Zoo Buddies

An Early Childhood Program

Each monthly theme will focus on animals, nature and the environment. Children will learn and explore through stories, fun learning activities, sensory table explorations, walks into the Zoo, and visits with the Zoo animals. Children should bring a reusable water bottle clearly marked with the child’s name to each class. Children should wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are made for movement and walking on a variety of surfaces like sand, grass, pavement, etc. A snack will be provided.

Zoo Buddies is a drop off class for children age 3 to 5 years. The cost for each month is $75 for Zoo members and $85 for non-members. Each ticket purchase includes the three classes for that month.

All classes begin and conclude in the Cargill Learning Center. Classes take place on three Fridays each month, 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

Please dress for the weather, wear closed-toe shoes, and bring a water bottle marked with your child’s name.

Once you have purchased a ticket for any class for which the participant is dropped off, you will receive an email with a link to the required waiver. Each participant must have a waiver on file with the Education Department prior to the beginning of class. The waiver also may be found here.

Event ticket does not include Zoo Admission before or after the program. 

Class Themes for 2026

January 9, 16 and 23 : Creatures of Kansas – SOLD OUT

February 6, 13 and 20 : Nature Patterns

March 6, 13 and 27 : Zoo Chef

April 10, 17 and 24 : Animal Families

May 1, 8 and 15 : Pond Life

No Zoo Buddies in June, July or August – Check out our Summer Learning Adventures here!

September 18 and 25 and October 2 : Going Buggy

October 9, 16 and 23 : Larger Than Life

November 6, 13 and 20 : Creatures of the Night

December 4, 11 and 18 : Forest Animals

 

Ticket sales end on Tuesday at noon prior to the first class for each month. The first class of the month appears on the ticketing calendar; each ticket includes all three classes in the month. 

Click below to purchase tickets: 

Member   Non-member

 

Learning Adventures Behavior Policy and Code of Conduct

To ensure a productive, safe and fun environment, appropriate behavior is expected of all of our Learning Adventures participants.  Please review the following expectations with your child before their adventures begin.  

Please review our Behavior Policy and Code of Conduct before attending your Zoo Buddies class.

 

Terms and Conditions: Each person over the age of six months who attends any education program must have a ticket. Space is limited. Tickets will be scanned at the door. All classes take place rain or shine. Your purchase serves as your permission for use of your image by Sedgwick County Zoo. All reservations are final. Ticket may not be copied or resold and may be used only once. Tickets will not be replaced if lost, stolen or unused. No refunds.