Summer Learning Adventures
Sedgwick County Zoo offers Summer Learning Adventures for kids age 4 years old through 17 years old.
Class Themes for Age 4-12 years
- Give a Helping Hand – Kids will discover different ways animals and people help each other as well as gain confidence in how kids can help the planet and animals stay healthy. These partnerships are amazing. We will get our hands dirty making the world a better place for animals and humans! Ages 4-9
- Home Sweet Home – Connecting with animals and nature starts in our own backyards. Kids will explore what it takes to have a healthy home and help create some places for native animals to live and thrive. Ages 4-9
- Outdoor Adventurers – Get the outdoor bug! Kids will discover how to be true nature nuts hiking through the Zoo and some of its wild areas, all while exploring the animals that call it home. Adventure awaits! Ages 4-9
- SAFE: Saving Animals from Extinction – Animals need our help and “kid power” is an amazing force. SAFE is an international conservation initiative created by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Kids will learn what is being done to keep their favorite species SAFE right here at Sedgwick County Zoo and what can be done at home. Ages 4-9
- Junior Zoo Kids – Each Junior Zoo Kids class will uniquely focus on the weekly area or theme. Each class will give students an understanding of the fundamentals behind caring for animals. Students will have opportunities to tour areas, chat with keepers, and learn more about each highlighted area and the unique species in our keepers’ care. For descriptions of the classes, see Junior Zoo Kids themes below. Ages 10-12
Classes for children ages 4-9 years take place from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Junior Zoo Kids classes take place from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Classes begin and end in the Cargill Learning Center. Please wear closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather. Classes take place rain or shine. All sales are final.
Fees for ages 4-12
$80 for members or $100 for non-members per week of class
Ticket sales close at 12:00 noon on Friday before your chosen class begins on Monday.
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.
All sales are final. We do not offer a wait-list option for Education programs.
Play Care
Play Care is available when purchasing tickets for Summer Learning Adventures.
Before Care
Early drop-off care is available from 7:30-9 a.m. for students enrolled in Summer Learning Adventures. Children age four and older will enjoy activities and Zoo walks during this time. Space is limited. Fee is $40 for one week of care.
Between Care
Students enrolled in two sections of Junior Zookeeper in the same week may stay between classes under the care of Education Department staff. Students should plan to bring a sack lunch each day that does not need to be refrigerated. Between Care is offered 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Fee is $40 for one week of care.
Teen Programs
Looking for programs for Teens age 13-17? Click here.
Educational Goals and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
To review our Educational Goals for Summer Learning Adventures and answers to frequently asked questions, please click here.
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 Summer Learning Adventure.
Class themes, dates and times
click members or nonmembers to the right of the class you’d like to purchase.
Ticket sales close at 12:00 noon on Friday before your chosen class.
June 5-9
June 12-16
| Age | Class Name | Time | register |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-5 | Outdoor Adventurers | 9-11:30 a.m. | SOLD OUT 2023 |
| 6-9 | Outdoor Adventurers | 9-11:30 a.m. | SOLD OUT 2023 |
| 10-12 | Junior Zoo Kids: Veterinary Medicine & Zoo Careers | 9-11:30 a.m. | SOLD OUT 2023 |
June 19-23
| Age | Class Name | Time | register |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-5 | SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction | 9-11:30 a.m. | MembersNonMembers |
| 6-9 | SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction | 9-11:30 a.m. | SOLD OUT 2023 |
| 10-12 | Junior Zoo Kids: Ectotherms | 9-11:30 a.m. | SOLD OUT 2023 |
| 10-12 | Junior Zoo Kids: Horticulture | 12:30-3 p.m. | SOLD OUT 2023 |
June 26-30
| Age | Class Name | Time | register |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-5 | Home Sweet Home | 9-11:30 a.m. | SOLD OUT 2023 |
| 6-9 | Home Sweet Home | 9-11:30 a.m. | SOLD OUT 2023 |
| 10-12 | Junior Zoo Kids: Aquatics | 9-11:30 a.m. | SOLD OUT 2023 |
July 10-14
| Age | Class Name | Time | register |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-5 | Give a Helping Hand | 9-11:30 a.m. | MembersNonMembers |
| 6-9 | Give a Helping Hand | 9-11:30 a.m. | SOLD OUT 2023 |
| 10-12 | Junior Zoo Kids: Citizen Science | 9-11:30 a.m. | SOLD OUT 2023 |
| 10-12 | Junior Zoo Kids: Art in the Zoo | 12:30-3 p.m. | SOLD OUT 2023 |
July 17-21
| Age | Class Name | Time | register |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-5 | Outdoor Adventurers | 9-11:30 a.m. | SOLD OUT 2023 |
| 6-9 | Outdoor Adventurers | 9-11:30 a.m. | SOLD OUT 2023 |
| 10-12 | Junior Zoo Kids: Zookeeping & Zoo Careers | 9-11:30 a.m. | SOLD OUT 2023 |
July 24-28
| Age | Class Name | Time | register |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-5 | SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction | 9-11:30 a.m. | MembersNonMembers |
| 6-9 | SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction | 9-11:30 a.m. | SOLD OUT 2023 |
| 10-12 | Junior Zoo Kids: Birds | 9-11:30 a.m. | SOLD OUT 2023 |
| 10-12 | Junior Zoo Kids: Africa | 12:30-3 p.m. | SOLD OUT 2023 |
July 31 – August 4
| Age | Class Name | Time | register |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-5 | Home Sweet Home | 9 – 11:30 a.m. | MembersNonMembers |
| 6-9 | Home Sweet Home | 9-11:30 a.m. | SOLD OUT 2023 |
| 10-12 | Junior Zoo Kids: Aquatics | 9-11:30 a.m. | SOLD OUT 2023 |
Tickets
To purchase a ticket, click MEMBERS or NONMEMBER above next to the class of your choice or click the appropriate link below, select your start date, and add the class or class + play care to your cart.
