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.
View the full schedule of upcoming program topics below.
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
Animal Enrichment (9-12 year olds) – Nov. 17
Desert Keeper (9-12 year olds) – Jan. 19
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.
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.
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.
