Critter Crafts

The holidays are fun! Why not share the festivities with the wildlife in your own backyard? We'll create a variety of seasonal treats for birds as well as animal-themed decor to take home. We will relax, listen to music, drink hot cocoa and meet some amazing animals to inspire our creations.

Limited to 14 children
Fee: ZFA Members $18/General Public $20
C1206HC - December 6 (Sa); 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Penguin Puffin Pals

Dive into the wonderful world of these beautiful black and white birds. We'll discover what they eat, how they hunt and all about their other amazing adaptations.

Limited to 14 children
Fee: ZFA Members $18/General Public $20
C1213PP - December 13 (Sa); 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. - SOLD OUT