'Learn, Explore and Play' Back by Popular Demand at Lincoln Park Zoo

It’s back to “school” for the toddlers at LincolnPark Zoo! Back by popular demand, LEAP: Learn, Explore And Play returns to the zoo beginning Sept. 19. LEAP is an immersive, sensory-rich play space specifically designed for early learners ages 2 to 3 years old.

Three separate sessions each week are being offered to provide interested families with flexibility to select a day of the week that works best. The one-hour per week, 9-week-long nature exploration program is offered on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

“Research shows spending time in nature at a young age is beneficial to children’s’ mental, emotional and physical development,” said Allison Price, director of education. “LEAP is a great opportunity for parents in an urban area to connect their children with nature through play.”

LEAP provides children access to animals and nature in a safe, enriching space, where they are given an extensive amount of choice so that each child may explore, learn and play at their own pace from meeting animals, to drawing, building and making music.

“LEAP aims not only to connect participants with nature but also with their own imaginations and observations, drawing connections to outside information such as songs, stories or everyday life,” said Price.

The 9-week LEAP program begins mid-September and cost $126 per child ($108 for zoo members). To learn more about LEAP or to register, visit Lincoln Park Zoo.