Family Play Programs
During these programs, children learn through play with their favorite play partner: you! Artists, nature educators, and early childhood specialists planned these programs from the same principles used to design Hamill Family Play Zoo, which connects children and their families to wildlife and nature.
Please note that due to ongoing Covid-19 developments, our class offerings and dates are subject to change. If you are registered for a class that is cancelled or rescheduled, we will reach out to you via email to communicate next steps and options available to you with as much notice as possible. Our staff are working remotely at this time so we encourage you to please communicate any questions or concerns by email for quickest response. You can reach the Education team at adventuresinlearning@czs.org. Thank you for your understanding. Above all, please be safe and be well!
Zoo Studio
Virtual learning series via Zoom OR onsite learning experience at Brookfield Zoo
for ages 3-5
$35 per member| $45 per non-member
Join us for a Play Zoo workshop activity from the comfort of your own home! We’ll be sure to get materials to you so that you can relax and create along with us as we look for inspiration about animals by talking about them, hearing stories about them, and maybe even moving like them. While there are particular animals we’ll be focusing on, the examples we share are just that since the experience is ultimately artist-directed for all abilities—there is no wrong way to do art!
Class registration fee includes one set of materials. Registration for each additional household member is $20 and includes additional materials. Supplies will be sent through the United States Postal Service one week ahead of class; if you would prefer FedEx for shipping there is a $25 additional fee.
Virtual Session Information
Children ages 3-5
Must be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday sessions will be held from 10-11 a.m. and
Weekday sessions will be held from 1-2 p.m.
via Zoom
The sloth class in October will be the only class held outside, at Brookfield Zoo
Please review our safety protocols (below) before registering for an onsite class.
Dates & Themes
Saturday, October 16 | Wolves
Thursday, October 21| Sloth (Onsite)
Saturday, October 23 | Raven
Thursday, November 4| Crocodile
Saturday, November 6 | Lion
Tuesday, November 23 | Sea Jellies
Saturday, November 27 | Grizzly Bear
Zoo Learning Weeks
Virtual learning series via Zoom
for ages 3-5
$60 per member| $70 per non-member
Join us for three 45-minute sessions over the course of a week dedicated to a specific animal. We’ll take a look at them, hear about them, move like them, and learn how they are cared for. We'll provide all the materials you need to become an animal in your own home!
Class registration fee includes one set of materials. Registration for each additional household member is $25 and includes additional materials. Materials will be sent through the United States Postal Service one week ahead of class; if you would prefer FedEx for shipping there is a $25 additional fee.
Session Information
Children ages 3-5
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
10-10:45 a.m.
Dates & Themes
October 25, 27, and 29
Animal of the week: Backyard Buddies
November 15, 17, and 19
Animal of the week: Bears
Register for a Zoo Learning Week
Art Adventure
Virtual learning series via Zoom
for ages 6-8
$70 per member| $80 per non-member
See how animals, culture, and art come together as we learn about a different region of the world each session. Join us for four 1-hour sessions over the course of a week. A virtual zoo visit will start each class and an art project will end it. We'll provide all the materials you need!
Class registration fee includes one set of materials. Registration for each additional household member is $25 and includes additional materials. Materials will be sent through the United States Postal Service one week ahead of class; if you would prefer FedEx for shipping there is a $25 additional fee.
Session Information
Children ages 6-8
Tuesday through Thursday
3-4 p.m. CST each day
Dates & Themes
October 12-14, 2021
Theme of the week: Not-so-spooky creatures
November 9-11, 2021
Theme of the week: Pacific Northwest
Register for an Art Adventure
SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR IN-PERSON HAMILL FAMILY PLAY ZOO CLASSES: CZS is committed to safety and preventing the spread of COVID throughout its operation. This includes our children and family programs, where safety protocols include the consistent and correct use of masks, physical distancing, hand-washing or use of sanitizer, and regular cleaning. Due to the interactive nature and multiple age ranges of our children and family program participants, we are following the below safety protocols to ensure the safety of our program participants and education staff for all Family Play classes held at Brookfield Zoo. We will update this information as appropriate.
- •Social distancing at individual stations will be part of class set-up.
- • Each participant will have their own set of supplies to use during class. These will be collected and disinfected by staff once class is over.
- • All participants over the age of two will be required to wear a mask over the nose, mouth, and chin, including family members and program staff.
If you have any questions, please contact Dave Becker, Sr. Manager of Learning Experiences at adventuresinlearning@czs.org.
Have questions? Contact the Education Department at adventuresinlearning@czs.org!
Cancellation and Refund Policy