Early Childhood
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Spark curiosity and care for animals through playful exploration in nature.
This Early Childhood program activates learning through play, exploration and connection with animals and the natural environment. Through stories, sensory experiences and immersive play, children develop curiosity, confidence and a growing sense of care for wildlife and the world around them.
Children will learn
- Basic needs of animals
- How animals are similar and different to each other
- Connection between land, people, plants and animals
- Appreciation and respect for the natural environment
- How to explore natural environments using the senses
- How to care for local wildlife and places
Support for teachers
- Great day at the zoo - access to trails and scheduled keeper talks
- Teacher resources with classroom and excursion activities
- Pre-visit information to support planning and preparation
- Opportunity to celebrate learning and become a Fighting Extinction School
Choose your zoo experience
This program is delivered at Healesville Sanctuary, Kyabram Fauna Park, Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo, with each offering a different focus and experience.
Teaching guides include more information about the excursion experience and curriculum links.
Healesville Sanctuary
- Focus on sensory nature play, connection to place and Wurundjeri culture
- Introduction for groups arriving 9:45-10:00am
- Workshop (40 minutes)
- Spirits of the Sky experience (30 minutes)
Teaching guide
Healesville Sanctuary map
Want to know more? Join an online Teacher Information Session.
Kyabram Fauna Park
- Focus on connecting with local wildlife through movement and stories
- Introduction for groups
- Workshop (30 minutes)
Want to know more? Join an online Teacher Information Session.
Melbourne Zoo
- Focus on animals and nature through song, story and nature play
- Introduction for groups arriving 9:40-10:00am
- Workshop (40 minutes)
Werribee Open Range Zoo
- Focus on sensory exploration, imaginative play and discovering local wildlife
- Introduction for groups arriving 9:45-10:00am
- Workshop (30 minutes)
- Safari Bus (40 minutes)
Teaching guide
Werribee Open Range Zoo map
Itinerary for 10:10am workshop
Itinerary for 10:50am workshop
Itinerary for 11:30am workshop
Itinerary for 12:10pm workshop
Planning your visit
The Plan Your Visit page has costings, risk assessments, payment information, travel details, sensory maps and social stories.
Your excursion will be outdoors. Please ask your students to dress for the weather.
Book your education experience
Use the online form to book your visit.
Make booking nowWhen you book, please include:
- Name of program
- Preferred date/s
- School name and address
- Contact details of organising teacher
- Number of students/classes and year level