Individual & Family Programs

Cosley Zoo offers programs for individuals of all ages and families. 

For more information, please contact us.

Programs Offered Year-Round

Bookworms

It’s story time at Cosley Zoo! Join one of our education staff members in reading a book, making a craft, and meeting an animal ambassador. Children must be accompanied by a non-paying adult. Each program theme is different.

For more information about our Bookworms class or to register, please see the Wheaton Park District website.

Zookeeper for a Day

Do you want to be a zookeeper? Come spend part of the day and work side by side with one of Cosley Zoo’s Animal Care staff. Assist with routine cleaning and care, provide enrichment to the animals, and be a part of a training demonstration. Participants will also receive a certificate and a special souvenir to help them remember their experience.

Details:

• Available year-round from 10A-1P
• Ages: 14+
• Cost: $95/person. 10% discount for Wild Bunch Plus and Keeper Club member levels.

To sign up, please contact the Cosley Zoo Education Department at 630.665.5534 or [email protected].

Morning Chores

Have you ever wanted to help take care of animals on a farm? Well, now is your chance to get a first-hand experience. Join the staff as you help clean and bed stalls, feed some farm animals, and try your hand at grooming.

Details:

• Available year-round from 7:15-9:15A
• Ages: 8-adult. Ages 8-13 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
• Cost: $40/person. 10% discount for Wild Bunch Plus and Keeper Club member levels.

To sign up, please contact the Cosley Zoo Education Department at 630.665.5534 or [email protected].

Coyote Connection

Go behind the scenes with Cosley Zoo zookeepers to visit our coyote up close and observe a coyote training session. Learn about the important role coyotes play in our environment and how humans and coyotes can safely coexist.

• Available daily 11-11:30A and 1-1:30P; must be checked in 15 minutes prior to program start time.
• Sign up in the Wild Side Gift Shop during your zoo visit, or call 630.665.5534 to make a reservation. First-come, first-served; maximum of 6 participants in the same household per program.

Cost: $30 per person; 10% discount for Wild Bunch Plus and Keeper Club member levels.

Special Events

For a list of upcoming special events, please visit events page.