The Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum

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Educational Programs

The Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History educates thousands of area schoolchildren through special programs like ZooCamps, ZooCubs classes, ZooMobiles, ZooZnoozes, and class field trips. In addition, we also offer school and group tours, birthday parties and Junior Zookeeper/Junior Educator programs.

The Zoo has extensive and fun educational programs that offer something for everyone from children two years of age to adults.

Please check out all of the Zoo’s educational opportunities and come and join us for a wild time at the Zoo! If you have and questions, please call the Great Plains Zoo’s Education Department at 605-367-8313, ext. 15.

Activities, Camps & Classes

The Great Plains Zoo has a variety of educational programs that can be used to meet all sorts of educational goals.

Camps and Classes

ZooCub Classes
We are excited about our great new line-up of ZooCubs classes and summer ZooCamps for 2011. A downloadable schedule in available in the box below.

ZooCub Classes
Each class is customized, but all include crafts, stories, tours of the Zoo, and animal encounters. A downloadable schedule in available in the box below.

The easiest way to register your children for any of our classes or camps is on-line: Online Activity Registration. You can also use the registration form in the box below or you can call the Zoo directly at 605-367-8313 ext. 37 and we will register you over the phone as well. Registration is processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The best way to assure your place in any camp or classs is to use our online registration.

Zoo to You!

When the ZooMobile pulls into your parking lot an adventure is sure to follow! All ages will enjoy getting a close-up, hands-on opportunity to get nose-to-nose with a variety of creatures as they explore the wonders of the Animal Kingdom. The Great Plains Zoo will travel to your facility to present programs on a variety of topics using live animals and animal artifacts called biofacts. All programs adhere closely to the South Dakota Content Standards for Science. ZooMobiles are perfect for schools, libraries, nursing homes, assisted living centers, daycares, and birthday parties! Please view the list of programs and pricing in the box below.

Zoo-Per Birthday Parties!

Birthday parties are available year round with reservations being made at least two weeks in advance. Each party is two hours in length and includes 10 youths and 2 adults. Parents can arrive 30 minutes early to set up their party location. Parents are welcome to bring birthday cake and food to the party. Outside arrangements for pizza and subs are easy options for parents to consider. The Zoo does not have a freezer to store ice cream treats. Party plates, napkins and table coverings are the choice of the parents. Balloons are prohibited for the safety of our animals. Parents are responsible for the general clean-up of the party area. An invoice will be at admissions and can be paid at the time of departure.

Birthday parties include a private party area, access to the Zoo and Museum, and a choice of two activities.

Private Party Location: Choose from the Wallaby Pavillion or the Sanford Carousel. The Education Classroom will be used in case of inclement weather and during winter months.

Access to the Zoo and Museum: After your party you are welcome to stay and tour the Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum.
Winter hours: October-March 5:00pm closing
Summer hours: April-September 7:00pm closing

Choice of two activities:
10 tickets for the train (seasonal) or carousel (seasonal)

A bucket of duck food or farm animal food

Museum scavenger hunt (K-3rd grade)

15 minute animal encounter

Add-on additional activities to round out your Zoo-per Party! Please call Stacey, Guest Services Team Lead, at (605) 367-8313 ext. 25 or email her at spokorney@gpzoo.org to schedule your Zoo-Per Birthday Party!

School and Group Tours

Please call Stacey, Guest Services Team Lead, at (605) 367-8313 ext. 25 or email her at spokorney@gpzoo.org for more information and to reserve your group trip!

Junior ZooKeeper Program

The Great Plains Zoo’s Junior Zookeeper program is for young people ages 12-18. These volunteers care for the animals in the Hy-Vee Face-to-Face Farm, work as summer ZooCamp assistants, and provide education opportunities for our guests through daily Creature Features. In addition to getting them up-close to animals, Junior Zookeepers work side-by-side with professional Zookeepers. They learn important job skills, practice public speaking, develop strong work ethics, and take pride in performing a needed job. For more information, call Ashley Verdeck, Education Specialist, at (605) 367-8313 ext. 14 or email her at averdeck@gpzoo.org.