Miller Park Zoo offers a variety of fun and educational programs throughout the year.

Registration is required for all classes.

All program registration is handled through the Bloomington Parks & Recreation Department. Click here for registration information.

For additional information on Zoo programs, please contact us at (309) 434-2250.

Animal Crackers

Ages 3-5 with an Adult

Animal Crackers is a Miller Park Zoo classic! Join us once each month for a story, animal encounter, craft, and snack. Our topic is always a unique surprise -- we have a great time guessing which animal will visit! One adult accompanies each child to class but does not pay an additional registration fee. The registration fee includes admission to the Zoo for the participating child and one adult on the day of class. Topics are new each month and do not repeat for enrollees.

*Children must be at least three years old to participate.

*Unregistered siblings of any age may not attend.

Classes are identical in each session, so register for only one class each month.

June 2 - T - 10:00-11:00AM
June 2 - T - 6:00-7:00PM
June 3 - W - 1:00-2:00PM
June 3 - W - 6:00-7:00PM
June 4 - TH - 9:00-10:00AM
June 4 - TH - 10:30-11:30AM

July 7 - T - 10:00-11:00AM
July 7 - T - 6:00-7:00PM
July 8 - W - 1:00-2:00PM
July 8 - W - 6:00-7:00PM
July 9 - TH - 9:00-10:00AM
July 9 - TH - 10:30-11:30AM

Aug. 4 - T - 10:00-11:00AM
Aug. 4 - T - 6:00-7:00PM
Aug. 5 - W - 1:00-2:00PM
Aug. 5 - W - 6:00-7:00PM
Aug. 6- TH - 9:00-10:00AM
Aug. 6- TH - 10:30-11:30AM

Fees:
$15 per child per class for MPZS members
$20 per child per class for non-members

Zoo Explorers

Ages 5-10

Zoo Explorers is a terrific 2-hour adventure that includes animal encounters, classroom learning, and hands-on experiences out in the Zoo

Please sign up for only one class; curriculum will be the same for both morning and afternoon sessions.

Animal MythBusters - Friday - 9:00-11:00AM 6/12
Animal MythBusters - Friday - 1:00-3:00PM 6/12

Eww at the Zoo: Grossology Friday - 9:00-11:00AM 6/26
Eww at the Zoo: Grossology - Friday - 1:00-3:00PM 6/26

Escape the Zoo (Escape Room) - Friday - 9:00-11:00AM 7/24
Escape the Zoo (Escape Room) Friday - 1:00-3:00PM 7/24

Fees: MPZS Members: $20/person; Nonmembers: $30/person

ZooKids

Ages 6-7

Is your student on a mission to expand their animal knowledge? ZooKids classes are exciting 2-hour expeditions that give kids a chance to do just that! This class includes themed stories, crafts, animal encounters, and a snack. Registration fee includes Zoo admission for class participants on the day of the class.
Classes are identical in each session, so register for only one class each month.
Fee: MPZS Members: $20/child; Nonmembers: $25/child

Marsupials T 1:00-3:00PM 6/2
Marsupials W 9:00-11:00AM 6/3
Marsupials W 3:00-5:00PM 6/3
Marsupials TH 1:00-3:00PM 6/4

Super Snakes T 1:00-3:00PM 7/7
Super Snakes W 9:00-11:00AM 7/8
Super Snakes W 3:00-5:00PM 7/8
Super Snakes TH 1:00-3:00PM 7/9

Birds of Prey T 1:00-3:00PM 8/4
Birds of Prey W 9:00-11:00AM 8/5
Birds of Prey W 3:00-5:00PM 8/5
Birds of Prey TH 1:00-3:00PM 8/6

NEW Wildlife Warriors:
Endangered Species Camp Ages7-13

Ecosystems are balanced by all inhabitants and animals are an incredibly important part of what holds them together! Come to the Zoo to earn your very own wildlife warrior accessories while you find out what it takes to protect the wildlife in your backyard and impact species globally! Campers will explore the topic of endangered species, learning all about animals labeled least concern to those classified as extinct in the wild. Participants can look forward to classroom animal encounters, crafts, games, activities, and more at this fabulous new four-day camp. A snack will be provided each day. Please wear play clothes and close-toed shoes.

Fee: MPZS Members: $100/child; Nonmembers: $125/child

Ages Day Time Date
7-9 M-TH 8:30-11:30AM 6/8-6/11
10-13 M-TH 1:30-4:30PM 6/8-6/11

The Art of Animals Ages 8-17

Science meets art in this creative class. Instructor Jill Wallace, artist and naturalist, will guide you through the process of art journaling. You will visit habitats throughout the Zoo and meet animals up close to create realistic drawings to take home. We’ll look at animals from all angles making sure we know how to craft critters from every corner before we learn how they blend in and what makes them stand out! Each class will focus on a different topic but work together in a series to help make you an animal artist! Come to one or come to all! All art materials and a snack will be provided.
Fee: MPZS Members: $30/child; Nonmembers: $35/child

Angular Animals
Ages Day Time Date
8-10 M 9:00AM-12:00PM 6/1
11-17 M 1:00-4:00PM 6/1

