If you’re searching for an enriching, play-based learning experience in Perth that combines animals, hands-on fun and the great outdoors—Perth Zoo’s Wild Explorers program is an absolute must! After completing a term with my curious two-year-old Kai, we’re back again for another season of animal adventures—and we couldn’t be more excited. Here’s why we love it and why it’s become the highlight of our week!
What is Wild Explorers?
Wild Explorers is Perth Zoo’s term-based (eight week) program specially designed for 2 to 3 year olds, encouraging little ones to uncover the wonders of the animal world through interactive, sensory-rich and hands-on nature play. Each term explores a new theme and different animals, blending guided learning with self-directed play to spark a lifelong connection to nature.
This is more than a zoo visit—it’s a mini wildlife school, filled with excitement, discovery and learning. Every session is expertly designed to:
• Spark curiosity and wonder
• Encourage exploration and creative thinking
• Develop nature-based skills and early conservation awareness
And best of all? It’s all play-based, perfectly suited to toddlers’ developmental stages.
Our Wild Explorers Experience
From the moment you arrive, it’s clear this is a well-thought-out program created by passionate educators. We’re greeted warmly, signed in and Kai eagerly hunts for his name badge (a toddler favourite). There’s a calm and welcoming play space to settle in—think animal books, puzzles and blocks—where Wild Explorers and their adults can enjoy together before the session begins.
Then it’s time to gather for the welcome song, set to the familiar tune of Happy Birthday. It sets the rhythm and routine for the morning. The day’s animal is introduced using child-friendly language and engaging visuals, including the most gorgeous lifelike soft toys and the much-loved discovery board—igniting curiosity and sparking little imaginations.
Each week we explore a new animal—from the Komodo dragon to the cassowary—through a variety of stations that invite Wild Explorers to engage their senses, dig through soil, create and imagine, move their bodies and go on nature walks.
For example, during the Sun Bear session, stations included:
• Engaging your senses: A sniffing station, since Sun Bears have an incredible sense of smell (yes, one of the scents was honey!)
• Soil exploration: Digging through soil like a Sun Bear, searching for buried toy insects to eat.
• Creating and imagining: Making scratch marks in playdough with ‘bear claws’ (sticks!) and building nests for Sun Bears using nature items in a large sensory tray.
• Garden exploration: Searching for golden leaves, flowers or other natural treasures to match the Sun Bear’s golden crest.
• Personal safari bus: Colouring in a new animal each week and pasting it onto their own safari bus (complete with a photo of them as the cutest little driver) — taken home at the end of term with a certificate to proudly celebrate their Wild Explorers journey.
One of our favourite elements? Zoo exploration! Each session wraps up with a trip to visit the focus animal—sometimes with exclusive behind-the-scenes access. Kai’s face lit up every time he made the connection from his play to the real-life animal. It’s unforgettable.
Throughout the session, children are free to choose the stations that interest them, supporting independence and child-led learning, while grown-ups have the opportunity to learn alongside their little ones—engaging in play, sharing discoveries and chatting together about the animals and new learnings.
Jackie, our wonderful session leader, brought such energy, patience and knowledge—she was adored by every little Wild Explorer.
Practical Tips for Caregivers
• A Zoo membership is a smart move – your Wild Explorers ticket doesn’t include entry for adults, so a membership pays off quickly.
• Pack a water bottle, snacks and a weather-appropriate outfit – gumboots and raincoats are a must during rainy days!
• Only one adult per child can attend and siblings unfortunately can’t join, so plan accordingly.
• Arrive 5–10 minutes early – the Homestead Barn is easy to find from the main entrance.
• Make a day of it! After each session, we stay for lunch and explore the zoo—Kai never tires of revisiting his favourite animals.
This Term: Live Like an Animal
From tree hollows to rocky dens, Wild Explorers investigate where animals live and what they use to build their homes.
Each week includes:
• A hands-on hunt around the zoo
• Foraging for ‘building materials’
• Exploring how different species build the perfect nest, den or burrow
Kai’s already pretending to be a cassowary and gathering sticks for a nest—it’s amazing how this program inspires learning beyond the session.
Other Programs for Young Animal Lovers at Perth Zoo
Perth Zoo has a suite of educational programs for all ages!
Bio Buddies (Ages 4–5)
A next-step program for preschoolers, Bio Buddies builds on curiosity and wonder with journals, nature play and themed learning across eight weeks.
Keeper Kids (Pre-Primary to Year 3)
School holiday fun with behind-the-scenes peeks into life as a Zoo Keeper—feeding, exploring, crafting and more.
Warriors for Wildlife (Years 3–6)
Solve puzzles, meet zoo staff and learn how to protect wildlife through exciting missions during the school holidays.
Wild Vets & Keeper Careers (Years 9–12)
A dream program for teens curious about animal care and conservation careers.
Homeschool at the Zoo (Ages 5–12)
Term-based sessions for homeschooled students.
Why We’ll Keep Coming Back
As a teacher and a mum, Wild Explorers ticks every box—child-led, educational, sensory-rich, natured-based, playful and bursting with joy. Each week is a new opportunity for Kai to grow in confidence, build his language and deepen his love for animals.
Wild Explorers is the perfect program for curious toddlers—and just as rewarding for their grown-ups. We’ve learned so much, laughed even more and created treasured memories. And judging by Kai clutching his certificate and pretending to be an elephant slurping water from a puddle with his trunk, I’d say Thursdays at the zoo are officially the best day of the week.
Ready to Join the Adventure?
Head to Perth Zoo’s website and check out their Kids and Youth Programs page to enrol or see upcoming dates. These sessions book out fast—don’t miss out!
- About the Author
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Adriana Turk is a Melbourne-born mum raising her adventurous two-year-old in Perth, her new home. A teacher with a passion for play-based learning, Adriana shares her journey through Perth Toddler Adventures, an Instagram account dedicated to budget-friendly outings, natural playgrounds, and hands-on activities for little ones. With a focus on creating magical everyday moments and connecting with Perth parents, Adriana blends her teaching expertise and love for adventure to inspire families to embrace learning through play and discovery.
