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.
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.
Saturday Science Programs will be available for registration on Jan. 28. View the full schedule of upcoming program topics below.
Who Lives in Your Backyard? — Feb. 2
From owls to turtles, rabbits to butterflies – Indiana has a variety of amazing animals that can be found in your own backyard. Using binoculars along with some detective skills, come discover the wildlife living in and around the Zoo.
Carnivores — March 16
Desert Keeper — Jan. 19
Do you like it hot? Do you like reptiles, birds and mammals? Our Deserts Keepers say yes to both questions. Discover what it takes to be a Deserts Keeper at the Indianapolis Zoo. We’ll investigate their daily schedule and discuss what background you need to care for these animals.
Endangered Species — March 2
Disappearing before our eyes – many of the world’s most beautiful and beneficial animals are some of the world’s most endangered. Learn about some of these animals and how you can help save them.
Junior Paint Out — April 6
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.
Explore frogs and amphibians, their habitats and their conservation in this two hour program that begins in the classroom and ends in the field. Learn about Indiana amphibian species, where to find them, and become a citizen scientist to help them. Dawn VanDeman from Eagle Creek Park will join Zoo staff in leading families on this learning adventure.
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.
Registration opens Jan. 28
Sign Up Now!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.
Cost: $150
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.