Contrast & Camouflage
Ages Day Time Date
8-10 M 9:00AM-12:00PM 7/6
11-17 M 1:00-4:00PM 7/6

Radiant Rainforest
Ages Day Time Date
8-10 M 9:00AM-12:00PM 8/3
11-17 M 1:00-4:00PM 8/3

Zoo Safari Camp: Around the World Ages 8-9

We’ll investigate a different continent each day and learn about the animals that live there. Animal encounters, crafts, games, and unique peeks behind the scenes will be highlights of this five-day camp. A snack will be provided each day. Campers will be given a t-shirt to wear through the week. Please wear close-toed shoes. Activities are identical for each camp session.
Fee: MPZS Members: $100/child; Nonmembers: $125/child
Day Time Date
M-F 8:30-11:30AM 6/15-6/19
M-F 1:30-4:30PM 7/13-7/17
M-F 8:30-11:30AM 7/27-7/31

Animal Adventure Camp: All in the Family Ages 10-13

Family classification will be the theme for a week filled with animal encounters, take-home projects, and activities that will show us the similarities and differences between animal species. A snack will be provided each day. Campers will be given a t-shirt to wear through the week. Please wear close-toed shoes. Activities are identical for each camp session.
Fee: MPZS Members: $100/child; Nonmembers: $125/child

Day Time Date
M-F 1:30-4:30PM 6/15-6/19
M-F 8:30-11:30AM 7/13-7/17
M-F 1:30-4:30PM 7/27-7/31

Jeepers Keepers Minicamp Ages 7-15

These exciting classes give an inside look at the job of our zookeepers! We’ll spend time both in the classroom and out in the Zoo learning about various aspects of a keeper’s job, including animal feeding, exhibit cleaning, animal husbandry, veterinary care, and animal enrichment. A snack will be provided each day. Please wear close-toed shoes and dress for getting dirty outdoors. Please sign up for only one session; curriculum will be the same both morning and
afternoon.

Fee: MPZS Members: $60/child; Nonmembers: $75/child

Ages Day Time Date
7-9 M-T 8:30-11:30AM 6/22-6/23
7-9 M-T 1:30-4:30PM 6/22-6/23
10-15 W-TH 8:30-11:30AM 6/24-6/25
10-15 W-TH 1:30-4:30PM 6/24-6/25

NEW Land and Sea All Day Minicamp Ages 7-15

Miller Park Zoo is SO excited to offer a full day camp option this summer! Plan on two full days of fun as we dig for decomposers and wander through water as a biome! At this camp we will learn about soil science and all of the animals that contribute to it before we dive into aquatic ecology and explore what it means to animals that live in the water. This workshop will include everything needed to successfully begin vermicomposting - including worms! Participants will make and take home a vermicomposting bin ready for use and of course meet animal ambassadors up close along the way. An animal video will be played between morning and afternoon activities. A lunch from concessions and a snack will be provided each day. Please wear close-toed shoes and dress for getting dirty outdoors.
Fee: MPZS Members: $120/child; Nonmembers: $145/child
Ages Day Time Date
7-10 M-T 8:30AM-4:30PM 6/29-6/30
11-15 W-TH 8:30AM-4:30PM 7/1-7/2

NEW ZSI: Eco-Detectives Minicamp Ages 7-15

ZSI: Zoo Science Inquiry! This thrilling two-day minicamp will turn any inquiring Animal Investigator into an Eco-Detective! Campers will use critical thinking to solve critter conundrums as we go on a quest to find out ‘hootdone- it’. All Zoo Sleuths will search the scenes, find clues that help solve wild mysteries and even encounter zoo residents along the way. A snack will be provided each day. Please wear close-toed shoes and play clothes.

Fee: MPZS Members: $60/child; Nonmembers: $75/child
Ages Day Time Date
7-10 M-T 8:30-11:30AM 7/20-7/21
11-15 M-T 1:30-4:30PM 7/20-7/21

Wild About Enrichment Minicamp Ages 8-17

Enrichment is one of the most important things we do to keep the Zoo’s animals’ content and healthy. This project-based program will take you through the basics of creating enrichment items, then you’ll work with your team to construct puzzle feeders and other “toys” for animals to use! A snack will be provided each day. Please wear close-toed shoes and dress for getting dirty.

Fee: MPZS Members: $60/child; Nonmembers: $75/child
Ages Day Time Date
8-10 W-TH 8:30-11:30AM 7/22-7/23
11-17 W-TH 1:30-4:30PM 7/22-7/23

Senior Tours

Ages 55+ 

Take your morning stroll at the Zoo!  We’ll visit a different area of the Zoo each month & learn about the animals who live there.  You’ll be guided by a knowledgeable staff member who will give you amazing information…and maybe even a peek behind the scenes!  No reservations are required.  Your tour guide will meet you at the Zoo entrance.  Tours will begin promptly at 8:30.

• Every second Wednesday of the month, 8:30-9:30 AM 

Fees:
FREE for Miller Park Zoological Society members 
$5 per person for non-members