Lincoln Park Zoo

Learn in a Living Classroom
Want to gain some wild expertise? Sign up for a Lincoln Park Zoo program today!

View: All programs | Youth programs | Teen programs | Adult programs | Family programs | Educator programs

All programs

Ongoing
Exploring Ape Behavior
Enjoy a hands-on look at the behavioral research conducted at the Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes.
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Wednesdays and Saturdays April through October
Edible Garden
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Summers
Malott Family Zoo Intern Program (ZIP)
Lincoln Park Zoo is proud to offer a six-week summer internship program for underserved high school students ages 16–18.
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June 14 through August 15
Summer Conservation Camps
Lincoln Park Zoo Summer Conservation Camp offers fun, safe and memorable
experiences for 4-year-olds to those entering eighth grade in the fall.
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July 16 & 17
Sleep Under the Skyscrapers Sold Out
Pitch your tent on the South Lawn and sleep under the skyscrapers.
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August 6 & 7
Sleep Under the Skyscrapers Sold Out
Pitch your tent on the South Lawn and sleep under the skyscrapers.
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August 10 and 11
Nature in the City
8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Fee: $20

Learn how to bring ecology investigations into the K–5 classroom. From gull gazing to insect investigations, discover how your schoolyard, Lincoln Park Zoo and the zoo’s new Nature Boardwalk can enhance classroom instruction.

This course will provide teachers with lessons and planning tools related to ecology and animal behavior. Teachers will learn how to bridge concepts presented in an outdoor setting with those encountered in the classroom.

Participants will receive free curriculum materials to help them create interdisciplinary, inquiry-based lessons in the classroom.

Parking and meals are included in course fees.

For more details, or to register, e-mail educationprograms@lpzoo.org or call 312-742-2056.

September 3
Bedtime Buddies in Regenstein African Journey
Ever wonder what Lincoln Park Zoo’s aardvark and giraffes are up to at nighttime? Join us at Regenstein African Journey to find out. Parents and children ages 3–10 are invited to experience life in Africa and get to know some amazing African animals. Throw on your pajamas and join the fun! Snacks and drinks will be provided.
7–9 p.m.
$35 per person ($30 for members)
Suitable for families with children between the ages of 3–10.
Click here to register
September 6
School’s Out Scavenger Hunt
Enjoy exploring the zoo with your friends? Lincoln Park Zoo challenges pairs of teens to a scavenger hunt that will take them around the zoo, investigating animals, landmarks and mystery zoo experts. Pizza and soda for lunch is included, or feel free to bring a sack lunch.
10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Each teen must register with a partner
$50 per team ($40 for members)
Suitable for teens between the ages of 13–16

Call 312-742-2056 to register.

September 18
Urban Wildlife Exploration
Find out what it takes to be an urban biologist! Lincoln Park Zoo’s newest exhibit, Nature Boardwalk, is home to a range of urban animals, from birds to bugs. Explore the boardwalk and learn what scientists are doing to study and protect Chicago’s wildlife.
9 a.m.–noon or 1–4 p.m.
$30 ($25 for members)
Suitable for third–fifth graders
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October 10
Autumn Animal Photography
Lincoln Park Zoo is home to wildlife from around the world—what an amazing place to take pictures of animals! Getting the right photo is less about the camera and more about knowing where the animals are and how they behave. (Digital camera required for participation.)
1–4 p.m.
$30 ($25 for members)
Suitable for adults (18 and older)
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October 11
Autumn Animal Photography
Lincoln Park Zoo is home to wildlife from around the world—what an amazing place to take pictures of animals! Getting the right photo is less about the camera and more about knowing where the animals are and how they behave. (Digital camera required for participation.)
9 a.m.–noon or 1–4 p.m.
$30 ($25 for members)
Suitable for fifth–eighth graders
Click here to register

October 23
Pathway to Primatology
Looking to gain experience as a primatologist? Pathway to Primatology provides an in-depth opportunity to work alongside ape researchers and keepers as they learn about chimpanzee and gorilla behavior at Regenstein Center for African Apes. Possible projects include observing a cognition experiment, viewing restricted areas of the ape house and stepping into a scientist’s shoes by recording behavioral data with an iPod touch.

This exciting companion to our award-winning Exploring Ape Behavior program will be offered four times a year, so if you can’t make it this time, look for more sessions in the future!

10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
$100 per person
Suitable for guests 12 and older. For groups of 1–10 participants.

Call 312-742-2056 to register.

November 11
Animal Fashion: Cool Coverings
From lizards to armadillos, an animal’s covering is more about survival than good looks. Meet program animals up-close to discover how their attire helps them succeed in the wild.
9–11 a.m. or 1–3 p.m.
$20 ($17 for members)
Suitable for first–third graders
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November 19
Bedtime Buddies in the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo
The Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo is a blast when the sun goes down! Come say “goodnight” to some animals and “hello” to the nocturnal critters that stay awake all night. Explore what it means to be a backyard naturalist by learning about some amazing North American animals, from beavers to birds to corn snakes. Wear your pajamas and join us for the nighttime festivities! Snacks and drinks will be provided.
7–9 p.m.
$35 per person ($30 for members)
Suitable for families with children between the ages of 3–10.
Click here to register

December 3
Friday Night Lights: Penguin Party
Waddle on over to learn how our feathered friends from the southern hemisphere are suited for life in ice-cold waters. Stroll through ZooLights, join us for some “cool” activities and then visit some real penguins after dark.
5:30–6:30 p.m. or 7–8 p.m.
$16 ($13 for members)
Suitable for 4–6-year-olds
Click here to register

December 17
Friday Night Lights: Polar Bear Party
Beginning their lives at the size of a soda can and growing to be the largest land carnivores, polar bears are kings of the Arctic. Join us at ZooLights to explore the fascinating life cycle—and lifestyle—of the polar bear.
5:30–6:30 p.m. or 7–8 p.m.
$16 ($13 for members)
Suitable for 4–6 year olds
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Coming Soon
Wine and Wildlife
Wine and Wildlife lets guests enjoy a glass of wine while learning about the zoo’s global conservation programs.
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Questions? Call 312-742-2056 or e-mail educationprograms@lpzoo.org.