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For 12-14 Year Olds

Act Wild for Wildlife and Wild Places!

Hands-on exploration and discovery are crucial elements of these programs for 12-14 year olds. Designed to provide more in-depth investigation into topics on nature and wildlife, these programs combine live animal encounters with Zoo hikes and other topic-appropriate activities. These programs are designed to maximize peer interaction and engagement, therefore, parents need not accompany child.

New! Register Online

Who can participate?

  • Children 12-14 years old.
  • These programs are designed to maximize peer interaction and engagement, therefore, parents need not accompany child.

When are 12-14 year old programs available?

  • Year round. See below for dates and topics.

How much are 12-14 year old programs?

  • Sign up for individual classes, or for the entire series and save!
  • Cost per Class: $15/ Member - $12/ Non-Member

Where do 12-14 year old programs take place?

  • Most occur in the Harold C. Schott Education Center. Confirmation materials will be received once you have registered.

Questions? Contact us at (513) 559-7767 or email registrars@cincinnatizoo.org

Fall Dates and Topics

Topic Description Dates
PRIMARILY PRIMATES What's the difference between a monkey and an ape? Where do lemurs fit in? How important are opposable thumbs? With activities and a hike around the Zoo, we'll learn the answers to these questions and many more. Register Online

Sept. 12: 1-2:30 pm

Sept. 22: 10-11:30 am

RUMOR HAS IT Getting warts from a frog, lucky rabbit's foot, blind bats...we've all heard dozens of folklore, legends, and myths about animals that share our world. With a hike and some special meet and greets with some of the animals in question, we'll discover the true origins of some of these not-so-true tales and have a lot of fun in the process. Register Online

Oct. 13: 10-11:30 am

Oct. 24: 1-2:30 pm

Winter Dates and Topics

Topic Description Dates
LET'S PLAY What’s more fun than a barrel of monkeys? Animal enrichment, of course! Whether it is a box sprayed with perfume or apples hidden in a pile of mulch, keeping the animals at the Zoo entertained can be a creative job. In this class, we’ll learn the purpose and process that goes into the creation of enrichment items at the Zoo. Then, we’ll make an enrichment treat for some special Zoo residents. Register Online

Dec. 12: 1-2:30pm

Dec. 15: 10-11:30am
BE MINE From gifts of food to elaborate dance routines, animals have interesting ways of finding and securing a mate. With a game, animal demos, and
a hike around the Zoo, we’ll learn about some of the funny and strange things that animals do to win over a prospective partner. Register Online

Feb. 13: 1-2:30pm

Feb. 16: 10-11:30pm

New! Backstage Pass Jr.

Is your 12-14 year old looking for a more in-depth, once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Zoo? These specially designed classes allow an opportunity for an up-close and personal look at some of the places the Zoo animals call home, and most even include an encounter with Zoo animals! All participants will receive a keepsake backstage pass nametag on a Zoo-themed lanyard as a souvenir of their adventure.

Note: Due to the nature of these programs, age limits must be adhered to. In addition, due to space restrictions, parents and siblings cannot be accommodated in behind-the-scenes areas.

Topic Description Dates cost
FEATHERED FRIENDS What's the difference between a monkey and an ape? Where do lemurs fit in? How important are opposable thumbs? With activities and a hike around the Zoo, we'll learn the answers to these questions and many more. Register Online

Jan. 23: 1-1:45pm

$30/ Member

$45/ Non-Member
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