Central Park Zoo
Children Programs

Plan a wild weekend adventure! These drop-off programs were created just for kids. Find dates and themes for Junior Keepers (grades K-2nd and 3-5) and Zookeeping 101 (grades 6-8 and 9-12).

Are you a kid at heart? Don't miss Zookeeping for Grownups, our adult program series!

Junior Keepers

drop off program for K-2nd graders

Calling all Junior Keepers in grades K-2! In this hands-on program, you'll discover what it takes to tackle the daily responsibilities of Central Park Zoo Keepers. We'll play animal care themed games, meet a small ambassador animal, and visit zoo exhibits as part of our training! Price is per session.

Price: $48 members
$60 regular
Saturdays: 10/12: Tropical Animals
11/9: Children's Zoo - Join Waitlist
12/14: Magnificent Mammals
1/11: Polar Zone
Sundays: 2/16: What's for Lunch?
3/16: Doctor Zoolittle
4/27: Aquatic Avengers
5/18: Home Sweet Home
Time: 9:00am - 10:30am
Photo Credit: Julie Larsen

Junior Keepers

drop off program for 3rd-5th graders

Calling all Junior Keepers in 3rd-5th grade! In this hands-on program, you'll discover what it takes to tackle the daily responsibilities of Central Park Zoo Keepers. Junior Keepers will get down and dirty as well go up close to animals, meet zookeepers, and practice keeper skills. We will meet a small ambassador animal in the classroom during the program. Price is per session.

Price: $48 members
$60 regular
Sundays: 10/20: Exotic and Endangered
11/17: Animal Behavior - Join Waitlist
12/18: Polar Protectors
Saturdays: 1/18: Ambassador Animals
2/8: Animal Husbandry
3/8: Master Zoo Chef
4/12: Aquatic Science
5/10: Habitat Adventure
Time: 9:00am - 10:30am

Zookeeping 101

drop off program for 6th-8th graders

Do you dream of a career with animals? During this program, participants explore different aspects of animal care, test your skills, and meet animals and their keepers. Participants will participate in husbandry tasks for animals, explore the zoo, and meet a small ambassador animal in the classroom during the program. Price is per session.

Price: $48 members
$60 regular
Dates / Themes: Sundays:
9/22: Intro to Zookeeping
11/10: Animal Behaviorists - Up Next
1/19: Animal Health and Nutrition
3/9: Conservation Science
Time: 9:00am - 10:30am
Photo Credit: ©WCS

Zookeeping 101

drop off program for 9th-12th graders

Do you dream of a career with animals? During this program, participants explore different aspects of animal care, test your skills, and meet animals and their keepers. Participants will participate in husbandry tasks for animals, explore the zoo, and meet a small ambassador animal in the classroom during the program. Price is per session.

Price: $48 members
$60 regular
Dates / Themes: Saturdays:
12/7: Animal Behaviorists - Up Next
2/15: Animal Health and Nutrition
4/5: Conservation Science
Time: 9:00am - 10:30am

Our office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

If you have any questions, please call 800-433-4149 or email cpzeducation@wcs.org


Please visit the Central Park Zoo Know Before You Go page to review park policies related to COVID-19.



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