Racine Zoo Partners with Evinrude to Expand Preschool Programming

From Racine Zoo: After its initial launch in the Fall of 2017, the Li’l Explorers: Preschool at the Zoo program at the Racine Zoo has seen incredible success. Offering affordable educational programs for Racine’s youngest residents, Li’l Explorers incorporates hands-on educational activities, stories, music, and live animals to create an innovate program unlike any other preschool program in Racine. This program attracted the attention of Evinrude, who will be partnering with the Racine Zoo to expand Li’l Explorers and allow the program to continue.

“Evinrude is thrilled to support the Li’l Explorer program and help the next generation discover the magic of the outdoors. Since Ole Evinrude invented the outboard motor here in 1909, Evinrude has been helping Wisconsin families enjoy nature,” said Wendy Wilson, Manager of Public Relations for Evinrude. “We're committed to investing in our community by investing in the people of Wisconsin." Thanks to Evinrude’s support, the program will for the first time be offering four options for parents in the upcoming spring sessions.

“I just wanted to tell you how excited we are to be able to participate,” commented one parent. “I work full time, and I can't tell you how often we see programs for parents and toddlers only offered during the week and usually during working hours. It can be tough as a working mom anyway, but many of these programs are just not designed with working parents in mind. We appreciate the thought and effort that went into this program and we can't wait!”

Through Li’l Explorers, the youngest members of our community are taught to care for and empathize with animals, and our hope is that these lessons are carried with them for the rest of their lives. “Watching this program grow has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” said Aszya Summers, Conservation Education Manager at the Racine Zoo. “The sense of community built by the families and students in the class these past six months has been incredible, and watching the preschoolers make friends, learn, and share together each week is incredible.”

Li’l Explorers started with a single class, and even with classes being added each session, they continue to consistently sell out. The Zoo hopes the addition of classes, sponsored by Evinrude, will help to accommodate the demand for these programs. To register, visit https://www.racinezoo.org/product/zoo-preschool. Member price is $10 per child-adult pair per session, and non-member price is just $15 per child-adult pair. Each additional adult or child is $5. Or, sign up for all four sessions and save 10%! Member price is $36 per child-adult pair and non-member is $54 per child-adult pair and $18 for each additional child or adult. We also are offering a reduced rate for those that qualify. If you would like to know if that is an option for your family or have any questions, please email asummers@racinezoo.org with your inquiry.

Event Details

Nestled along the sandy shores of Lake Michigan, the Racine Zoo is open year round. Current hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission rates are: Members and children under the age of three: FREE, children three years to 15 years: $6, seniors: $7, and adults: $8. For more information on the Racine Zoo, its programs and events, visit www.racinezoo.org, call 262.636.9189 and find us on Facebook Twitter and Instagram.

Bouncing with Bunnies
Sunday, April 8th at 2:00 p.m.
Monday, April 9th at 11:30 a.m.

Farmyard Fun
Sunday, April 22nd at 2:00 p.m.
Monday, April 26th at 11:30 a.m.

Marvelous Animal Moms
Sunday, May 6th at 2:00 p.m.
Monday, May 7th at 11:30 a.m.

Animal Tales
Sunday, May 20th at 2:00 p.m.
Monday, May 21st at 11:30 a.m.

Image Via Racine Zoo