About
Indianapolis Zoo Youth and Family Programs take place within the Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens. Families can explore more than 16,000 plants, including native and exotic species, many of which are rare or historic in value, and visit areas such as the DeHaan Tiergarten, the Hilbert Conservatory, and the Family Nature Center to learn about Indiana wildlife and habitats.
• Schedule: Open 9am–4pm Monday–Thursday and 9am–5pm Friday–Sunday
The Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens share the same main entrance. White River Gardens includes a glass-enclosed conservatory, outdoor design gardens, a water garden, numerous artistic fountains and features, a wedding garden, 1.5 miles of winding paths and walkways, and an indoor/outdoor dining facility with a view of the downtown skyline and riverfront. White River Gardens broke ground in October 1997 and opened to the public on June 13, 1999. The Indianapolis Zoo operates without tax support and is governed by a board of trustees.
The mission of the Indianapolis Zoo is: “We protect nature and inspire people to care for our world.” The Indianapolis Zoo is accredited as a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Alliance of Museums, and it is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The Indianapolis Zoo has been a community destination for more than 60 years. It provides donations to Indiana nonprofit organizations sponsoring fundraising activities, with priority given to organizations that support Indiana families and animal conservation.
Last updated May 12, 2026.
• Schedule: Open 9am–4pm Monday–Thursday and 9am–5pm Friday–Sunday
The Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens share the same main entrance. White River Gardens includes a glass-enclosed conservatory, outdoor design gardens, a water garden, numerous artistic fountains and features, a wedding garden, 1.5 miles of winding paths and walkways, and an indoor/outdoor dining facility with a view of the downtown skyline and riverfront. White River Gardens broke ground in October 1997 and opened to the public on June 13, 1999. The Indianapolis Zoo operates without tax support and is governed by a board of trustees.
The mission of the Indianapolis Zoo is: “We protect nature and inspire people to care for our world.” The Indianapolis Zoo is accredited as a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Alliance of Museums, and it is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The Indianapolis Zoo has been a community destination for more than 60 years. It provides donations to Indiana nonprofit organizations sponsoring fundraising activities, with priority given to organizations that support Indiana families and animal conservation.
Last updated May 12, 2026.
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