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.
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.
This is designed as a drop-off program to allow preschoolers an opportunity to practice independence in preparation for school.
These preschool series include three consecutive weekly classes to delve a little deeper into one subject.
Aug. 18 9:30-11:30am - $12 for zoo members $15 for non-members
Learn how to identify native butterflies and their habitats. See how you and your family can get involved with tagging monarch butterflies. Aaron Stump, Habitat Program Manager with the Indiana Wildlife Federation, along with Zoo staff will lead you on this family experience. Take home ideas for attracting butterflies and other pollinators. During the program we will spend time indoors and outdoors so dress to accommodate for both. There will be some walking. Program recommended for 9 years and older. Participants under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a paid adult. Spaces are limited, and registration is required.
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.
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.
An opportunity to meet some amazing women working to save wildlife. This unique program is targeted for girls ages 10-14 years and will include a chance to speak with the conservationists, participate in a short program on selected animals and experience a behind the scenes tour. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and spaces are limited. This program will include admission for the participant and one adult to attend a special viewing of Mission Blue at the IMAX Theater at State Museum (doors open at 5pm). Girls in science is sponsored by Raytheon. Special thanks to The Heritage Group for supporting Indianapolis Prize outreach events.
Learning more about the natural world around us is all about science! With the Zoo’s Saturday Science program, kids will be able to 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.
Not So Scary Animals (6-8 year olds) – Oct. 13
Polar Animals (6-8 year olds) – Dec. 1
Who Lives in Your Backyard? (6-8 year olds) – Feb. 2
Primates (9-12 year olds) – Sept. 15
Animal Enrichment (9-12 year olds) – Nov. 17
Desert Keeper (9-12 year olds) – Jan. 19
Nov. 10 (9am-4pm) – $360 members/$385 non-members
Experience what it takes to be a dolphin trainer and get to know the members of our dolphin pod. Over the course of the day, participants will learn how we train and care for our dolphins through special behind the scenes experiences in the St. Vincent Dolphin Pavilion including attending the dolphin presentation, and meeting the trainers, dolphins and other marine mammals. Participants will learn how to individually identify our dolphins and how scientists study dolphins in the wild. All of this leads up to the ultimate experience, venturing into the water to meet our wonderful dolphins up close and personal. Participants must be at least 18 years old and at least 4 feet 6 inches tall.
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, Indiana Wildlife Federation 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!
The application deadline for the 2018 season has passed. Please check back in November for 2019 applications.
