The Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum

You are here:  Home  »  Education  »  Educational Programs

Educational Programs

The Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History has extensive and fun educational programs that offer something for everyone from children two years of age to adults

Camps, classes and outreach programs like the ZooMobile are all part of the Zoo’s education program. In addition, we also offer school and group tours, birthday parties and Junior Zookeeper/Junior Educator programs.

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 605-367-7003.

Activities, Camps & Classes

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

ZooCamp and ZooClasses

We are excited about our great new line-up of Zoo camps and classes for 2010. You can view a listing of them in the box at the bottom. The easiest way to register your children for any of our camps and classes 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. Camps and classes fill up quickly, so make your reservations soon!

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, assited 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:
20 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 Educator and Junior ZooKeeper Programs

If you are 12 years old or older and want to spend some of your summer days at the ZOO, then these programs are for you! As a Junior Educator or Junior ZooKeeper you will have the opportunity to work with children and animals while learning and developing life-long skills! Check out more detailed information in the JZK-JED application packet listed in the box below! You may also call Chantelle Webb, Education Specialist, at (605) 367-8313 ext. 16 or email her at cwebb@gpzoo.org for more information.