Activities at Lee Richardson Zoo
Animal Encounters:
Closed for the winter season
Weekend feeding encounters take place weather permitting and animals willing and allow zoo guests to purchase "keeper approved" food and experience a close encounter with some of the zoo's animal ambassadors.
Your purchase supports the care of all the animals at Lee Richardson Zoo and helps maintain our zoo as a world-class accredited facility.
GIRAFFE ENCOUNTERS
Saturday & Sundays from 1:30pm to 2:30pm
Price: $2 for 1 encounter or $5 for 3
RHINO ENCOUNTERS
Saturday & Sundays from 2:30pm to 3:00pm
Price: $5 for 1 encounter or $10 for 3
Zoo Train:
Closed for the winter season
The Richardson Railroad trackless train loading platform is located in
front of the Rhino exhibit in the zoo’s African Plains. Each guided
train ride through Lee Richardson Zoo is $4 and includes stops in the
Americas, Wild Asia, and the Wetlands. Members receive 50 percent off
the passage. The Richardson Railroad runs most weekends during
Safari Shoppe business hours, weather permitting.
Questions: call the Safari Shoppe, 620-276-2661.
Safari Cycles:
Closed for the winter season
More commonly known as a surrey, a Safari Cycle is a light four-wheeled pedal-powered carriage with seats facing forward. Safari Cycles provide a recreation opportunity, while still enjoying a zoo visit. Cycles are rented by-the-hour with choices to rent a single bench for $20 (seats up to three adults and two children), double bench for $30 (seats up to six adults and two children), or a triple bench for $40 (seats up to nine adults and two children). Questions: call the Safari Shoppe, 620-276-2661.
Learning Experiences:
The Finnup Center for Conservation Education is open 8 a.m. – noon
and 1 – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. In addition to live animals
and hands-on interactive tools, visitors may also make reservations
for a free educational program on a variety of topics. Meet some
unusual animals from around the globe, touch a tiger skin, or learn
how the rainforest affects daily life. Programs must be scheduled
at least two weeks in advance.
Questions or reservations: call the zoo education department, 620-276-1250.
Story Time:
An opportunity for children from birth to preschool and their caregivers to enjoy a story, meet an animal and make a craft.
Story Time takes place at the Finnup Center for Conservation Education located at 312 E Finnup Dr. Garden City, KS 67846 - and takes place every Monday at 10:30 AM (major holidays excluded)
For more information please call 620-276-1250 or email zoo.education@gardencityks.us
Zoo Camp:
An educational environment is easy to find during the summer holidays at
Lee Richardson Zoo. Zoo Edventures are a week-long adventure into the
exotic world of nature – filled with animal encounters, games, crafts and
more. Edventures take place in June and July, Monday through Friday
8 a.m. – noon and are open to students entering first through
eighth grades. Each week has a different theme and involves fun and
exciting activities. Camp registration is $85 per student. FOLRZ members receive $10 off per registration.
Questions: call the zoo education department, 620-276-1250.
Keeper Chats: Weekends - Weather Permitting
Staff will be available weekends at the following times and locations to chat with guests and answer questions about the animals they care for and the role they play at the zoo.
_PNG.png)
10:15 am
COUGAR TRAINING DEMO at CAT CANYON
Watch as animal care staff work with one the cougars in a unique training demo
10:30 am
AMBASSADOR ANIMAL at NATURE PLAY SPACE
Owls, snakes, hedgehogs, tortoises, and many more!
Meet the animals that represent the zoo in a variety of educational roles
12:30 pm
OTTERS at KANSAS WATERS
Learn more about what keeps the otters splishin' and splashin' at Kansas Waters
1:00 pm
TRUMPETER SWANS at the POND
Find out what it takes to take care of these awesome waterfowl and more
.jpg)
Mining Sluice:
Closed for the winter season
The Richardson Riverbed Mining is an interactive and educational activity where guests can pan for gemstones and other treasures. Families can experience this activity at a variety of prices starting at $5.00. Members receive a discount on products purchased.
_JPG.jpg)
_PNG.png)
Birthday Parties:
Celebrate at the wildest place in town!
Every Birthday Package includes:
-
An Indoor Party Space for 2 hours
-
A 30 minute Education Program featuring live animals
Cost: $125 ($100 for FOLRZ members)
We can decorate and clean up for you
for an additional $25!
Call us at 620-276-1250 or email
to schedule or to find out more info!