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ZooLittles at Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary invites preschoolers into an active world of gardening, worm composting, and animal care. This 1.5-hour program sparks early learning through nature in Prescott’s unique zoo environment.
ZooLittles at Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary invites preschoolers into an active world of gardening, worm composting, and animal care. This 1.5-hour program sparks early learning through nature in Prescott’s unique zoo environment.
Book with Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary
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Operated by Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary · Prescott, Arizona
In Prescott, Arizona, the Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary presents ZooLittles, a hands-on preschool program designed to immerse young children in the rhythms of nature. This unique experience unfolds within the vibrant setting of the zoo, where children ages 3 to 5 engage directly with soil, plants, and animals in thoughtfully crafted activities. Spanning 1.5 hours on Fridays and Saturdays, ZooLittles blends guided learning with free play to nurture physical, intellectual, and emotional growth at a critical early stage.
At its core, ZooLittles offers more than just a visit to the zoo—it’s a tactile introduction to ecological relationships. Preschoolers get their hands dirty in the organic garden, learning how worms contribute to soil health through composting and how plants and soil form an interconnected system. The program also includes animal interactions, where kids feed and observe the zoo's resident species, gaining an early appreciation of biodiversity. By encouraging social engagement through group activities both simulated and real, the program fosters cooperation and curiosity.
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary stands out in the region as a community-focused institution blending conservation education with interactive experiences. Situated in central Arizona's high desert environment, the sanctuary hosts a variety of native and exotic species, making it a vital local hub for wildlife awareness and stewardship.
Parents and caregivers can count on ZooLittles as a meaningful introduction to outdoor learning, where nature study is hands-on, age-appropriate, and fun. With small group sizes and a structured curriculum, it offers a standout early childhood education program embedded in one of Prescott’s key outdoor recreation assets. This program cultivates lifelong respect for nature, one seedling and worm at a time.
easy.
1.5 hours.
Designed for preschoolers; requires only basic physical activity suited for ages 3-5
ZooLittles is designed specifically for preschoolers ages 3 to 5.
Each ZooLittles session lasts approximately 1.5 hours.
Typically, parents drop off children; check with Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary for specific arrangements.
The program is mostly outdoors within the zoo’s garden and animal areas, with some activities potentially indoors depending on weather.
Yes, all interactions are supervised closely to ensure safety for both children and animals.
Reservations are required via Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary’s booking system, with limited spaces available.
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary has supported wildlife education in Prescott since 1983, focusing on desert-adapted species and conservation.
The sanctuary emphasizes sustainable practices including worm composting and native plant gardening, teaching children the importance of ecosystem health.
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary in Prescott, Arizona is a community-focused zoological park dedicated to animal care, education, and conservation. The Sanctuary operates year-round and offers a wide range of experiences for families, students, photographers, and event planners. Visitors can attend seasonal events such as WildLights and Holiday Cheers, themed celebrations like Thanksgiving with the Lemurs and Santa with the Animals, and special admission days including Veterans Day and Dollar Day. Educational programs include ZooLittles preschool sessions, School Guided Tours, School Self-Tours for groups of 10 or more, animal presentations tailored to classroom topics, and outreach visits to schools and senior centers. Hands-on experiences range from Behind the Scenes Photo Tours and Private Behind the Scenes Tours to immersive Keeper for a Day and Junior Keeper for a Day opportunities; several programs require pre-registration to ensure animal welfare and safety. Venue rentals such as the Pronghorn Deck and Half Pence Pavilion provide outdoor event space with views of Willow Lake, zoo admission options, and support for catering or food trucks. The Sanctuary also offers private guided tours, private animal presentations, and community specials like Free Kids Week and Dollar Day. All programming emphasizes animal health, safety, and education, and staff-led activities are guided by experienced keepers. The Sanctuary’s calendar blends seasonal festivals, conservation-focused education, and community outreach to create accessible wildlife experiences for Prescott residents and visiting families. Some events, venue rentals, and program fees help support wildlife conservation efforts at the Sanctuary and fund animal care, enrichment, and educational resources.
Book with Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary