classes

Sprout Series – This unique program for 3 and 4-year-olds is offered in the Spring and Fall months. Designed around the curiosity of the younger crowd, classes are a mix of sensory explorations. 

Winter in the Woods – This program for 3 and 4-year-olds is offered in the winter, December through March. Designed around outside, nature play, preschoolers enjoy exploration in the park. 

Kid’s Night Out – A fun night for kids 4-10 years of age. No need to stress over finding a babysitter to enjoy date night, drop the kids off at the zoo and let them have a great night out as well. 

Spring Break Camp – Our always popular summer camp has expanded to include Spring Break. Kids get out into the zoo at a great time of year when animals are often most active and also have lots of opportunities to explore the park during adventure time!

Summer Camp – Kids 3 years through going into 9th grade enjoy day camps here at the Zoo. Individual classes are designed around specific topics, students enjoy zoo and park time, animal encounters, behind-the-scenes activities, and much more. 

Youth classes are unique, fun, hands-on learning experiences! Each class follows its particular theme and uses a variety of age-appropriate methods to stimulate the learning process including; zoo tours, games, stories, hands-on activities, crafts, up-close animal encounters and more. Parent letters/updates are sent home first and last days of the session to keep you informed of your child’s activities and special projects are often brought home many days.

We provide classes for children ages 3 years to those entering 9th grade, and most age groups have a variety of themes/topics of classes. Every class will be a fun and unique learning experience that utilizes the zoo setting, but we suggest you talk with your child about which class(es) they are most interested in and choose together.

No. Students will be strictly limited to classes for their age/grade level. Older and younger students can cause disruption to the learning process. For the benefit of all class participants, we cannot allow younger or older children to attend. Three and four year olds must be that age by the first day of class. 

NO. All students must be self-sufficient in the bathroom; diapers and pull-ups are not permitted.

John Ball Zoo will make reasonable accommodations for students with special needs to attend class. This includes but is not limited to allergies, medical conditions, and social/learning needs. Receiving adequate information from guardians is crucial for our success. Any information is kept strictly confidential. Please notify us of your child’s needs as far in advance as possible to allow us to best prepare a quality experience for your child. Any student who poses a safety hazard to themselves or others will be dismissed from the program. If your child requires 1:1 supervision, you may be asked to assist in finding an assistant for them. 

We are committed to providing a safe and nurturing learning environment that features excellent supervision. The emotional and physical well-being of each child is a responsibility we take seriously. Different age levels have different ratios. 3-year-old programs operate at a 1:5 teacher-to-student ratio, 4-year-old programs operate at 1:7, and all others are a 1:10 teacher-to-student ratio. Class sizes are strictly limited. You can expect your child to have a safe and fun learning experience!

Due to space limitations and class design, it is best if parents/guardians separate from their child at the drop-off location. Most children, while perhaps experiencing a brief moment of anxiety, overcome their fears and participate more quickly without a parent present. If you think your child cannot remain in class without you after a few minutes, please consider waiting another year. 

Light snacks are provided during all pre-school programs, Kids’ Night Out programs, and select Camp Sessions. 2-day camp sessions all have time for lunch as well as a snack break. 4-day camp sessions have a snack break for the 3-year-old and 4-year-old classes. 

We are unable to provide child care before, between, or after classes. If you and your child arrive late and do not see someone at the drop-off area, proceed to the office in the Zoo Administration building. Missed activities will not be made up. Parents may be required to accompany their children into the Zoo to meet with their class. 

* A $10 late pick-up fee will be charged for any child not picked up within 15 minutes of class dismissal.