Scovill Zoo’s education programs offer opportunities for animal lovers of all ages to discover the animal kingdom. With zoo classes, guided tours, and a fantastic Mobile Zoo, Scovill Zoo provides fun, hands-on connections to the animal world.
All children grow, learn, and benefit from the arts, recreation and play! The Decatur Park District recognizes that financial assistance may be required for some individuals to participate in Park District programs. To provide equal access regardless of ability to pay, a Youth Scholarship program has been established for qualified Decatur and Macon County residents. Awards are made without regard to race, religion, age, disability, or national origin. For details, please call Gabrielle Cliff at 217-422-5911.
Zoo Buddies (Ages 3 – 5)
With Zoo Buddies, our youngest zoo enthusiasts have their own pint-sized animal adventures! This class is held year-around and each month kids aged 3 – 5 will discover a new species or environment and take home a new zoo buddy toy. This is a one hour class with two different sessions—morning and afternoon—and within that time there will be a discussion, story, craft, and animal encounter.
Registration: Click here to register online, visit Scovill Zoo, or call the zoo at 217-421-7435.
Location: Zoo Education Center (Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd.)
Fee: $20 ($17 with resident discount)
*$1 off with a membership
| Subject | Date | Time | Register Here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slimy Frogs | Jan. 14 | 10 – 11 a.m. | Click to Register |
| Slimy Frogs | Jan. 14 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Click to Register |
| Cheeky Chinchilla | Feb. 11 | 10 – 11 a.m. | Click to Register |
| Cheeky Chinchilla | Feb. 11 | 2 – 3 p.m | Click to Register |
| Eager Eagles | Mar. 11 | 10 – 11 a.m. | Click to Register |
| Eager Eagles | Mar. 11 | 2 – 3 p.m | Click to Register |
Critter Tales (Ages 5 & 6)–2024
Kids aged 5 – 6 can join Scovill Zoo’s “book club”! For six weeks in June & July, a new zoo topic will be covered, and participants will add a new story to their home library. 90-minute sessions will include animal encounters and hands-on activities.
Registration: Click here to register online, visit Scovill Zoo, or call the zoo at 217-421-7435.
Location: Zoo Education Center (Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd.)
Fee: $25 ($22 with resident discount)
*$2 off with a membership
Time: 10 – 11:30 a.m.
| Subject | Date |
|---|---|
| Animal Noses | June 7 |
| Animal Partners | June 14 |
| Paws, Claws, Hands, & Feet | June 21 |
| Daytime Nighttime | June 28 |
| Animal Ears | July 5 |
| The Swamp Where Gator Hides | July 12 |
Age Appropriate – Each camp curriculum is designed to be age appropriate to meet the attention, interests, and developmental needs of each age range, therefore it is important that the age guidelines are followed.
Duplicate Sessions – For each age range, there are multiple opportunities to attend camp. For ages 7-8 years and 9-10 years, the AM session is the same as the PM session. Sessions in June are the same as the sessions in July. Please only register your child for one session (i.e. one week of camp).
Zoo Kids (Ages 7 & 8)–2024
From hot and humid rainforests to golden grasslands, the habitats of the world have unique characteristics that are important to the animals that live there. 7 & 8 yr old campers will explore habitats to discover how different animals thrive in each.
Registration: Click here to register online, visit Scovill Zoo, or call the zoo at 217-421-7435.
Location: Zoo Education Center (Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd.)
Fee: $90 ($80 with resident discount)
*$5 off with a membership
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| June 3 – 7 | 9 a.m. – noon |
| June 10 – 14 | 1 – 4 p.m. |
| June 17 – 21 | 9 a.m. – noon |
| June 24 – 28 | 1 – 4 p.m. |
| July 1 – 5 | 9 a.m. – noon |
| July 8 – 12 | 1 – 4 p.m. |
| July 15 – 19 | 9 a.m. – noon |
Zoo Club (Ages 9 & 10)–2024
How do birds, spiders, and bees know how to build their nests, webs, and hives? 9 & 10 yr olds will learn all about animal instincts in this week-long adventure at Scovill Zoo!
Registration: Click here to register online, visit Scovill Zoo, or call the zoo at 217-421-7435.
Location: Zoo Education Center (Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd.)
Fee: $90 ($80 with resident discount)
*$5 off with a membership
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| June 3 – 7 | 1 – 4 p.m. |
| June 10 – 14 | 9 a.m. – noon |
| June 17 – 21 | 1 – 4 p.m. |
| June 24 – 28 | 9 a.m. – noon |
| July 1 – 5 | 1 – 4 p.m. |
| July 8 – 12 | 9 a.m. – noon |
| July 15 – 19 | 1 – 4 p.m. |
Zoo Crew (Ages 11 – 13)–2024
11–13-year-old camp kids will spend a week learning about the different roles people have here at the zoo, like preparing diets, making animal enrichment, and creating education programs!
Registration: Click here to register online, visit Scovill Zoo, or call the zoo at 217-421-7435.
Location: Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd.
Fee: $120 ($110 with resident discount)
*$5 off with a membership
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| June 3 – 7 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| June 10 – 14 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| June 17 – 21 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| June 24 – 28 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| July 1 – 5 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| July 8 – 12 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| July 15 – 19 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
Zoo Teens I–2024
If you’re 14 or 15 years old and interested in a career involving animals, Zoo Teens I is a fun, educational way to learn more. You’ll be trained in exhibit interpretation, presenting to the public, and assisting keepers in the petting zoo. Recommendation letter, volunteer hours, and a training day are required. Applications are due April 15th.
Location: Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd.
Fee: $90 ($80 with resident discount)
*$5 off with a membership
| Age | Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 – 15 | M – Sun. | June 3 – August 30 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
Zoo Teens II–2024
Zoo Teens II for 16 and 17 year olds, offers hands-on experience for caring for animals and educating the public on grounds and also off grounds in our mobile zoo program. You’ll be trained in exhibit interpretation, presenting to the public, and will assist camp counselors with Zoo kids and Zoo camp activities. Completion of Zoo Teens I is strongly recommended. Recommendation letters, volunteer hours, and a training day are required. Applications are due by April 15th.
Location: Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd.
Fee: $90 ($80 with resident discount)
*$5 off with a membership
| Age | Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16-17 | Mon. – Sun. | June 3 – August 30 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
Zoo Safari–2024
Zoo Crew and Zoo Teens participants can join their favorite counselors on a Zoo Safari, traveling to other Central Illinois zoos and nature centers.
Registration: Call the zoo at 217-421-7435
Fee: $145 ($135 with resident discount)
*$5 off with a membership
| Age | Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11-17 | M – Th | July 22 – 25 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