Ticket purchases close at 12:00 noon on Friday before your chosen 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.
| Age | Members | NonMembers |
| 4-5 | MEMBER TICKETS | NONMEMBER TICKETS |
| 6-9 | SOLD OUT 2023 | SOLD OUT 2023 |
| 10-12 | SOLD OUT 2023 | SOLD OUT 2023 |
JUNIOR ZOO KIDS THEMES
Students in Junior Zoo Kids should plan to wear closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather.
- Africa: Students will take a closer look at a variety of the African species we have at Sedgwick County Zoo. Students will have opportunities to tour areas, chat with keepers and learn more about the day-to-day care of our species in Pride of Plains, African Savannah and more! Students may have opportunities for hands on husbandry experiences with cleaning, diet preparation, and enrichment.
- Aquatics: Students will discover the inner workings behind aquatic systems as they learn about the scaled, feathered and furry aquatic creatures that call Sedgwick County Zoo home. Students will have opportunities to tour areas, chat with keepers and learn more about the importance of water for all living things. Students will spend part of each day in the classroom as well as outside around the Zoo.
- Art in the Zoo: Art in the Zoo takes a look at the many ways our graphic artists theme the Zoo. Students will learn about different artistic mediums, discover how we use art around the Sedgwick County Zoo, and create their own artistic pieces to take home.
- Birds: Students will gain an understanding of the fundamentals behind caring for birds. Throughout this week, students will have opportunities to tour areas, chat with keepers and learn more about our vital role in bird’s conservation. Students will spend part of each day in the classroom as well as outside around the Zoo.
- Citizen Science: Get hands on with conservation research at the Sedgwick County Zoo! Students learn how to identify birds and insects, collect data on box turtles, learn frog calls, and more. This are all part of community based research know as Citizen Science. Students will spend part of each day in the classroom as well as outside around the Zoo.
- Ectotherms: Students will get an in depth look at some of the unique and sometimes misunderstood animals at our zoo. Whether it is slithering snake or jumpy frog, our variety of ectotherms are sure to intrigue. Students will have opportunities to visit the designated departments, chat with keepers and learn more about our vital role in their conservation. Students will spend part of each day in the classroom as well as outside around the Zoo.
- Horticulture: Students will focus on plant care and all of what a horticulturist’s job entails. Plants not only make are zoo look beautiful, but also are a crucial part of animal care. Bring your green thumb to this unique class experience. Students may have opportunities for hands on work around the zoo or in our greenhouse.
- North America & Farms: Students will get an in depth look at animals from their own stomping grounds, whether on the farm or in the great outdoors. They will have opportunities to visit the designated departments, chat with keepers and learn more about our vital role in their conservation. Students may have opportunities for hands on husbandry experiences with cleaning, diet preparation, and enrichment. Students will spend part of each day in the classroom as well as outside around the Zoo.
- Veterinary Medicine and other Zoo Careers: Students will focus on the important daily tasks of our veterinary department as well as other zoo departments. They will get to tour our hospital, get inside scoop from our veterinary care staff, as well as look at some lesser-known but all-important jobs at Sedgwick County Zoo. Students will spend part of each day in the classroom as well as outside around the Zoo.
- Zookeeping and Zoo Careers: Students will focus on the important daily tasks of zookeepers as well as other zoo careers. They will get to tour our elephant habitat, get some hand on practice on zookeeping techniques, as well as looking at some lesser-known but all-important jobs at Sedgwick County Zoo. Students will spend part of each day in the classroom as well as outside around the Zoo.
Teen Programs
Conservation Academy
Ages 13-17
Join us for an exciting hands-on look at conservation! In Conservation Academy, students will have the opportunity to assist with multiple Citizen Science projects and learn the basics of environmental interpretation.
Zooniversity
Age 13
Join us for an in-depth look at what zookeepers do on a daily basis by spending one week of your summer with us.
Zookeeper Apprentice Program
Ages 14-17
ZAP 1 is the first level of our four-part Zookeeper Apprentice Program.
Guests with special needs are welcome. Please contact the Education Department for more information.
For the safety and comfort of other participants, we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone with a fever or who is noticeably sick.
Please remember, for everyone’s safety and enjoyment all class participants must meet age requirements; no older or younger siblings allowed, including infants.
To review our Educational Goals for Summer Learning Adventures and answers to frequently asked questions, please click here.
If you have questions, please contact the Education Department at ZooEducation@scz.org.
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.