Touch & Learn is our immersive hands-on discovery series designed for young explorers

Experts from the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Chicago Herpetological Society, Double J Riding Club, and Oak Park Natural Pet & Fish bring live and preserved animals, insects, and artifacts straight to your child’s fingertips – building curiosity and confidence one discovery at a time.

What to Expect Each session invites children to see, touch, and engage with the incredible variety of textures, shapes, and adaptations found in the animal kingdom. From the sleek glide of a snake to the intricate spiral of a seashell, every experience is designed to spark wonder and build scientific curiosity.

Live Animal Encounters Come face-to-face with some of nature’s most fascinating creatures! Children will have the opportunity to meet and gently interact with live animals including snakes, spiders, and other incredible species. Trained naturalists guide each encounter, teaching children how these animals live, move, eat, and thrive — turning fear into fascination and curiosity into confidence.

Animal Artifact Exploration What does a wolf pelt feel like? How do fish scales protect their owner? Collections of real animal artifacts — including pelts, feathers, shells, scales, and bones — bring the science of animal coverings to life. Children explore how nature has engineered each unique material for survival, camouflage, warmth, and protection.

Upcoming Encounters