If your child loves nature and the outdoors, why not foster his or her appreciation for all creatures great and small.
Over the summer, wildlife related school holiday programs are available to book onto, via Melbourne's wildlife parks and zoos.
Treat your kids to the following ranger and keeper-for-a-day programs this summer:
The Melbourne Crochet Club meets on a regular basis to learn crochet, meet other local mums, and to have a good chat. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned pro, everyone is welcome to come along.
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Junior Ranger Programs at Moonlit Sanctuary

image c/o facebook.com/moonlitsanctuary
Moonlit Sanctuary is a 25-acre biopark in Pearcedale, 50 minutes from Melbourne's CBD. The Mornington Peninsula sanctuary offers a haven for local native wildlife. Moonlit Sanctuary is open every day for visitors to explore, but also provides budding environmentalists with action packed Junior Ranger Programs (age suitability 7 - 12 years).
Day programs include interactions with a dingo, python and off-limits animals. Your kids will get involved in food preparation and feed the animals, as well as other animal enrichment activities and fun games.
Cost: $65 per day or $175 for 3 days.
Book: Call 03 5978 7935
Website: HERE
The Melbourne Crochet Club meets on a regular basis to learn crochet, meet other local mums, and to have a good chat. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned pro, everyone is welcome to come along.
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Kids Go Wild at Melbourne Zoo

image c/o zoo.org.au
Melbourne Zoo hosts
Kids Go Wild programs in the school holidays. Your primary school aged children will experience Melbourne Zoo in a way they haven't before. Expect plenty of games and activities whilst your kids learn more about the zoo's resident animals.
Cost: $78 per day or $70.20 for zoo members.
Book: Call 1300 966 784
Website: HERE
Keeper for a Day at Healesville Sanctuary

image c/o zoo.org.au
Zoos Victoria offer programs for year 7-12 students. The
Keeper for a Day program offered at Healesville Sanctuary will take your children on a behind-the-scenes adventure of the
Spirits of the Sky show, which showcases the sanctuary's feathered residents.
This is your children's chance to work alongside the dedicated and passionate trainers of Healesville Sanctuary's bird-life. Meet the powerful wedgetail eagles, Kevin the talking corella, and the aerial expert peregrine falcon. There will be opportunities to meet some native Australian animals too, such as the sanctuary's kangaroos, wombats and koalas.
Cost: $115 or $103.50 for zoo members
Book: Call 1300 966 784
Website: HERE
Keeper for a Day at Werribee Open Range Zoo

image c/o zoo.org.au
Werribee Open Range Zoo offers another program for students in years 7 to 12.
Work alongside the zoo's keepers, and find out what the wildlife experts do on a daily basis. Over the course of the day, your children will learn all about animal enrichment and exhibit maintenance, and experience first hand animal encounters.
The day will include a safari tour, only this time, your children will get the opportunity to speak to zoo keepers directly, and ask lots of questions along the way.
Cost: $115 or $103.50 for zoo members
Book: Call 1300 966 784
Website: HERE
All programs ask for participants to BYO lunch, snacks, water, and appropriate clothing (see individual websites for more details).