Kid-friendly events to be held throughout July at Stone Zoo and Franklin Park Zoo

Move and Groove Enrichment Day at Franklin Park Zoo!

When: Saturday, July 8th, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Franklin Park Zoo, One Franklin Park Road, Boston

Animals like to move it, move it! And all animals, including humans, need enrichment to exercise, experience, and enhance the mind, body and senses every day. So join us on Saturday, July 8 to move and groove with us at the Zoo as we highlight the different types of enrichment that is given to the animals.

Throughout the day, guests are invited to take part in exercise classes, learn about enrichment items during zookeeper chats and explore healthy eating habits at the education table. There will be a kickboxing class in the morning and a yoga class in the afternoon.*

What is enrichment? Enrichment plays a key role in our animal care program, and can be offered in a variety of different ways – zookeepers use novelty foods, sounds, smells, boxes, bags, and toys to provide activities that excite all the senses. Environmental enrichment encourages animals to use their natural abilities and behaviors to interact with their environment.

*Please bring your own yoga mat to participate in the class.

For ticket information, visit www.franklinparkzoo.org.

Parrots and Pirates Day at Stone Zoo

When: Sunday, July 9th, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Stone Zoo, 149 Pond Street, Stoneham

Join Captain Jack and the Pirates of the Rogues’ Armada as they invade Stone Zoo on Sunday, July 9. Guests of all ages can train to be a pirate and learn about their history under the instruction of Captain Jack and his crew. There will also be special animal encounters and zookeeper chats with some of the pirates’ favorite animals, including the parrots. Pirate-themed crafts and activities will be offered throughout the day.

Stone Zoo is home to hyacinth macaws, the largest of the parrot species. These birds are noted for their rich color and are native to South America.

The Rogues’ Armada is New England’s premier Pirate Fleet and The Official Pirates of Boston. Come dressed in ye best pirate attire to pose for photos with the crew and don’t forget your camera!

For ticket information, visit www.stonezoo.org.

Get Creative at Watercolor Wednesday

When: Wednesday, July 12th, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Franklin Park Zoo, One Franklin Park Road, Boston

Join us for Watercolor Wednesday on July 12 at Franklin Park Zoo! Watch and ask questions directly to the artists from the New England Watercolor Society as they draw inspiration from the animals and paint their likenesses. There will also be an interactive watercolor painting table for guests to get creative and try their hand at the aqua-based painting style.

The New England Watercolor Society is one of the oldest and most prestigious watercolor societies in America. Early members included such well-known names in American art as Thomas Allen, F. Childe Hassam, John Singer Sargent (hon.), Frank W. Benson, George Hallowell, and Charles Woodbury. The Society has now grown to nearly 200 signature members from all the New England states. The mission of the Society is to promote the advancement of aqua media arts throughout New England and to bring superior examples of these paintings before a wider public.

For ticket information, visit www.franklinparkzoo.org.