Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fees listed are PER CHILD.
These programs are designed for you and your child to explore the animal world together. Programs are hands-on and may include crafts, live animals, songs, stories, role-playing, and more.
These programs do not include behind-the-scenes tours or opportunities to touch animals on exhibit while touring the Zoo.
NOTE: All Early Childhood programs are designed for caregivers to interact with and help facilitate the learning of the registered program participant. In order to best serve all of our Early Childhood participants, unregistered children may not participate in the programs.
Based on the age of your child, please select from the programs below.
- Please note: Additional programs may have sold out since our last website update.
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Wild Wonders Series
Explore the Saint Louis Zoo Preschool classroom, and get a taste of what it’s like to go to school at the Zoo! Early childhood educators will share stories, songs and activities on each month’s theme. There will also be plenty of time to discover the Build-a-Habitat center, Animal Care Corner and more.
Limited to 12 participants per session
Fee: Free for children ages 0-23 months
Fee: Zoo Members $17/General Public $19 for children ages 2-5 yearsTerrific Turtles and Tortoises
C0215T1 - February 15 (F); 9 - 10 a.m. - SOLD OUT
C0215T2 - February 15 (F); 1 - 2 p.m.Our Slimy Friends, the Amphibians
C0322S1 - March 22 (F); 9 - 10 a.m.
C0322S2 - March 22 (F); 1 - 2 p.m. -
Wild Work Out
Explore animal movement with your little one, and learn new songs and activities to take home.
Limited to 12 children
Fee: Zoo Members $17/General Public $19C0223WW - February 23 (Sa); 10 - 11 a.m.
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Swimming Safari
Come learn about the animals that call water their home. Dress to play in the water, and join us for songs and games as we dive into learning about awesome aquatic animals.
Limited to 12 children
Fee: Zoo Members $17/General Public $19C0518SW - May 18 (Sa); 10 - 11 a.m.
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Stroller Safari Series
You and your child will experience a live animal encounter, enjoy classroom exploration time, and then visit an animal or two. Don’t forget your stroller, wrap or backpack!
NOTE: All Early Childhood programs are designed for caregivers to interact with and help facilitate the learning of the registered program participant. In order to best serve all of our Early Childhood participants, unregistered children may not participate in the programs.
Colorful Critters
We could fill a rainbow with all the different colored animals here at the Zoo. Let’s go on a scavenger hunt to find all the colors on our critters. We’ll use our eyes to explore the colors these animals use to hide or stand out.
Limited to 14 children per session
Fee: Zoo Members $17/General Public $19C0213SS - February 13 (W); 9 - 10 a.m.
Critter Count 1-10
1 and 2, cows go moo. 3 and 4, hyena laugh some more. 5 and 6, monkeys play with sticks. 7 and 8, bats stay out late. 9 and 10, start over again. Come to the Zoo and help us count some of our critters!
Limited to 14 children per session
Fee: Zoo Members $17/General Public $19C0320SS - March 20 (W); 9 - 10 a.m.
Cool Coverings
Shells, scales, feathers and fur, these are what animals wear to survive. We’ll use our senses to explore them all!
Limited to 14 children per session
Fee: Zoo Members $17/General Public $19C0410SS - April 10 (W); 9 - 10 a.m.
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NOTE: All Early Childhood programs are designed for caregivers to interact with and help facilitate the learning of the registered program participant. In order to best serve all of our Early Childhood participants, unregistered children may not participate in the programs.
Birdie Birdie
Fly like a robin, soar like a hawk and strut like a turkey, as we learn about our feathered friends.
Limited to 12 children per session
Fee: Zoo Members $17/General Public $19C0302BB - March 2 (Sa); 10 - 11 a.m.
Spring Fling
Kick off the first day of spring discovering how animals celebrate the season through songs, stories and animal actions!
Limited to 12 children per session
Fee: Zoo Members $17/General Public $19C0414SF - April 14 (Su); 10 - 11 a.m.
Bugapalooza
Explore the teeny tiny world of butterflies, beetles and more. Take home native plant seeds to attract them to your own yard too.
