Children’s Zoo

Zoo plans fun programs for kids, families

Posted by hiccups

on August 17, 2010 at 10:22 am

Education programs abound at the Oklahoma City Zoo. And as a Zoo Friends member, I enjoy as much of these with my 4-year-old as I can. It’s a great perk for members and nonmembers alike so get ready for some fall fun with the kids!

Toddler and preschooler programs include a live animal presentation, craft, story time, songs and more. Classes are 10 to 11 a.m. and cost $12 for a child with adult Zoo Friends member, or $15 for child with adult nonmember. Additional fees apply for siblings.

Classes are:

Age 2: Mother Goose, Sept. 2 or 4

Age 3: R is for Rhino, Aug. 19 or 21
S is for Sea Lion, Sept. 16 or 18

Ages 4-5: Flying High, Aug. 28
Billy Goats Gruff, Sept. 25

School’s Out Safari Day Camps

If you would like somewhere fun and educational your child can enjoy during fall break or other fall days off from school, the zoo has you covered. Classes are for ages 4-12 and meet from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the zoo’s Education Building. Cost per day is $30 per child, siblings $20 each. Advance registration and payment are required, and spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Snacks will be provided, but children must bring their own lunch.

Dates are: Sept. 6, 7 and 24 and Oct. 21 and 22.

Family program

An upcoming family program is “Sink Your Teeth into Sharks!” and is Aug. 28 from 2 to 3 p.m. Your family can learn all about the world of sharks. Adults are free with paid child registration. Cost per child is $15 for zoo members, $18 for nonmembers. Program is for children ages 4-12.

Zoo art

Have any little artists in your family? Then come join local artist Lance Kelly and learn to draw animals. Basic drawing concepts are reviewed, followed by live sketching of zoo animals. Class meets in the education building and is $20 per class for one person, $5 for each additional family member. Classes are for ages 7 and older and meet from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Class dates and animal topics are:

Sept. 25: Grizzly Bear
Oct. 23: Bison
Nov. 13, Turkey

For more information or to register for any of these programs, go to okczoo.recware.com or call 425-0218.

-Erica Smith

esmith@opubco.com

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Children’s Zoo is now open

Posted by hiccups

on March 15, 2010 at 12:20 pm

We’ve been patiently waiting for more than two years. We’ve seen the signs change … “Children’s Zoo coming in Fall of 2009.” “Children’s Zoo coming in Spring of 2010.”

Friday, March 12, that day finally came. The Oklahoma City Zoo opened their new Children’s Zoo, located on the zoo grounds.

First tip: Do not try to find an entrance near the Canopy Food Court. You will have to come all the way back to the main entrance to take the route to the right down to that area.

Second tip: When you find yourself just inside the Children’s Zoo, be sure to duck down before entering the tunnels. They are made for the kiddos, so don’t hit your head. There are some neat things to check out in the tunnels. Bugs, scorpions, other creepy-crawlies, so don’t miss them. When you come out on the other side, there is a big slide for the kids and a path to come up to everything else.

The best part: the Barnyard. Although you only get to really pet the donkeys the zoo staff brings out, seeing the other animals up close is fun for the kids. Children get to brush the donkeys outside of the barn and go inside to see the bunnies, goats, sheep and hogs. If your children are really small, you may have to lift them up to get a good look at the animals.

A really neat exhibit is Explorikeet Adventure. You enter in a little area where lorikeets are flying around, landing on your arm, your head, everywhere. My son, who is 3, was a little scared but thought it was hilarious when I bent down to talk to him and all of sudden I had a bird on my head and one on my back.

Third tip: Don’t stand directly under the lorikeet tree. They tend to poop … a lot. And they’re not looking at where it’s going to land.

All in all, the new Children’s Zoo is a lot of fun, especially for younger kids. They’ll have a blast, guaranteed.

And while you’re at the zoo, be sure to check out the very cute, 2-month-old baby giraffe.

For more information, go to www.okczoo.com.