508-991-6178New Bedford, MA
One of the finest small zoos in the United States
Party for the Planet is the largest combined Earth Day celebration in North America! More than 100 AZA accredited zoos and aquariums across the country celebrate with 
activities, giveaways, and special events.
Join us at the Buttonwood Park Zoo on Saturday, April 21st, as we offer our visitors the opportunity to learn and participate in fun activities presented by local organizations that speak to sustainable living and making choices to ensure the health of our planet for generations to come.
There will also be fun giveaways, music, games, face painting, a fire truck, earth day inspired enrichment demos with the animals, and so much more! It’s a party for the planet, come celebrate with us!
Ages 3 +
Does your child love art and animals?
Creature Creations is an art class for kids taught by Certified Art Teacher Kathleen Patrick and a Zoo Educator. Children will get up-close and personal with their favorite animal, while working on their own masterpiece. This unique art class allows participants to meet and learn about different animals around the Zoo.
Members: $15/child
Non-members: $26/child (includes Zoo admission)
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Unregistered children (including siblings) cannot attend.
A nature club for 2 – 5 year olds with an adult
Puddle Jumpers gives preschoolers a safe space to explore the natural world through guided hikes, nature play, and getting outdoors! A Zoo educator will meet the group at different DNRT locations each week and lead a 50-minute nature exploration activity.
Members: $14/child
Non-members: $22/child
* Puddle Jumpers is in collaboration with the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust, and will meet at their sites, not at the Zoo.
* Children must be accompanied by an adult. Backpack babies welcome to accompany older siblings.
Toe Jam Puppet Band
Every Monday at 10:00am & 11:30am
Cost: Zoo admission + $5/family
Sing, dance and play the hour away with New Bedford’s favorite, the Toe Jam Puppet Band!
Toe Jam Puppet Band
Every Monday at 10:00am & 11:30am
Cost: Zoo admission + $5/family
Sing, dance and play the hour away with New Bedford’s favorite, the Toe Jam Puppet Band!
Perfect for children ages 2-3, Bear Cub Club offers the opportunity for adult/child pairs to connect with nature and learn more about the animals they love together! Each week’s 90-minute program will focus on a different animal through songs, stories, free play, crafts, and either a visit to a zoo exhibit or encounter in the classroom.
Members: $14/child
Non-members: $ 25/child (includes Zoo admission)
Sign up for the entire 8-week series at a discount!
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Unregistered children (including siblings) can not attend.
A preschool program for 3 – 5 year olds
Little Learners provides fun and engaging classes for adult/child pairs to learn more about animals and science together! Each week’s 90-minute program will focus on a different animal through stories, nature play, crafts, and either a visit to a zoo exhibit or encounter in the classroom.
Members: $14/child
Non-members: $25/child (includes Zoo admission)
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Unregistered children (including siblings) can not attend.
A nature club for 2 – 5 year olds with an adult
Puddle Jumpers gives preschoolers a safe space to explore the natural world through guided hikes, nature play, and getting outdoors! A Zoo educator will meet the group at different DNRT locations each week and lead a 50-minute nature exploration activity.
Members: $14/child
Non-members: $22/child
* Puddle Jumpers is in collaboration with the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust, and will meet at their sites, not at the Zoo.
* Children must be accompanied by an adult. Backpack babies welcome to accompany older siblings.
Toe Jam Puppet Band
Every Monday at 10:00am & 11:30am
Cost: Zoo admission + $5/family
Sing, dance and play the hour away with New Bedford’s favorite, the Toe Jam Puppet Band!
Toe Jam Puppet Band
Every Monday at 10:00am & 11:30am
Cost: Zoo admission + $5/family
Sing, dance and play the hour away with New Bedford’s favorite, the Toe Jam Puppet Band!