Indianapolis Zoo Youth and Family Programs

Indianapolis Zoo Youth and Family Programs take place within the Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens, where families can see more than 16,000 plants, including native and exotic species that are rare or historic in value. Participants can walk the 1.5 miles of winding paths and walkways, view numerous artistic fountains and features, and spend time in the glass-enclosed conservatory and outdoor design gardens. Families can also visit the DeHaan Tiergarten for gardening ideas and plant information, the Hilbert Conservatory for a year-round tropical setting, 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 Youth and Family Programs are part of an organization whose mission is: “We protect nature and inspire people to care for our world.” 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). Through its Community Donation Program, priority is given to organizations that support Indiana families and animal conservation.

Last updated May 13, 2026.