Preschool Programs
For 0 to 5 year olds
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has educational and engaging programs for various ages. Hands-on, creative, and entertaining activities introduce young children to the wonders of the Animal Kingdom! All programs include up-close animal encounters, stories, crafts or activities. Children and their accompanying adult meet different animals in different programs each week.
NEW PROGRAM SERIES! - Story Safari
Story Safari will introduce you and your child (ages 0-5) to a favorite animal themed book that will engage him or her in a new wonder of the Animal Kingdom. Each 30 minute program will emphasize a positive and engaging interaction with one of the Zoo’s animal ambassadors to help each story come to life. Class size is limited to the first 15 children to register.
| Date | Story | Time |
|---|---|---|
| February 6 | The Mitten | 10:00 a.m. |
| February 20 | Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type | 10:00 a.m. |
| March 5 | The Salamander Room | 10:00 a.m. |
| March 19 | Babies in the Bayou | 10:00 a.m. |
| April 2 | The Very Hungry Caterpillar | 10:00 a.m. |
| April 23 | Verdi | 10:00 a.m. |
| May 7 | Rabbits and Raindrops | 10:00 a.m. |
| May 21 | From Head To Toe | 10:00 a.m. |
Story Safari Programs Meet at the PepsiCo Foundation Education Campus, Classroom B.
You do not need to enter the Zoo for this program
Fee (includes an accompanying adult)
$3.00/child/class Members
$3.50/child/class Non-Members (Zoo admission not required)
$2.00 per additional child
2012 Spring Story Safari Flyer
Zoo Tots
Zoo Tots (3 – 5 year olds) and their caregivers meet different animal ambassadors each week in a safe and nurturing environment. Emphasis is placed on positive and engaging interactions with these animal ambassadors as well as activities, stories and crafts that revolve around a central theme. Each week’s program builds on knowledge from the previous week, so you and your child will not want to miss a class. These programs are open to preschoolers 3 to 5 years old plus one adult (parent/guardian). All programs are 45-minutes long.
| Date | Topic | Time |
|---|---|---|
| February 7 or 9 | Animals Alive! | 11:30 a.m. |
| February 14 or 16 | A is for… | 11:30 a.m. |
| February 21 or 23 | Do You Hear What I Hear? | 11:30 a.m. |
| February 28 or March 1 | B is for… | 11:30 a.m. |
| March 6 or 8 | Eye See You! | 11:30 a.m. |
| March 13 or 15 | C is for… | 11:30 a.m. |
| March 20 or 22 | The Nose Knows | 11:30 a.m. |
| March 27 or 29 | D is for… | 11:30 a.m. |
| April 3 or 5 | Tastes Like… | 11:30 a.m. |
| April 10 or 12 | How Do You Feel? | 11:30 a.m. |
Classes are held in Discovery Center.
Fee (includes an accompanying adult)
$7.00/child/class Members
$7.50/child/class Non-Members Does not include Zoo admission that must be paid separately.
Policies
Authorizations
By enrolling in our programming, you authorize any emergency medical treatment and allow the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens to use your image for promotional and news purposes.
Waiting Lists
Due to the overwhelming popularity of our Preschool Programs, we do keep waiting lists when classes fill. If a desired program is not visible on the registration site, please assume that the date is filled to capacity. To be added to a wait list, contact the Education department directly by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 904-757-4463 x122.
Deadline for registration is 5 p.m. on Thursday before the week of scheduled classes.
For more information, email (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 904-757-4463 x122.
Click here for a list of Frequently Asked Questions.
