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A Wild Day Out: Exploring Taronga Zoo These School Holidays
The school holidays had barely begun when Aurora declared, “Mum, I’m bored.” Not just regular bored—the deep, sighing, dramatically-flopping-on-the-couch kind of bored. Luckily, I had an ace up my sleeve: Taronga Zoo’s Zoo Adventures school holiday programme.
Back in the summer holidays, Aurora joined the Zoo Adventures programme, and she absolutely loved it. It was a full day of behind-the-scenes fun, up-close animal encounters, and plenty of adventure. She came home raving about the cheeky seals, the farmyard animals, and her newfound love for reptiles (which I was definitely not expecting). Now that she has turned eight, she’s excited to try something even more special—the Junior Keeper For a Day programme, a much more personal and hands-on experience designed for older kids.
With the next round of school holidays fast approaching, now is the perfect time for other parents to book their little explorers into one of these fantastic programmes. Whether it’s their first time or they’re ready for a deeper dive into the world of wildlife, Taronga Zoo has the perfect experience waiting.
Zoo Adventures: The Ultimate Holiday Programme for Young Explorers
Zoo Adventures isn’t just a regular day at the zoo—it’s a VIP experience for kids aged 5-11. Throughout the day, children get to take part in special behind-the-scenes animal encounters, learn about their habitats, and see the zoo from an insider’s perspective. They’ll meet keepers, watch fascinating animal presentations (the Seal Show was a massive hit with Aurora and her friends), and explore new areas like the Amphibian & Reptile Centre.
For younger kids or first-timers, this programme is the perfect mix of learning and fun. It’s fully supervised, structured enough to keep them engaged, and packed with moments they’ll be talking about for weeks. Best of all, they come home exhausted from all the excitement, which is always a win for parents.
Junior Keeper For a Day: A More Hands-On Experience for Older Kids
Now that Aurora is eight, she’s finally old enough to take part in the Junior Keeper For a Day programme. Unlike Zoo Adventures, which offers a general introduction to the zoo and its animals, Junior Keeper is for kids who want a more in-depth, hands-on experience. It includes exclusive behind-the-scenes activities, a deeper look at what zookeepers do, and a chance to get even closer to the animals.
For kids who are fascinated by wildlife and conservation, this programme is the next level of adventure. Aurora is already counting down the days until she can step into a zookeeper’s shoes—she’s particularly excited about learning how they care for the big cats (though I suspect she still secretly hopes to bring a baby meerkat home).
A Full Day of Fun (and Learning!)
One of the things I loved about Zoo Adventures was that it wasn’t just about watching animals—it was about experiencing them. Aurora came home full of stories:
- The cheeky seal that made everyone laugh during the show
- The huge snake she got to see up close in the reptile house
- The farm animals at the Backyard to Bush area, which she now insists we need at home (still a firm no)
The programme strikes the perfect balance between education and excitement. Kids aren’t just listening to facts—they’re actively engaging with the animals, learning about conservation, and feeling like they’re part of something special.
Why Zoo Adventures is a Must for These School Holidays
If you’re looking for a school holiday activity that your kids will love (and that gives you a break too), Zoo Adventures is an absolute win. They’ll spend the day with like-minded kids, learn from expert keepers, and come home with a new appreciation for animals and conservation. Whether it’s their first time at Zoo Adventures or they’re moving up to Junior Keeper, it’s a guaranteed holiday highlight.
Book Now Before Spots Fill Up!
Zoo Adventures runs every school holidays, but spots fill up fast. If you want to book your child in for the upcoming break, visit this link to register.
Trust me—your future self (and your boredom-free child) will thank you!