Maryland Zoo Announces Summer Public Programs
June 6th, 2012
BALTIMORE, MD – Just because school is almost out doesn’t mean that fun educational activities aren’t “in” this summer! The Public Programs Education Team has put together a wild schedule of adventures for kids of all ages starting at the end of June and continuing through August. All programs, tours and activities are free with Zoo admission, but some do require pre-registration. Those wishing to pre-register should call The Maryland Zoo’s Education Department at 443.552.5300.
Summer Animal Adventures
Through active games, activities, crafts and short tours, participants will learn about the husbandry, behavior, adaptations and ecology of the featured animals. Program themes change weekly. All programs require pre-registration and The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore reserves the right to cancel programs due to insufficient registration.
- Day and Time: Tuesdays ( 10:30 – 11:15) and Thursdays (10:30am – 12:00 pm)
- Recommended Ages: Tuesdays (3 -5 years with parent), Thursday (6 – 9 years )
- Registration Deadline: Close of Business Friday prior to program
- Minimum Registration for program to run: 5 participants
Summer Animal Adventures themes:
Slithery, Skittery – (Snakes and Lizards) – August 7 (3-5 year olds) & August 9 (6-9 year olds) – Meet at Education Tent near the Maryland Wilderness Tree Exhibit.
African Giants – (Elephants, Rhinos and Giraffes) – August 14 (3-5 year olds) & August 16 (6-9 year olds) – Meet at the Education Tent behind Rock Island Penguin Exhibit .
Half-sunk Logs (with Eyes!) – (Crocodiles and Gators) – August 21 (3-5 year olds) & August 23 (6-9 year olds) Meet at the Education Tent near Gorilla Statues before the Chimpanzee Forest Outdoor Exhibit.
Family Habitat Huddles
The entire family can enjoy these 45-minute programs highlighting some of our key habitats. Each program includes a short tour to view animals found in featured habitats. Programs require pre-registration.
- Day and Time: Wednesdays from 10:30 – 11:15 (see schedule below for specific dates, topics and meeting locations).
- Recommended Age: All ages (At least one adult is required for each family group)
- Registration deadline: Close of business Friday prior to program.
- Minimum Registration: 5 participants
Family Habitat Huddles themes:
Forest Frolics (August 8) – Meet at Education Tent near the Maryland Wilderness Tree Exhibit to learn about Maryland Forest Ecosystems.
African Boardwalk Fitness Hike (August 15) – Meet at Education Tent near Creature Encounters to begin a tour of the African boardwalk and do simple exercises based on behaviors and athletic abilities of African Savannah animals.
Take Me to the River (August 22) – Meet at the Education Tent near the Gorilla Statues to learn about the Congo River and the animals that inhabit its watershed.
Ecology Explorations
These programs, which are suitable for families with children aged 5 and up, explore a variety of natural history subjects.
- Day and Time: Every other Saturday 11:00 – noon
- Recommended Age: 5 and up
- Registration deadline: Wednesday prior to program
- Minimum Registration: 5
Rainforest Revue (Tropical Forests) – (August 11) – Among the oldest ecosystems in the world, tropical forests contain a vast array of plant and animal species. Learn about the incredible diversity of African rainforests while exploring the Zoo’s Chimpanzee Forest Exhibit. Meet at the Education Tent near the Gorilla Statues before the Outdoor Chimpanzee Exhibit.
Bone Detectives – (Animal Skulls and Bones) – (August 25) – This is your chance to be a forensic scientist and solve the mysteries of how skull, bone and dental adaptations help various animals survive within their environment. Meet at the Education Tent at Creature Encounters to test your nature detective skills!
Mini Tours
The Zoo will also be offering “Fifteen Minute Mini-Tours” on select days throughout the summer. These brief, themed tours are appropriate for family groups with children of all ages and adults. Tours will focus on various topics in Zoo areas where there is not as much interpretive signage. The drop- in programs will be offered based on staff availability on select Mondays and Fridays throughout the summer. Look on the chalk board at Creature Encounters to learn of location and times of any Mini-Tours being offered on the day of your visit.
- Day and Time: Selected Mondays and Fridays 11:00 – noon.
- Recommended Age: All Ages
Likely topics include, but are not limited to:
Frog Pond Mini-Tour – Participants learn about the giant tadpoles and other denizens of the Zoo’s frog pond.
Forest Floor Mini-Tour – Using a magnifying glass, participants search for and learn about decomposers and other inhabitants of the forest floor.
Maryland Bog Mini -Tour – Participants learn about the formation of the bog as well as the animals and plants that are adapted to live there.
“Fifteen Minute Mini Tours” will also be offered on weekends throughout the summer, focusing on Zoo areas where there is not as much interpretive signage. The drop- in programs will be offered based on staff availability on various Saturdays and Sundays. Look on the chalk board at Creature Encounters to learn of location and times of any Mini-Tours being offered on the day of your visit.
- Day and Time: Selected Saturdays and Sundays 11:00 – noon.
- Recommended Age: All Ages
Likely topics include, but are not limited to:
Bug Hunt Mini-Tour – Participants explore zoo flower gardens and natural areas for pollinators and other insects.
African Aviary Mini-Tour – Participants learn more about the ecology of the wading and aquatic birds living in the African Aviary exhibit.
Farmyard Mini-Tour – Participants meet the unique breeds of farmyard animals featured in the exhibit and learn about the roles that farms play in Maryland Agriculture.
