The whole family can join Sunset Zoo for a unique experience in one of our family-oriented classes.  Below are our current opportunities.  Check back often for new additions.

Painting with the Animals

During this unique experience, families will visit a featured animal and use their powers of observation to create a masterpiece.  To kick off your experience, Sunset Zoo staff will introduce the featured animal highlighting fun facts about the individuals in our care at the Zoo.  After the brief introduction and interaction with related animal artifacts, families will be guided through a painting experience using tempera paint and 8x10 canvases.  Depending on the featured animal, experiences may take place in the zoo at the animal's habitat or in a space more conducive to viewing the featured animal.  Below are some example paintings.

At the conclusion of the painting experience, a painting or print from the featured animal will be given away to one lucky participant.  While paintings dry, families are welcome to enjoy the rest of Sunset Zoo.

Space is limited, thus pre-registration is required.  Registration is first come, first serve, and you can register by clicking here.  Sunset Zoo staff will greet families participating in front of the Zoo's ticket booth and guide participants to the location of the painting experience.  Experiences will last approximately 45 minutes.

Registration

Registration for January, March, and May will open on January 2, 2024.

Registration fee covers all painting supplies, including one 8"x10" canvas per registrant.  Please note, these programs start prior to the zoo's regular admission hours.  Therefore, day-of registration is not available 

At least one parent is required to stay with child(ren) participants at all times during the program.  Therefore, we also highly encourage parents to register and participate alongside their child(ren).  However, we do recognize some children may need extra parental support to fully participate.  Those parents do not need to register, but will not receive their own painting supplies nor get an entry into the drawing for the animal painting.

Registration Fee: $20/Non-member; $17/FOSZ member

Refund Policy for Classes Requiring Registration

A full refund is granted if cancellation is received one week (seven days) prior to class; partial refund with notification at least 48 hours before and no refund if notified less than 48 hours in advance. We may also be able to transfer youth between class sessions; contact us at 785-587-2737 or sunsetzoo@cityofmhk.com for assistance.

Start time is before Sunset Zoo opens.  Staff will meet all registered families at the entry gate.  Please arrive promptly at or slightly before the program start time so you do not miss entry or limit your experience.  Staff will only wait a maximum of 5 minutes for late arrivals.  Late arrivals will not be given a refund.