Children's Programs at Central Park Zoo
Kids of all ages can dive into the wonders of wildlife through these hands-on programs.
Whether your child is a budding animal enthusiast or a curious explorer, these programs combine fun, learning, and interaction with animals to create unforgettable experiences.
Junior Keepers (K-2nd grades)
This program is designed just for K-2nd graders. Step into the role of a Central Park Zoo Keeper and discover what it takes to care for animals every day.
Tickets: $52 member / $65 non-member
- Tropical Animals - October 3, 2026
- Children's Zoo - November 7, 2026
- Magnificent Mammals - December 5, 2026
- What's for Lunch? - January 16, 2027
- Doctor Zoolittle - February 6, 2027
- Aquatic Avengers - February 28, 2027
- Home Sweet Home - March 21, 2027
- Polar Protectors - April 18, 2027
This is a drop off program. Ticket is per child.
Junior Keepers (3rd-5th grades)
This program is designed just for 3rd-5th graders. Step into the role of a Central Park Zoo Keeper and discover what it takes to care for animals every day.
- Habitat Adventure - September 27, 2026
- Animal Behaviorists - October 25, 2026
- Polar Protectors - November 22, 2026
- Ambassador Animals - December 20, 2026
- Animal Husbandry - January 30, 2027
- Master Zoo Chef - March 6, 2027
- Habitat Adventure - April 3, 2027
- Exotic and Endangered - May 1, 2027
This is a drop off program. Ticket is per child.
Zookeeping 101 (6th-8th grades)
During this program, participants explore different aspects of animal care, test skills, and meet animals and their keepers.
Tickets: $52 member / $65 non-member
- Zookeeping 101 - May 23, 2027
This is a drop off program. Ticket is per child.
Zoo Peeps (ages 2-3)
These "Caregiver & Me" sessions focus on interactive learning, sensory experiences, and close-up animal encounters, tailored for children ages 2 to 3 years.
1-Day Program Tickets: $32 member / $40 non-member
- Tropical Oasis - December 6, 2026 Particpants will learn how animals of the rainforest thrive in such a lush environment.
- Will Zoo Be Mine? - February 13, 2027 Participants will learn all about animal family groups from around the Zoo.
Series Program Tickets: $96 member / $120 non-member
- Brown Bear, Brown Bear - Saturdays 10/17/2026, 10/24/2026, 10/31/2026
- Down on the Farm - Sundays 5/2/2027, 5/9/2027, 5/16/2027
Each registration includes an adult and child. Each child must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Family Mornings (all ages with caregiver)
Family programs include sensory-friendly access mornings, providing opportunities for all ages to explore animals and nature together. The Tisch Children’s Zoo offers safe, interactive play spaces with animals suitable for young kids and individuals with sensory sensitivities.
Tickets: $16 member / $20 non-member
- FaBOOlous Farm Friends - October 31, 2026
- Barnyard Friends - April 24, 2027
- Mother's Day Morning - May 9, 2027
Tickets are per person. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
School Break Programs
Central Park Zoo offers engaging school break camps for kids of various ages during holiday and school vacation periods. These camps provide 1-day, 2-day and 5-day options packed with hands-on animal encounters, wildlife exploration, and educational activities led by expert educators. Themes vary by age and session.