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Youth and Family Programs
From preschool to adults, we have something for everyone!

Adult, Family and Youth Programs

Adult and Youth Programs

Marine Mammal Trainer for Adults with Lisa Oland

Aug. 28 (9-11:30am & 1-3:30pm) •  members $40 and nonmembers $50 • Ages 18+

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a marine mammal trainer? Come learn from Lisa Oland, senior marine mammal trainer at the Indianapolis Zoo. Over her 28 years with Zoo she has worked with a variety of animals from dolphins and sea lions to tigers and red pandas. She will be speaking about her career at the Zoo and her work specifically with marine mammals including dolphins, sea lions and walrus. Participants will have an opportunity to meet Lisa, hear about her work and have a special behind-the-scenes experience. Sign up now!

Indianapolis Prize Girls in Science with Indianapolis Prize winner, Dr. Amanda Vincent and Science Communicator, Danni Washington
sponsored by Raytheon

Sept. 26 (1-3:30pm) • members $35 and $40 nonmembers  • Ages 10-14

An opportunity to meet these two extraordinary women working to save the world’s oceans. 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 ocean life and experience a behind the scenes tour. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and spaces are limited. Sign up now!

New! Wine & Garden – Succulents 

Oct. 7 (6-7:30pm) • $175 members/$185 nonmembers • Ages 21+

Come enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvre while creating a planting of succulents. Scott Sullivan, award winning landscape designer and Curator of Horticulture at the Indianapolis Zoo, will lead you in designing a terrarium of succulents. All materials will be provided. Participants must be at least 21 years old. Sign up now!

Zoo Careers for middle and high school students

Nov. 13 (9-11:30am) • members $35 and nonmembers $40 

Interested in learning more about careers at a zoo? Participants will learn about the various careers it takes to run a zoo. Program includes a behind the scenes tour to see how a zoo works. On sale July 26

Sign Up Today!
Family Twilight Adventure

Fall 2021 • Oct. 22 • 6:30 - 9:30pm

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

Create memories with your family in this special program for family groups. Families will explore the Zoo, participate in some fun family activities and take a tour behind the scenes.

Additional  Information and Requirements

• Guests must be at least 6 years old to attend.
• At least one adult must attend with each family.
• Your program fees include Zoo and White River Gardens admission, parking fees, and all activities.
• Your family will be joined by others. The maximum number of participants is 45.
• Please note that the Zoo reserves the right to change any programming as necessary.

 

Sign Up Today!
$35 members / $40 nonmembers
Saturday Science

Our Saturday Science programs allow youth to dig deeper on a topic related to the Zoo. These programs include hands on activities, Zoo visits and behind the scenes tours.

Ages 6-8 years

Crocodilians & Other Reptiles – Jul 17 (9-11:30am)
Birds – Oct. 9 (9-11:30am)
Mammals – Nov. 6 (9-11:30am)
Sharks, Rays & Eels – Feb. 19 (9-11:30am)

Ages 9-12 years

9-12 Alligators & Crocodiles – Aug 21 (9-11:30am)
Big Cats – Oct. 23 (9-11:30am)
Arctic Fox and Other Cold Weather Animals – Nov. 20 (9-11:30am)
Marine Mammals – Feb. 26 (9-11:30am)

Sign Up Today!
$35 members / $40 nonmembers
Jungle Juniors Preschool Program

Jungle Juniors preschool programs are a great way to begin youngsters ages 3-5 years on journey to discover and learn about the 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. For registration assistance or questions, please email us at edustaff@indyzoo.com for the fastest response.

  • 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.
    New classes will go on sale for members on July 19 and for nonmembers on July 26.

    3-4 Single Sessions

    Cost: $20 members/$25 nonmembers.

    Monkeys – Aug. 16 or 17 – 9:30-11am
    Alligators – Sept. 9 or 10 – 9:30-11am
    Tigers – Oct. 4 – 9:30-11am
    Bears – Nov. 3 or 4 – 9:30-11am
    Who will guide my sleigh? – Dec. 1 or 2 – 9:30-11am
    Fishy Friends – Jan. 6 or 7 – 9:30-11am
    Animals on the Move – Jan. 26 or 27 – 9:30-11am
    Penguins – Feb. 3 or 4 – 9:30-11am
    Turtles & Tortoises – Feb. 17 or 18 – 9:30-11am

    New classes will go on sale for members on July 19 and for nonmembers on July 26.

  • Ages 4 and 5

    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.
    New classes will go on sale for members on July 19 and for nonmembers on July 26.

    4-5 Single Sessions

    Cost: $25 members/$30 nonmembers.

    Giraffe – Aug. 23 or 24 – 9:30-11:30am
    Alligators & Friends – Sept. 13 or 14 – 9:30-11:30am
    Forest Friends – Oct. 25 – 9:30-11:30am
    Cold Weather Critters – Nov. 10 or 11 – 9:30-11:30am
    An Orangutan Night Before Christmas – Dec. 8 or 9 – 9:30-11:30am
    All the Furry Things – Jan. 13 or 14 – 9:30-11:30am
    Watery World – Jan. 19 or 20 – 9:30-11:30am
    Animals Big & Little – Feb. 9 or 10 – 9:30-11:30am
    Meerkats & Friends – Feb. 24 or 25 – 9:30-11:30am

    New classes will go on sale for members on July 19 and for nonmembers on July 26.

Sign Up for Jungle Juniors Preschool Programs

Spaces are limited, so register now! For registration assistance or questions, please email us at edustaff@indyzoo.com for the fastest response.

Sign Up Today!