Limited to 12 children per session
Fee: Zoo Members $17/General Public $19C0511BU - May 11 (Sa): 10 - 11 a.m.
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Tiny Trekkers Series
Come learn about awesome animal parts! Each program includes live animals, story time and classroom explorations, along with a Zoo adventure on grounds.
NOTE: All Early Childhood programs are designed for caregivers to interact with and help facilitate the learning of the registered program participant. In order to best serve all of our Early Childhood participants, unregistered children may not participate in the programs.
I’m All Ears
Limited to 12 children per session
Fee: Zoo Members $17/General Public $19C0228TT - February 28 (Th); 9 - 10 a.m.
The Nose Knows
Limited to 12 children per session
Fee: Zoo Members $17/General Public $19C0328TT - March 28 (Th); 9 - 10 a.m.
Tale of a Tail
Limited to 12 children per session
Fee: Zoo Members $17/General Public $19C0425TT – April 25 (Th); 9 - 10 a.m.
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NOTE: All Early Childhood programs are designed for caregivers to interact with and help facilitate the learning of the registered program participant. In order to best serve all of our Early Childhood participants, unregistered children may not participate in the programs.
Penguin and Puffin Pals
Plunge into the icy world of these black and white birds. We’ll discover what they eat, how they hunt and many other amazing adaptations.
Limited to 14 children per session
Fee: Zoo Members $18/General Public $20C0224PP - February 24 (Su); 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Bear Necessities
Create your own bear book as we explore the wonderful world of bears through fun hands-on experiences.
Limited to 14 children per session
Fee: Zoo Members $18/General Public $20C0309BN - March 9 (Sa); 10 - 11:30 a.m.
EGGcellent Adventures
See who’s hatching and how in the animal world. From slimy salamanders to marvelous monotremes (i.e. platypus), we’ll explore amazing eggs. We’ll even make a few egg creations of our own to take home.
Limited to 14 children per session
Fee: Zoo Members $18/General Public $20C0420EA - April 20 (Sa); 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Peepers, Creepers and Leapers
Meet a frog that eats with its eyeball s, and learn all about our favorite amphibian friends, plus we’ll make a toad abode to take home!
Limited to 14 children per session
Fee: Zoo Members $18/General Public $20C0428PC - April 28 (Su); 10 - 11:30 a.m.
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NOTE: All Early Childhood programs are designed for caregivers to interact with and help facilitate the learning of the registered program participant. In order to best serve all of our Early Childhood participants, unregistered children may not participate in the programs.
Amazing Apes
Gorillas and orangutans and chimps, oh my! Join us as we learn all about these awesome animals.
Limited to 14 children per session
Fee: Zoo Members $18/General Public $20C0126AA - January 26 (Sa); 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Royal Valentine Tea Party
Dress as your favorite prince or princess for a tea party with king snakes and other animal royalty.
Limited to 14 children per session
Fee: Zoo Members $18/General Public $20C0209RV - February 9 (Sa); 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Sssnakes
Slither into the world of these scaly serpents. We’ll learn how and what they eat, and why they are so important to have around!
Limited to 14 children per session
Fee: Zoo Members $18/General Public $20C0324SN - March 24 (Su); 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Pollinator Painting
Learn to paint a pleasing portrait of a magnificent monarch butterfly. Painting is done on a canvas that is ready to display.
Limited to 14 children per session
Fee: Zoo Members $18/General Public $20C0407PO - April 7 (Su); 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Monkeyin’ Around
Explore the exciting world of primates like leaping lemurs, bizarre baboons and more!
Limited to 14 children per session
Fee: Zoo Members $18/General Public $20C0413MA - April 13 (Sa); 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Super Sharks
Dive in to the world of prehistoric predators, as we meet some of the Zoo’s residents-the bamboo and bonnet head sharks and learn the many mysteries of the deep!
Limited to 14 children per session
Fee: Zoo Members $18/General Public $20C0504SU - May 4 (Sa); 10 - 11:30 a.m.