Early Childhood Programs

Early Childhood programs encourage family learning and foster early environmental awareness. We invite young children to discover the natural world through gently structured play, art, stories, animal visits, and more. Early Childhood programming is offered monthly throughout the school year. Age restrictions apply; Pre-registration required. Zoo admission is not included with registration.

12-24 Months
2-3 Years
4-5 Years

Turtle Back Hatchlings

Age group: 12 – 24 months old with a caregiver

Description: Learn how to meet and greet some of our small, friendly animals up close in the classroom and learn how to touch animals gently. Your child will also enjoy sensory interactions with feathers, turtle shells, puppets, and more in a lightly structured program. All children must be accompanied by an adult who is prepared to take part in the activities. For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, unregistered children (including siblings) may not attend. The class lasts approximately 1 hour.

Registration: $25 per child per class. Admittance of one caregiver ONLY included per ticket. Advanced registration and payment are required. No refunds for cancellations requested within one week of your registered session.

Spring Sessions

Sunday, March 16, 2025 @10am | TOPIC

Sunday, April 6, 2025 @10am | TOPIC

Sunday, May 11, 2025 @10am | TOPIC

Turtle Back Zoo Tots

Age group: 2 & 3 years old with a caregiver

Description: This 1 hour program is designed for toddlers and adults to discover the natural world together. We will use the alphabet to explore different animals in our zoo. Each day you will discover a different animal type such as mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Stories, projects, and special animal visitors in the classroom enhance your class experience. All children must be accompanied by an adult who is willing to take part in the activities. For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, unregistered children (including siblings) may not attend; programs are moderately structured. Capacity is limited; appropriate face coverings may be required during some animal presentations.

Spring Sessions

Sunday, March 16, 2025 @11:30am | TOPIC

Sunday, April 6, 2025 @11:30am | TOPIC

Sunday, May 11, 2025 @11:30am | TOPIC

Zoo Explorers

Age group: 4 & 5 year olds (without caregiver)

Description: Join us as we use movement, stories, games, and crafts for these interactive, science-based lessons to learn about the wonderful and fascinating world of animals. These 2 hour sessions include supervised outings to specific areas of the Zoo that support the lesson are included as weather permits.

Registration: $30 per child per class. Advanced registration and payment are required. No refunds for cancellations requested within one week of your registered session.