Indianapolis ZooIndianapolis Prize
9AM-4PM MON-WED | 9AM-5PM THURS-SUN
Buy TicketsDonate
SearchIcon
Buy Tickets
Youth and Family Programs
Youth and Family Programs

From preschool to adults, we have something for everyone!

Saturday Science and Junior Paint Out

Cost: $30 Members/$35 non-members

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.

Junior Paint Out — April 6 — 9-11:30am
For ages 9-12
Youth can get inspired and explore their creative side with the new Junior Paint Out. Participants will create art pieces inspired by the wild world around them.

Sign Up Today
Career Tours

Middle School Students-  March 30 • 9-11:30am
High School Students-  March 30 • 9-11:30am
Cost: $45 for Zoo members and $50 for non-members

Interested in a zoo career? Discover the wide variety of zoo careers and learn what it takes to work at a zoo. Go behind the scenes and talk with Zoo staff. Sessions are available for both Middle School and High School students.

 

Sign Up Now!
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: $15 members/$20 non-members. 9:30-11:00am

    • Fishy Friends – March 15 – SOLD OUT
    • Ocean Critters – March 22 – SOLD OUT
    • Butterflies – April 8 or 9 – SOLD OUT
    • Rainforest –  June 22 or July 20 – SOLD OUT
  • 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: $20 members/$25 non-members. 9:30-11:30am

    • Dolphin – March 14 – SOLD OUT
    • Sea Lion – March 21
Sign up for a Jungle Juniors Program
Sign Up Today
Family Overnight Adventures

Summer Family Overnight – July 26

Cost: $40 per person for members, $50 for non-members.

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.

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

Upcoming Family Overnights

Fall Family Overnight – October 25

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.
Sign Up now
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, the Nature Conservancy and Keep Indianapolis Beautiful. 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.

Want to become a part of the team? Teens 16-18 years old are eligible to apply to join Generation Conservation. Applications for the 2019 season are now closed. Please contact jdodson@indyzoo.com for more information.