Junior Naturalists Program
Become a Junior Naturalist at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary! Sign up for our youth environmental program for kids age 5-14.
Mini Naturalists: Age 5-8
Young explorers learn about animal behaviors, habitats, plant conservation, and life cycles through interactive games, animal encounters, native plants, and eco-friendly crafts — all while having fun in nature.
Junior Naturalists: Age 9-14
Junior Naturalists explore wildlife biology, habitats, conservation, and animal life cycles through hands-on activities, research, animal handling, group projects, and interactive games that build confidence, public speaking skills, and environmental awareness.
2026-27 School Year Sessions
Mini Naturalists: Wednesday 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Junior Naturalists: Wednesday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Mini Naturalists: Friday 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Junior Naturalists: Friday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Mini Naturalists: Saturday 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Please note: Saturday sessions meet every other week!
Junior Naturalists: Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Please note: Saturday sessions meet every other week!
SOLD OUT: Please contact jrnaturalist@buschwildlife.org to be put on a waitlist.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
The Mini Junior Naturalists (5-8) meet 4 times within a session.
The Junior Naturalists (9-12) meet 6 times within a session.
-
No, all purchases are nonrefundable, transferable, or prorated.
-
These sessions are geared towards homeschool students.
We offer Saturday sessions for both our Mini Junior Naturalists and our Junior Naturalists.
-
Yes, all of our Junior Naturalist and Mini Junior Naturalist programs are drop-off sessions. Parents are more than welcome to wait on site while the class is in session.
-
Snacks, a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, comfortable & weather-appropriate clothing (hat, sunglasses, rain jacket), closed-toe shoes, and any required medication.
-
Yes! There is an animal encounter during each class. Junior Naturalists between the ages of 9-14 also get to learn how to handle some of our educational ambassadors!
-
Yes, we do have a waitlist! If you are interested in being placed on our waitlist, please email our Junior Naturalist coordinator at juniornaturalist@buschwildlife.org.
Junior Naturalist Inquiry Form
Please fill out the form below if you are interested in your child joining our Junior Naturalist Program. A team member will be in touch with additional information on pricing and registration requirements. It may take us a few days to get back to you, especially if you submit this form on a weekend.
