Go wild during the holiday break

December 2, 2019

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility, has new camps and classes for children and adults to embrace their wild side during the winter months and immerse themselves in environmental and conservation learning.

Registration for all zoo education offerings is now open and can be viewed online.

“Our classes and camps are all about fun, but these interactive experiences also help fulfill our mission of connecting people to nature through play,” says Zoo Education Coordinator Kristy Benner. “It’s a great opportunity for socialization, as well as getting hands-on with science activities, zoo tours, and meeting ambassador animals up close,” Benner says.

Zoos and aquariums play a vital role in conservation education. Studies have shown that facilities accredited by the AZA enhance the public’s understanding of wildlife and the need to conserve the environments they live in. By providing experiences that give people a stronger connection to nature, zoos provide visitors with opportunities to evaluate their role in environmental issues, conservation action, and how they can be part of the solution.

Tots 1- to 3-year-olds, and their adults, can explore the world of various animals through engaging songs, interactive play, unique crafts, and live animal encounters. Children between the ages of 5 to 13 have various options: School Break Camps, Wild Science, Junior Keepers, Zoo U-niversity. But the Zoo fun is not just for kids. Adults can experience Paint Night – an 18-and-older animal art class with food, music, live animal encounters and instruction while the participants paint a portrait of the star animal of the night.

And for the 50-plus crowd, you are going to love being a “Sensational Senior.” This class is like the wildly popular Senior Safari series at Happy Hollow, though this monthly offering requires advanced registration, and runs November to April. Participants will enjoy mini walking tours, live animal encounters, animal-enrichment crafts, activities, door prizes and breakfast options. These classes encourage seniors to become Happy Hollow ambassadors as they socialize, exercise and learn at their new “wild” hangout.

Download (PDF) class flyers:

School Break Camps 2020 (Ages 5 to 11)

Tales for Tots  (Age 1 to 3 with an adult)

Wild Science (Age 4 to 6)

Junior Keepers (Age 7 to 9)

Zoo U-niversity (Age 10 to 13)

Sensational Seniors (Age 50-and up)