Blank Park Zoo
Blank Park Zoo

Open Daily, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$18 adults, $12 children
 

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Open Daily, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$18 adults, $12 children
 

View All Rates ›
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Zoo to You

Availability: Year-round (*** Zoo to You programs are unavailable December 18, 2023-January 6, 2024 and March 11-13, 2024.***)
Advance booking: Required 3 weeks in advance
Cost: See details below

Blank Park Zoo has brought conservation education programs to the State of Iowa since 1990. We offer in-person and virtual outreach programs year-round for people of all ages. Zoo to You programs visit schools, daycare centers, senior facilities, libraries, colleges and many other community organizations.

Our mission is to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education, research and recreation. Blank Park Zoo brings this inspiration to you through “Zoo to You” programs, with our engaging and memorable education experiences. Our Zoo to You programs include zoo artifacts and sometimes even live Ambassador Animals!


Program Prices

30-minute program: $80 per program
60-minute program: $125 per program
Virtual program: $75 per program (30-minute program)
Festival-style/booth programs: $150 per hour (3 hours max)
K-12 Classroom Programs: $80 per class period (September-May only)

Additional fees:
For programs in Polk and the surrounding counties (Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Story and Warren), there is no mileage fee. For all other counties in Iowa, a flat $75 travel fee will be added to each trip. For programs outside of Iowa, a $100 travel fee will be charged. 

No more than two programs can be scheduled in a row. Additional fees may apply for idle time between programs.


Program Options

*** Zoo to You programs are unavailable the month of October, November 19-26, 2023 and December 18, 2023-January 6, 2024.***

Preschool (Age 2-5 Years): 30-minute programs designed for up to 25 participants
Grades K-12: 45 minute programs designed for up to 30 participants
Adults: 30-60 minute programs designed for up to 30 participants
Large Group Programs & Assemblies: 60-minute programs designed for up to 100 participants
Virtual Programs: 30-minute programs designed for unlimited group sizes
Festival-style/booth programs: Tabletop or stationed events with educational games and activities booked by the hour

Looking for a specific theme or topic for your program? Select “other” on your program request form and make a note in the “additional notes” section. We will do our best to work with you for a custom program.

Disclaimer: Ambassador Animals that travel with Zoo to You programs are small animals such as small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Ambassador Animals are limited to 8 hours (round trip) of out of enclosure time. This includes travel and program time. Please note, we do not offer a “petting zoo,” nor do we provide programs at private residences. We also do not bring live animals to festival or booth style events.

Click here to fill out a Zoo to You Program request.


Booking and Cancellations

Programs must be booked at least 3 weeks in advance. Facility leaders are required to submit a program agreement form and photo of program space at least 2 weeks before the program date.

Space requirements: Zoo staff and animals must be able to maintain a minimum of 10 feet space from audience members

If you need to cancel or reschedule a program, please contact us as soon as possible. Cancellations of programs made within 1 week of the program will still be charged 50% of the program cost. Rescheduling fees may apply. Programs canceled by Blank Park Zoo will not be charged.


Click here to fill out a Zoo to You Program request.

*** Zoo to You programs are unavailable November 19-26, 2023 and December 18, 2023-January 6, 2024.***

For more information, help or to book a program please call the Education office at 515-974-2550 or email education@blankparkzoo.org

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