About the program
Our Zoo Adventures Lil Keeperz program is a fun, educational holiday program for children aged between 5 and 12 years, where young aspiring Keepers and conservationists are taken on an exciting journey, learning about animals and the environments they live in.
This unique school holiday program provides children with engaging experiences, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the zoo and the animals that live here. Children will earn a new Badge every time they attend the Little Keeperz program, to represent the skills they have learned through interactive activities with our inspiring team.
Every Zoo Adventure includes:
- Interactive animal encounters
- A photo keepsake to take home
- Meet a Keeper experience
- Explore the interactive playground
- Lil Keeperz Badge rewards
- Daily Adventurers - experience new exciting challenges for a unique & thrilling Zoo Adventure
- Professional, enthusiastic, fun loving staff to assist and enhance your Zoo Adventurers experience
What to bring
Adventurers should bring a packed lunch and snacks for the day, as well as a refillable water bottle. And to be prepared for all weather, we also suggest you bring a hat, sunscreen and wet weather gear, just in case.
Please note that the Zoo Adventures safety t-shirt and/or vest must be worn during the visit, to help our staff identify children in a busy environment.
Available dates
Zoo Adventures Lil Keeperz runs during the NSW school holidays. Dates available for booking are below. Bookings will open approximately two weeks before the program begins.
Return attendees can 'learn and earn' by collecting skills badges to unlock awesome prizes and discounts.
| Date | Availability |
|---|---|
Tuesday 2 October | Recycling Badge |
Wednesday 3 October | Horticulture Badge |
Thursday 4 October | Water Badge |
Friday 5 October | Wiradjuri Dreaming Badge |
Monday 8 October | Water Badge |
Tuesday 9 October | Horticulture Badge |
Wednesday 10 October | Wiradjuri Dreaming Badge |
Thursday 11 October | Recycling Badge |
| Future dates for Summer holidays will be made available at a later date. | |
Booking conditions
- Children must be aged between 5 and 12 years old
- Zoo Adventurers are to bring their own lunch and snacks
- Animal experiences are subject to change without notification
- There will be no refunds for cancellations, although credit may be given where applicable
- Children must wear a Zoo Adventures t-shirt or vest during their visit so that staff can easily identify children in busy environments
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a booking for Zoo Adventures- Lil Keeperz?
Bookings will open approximately 2 weeks before the school holiday period. Once bookings are open, available dates and themes as well as the appropriate booking form will be made availble on this page.
To make a booking:
- Choose a date that suits your Lil Keeper
- Fill out the form and email to twpzeducation@zoo.nsw.gov.au
Successful applicants will be e-mailed a confirmation of their place as soon as possible.
Please be patient and do not send multiple copies of your form as this can lead to errors in the booking process. Our booking system isn't automated, and as an extremely popular program with a high volume of applications it can take us approximately a week to confirm your spot.
What if I have a friend who wants to attend on the same day?
Due to health and safety reasons and to ensure your child has the best time possible, numbers are strictly limited.
The best way for us to guarantee the friend and child will be attending the same day is to submit a booking form with both children's names on the same form. This way they will be processed at the same time and have a greater chance of being accepted together.
There is space on the booking form for up to four children. If you have more names please fill out a second booking form and submit these together.
What if the day I want is booked out?
We're sorry but unfortunately if a date is booked out, we are unable to admit any other children due to strict Work Health and Safety reasons. We'll always get in touch to offer you another date if available.
We will update this page regularly to inform you as soon as possible if a date is filling up or booked out.
Can I come in with the kids on the day?
Sorry, 5-12 year olds only!
Parents are welcome to visit the Zoo but you'll need to buy a ticket to enter. Please note while you may occasionally see the kids when they're out in Zoo grounds, you won't be able to follow them during the program, as they will be visiting restricted behind the scenes areas. This is also a matter of child safety.
Other options for parents while the kids attend Zoo Adventures Lil Keeperz are to visit the local shops and cafes, (there's even a few day spa's around the corner should you need a bit of relaxation!) or the National Park down the road. There's also a beach nearby if it's a sunny day!
Why do I have to wear a Zoo Adventures-Lil Keeperz shirt or vest?
The Zoo Adventures Lil Keeperz t-shirts and vests are a safety measure that is compulsory for all attendees. If your child does not wear their safety t-shirt and/or vest, they may not be allowed into the Zoo.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo can be a very busy place with thousands of visitors a day. The Zoo Adventures Lil Keeperz t-shirts and vests help our staff locate your child in a large crowd. It also helps our in-grounds staff identify attendees who are able to access behind the scenes and restricted areas.
Plus, the Zoo Adventures Lil Keeperz vest is where your Lil Keeper can display all of their program Badges!
Are the kids guaranteed a set animal experience on the day?
Unfortunately we are unable to guarantee any set animal, Meet a Keeper experiences or themed activities on any given day.
Due to the ever-changing nature of the Zoo environment it is sometimes necessary to make last minute changes without warning.
The above itinerary is maintained as rigorously as possible but is subject to change without notice. Taronga assumes no liability for changes without notice.
Have another question?
Email the team at twpzeducation@zoo.nsw.gov.au and we will endeavour to answer!