Family and Youth Programs

Zoofari Classes (Spring, Fall, and Winter Educational Classes)

These classes are geared towards the younger zoo crowd. Kids enjoy classes designed around WILD zoo themes which usually include up close animal encounters, special zoo tours, games, crafts and much more. Programs are typically for children ages 3 to 12. Zoofari Classes.

Animal Enrichment Series

Bring your family for an enriching day at the zoo! Discover how zookeepers keep our animals thinking and moving. Tour the zoo kitchen, make and deliver enrichment to a few animals and have a chance for the kids to make something of their own to take home. Animal Enrichment Series.

Twilight Tours

Experience the zoo in a new 'light'. Bring your family, flashlight and a sense of adventure for this guided tour of the zoo as the sun goes down. Learn how to use your senses at night and how animals are adapted to life in the dark. Program includes animal encounters, hands-on activities for all ages and guided tour. Twilight Tours

Overnight Adventures

See the zoo in a new light and have a fun-filled, nocturnal learning adventure! Come to the zoo after hours and enjoy a variety of activities – sneak a peak on a guided behind the scenes tour, get an up-close look at an animal demonstration, enjoy hands-on activities and even make a little something for the animals to eat the following morning. Overnight Adventures

Teen Volunteer Program

Summers are WILD for teen volunteers at JBZ. We look for teens who will be entering 9th - 12th grade in the Fall and who have a passion for carrying out the education and conservation mission of the Zoo. Through their experiences our teen volunteers gain knowledge and skills in a unique and rewarding environment.

Applications for the 2013 program are closed. Too see the Summer 2013 program brochure, please click here.

Summer 2014 information and brochure will be posted here in late winter of 2014.

If you would like more information on the program, please do not hesitate to email Jim Swarts,Volunteer Manager, (jswarts@jbzoo.org)

Summer Discovery Classes - Summer Day Camps

John Ball Zoo’s Summer Discovery Program is a unique, fun, hands-on learning experience for children, ages 3 years to those entering 9th grade! Each class follows its particular theme and uses a variety of methods to stimulate the learning process (role-playing, behind the scenes tours, games, stories, songs, and more).Click here to learn more about our 2012 programs.

Self-Guided Tours and Scavenger Hunts

Click here to create a fun, interactive experience for you and your children by utilizing our self-guided tours and scavenger hunts.