About
Indianapolis Zoo Youth and Family Programs take place within the broader Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens experience. Families can visit the DeHaan Tiergarten to see gardening ideas, plant information, and design displays, explore the lush tropical setting of the Hilbert Conservatory, and learn about Indiana wildlife and habitats at the Family Nature Center.
• Schedule: General Zoo and Gardens hours are 9am–4pm Monday–Thursday and 9am–5pm Friday–Sunday.
The Indianapolis Zoo’s stated mission is: “We protect nature and inspire people to care for our world.” White River Gardens features more than 16,000 plants, including native and exotic species, with many plants that are rare or historic in value. White River Gardens broke ground in October 1997 and opened to the public on June 13, 1999, and the Indianapolis Zoo opened at its current White River State Park location in 1988. The Indianapolis Zoo is accredited as a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden, is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Alliance of Museums, and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The Indianapolis Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the country that does not receive government support. Priority for donations is given to Indiana nonprofit organizations that support Indiana families and animal conservation, and the Zoo provides donations to these organizations for fundraising activities.
Last updated May 12, 2026.
• Schedule: General Zoo and Gardens hours are 9am–4pm Monday–Thursday and 9am–5pm Friday–Sunday.
The Indianapolis Zoo’s stated mission is: “We protect nature and inspire people to care for our world.” White River Gardens features more than 16,000 plants, including native and exotic species, with many plants that are rare or historic in value. White River Gardens broke ground in October 1997 and opened to the public on June 13, 1999, and the Indianapolis Zoo opened at its current White River State Park location in 1988. The Indianapolis Zoo is accredited as a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden, is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Alliance of Museums, and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The Indianapolis Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the country that does not receive government support. Priority for donations is given to Indiana nonprofit organizations that support Indiana families and animal conservation, and the Zoo provides donations to these organizations for fundraising activities.
Last updated May 12, 2026.
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