Dickerson Park Zoo is a division of the Springfield-Greene County Park Board and an accredited member institution of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.
417-833-1570
Email: info@dickersonparkzoo.org
Dickerson Park Zoo
3043 North Fort Springfield, MO 65803
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Classes Booking Cart
Zoo Education Programs
Z.E.B.R.A. Classes at Dickerson Park Zoo open the amazing world of animals to children from tots to teens. Encourage curiosity, appreciation and wonder with up-close animal encounters where students learn through hands-on activities and experiences, crafts, stories and games, all designed to instill a lifelong love of learning and animal conservation and care. All education classes take place in the Gaska Family Education Wing building located a short drive from the front gate. See map for details. Registration for classes closes at noon one day prior to date of the class to allow teachers time to prepare.
Before registering for a class you must register for our website. It's free and easy. Just use the link below and then you can sign-up for classes once you are logged in. When you add classes to your cart they are not added to the cart in the main menu My Cart. They are added to Classes Booking Cart at the very top. Use that to see your cart. Additionally, during the booking process, you are presented with buttons to the cart in page.
Summer 2020 Z.E.B.R.A Classes and Camps
Zoo Tots
Children ages 2 to 5, are invited to join Zoo Tots, Dickerson Park Zoo’s premier preschool class. Zoo Tots classes are designed to spark curiosity and encourage discovery in young children. Each month, learn about a different topic with fascinating stories, creative crafts, hands on activities, and an animal friend to meet.
Age: 2-5 yrs. who have not started K, with an adult
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Fee: $10/FOZ Member, $15/Non-member
May: The African Savanna
#112 Friday, May 15 CLOSED
#113 Saturday, May 16 CLOSED
#114 Thursday, May 21 CLOSED
June: ABCs on the Titus Express
July: There are no Zoo Tots Classes scheduled for July. Please check out our Creature Feature classes for availability.
August: Under the Sea
Creature Feature
Kids learn fun facts about the month’s featured creature through story time and crafts. Animal ambassadors from the education department will be introduced to deepen our understanding and connection with the natural world. This class is perfect for siblings!
Age: 2-6 yrs., with an adult
Time: 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Fee: $10/FOZ Member, $15/Non-member
May: Zebra
#131 Friday, May 22 CLOSED
#132 Saturday May 23 CLOSED
June: Green Anaconda
July: Indian Peafowl
August: No Creature Features scheduled for August. Please check out our Zoo Tots classes for availability.
Pre K One Day Camps
Stripes, Spots, Squiggles, and Giggles
Patterns are everywhere! Preschool students will have a wild time spotting patterns as we tour the zoo, experiment with art, and meet animal friends. While on safari, we might get a little bit messy, so students should wear clothes they don’t mind getting wet or dirty. No open toed shoes please. This is a child-only class.
Age: 4 -5 yrs., who have not yet started Kindergarten
Time: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Fee: $20/FOZ Member, $30/Non-member
Dates:
#272 Saturday, June 13 CLOSED
or
I want to be a Zooper Hero!
If you could have one super power, what would it be? Would you soar like an eagle? Would you have a stinger like a bee? Would you have strong claws like a sloth? All animals have their own special adaptations that help them survive. While humans might not be able to spread wings and fly, isn’t it fun to imagine? Our curiosity journey will take us out on zoo grounds to visit some of our own zooper hero animals. Please dress for the weather and wear closed toe shoes. This is a child-only class.
Age: 4 -5 yrs., who have not yet started Kindergarten
Time: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Fee: $20/FOZ Member, $30/Non-member
Dates:
or
Pre K Two Day Camp
Wild Zoolympics
In this exciting two day camp, your preschooler will discover the fastest flying, longest leaping, and swiftest swimmers of the animal kingdom. With stories, songs, crafts, and hands on activities, kiddos will learn amazing facts about these gold medal worthy animals. This class will also take us outside onto zoo grounds, so dress for the weather and wear closed toe shoes. This is a child-only class.
Age: 4 -5 yrs., who have not yet started Kindergarten
Time: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. each day
Fee: $40/FOZ Member, $55/Non-member
Dates:
#277 Friday and Saturday, July 24-25
or
#278 Tuesday and Wednesday, July 28-29
Kindergarten/1st Grade One Day Camps
Summer Kick Off Camp
The summer is finally here! Dickerson Park Zoo is bustling. In this one day camp, we will learn about how the zoo runs! Students will find out how the exhibits work, how the keepers take care of the animals and enrich the animals’ lives. This is a jam packed camp filled with zoo exploration, animal encounters, crafts, games and memories to last a lifetime! We might get messy, so please wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet or dirty and wear closed toe shoes. Please bring a lunch that does not require refrigeration (reusable containers are preferred). Kick the summer off right with the Dickerson Park Zoo!
