Indianapolis ZooIndianapolis Prize
Hours: 9am-4pm Mon-Thurs, 9am-5pm Fri-Sun
Reserve Your TimeDonate
SearchIcon
Buy Tickets
Youth and Family Programs
From preschool to adults, we have something for everyone!

Adult, Family and Youth Programs

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.

  • 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: $25 members/$30 nonmembers.

    Parrots – Sept. 9 or 10

    Flamingos – Sept. 22

    Orangutans – Oct. 8 or 9

    Turtles & Tortoises – Nov. 5 or 6

    Who will guide my sleigh? – Dec. 1 or 2

    The Snowy Nap – Jan. 6 or 7

    Dolphin – Jan. 27 or 29

    Penguins – Feb. 3 or 5

    Walrus – Feb. 18 or 19

  • 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.

    4-5 Single Sessions

    Cost: $30 members/$35 nonmembers.

    Honey, Honey Lion – Sept. 15 or 16

    Animal Babies – Sept. 23

    Tip Toeing Tigers – Oct. 1 or 2

    Bears – Nov. 12 or 13

    An Orangutan Night Before Christmas – Dec. 8 or 9

    The Mitten – Jan. 13 or 14

    Dolphin – Jan. 20 or 22

    Sea Lions – Feb. 10 or 12

    Sharks – Feb. 25 or 26

Sign Up for Jungle Juniors Preschool Programs

Spaces are limited, so register now!

Sign Up Today!
Saturday Science Programs

Cost: $35 Members/$40 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 small group 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.

Registration is open now!

6-8 year olds:

Elephant – Sept. 26 –  9-11:30am
Camouflage & Mimicry – Oct. 17 –  9-11:30am
Animal Tracks & Other Signs They Leave Behind – Dec 5 –  9-11:30am
Underwater Creatures – Jan. 16 –  9-11:30am
Dolphin – Feb. 20 –  9-11:30am

9-12 year olds:

Animal Vets – Sept. 19 –  9-noon
Animal Enrichment – Oct. 24 – 9-11:30am
Zoo Aquarists – Nov 14 – 9-11:30am
Sharks, Rays & Eels – Jan. 30 – 9-11:30am
Marine Mammals – Feb. 27 – 9-11:30

Sign Up Today!
image
Indianapolis Prize Girls in Science Series presented by Raytheon
Featuring Dr. Crickette Sanz

Oct. 10  – 9-11:30am

$35 members/$40 nonmembers

Dr. Crickette Sanz is a professor of Biological Anthropology who conducts field work on chimpanzees and gorillas as part of the Goualougo Triangle Ape Project in northern Republic of Congo. Her career began with captive chimpanzees, focusing on language research and welfare issues. We are inviting girls (ages 12-15 years) for a special opportunity to meet Crickette, hear about her work and have a special sneak peek behind-the-scenes.

This is a drop off program for ages 12-15.

Sign Up Now

Family Twilight Adventure

Oct. 23 6:30 - 9:30 pm

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

Spend time with your family in this special evening program at the Zoo. Learn about the tricks animals play and some of treats Zoo’s animals enjoy. Families will explore the Zoo, participate in some fun family activities, take a tour behind the scenes and partake in a special family treat.

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!
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.