LEAP: Learn, Explore, and Play

LEAP: Learn, Explore, and Play

For children ages 2–4 with an adult

9:30–10:30 a.m.

$146+ for nine–week series

$19+ for single Saturday

Register

 

Join us for a morning of investigating and exploring the natural world through play. Children guide the way as they choose whether to dig in the dirt, manipulate loose parts, create a collaborative work of art, or settle in with a story underneath a canopy of colorful fabric. Learn and grow together as you play alongside a wondrous world of animals.

Session Options

Wednesday and Thursday series are the same. Please register for only one program series. You may register for as many stand-alone classes as you’d like. Spring sessions will take place at Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo and Farm-in-the-Zoo.

Wednesday Series – Nine Weeks

$146 members/ $165 nonmembers (per child)
March 18 & 25; April 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29; May 6 & 13

Register

Thursday Series – Nine Weeks

$146 members/ $165 nonmembers (per child)
March 19 & 26; April 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30; May 7 & 14

Register

Stand-alone Classes

$19 members/ $21 nonmembers (per date, per child)

March
Saturday, March 14
Tuesday, March 17
Saturday, March 28
April
Friday, April 3
Saturday, April 11
Saturday, April 25

 
May
Saturday, May 9
Monday, May 25

Register

About Nature Play

Playing in nature engages all our senses at once. It teaches us how to problem-solve, fosters creativity, and helps us concentrate. When playing, we feel happy and joyful, and by playing outside, we learn to love nature and thereby develop lifelong conservation values. At LEAP, activities are designed to help your child make those discoveries and begin that process of exploration in and alongside nature.

About Child-directed Play

Child-directed play is an important part of early childhood and provides many benefits across all areas of development. It is open-ended, has no “right” or “wrong” way to play, and puts the child in control of the activities. Children who make their own decisions while playing are building a sense of self-direction and self-confidence. They are constructing an understanding of the world around them and using these experiences to process and make sense of how things work.

Frequently Asked Questions

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I’m a member. How do I receive my discount?

Members may receive their discount by logging in to their member account at tickets.lpzoo.org prior to selecting tickets. The discount will be automatically applied.

Can I cancel my registration?

Cancellation Deadline: March 4

Refunds, minus a 12.5 percent processing fee, may be issued for cancellations if requested in writing by the cancellation deadline. Send email cancellation requests to learning@lpzoo.org. Refunds are not available after the cancellation deadline for any reason, including illness.

How many adults can accompany one child to a class?

Up to two adults can accompany each child.

What is the policy on siblings and other children coming to LEAP?

Younger Sibling/Child Policy: Children 12 months or younger are welcome to attend an older sibling’s class at no additional charge, as long as caregivers can keep them on their person or in a stroller for the duration of the session.

Older Sibling/Child Policy: Children who have aged out of LEAP (ages 5 and older) cannot attend the class but are welcome to spend time in the space once class is over.

What happens if there is inclement weather?

Some activities will be stationed outside. We encourage participants to dress for being outdoors in rain, sunshine, or snow. We will have access to the buildings to store personal items, use the washroom, and shelter from dangerous weather.

Should class be cancelled due to severe weather, staff will inform participants and a refund will be issued.

Is parking included in registration?

Yes, your parking costs are covered when you pay for a LEAP session.

What if I have a question that wasn't answered in the FAQ?

For all questions, please reach out to learning@lpzoo.org.

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