Zoo Tots

Introduce your child to the wonders of the Animal Kingdom early!  Children between the ages of 3 to 5 years are eligible to register for the Education Department’s Zoo Tots Program.  Each 45-minute program offered on Tuesdays & Thursdays features hands-on encounters with animals, a craft activity and story time that revolve around the theme for the week.  Come to one or sign-up for the whole series.  All programs meet in the Discovery Center located in Play Park at the south end of the Zoo. 

Fees:  
Members - $8 per child per class (class fee includes one child & one adult)
Non-members - $10 per child per class (class fee includes one child & one adult)

Admission is required in order to participate in the program.  Members receive FREE admission whenever they visit the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.

Call 757-4463 ext. 122 for schedule and registration form.

Registration for all programs will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.  Complete a separate registration form for each child.  We do not take registrations over the telephone.  Class size is limited to the first 12 children who apply.

Waiting Lists: Due to the overwhelming popularity of our Zoo Tots Program, we do keep waiting lists when classes fill.  If an opening becomes available, we will contact you by telephone.  Please make sure the registration form includes daytime, evening and cell phone contact numbers.

Payment: Full payment must accompany your registration form.  We accept checks, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover cards.  Checks are made payable to the Jacksonville Zoo.

Mail the registration form to:

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
Education Department 
370 Zoo Parkway
Jacksonville, FL  32218

Hand Deliver the registration form to the PepsiCo Foundation Education Campus at the south end of the zoo’s main parking lot Monday – Sunday 9 am – 5 pm.

FAX the registration form to 904-757-2444 24-hours a day.  Do not forget to complete all the requested credit card information and sign the registration form.  If you have more than one child wanting to attend the same program, please fax all registrations together.

Deadline for registration is 5 p.m. on Friday before the week of scheduled classes.  Many of our classes are extremely popular.  When classes are full you will be notified immediately that your registration was not received in time to secure a spot for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am new to the program.  How do you screen your staff?

All staff educators are screened for excellence in children’s programming.  All have had previous experience with children and have cleared nationwide, state and FBI Level 2 background checks as prescribed by the State of Florida’s Jessica Lunsford Act.

I have younger and/or older children.  May I bring them along?

If other children are going to participate in the class, they must be registered and paid for.  If you have a baby, you are welcome to bring him or her along as long as he or she will not be disruptive during the program.  We have received complaints from other parents when infants disrupt the experience for their children and strongly advise that restless and distressed babies not accompany older siblings to the class.

Do I have to pay to enter the Zoo?

If you are not a member, you will have to pay Zoo admission to participate in the class.  Members receive FREE admission every time they visit the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and discounts on all programs offered through the Education Department.

Click here to become a Member of the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Where are the classes held?

All Zoo Tot classes are held at the Discovery Center in Play Park, the children’s zoo located near the Wildlife Carousel.  Classes begin promptly , so please allow enough time to walk to the Discovery Center from the Zoo’s Main Gate.  In your confirmation materials, you will receive a map showing you the location of the Discovery Center.

Do I have to register for both Tuesday and Thursday?

The same class is offered twice each week – Tuesdays & Thursdays.  We understand that busy parents need flexible scheduling.  You may register for both days (it will be the same experience, but for 30 to 48 month olds repetition helps them learn), once a week or once a month.  It is entirely up to you.

CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICIES: Cancellations received 10 business days or more prior to your scheduled class will receive a full refund less a 10% administrative fee.  Cancellations made 9 to 5 business days prior to the first day of a class will receive a 75% refund of fees.  Cancellations received less than 5 business days before the event forfeit all fees paid.

The Education Department reserves the right to cancel or combine classes when they do not meet the minimum requirement of 6 students to provide the program.  Exceptions to the cancellation and refund policies will be made on a case by case basis and at the sole discretion of the Director of Education.