Lil’ Explorers is a FREE program from 10:00AM-noon each Thursday in the Visitor Center in the Winter and on the zoo grounds in the Summer. Perfect for the 1-3 year old to meet animal and plant visitors, see story time, play games and many other fun activities. Different theme each week!

2020 Schedule

Because of Covid-19 the dates below are tentative. Please call 651-487-8201 to confirm before visiting

Stay tuned for more fun themes!

This program was funded in part or in whole with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008 which dedicated funding to preserve Minnesota’s art and cultural heritage.
A website was also created by the Minnesota Legislature to help citizens monitor how funds from the Legacy Amendment are being used. On the Minnesota’s Legacy: watch the progress website you can see how funds are being invested across the state.