Youth & Family Programs | Learn & Explore

Indianapolis Prize Girls in Science Series sponsored by Raytheon

Dr. Laurie Marker • March 25 • 4-6pm

We have a special opportunity for girls 10-14 years old to meet Dr. Laurie Marker, Founder and Executive Director of the Cheetah Conservation Fund. Dr. Marker is a leader in cheetah conservation and has been working with cheetahs since 1974. This program will include an opportunity to talk with Dr. Marker, hear about her work and visit the Zoo’s cheetahs.

Cost: Zoo Members $30, Non-Members $35

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Jungle Juniors Preschool Program

Start your child on a lifelong path of discovery beginning with our Jungle Juniors Preschool Programs! During these engaging sessions, youngsters ages 3-5 will start learning about the wild world around them. Each program includes hands-on activities, animal artifacts, a Zoo walk, and a story or craft.

Ages 3 and 4

These programs are designed for children to work one-on-one together with a parent or caregiver. With every paid child, one adult is admitted free and is required to stay for the program. To ensure that each preschooler has the best experience possible, parents must make alternate childcare arrangements for any siblings who are not signed up for the class.

3-4 Single Sessions

Cost: $20 members/$25 nonmembers.

Bears – March 2 or 6 • 9:30-11am
Ocean Critters – March 9 or 13 • 9:30-11am
Orangutans – April 6 or 10 • 9:30-11am
Parrots – July 11 • 9:30-11am
Ages 4 and 5

This is designed as a drop-off program to allow preschoolers an opportunity to practice independence in preparation for school.

4-5 Single Sessions

Cost: $25 members/$30 nonmembers.

Long Winters Nap – March 3 • 9:30-11:30am
One Day on our Planet – March 10 • 9:30-11:30am
Tip Toeing Tiger – March 17 • 9:30-11:30am
Honey, Honey, Lion – April 7 • 9:30-11:30am
Animal Babies – June 13 • 9:30-11:30am

Spaces are limited, so register now for this popular program!

Saturday Science Programs

Cost: $30 Members/$35 nonmembers

Learning more about the natural world around us is all about science! With the Zoo’s Saturday Science program, kids can investigate zoological situations by utilizing the scientific method. During this program participants will observe, question and explore areas of the Zoo … and have fun while they’re at it!

These programs are for children only and are drop-off programs.

6-8 year olds:

Pinnipeds — April 11 • 9-11:30am
Camouflage and Mimicry — June 27 • 9-11:30am

9-12 year olds:

Marine Mammals — Feb. 22 • 9-11:30am
Animal Vets — March 21 • 9am-noon
Elephant — May 30 • 9-11:30am
Animal Enrichment — July 25 • 9-11:30am

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Adults Only Programs

Keeper for a Day — April 25 • 9am-4pm

Experience what it’s like to work at a zoo. This program will take participants behind the scenes to discover that it takes to be an animal professional. For participants ages 18 and older.

Cost: Zoo members $275; nonmembers $285

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Family Overnight Adventures

Spring Family Overnight — March 20

Cost: $40 per person for members, $50 for nonmembers.

Looking for something new to do with the family? Come and experience an overnight at the Zoo! With our Family Overnight program, you will get to spend the night at the Zoo and participate in a variety of different activities specifically designed for families, including a craft, games, animal stories, a special after-hours Zoo tour and catered breakfast.

Requirements for Participation

Multiple families may sign up for an Indianapolis Zoo Family Overnight. We require a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 45 total participants. If fewer than 20 register, we may have to to cancel the overnight. We will notify families at least 30 days prior to the evening if we have to cancel.

Guests must be at least 6 years old to participate in any Indianapolis Zoo overnight program.

Upcoming Family Overnights:
Summer family Overnight — July 17
Fall Family Overnight — Oct. 23

Additional Overnight Information and FAQs

Your program fees include Zoo and White River Gardens admission, parking fees, all activities, spending the night at the Zoo and a catered breakfast buffet.
Your family will be joined by others. The maximum number of participants for a Family Overnight is 45.
Overnight guests sleep on the floor in one of our indoor event spaces. Air mattresses are welcome. Bathroom facilities are available but no showers.
Please note that the Zoo reserves the right to change any programming as necessary, including anything listed above.

Generation Conservation

Generation Conservation is a select team of teenagers who are interested in conserving wild things and wild places. Once a month from February through September, Generation Conservation works collaboratively with several of the Zoo’s conservation partners, such as Butler University’s Center for Urban Ecology, Purdue University’s Help the Hellbender project, and the Nature Conservancy. Each experience is unique and provides hands-on opportunities of learning. Together we can learn, grow and work hard to help keep our planet healthy!

The application deadline for the 2020 season has passed. Please check back in November to apply for our next season.

Youth and Family Programs