Preschool Programs
Bring your little explorer along for a zoo adventure. Choose between social emotional learning with a wild theme in Safari Sprouts or the more science-focused semester-long Science Pups.
Programs are developed to encourage empathy, introduce basic science concepts and inspire a sense of wonder toward animals and the natural world.
Safari Sprouts
Designed for children ages 3-5, each 45-minute program includes exploratory hands-on activities and a walk through the zoo. Each week will cover a different topic related to the monthly theme.
Monthly Themes
August: Animals on the Move Can you slither like a snake or leap like a frog? This month’s programs will explore the interesting ways animals move.
September: Where in the World From the savanna to the sea children will discover the unique places animals call home.
October: Seasonal Changes Where do animals go in winter? In these programs children will observe the amazing ways the natural world changes with the seasons.
November: Nature Detectives Children will solve nature mysteries while using their senses to investigate feathers, footprints, or other signs that have been left behind.
Schedule
- Weekly on Mondays from 8:45am – 9:30am. Programs are August 17-November 16 except holidays and Knox County fall break and occur rain or shine unless cancelled due to severe weather.
- Please meet the zoo educator at the front gate no later than 8:35am.
- If you arrive after the program starts you will not be able to enter the zoo until it opens at 9:00am.
Know Before You Go
- $10 members; $12 nonmembers
- One registration covers one adult and one 3–5 year old child.
- Siblings under the age of 3 may attend with a registered sibling. Older siblings and additional adults may not attend.
- At least one adult per family must attend to assist their children.
- Registration closes the evening before each program.
- Zoo admission tickets or membership must be purchased online in advance. Same day tickets and memberships cannot be purchased at the gate.
Both the child and the adult must either purchase zoo admission tickets or have a membership to attend the program.
Registration opens 30 days before each program date. Registration for August 17th opens on July 19th!
Science Pups
Bring your little scientist to the zoo for a day of science-packed fun! Dive into games, activities, crafts, and up-close animal encounters. Join your child as we spark curiosity and build connections with animals and science. It’s a wild adventure you won’t want to miss!
- Class occurs weekly on Tuesdays. One parent or guardian must attend with their 4-5 year old. Older, younger and non-registered siblings may not attend due to space limits of the room.
- A membership is not required to register, however, both the student(s) and whoever brings the student(s) to class must either pay admission or have a membership in order to get to the classroom.
- Fall registration is open! Note that the registration link will take you to homeschool classes. In this list look for Tuesdays, PreK, 9:45