The Peoria Zoo has great educational programs for ages 2 yrs to adult. Pre-registration is required. Check out these programs below:
Zoo Tots: Ages 2-4. Through monthly up-close animal encounters, crafts, and stories, you and your child can explore the amazing world of animals. Upcoming Dates: 2/16, 2/23, 3/10
Zig Zag Zoo: Ages 4-8. Get up and move with the Zoo! From animal yoga to relay races to animal encounters, learn how to interact with the work around you. Each month is a new topic, some for the whole series! Upcoming Dates: 2/18, 3/17
Wild Readers: Ages 6-10. Explore the magical world of wizarding with the Zoo as we spend the next few months reliving the world of Harry Potter through his books. We'll look closely at the creatures found in the books, from basilisks to boggarts and meet some of the Zoo's creatures up close. Upcoming Dates: 2/19, 3/18, 4/22
Behind the Scenes Tours at Peoria Zoo will give you the insight into how much a rhino eats in a day and where do giraffes sleep? All this and more will be answered during our behind the scenes tours. This hour long tour will take you into areas the public doesn’t normally get to see. Cost is $20 per person (includes Zoo admission). Upcoming Dates: 2/25, 3/24, 4/28
Jungle Jamboree: Ages 4-8. Join us the first Saturday of the month for our new class series and sing along with your animal friends at the Peoria Zoo! Kids will explore a musical world as they encounter new animals and topics each month. Parents are welcome but not required. Upcoming Dates: 2/4, 3/3, 4/7
Nest Box Building: During this 1.5 hour class we will meet a few birds up close while constructing a bird box for your yard. After the class, explore the Zoo and see birds that call the Peoria Zoo home. 3/11
Home Educator Classes: Ages 5-13 Science has never been more exciting, with up-close animal encounters, tours, experiments and more. Each month is a new topic and helps to meet state standards. Classes will usually be divided into age groups (5-8 years and 9-13 years) and will run simultaneously. Parents are welcome but not required. Upcoming Dates: 3/14, 4/11
Breakfast with the Giraffes: Join us for a light breakfast in the Peoria Zoo's Africa! classroom while watching the giraffes enjoy their breakfast too. Learn more about the tallest land mammals and see what makes Taji and Vivian so special. Upcoming Dates: 3/24. 3/25
Educators Day: Free for teachers with valid IDs. We invite teachers in the area to come out and see what the Zoo can do for them. Explore our new Africa! exhibit, find out about programs, schedule field trips and so much more. 3/24
To register for these events, call 681-3513. For more info, visit peoriaparks.org or peoriazoo.org.