Little Learners at the San Francisco Zoo

Little Learners was an awesome class! My son is 1 ½ years old and enjoyed playing with the other children and Susanne. The little cabin had many toys that he couldn’t resist and the schedule of activities was just enough in the hour that we had. You really get a great deal with registration– free parking, class, snacks, and the rest of the day at the zoo! This was both our first time at SF Zoo and I’m overjoyed we decided to attend. I definitely recommend this to parents/​caregivers and their toddlers if you are looking for something to do.

I really like this exhibit! Really well put together!

Wow! Everyone loves the Little Learners! Our twins loved them too, and so did I. Which I can’t say about other toddler activities that can be so dreadful for parents.
The activities are nicely structured, with just the right mix of comforting repetition and exiting novelty for a toddler. The craft projects are nice, and the highlight of each class is the ANIMAL VISITOR. It’s always exciting to see the crate and wonder what comes out of it today. (Except when it’s a turtle :-)) The zoo walk after class is pleasant too – the kids get some exercise and the parents get some relief from kiddieland.
We miss those Saturdays with Susanne!

This class is by far the best facilitated class that I’ve attended with my toddler so far. Teacher Susanne really knows how to connect with the kids, and the class is well organized and well-​balanced between free play and activities, and she knows how to engage kids at various levels of attention span. Afterwards, we stay at the zoo and enjoy additional time there. My son enjoys playing with the crafts that we take home from class, and it helps reinforce what we learned and gets him excited to return the next week. We also sing the songs that we learn in class at home and in the car!
Parking and zoo admission are included in the class price, so it makes for a very good value, especially for such a fun, well-​organized and interactive class!

I highly recommend these classes at the SF Zoo. Susanne is the most wonderful and nurturing teacher. She is so creative, kind, and patient with the kids. I’ve had my daughter enrolled in her classes since she was 18 months.
These classes are such a great value! Susanne starts off the class with circle time, and teaches the children songs, the alphabet, and their numbers. All of this is happening WHILE she incorporates animal facts and their unique qualities and traits. Kid friendly snacks are provided for by Susanne. The children are also encouraged to socially interact together during music time and through pretend play. Just imagine a bunch of little children pretending to be ducks or kangaroos– so adorable! There is also a small animal «visitor» that comes during the class for the kids to pet and touch. The class ends with a stroller friendly walk to the animal they learned about in class that day.
This fun and educational program has taught my little girl respect and kindness for all things living. My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed spending our time together in these classes. My daughter is now 3 years old, and has progressed to the Animal Adventures classes.

I can’t say enough about Suzanne’s Little Learners class at the zoo. My son was ecstatic every week to attend, and this class was primarily responsible for his passion for animals. She has a wonderful way with children and animals which makes for a great interactive and fun way to learn about animals.
The class is extremely well-​balanced and moves at a wonderful pace for this age, keeping them engaged at all times with art, creative play, dance, snack, walks to the animals, and the all-​time favorite animal visitors.
It was my son’s favorite thing to do all week, he looked forward to it!

Classes are held in the new and spiffy Fisher Price Little Learners Cabin. The space is clean, well lit, and well equipped. It has a great playroom, bathroom and kitchen/​eating area.
SFZS Members $ 22 per topic ($ 90 for entire series); all others $ 25 per topic ($ 105 for entire series). Pre-​registration is required. (Nice that you can pick and choose your dates!!)
You pay no admission or parking — when you are signed up, you are on the class list. The cabin is in the kid area — they will give you good directions. They have a 1 adult per child limit.
The teacher, Suzanne Cooper is Really good. She is attentive, energetic and what I would call «on it».
The class is highly organized and prepared, and the kids are carefully guided through all the components of the class.
Most of the time is spent indoors, however they end the class with a stroller-​friendly walk to visit the animal that was the theme of the day.
They play with specially themed toys, sing songs, dance, do an art project, pet a show-​an-​tell animal, do creative movement, story time, even snack. And it is all age appropriate.
This is a good value for your kid’s class dollar, and it’s an excellent concept. Suzanne runs a tight ship and it is much appreciated.