Age: Students who have completed Kindergarten or 1st grade.
Time: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Fee: $40/FOZ Member, $55/Non-member
Dates:
#260 Wednesday, May 27 CLOSED
#261 Friday, May 29 CLOSED
Or
#262 Saturday, May 30 CLOSED
Pets and Vets
Pets are more than just animals, they are true members of our families. They are best friends who will love you unconditionally. So it is our job to make sure our pets are happy and healthy. In this day camp, students will learn what it takes to be a responsible pet owner. We will put our new pet care skills to the test with hands on vet clinic play and visits with live animals. This day camp would be excellent for an aspiring young veterinarian or student yearning for a pet to call their own! We might get messy, so please wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet or dirty and wear closed toe shoes. Please bring a lunch that does not require refrigeration (reusable containers are preferred).
Age: Students who have completed Kindergarten or 1st grade.
Time: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Fee: $40/FOZ Member, $55/Non-member
Dates:
Or
Kindergarten/1st Grade Two Day Camps
Think BIG
The world is BIG. How big, you ask… overwhelmingly big! Some birthday cakes are big. Some animals are big. Some swimming pools are big. Some mountains are big! This fascinating two day camp will help bring the world down to size. We’ll compare and contrast large and small. We’ll measure, weigh, and record just like scientist. We’ll even discover some little ways that we can make big changes in our big world! We might get messy, so please wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet or dirty and wear closed toe shoes. Please bring a lunch that does not require refrigeration (reusable containers are preferred).
Age: Students who have completed Kindergarten or 1st grade.
Time: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Fee: $75/FOZ Member, $90/Non-member
Dates:
#266 Friday and Saturday, June 5-6
Or
#267 Monday and Tuesday, June 8-9
Wild Zoolympics
In this exciting two day camp, students will discover the fastest flying, longest leaping, and swiftest swimmers of the animal kingdom. With stories, crafts, games, and hands on activities, kiddos will learn amazing facts about these gold medal worthy animals. This class will also take us outside onto zoo grounds, so dress for the weather and wear closed toe shoes. Please bring a lunch that does not require refrigeration (reusable containers are preferred).
Age: Students who have completed Kindergarten or 1st grade.
Time: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Fee: $75/FOZ Member, $90/Non-member
Dates:
#268 Wednesday and Thursday, August 12-13
#269 Friday and Saturday, August 14-15
Or
2nd and 3rd grade campers are spending two days of wild fun focused on special groups of animals. These camps include zoo tours, animal encounters, games, crafts, and more. Get ready for lots of hands-on learning about the animal world!
Age: Students who have completed 2nd or 3rd grade.
Time: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Fee: $120/FOZ Member, $150/Non-member
June: Reptile Rendezvous
#300 Wednesday & Thursday, June 17 & 18
July: Animal Oddities
#299 Monday & Tuesday, July 6 & 7
July: Feline Frenzy
#301 Monday & Tuesday, July 27 & 28
August: Marsupial Madness
Do you have what it takes to be a zookeeper? Campers shadow our keepers and participate in everyday animal care duties, including feeding our animals, cleaning up after them, and making special enrichment items. Roll up those sleeves and prepare to get dirty!
Age: Students who have completed 4th, 5th, or 6th grade.
Time: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Fee:
Two Days: $120/FOZ Member, $150/Non-member
Three Days: $180/FOZ Member, $225/Non-member
#310 Monday & Tuesday, May 25 & 26 CLOSED
#311 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday June 8, 9, 10
#312 Monday & Tuesday, June 15 & 16
It's a primate parade! Join us as we march around the zoo and through the world of monkeys, lemurs, and apes. We'll learn what these animals have in common with each other and with us, through games, crafts, and live animal encounters.
Age: Students who have completed 4th, 5th, or 6th grade.
Time: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Fee: $180/FOZ Member, $225/Non-member
Who works behind-the-scenes to run the zoo? In this camp, students will meet various zoo staff and learn about the day-to-day activities of those who work in close contact with animals, as well as others who are vital to maintaining a zoo. If you are interested in a career in animal care, wildlife conservation, or veterinary medicine, this is the camp for you!
Age: Students who have completed 7th, 8th, or 9th grade.
Time: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Fee: $250/FOZ Member, $300/Non-member
Fall 2020 Z.E.B.R.A Classes
Zoo Tots classes are designed to spark curiosity and encourage discovery in young children. Classes include a craft, meeting animal friends and forming a connection with the natural world.
Age: Children ages 2-5 (students who have not yet started kindergarten) with one adult
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Fee: $10/FOZ members, $15/Non-members
September: Rivers and Streams
#380 Wednesday, September 23
#381 Friday, September 25
#382 Saturday, September 26
October: Going Batty!
#383 Wednesday, October 28
#384 Friday, October 30
#385 Saturday, October 31
November: Backyard Birds
#386 Wednesday, November 25
#387 Friday, November 27
#388 Saturday, November 28
December: Eco-Friendly Holiday Party
#389 Wednesday, December 23
A 45-minute program with story time, animal encounter, and crafts. Kids learn fun facts about the month's featured creature.
Age: Children 2 to 6 years of age, with an adult
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Fee: $10/FOZ members, $15/Non-members
September: King Vultures
#360 Thursday, September 10
#361 Friday, September 11
#362 Saturday, September 12
October: Tarantulas
#363 Thursday, October 15
#364 Friday, October 16
#365 Saturday, October 17
November: Red Kangaroos
#366 Thursday, November 12
#367 Friday, November 13
#368 Saturday, November 14
December: Gila Monsters
#369 Thursday, December 10
#370 Friday, December 11
#371 Saturday, December 12
Each three-hour class includes a myriad of activities including: zoo tours, crafts, animal visits, stories, snacks and more. Please wear closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather. Zoo tours are weather dependent.
Age: Students enrolled in kindergarten or 1st grade; adults do not stay with child.
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Fee: $20/FOZ members, $30/Non-members
September: Goat Appreciation
#372 Saturday, September 26
October: National Fossil Day
#373 Saturday, October 17
November: All About Venom
#374 Saturday, November 28
Kindergarten and First Grade Winter Break Camp
Give the gift of experience this winter! Kindergartners and 1st graders are sure to love this exciting two day zoo camp. During our two days, we will celebrate our love for animals, all over the world! Everyone will find something new to love during our zoo tours, crafts, animal visits, stories, games and more. Please wear closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather. Please bring a packed lunch that does not require refrigeration (reusable containers preferred). Zoo tours are weather dependent.
Age: Students enrolled in kindergarten or 1st grade; adults do not stay with child.
Fee per session: $75/FOZ Member $90/Non-member
Time: 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
#375 Monday and Tuesday, December 28 and 29
#376 Wednesday and Thursday, December 30 and 31
Keeper for a Day
New in 2020! A special, limited opportunity to shadow our education animal staff in a personal setting (only two students each day). Participate in the everyday care duties of our education animal ambassadors, including feeding, cleaning, and making and distributing special enrichment items. Roll up those sleeves and prepare to get dirty! Experience includes a zoo lunch of your choice.
Fee per session: $60/FOZ Member $75/Non-Member
Time: 12:30pm-4:30pm
#350 Sunday, September 13
#351 Sunday, October 4
#352 Sunday, November 8
#353 Sunday, December 13
Keeper for a Day
New in 2020! A special, limited opportunity to shadow our education animal staff in a personal setting (only two students each day). Participate in the everyday care duties of our education animal ambassadors, including feeding, cleaning, and making and distributing special enrichment items. Roll up those sleeves and prepare to get dirty! Experience includes a zoo lunch of your choice.
Fee per session: $60/FOZ Member $75/Non-Member
Time: 12:30pm-4:30pm
#354 Sunday, September 20
#355 Sunday, October 11
#356 Sunday, November 15
#357 Sunday, December 20
Wild Canids Day Camp
We love our domestic dogs, but what about their wild family members? Let’s find out who’s who in the canid world through games, crafts, and up close looks at this amazing group of animals!
Age: 4-6 Grade
Fee per session: $60/FOZ Members $75/Non-Member
Time: 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
#358 Monday, September 7
Reptile Rendezvous Day Camp
They’re scaly, cold-blooded, and so cool! Let’s dive into the world of reptiles with zoo tours, hands-on animal encounters, games, crafts, and more.
Age: 4-6 Grade
Fee per session: $60/FOZ Members $75/Non-Member
Time: 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
#359 Friday, October 23
If you prefer paper registration use the button to the right to download the printable registration form.
Scavenger Hunts
Resources For Teachers & Parent
Activities for Grades 3 & 4
Resources For Teachers & Parent
Activities fo Grades 5 - 7
Resources For Teachers & Parent