Hutchinson Zoo Promotes Friendship Membership, Announces Toddler Programs

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Zoo is encouraging community support through its "Friends of the Zoo" membership program while announcing new educational opportunities for young children.

The zoo promoted International Friendship Day on Tuesday by highlighting benefits of its membership program, which provides access to educational programs and helps fund zoo operations. The facility operates as a free-admission zoo but relies on memberships and donations for program funding.

Membership benefits include discounts on educational programs, exclusive events and reciprocal access to more than 150 zoos and aquariums nationwide. The zoo offers multiple membership levels, from individual memberships to family packages.

"Join us, because friendship is a walk in the park... with lots of animals!" zoo officials said in promotional materials.

The zoo also announced that registration is now open for its 2025 Tiny Tots program, designed for toddlers ages 2-4. The educational program aims to connect young children with nature through zoo-facilitated activities.

Tiny Tots sessions are scheduled for Saturday mornings from 9-10:30 a.m. and include story time, animal encounters and craft activities. The program is part of the zoo's broader educational outreach efforts.

Parents interested in enrolling children can register through the zoo's website at hutchinsonzoo.org. The zoo encourages early registration as programs typically fill quickly.

The Hutchinson Zoo houses various animal species and offers year-round educational programming for all age groups. More information about membership options and educational programs is available on the zoo's website.