Take a Spring Break Safari without leaving town! Just the right balance between learning and fun, our Spring Break camp gives kids a week off from the regular routine, but includes enough structure to keep them in learning mode until school resumes. New friends, animal encounters and lots of games and activities make spring break a week to remember! Zoo Members receive a 15% discount on camp registration fees. Learn more and sign up today!
Are you ready for summer? It will be here before you know it!
Zoo Camp registration for summer 2026 opens on February 1. Save time by completing the mandatory pre-registration process early. Pre-registration is quick and easy:
1. Download these two forms:
Complete one set for each child you'll be registering. You'll upload these online.
2. Visit our CivicRec online registration portal and log in. Don't have an account? It's quick and easy to make one!
3. Sign up your kiddos for "2026 Zoo Camp/Class Pre-registration." During the check-out process you'll be prompted to upload the 2 forms from above.
4. Once uploaded you'll be able to register for all our great youth classes and camps (during their registration windows, of course!)
Questions? Contact us at zooeducation@lafayette.in.gov
Adding a pet to your family is a big decision, and exotic pets require careful consideration. Responsible pet ownership begins with educating yourself about what all goes into providing that animal with lifelong care.
The Pet Prep program is designed to help families make informed and responsible pet choices. Meet with a knowledgeable animal caregiver and a real, live Animal Ambassador for the species you select. Ask questions to help decide if this pet is the right choice for you.
Available year-round. Purchase online by visiting our registration portal and viewing the Gifts for Zoo Lovers Tab. Printable certificates are included with your receipt for immediate download. Please allow 2-3 business days to receive your gift card activation code after purchase. Holiday cut off dates can be found in the item details.
Visit our registration portal here: Catalog - Lafayette Parks & Recreation, IN
Designed for children turning 5-12, a Zoo Birthday Party is one your child will never forget! Visit our Zoo Party Package Options & Pricing page for all the details on how Zoo Birthday Parties work, then contact us at zooeducation@lafayette.in.gov to schedule or submit a reservation request for your preferred date through our online registration portal, CivicRec. We can't wait to party with you!
Columbian Park Zoo's Zoo Teen program is designed for students 14-17 years of age who have a desire to explore animal-related careers, including zookeeping, conservation and wildlife education.
This structured volunteer program is a wonderful opportunity to build a variety of transferable job skills such as customer service, time management, professional conduct, leadership and more.
Teens with an interest in any career field are encouraged to apply. Those with a particular interest in animal-related careers will especially benefit from this program through multiyear participation.
Access the online application here: https://www.volgistics.com/appform/740779251
The deadline to apply for the 2026 Zoo Teen Program is Friday, March 13th.
To see if the program is the right fit for you, please review the 2026 Zoo Teen Information Packet to learn more about the Program and its requirements.