Indianapolis things to do: Summer at Indy Zoo offers unique events - IndyStar

Indianapolis Star

You may have watched penguins swim and waddle at the Indianapolis Zoo, but what about watching them paint?

Special experiences offered at the local zoo, at 1200 W. Washington St., give visitors the chance to see animals up closer than the regular tour. It'll cost you an extra fee, but if you have the means, you can also gift one to someone who can't afford it.

Prices listed are in addition to regular zoo admission. Click here for more information about each and to make reservations.

Sloth Adventure

Get a closer look at these slowpokes and feed them (holding them is not allowed for safety reasons).

Cost: $54 for members, $60 for nonmembers.

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Elephant Bathing Experience

What's it like to bathe an elephant? Learn how zookeepers care for Indianapolis' African elephants and help give them a scrub.

Cost: $68 for members, $75 for nonmembers.

Rhino Adventure

Touch one of the zoo's white rhinos.

Cost: $68 for members, $75 for nonmembers.

Aardvark Adventure

Interact with Adazee the aardvark and take a selfie with him.

Cost: $27 for members, $30 for nonmembers.

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Dolphin Meet and Greet

Head backstage after the dolphin show to get a high five from one of the zoo's pod members.

Cost: $20.

Cockatoo Meet and Greet

Join the flock and let one of the zoo's cockatoos perch on your arm.

Cost: $20.

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Animal Art Adventures

On the higher-end price point for animal experiences, in Animal Art Adventures, a zoo animal will create a unique work of art that you can take home. The zoo offers a range of animal artists to choose from, with more available during the summer months. As many as four people can join each session.

For all sessions, participants aged 6-13 must have an adult participant present.

• Elephant, for ages 6 and older, year-round
• Rhino, age 6+, summer only
• Penguin, age 6+, summer only
• Walrus, age 6+, summer only
• Orangutan, ages 12 and older, year-round
• Dolphin, 6+, in January, February and November

Cost: $250 members, $330 nonmembers.

Indianapolis Zoo hours

Click here to see the zoo's daily schedule.

• Monday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Tuesday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Wednesday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Thursday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Friday: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Sunday: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

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Indianapolis Zoo map

Indianapolis Zoo tickets

Ticket prices range from about $15-$30, depending on the date. Children younger than 2 are free. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.

Parking is not included and is free for members; $10 for nonmembers; and $20 for campers and other larger vehicles.