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kidZone
Changes are in the works!
kidZone is closed until late summer/early fall of 2013.
kidZone is receiving many updates including a new stream for play, rope bridges and trees! These and other changes will be taking place over the next year, but we will definitely have the space ready for playing. If you have specific questions or concerns, please email.
May 28 - World Play Day
May 28 is World Play Day. Look for extra activities in the Woods at kidZone and for the play pocket of the day.
The Woods are open!
We are pleased to announce that The Woods are open again this season. The Woods offers kids the opportunity to build forts, make a mud pie, help in our herb garden, play in the sand, enjoy a scheduled animal encounter or do an art project when playworkers are present.
Playworkers will also be out and about in the park in play pockets bringing a piece of kidZone to the different areas. The pocket of the day will be posted in The Woods.
The entrance to the new kidZone is also open and ready for play. Nicknamed "The Nest" by many visitors, the stick structure was designed and built by Patrick Dougherty with the help of zoo staff and volunteers.
What are you waiting for? Come Play With Us!
Summer Pre-School Programs 2013
The Zoo's Summer Pre-School Programs target 4-5 year olds. Join Zoo Educators on Tuesdays and Thursdays this summer at 10 a.m. Each program lasts approximately 45 minutes and includes a story and a take-home craft. Games and songs may also be included in the fun.
CAMP T-SHIRTS
Want to look like you belong in the Zoo? Zoo Camp t-shirts are available in both adult and children's sizes. T-shirts can be ordered when you register for $10.
Animal Tails
Tuesday, June 18 OR Thursday, July 25
What do you do with a tail like this? Swinging and jumping are just some things animals do with their tail. Make your own and see what you use it for.
Bugs, Grubs, & Slugs
Thursday, June 20
Wiggle and squiggle into a bug’s life. Get down in the dirt and help us search for some really cool bugs!
Messy Nature Art
Tuesday, June 25 OR Thursday, August 1
This camp is for those who like to get a little messy. We’ll use nature to create some unique arts and crafts. Wear your messy clothes.
Shak’n, Hop’n & a Stomp’n
Thursday, June 27 OR Tuesday, July 23
We like to move it move it! Hop, climb, slither and slide; animals move in all sorts of ways. Discover the different types of animal feet and how they get around.
A Sense of Wonder
Tuesday, July 16
Nature is full of crazy colors, smells, sounds, tastes and textures. Using our senses we will investigate the world around us.
Tall & Small
Thursday, July 18
Tall, small. Big, little. Huge, tiny. Help us find all the different shapes and sizes that make nature so fun to explore!
Water, Water Everywhere!
Tuesday, July 30
Get ready to explore the wonders of all things aquatic. We’ll take a trip to see some of our animals that live in water and maybe just do some splashing of our own. Be prepared to possibly get wet.
Register for Pre-School Summer Camps 2013
FAQ's for pre-school summer camps
Logistics:
- Cost: $3 member PLUS admission/$5 non-member
- Meet at the North American Bridge at 10am
- Parents are welcome to stay and play
- Bring Health form/photo release to first camp attending
What to bring:
- weather appropriate clothing
- sunscreen
- water
- comfortable shoes
- clothes that can get messy
For more information on Pre-School Programs contact the Zoo education office by phone (336) 879-7715, toll free 1-800-488-0444 ext. 7715 or Email
Nature Play Days
Thank you everyone for a great season! The Woods is now closed so construction can begin in full swing. In the mean time, we invite you to host your own Nature Play Day in your local community. Take advantage of our Resource Packet to plan your event. If you would like to have the Zoo participate in your Nature Play Day contact us at (336) 879-7715 or Email.
Nature Play Day Resource Packet
Play Matters
Protect the earth for tomorrow by playing in nature today!
kidZone is still part of the movement to reconnect children with nature. Kids don't spend nearly as much time outside now as their parents and especially their grandparents did when they were children. With the growing issues in our environment, a connection with the natural world is essential to preserving the wild places all the zoo animals represent. Our hope is that kids who connect with nature grow into adults who care for nature. So, be sure to get outside in your own backyard and enjoy the outdoors throughout the seasons...don't forget to dress appropriately!
Take advantage of some of these ideas... Backyard Play
For more information about kidZone, contact the Zoo education office by email
Learn more about connecting children and nature with these resources: