Need To Keep The Kids Busy Over Winter Break? Try Zoo Camp!

From December 26 through December 29 while the kids are out of school, Zoo New England has a few options to help keep them busy.

The Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and the Stone Zoo in Stoneham will offer extra programming each day from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Just pay regular zoo admission and your kids can participate in special visits with the animals, make winter-themed crafts, and interact with the zookeepers.

At the Franklin Park Zoo's education station inside the Tropical Forest, little ones can learn how animals adapt to the cold winter weather. In addition, the zoo promises fun winter-themed activities, crafts, zookeeper encounters and much more!

Franklin Park Schedule of Activities:

• 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. – Arts & crafts
• 11:00 a.m. – Red panda zookeeper chat
• 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. – Storytime & mystery animal encounter
• 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. – Storytime & mystery animal encounter
• 1:30 p.m. – Zebra zookeeper chat

The Stone Zoo is offering curious kids the opportunity to see some of their residents up close, including North American river otters, black bears, reindeer and Snow leopards - including two new cubs born in May! Staff will be on-hand to demonstrate animal care and feeding, as well as answer questions.

Stone Zoo Schedule of Activities:

• 11:00 a.m. – Snow leopard zookeeper chat
• 11:00 a.m. – Mystery animal encounter, Animal Discovery Center
• 1:00 p.m. – Mystery animal encounter, Animal Discovery Center
• 1:30 p.m. – Reindeer zookeeper chat

In addition to the daily programs, the Franklin Park Zoo will also host a drop-off program on Dec. 27 and 28 for kids ages 6 to 10 years old. The program includes behind-the-scenes tours for "outdoorsy” kids.

Zoo New England can help stave off boredom and cabin fever while ensuring your kids keep learning - even during vacation!