Kids Programs

Big adventures for little wildlife lovers with hands-on programs during the school term and even more to explore in the school holidays.

For young animal lovers

Little hands,
big wildlife moments.

From themed preschool sessions to full-day keeper experiences, our kids programs give young visitors the chance to learn, explore and get closer to wildlife. Each program runs at different times of year, so check when yours is on.

Term time + school holidays

Sanctuary Sprouts

Our program for preschoolers now runs during school term as well as the holidays.

3–5 AGES
For our littlest explorers

45 minutes of wild discovery

Explore, create and discover together through animal encounters, nature play and hands-on activities designed especially for curious young minds.

$35 per child 45 minutes 1 adult per child
What's included
Wildlife-themed learning and exploration Opportunities to observe and learn about animals Engaging stories, movement activities and craft Small-group experiences led by an Education Officer Age-appropriate learning through play
Child exploring with a keeper during a Sanctuary Sprouts session at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Upcoming Sessions

Term time School holidays

Monday 19 October · 11:00am – 11:45am

Tiny Tails

Whether they hatch from an egg or peek out from a pouch, baby animals have a lot of growing to do! In Tiny Tails, Sprouts will discover the amazing ways animals begin their lives and grow into adults. Through playful activities and up-close animal encounters, we’ll explore life cycles and how animals change as they grow.

Term time

Thursday 12 November · 1:00pm – 1:45pm

Nature’s Builders

Who are nature’s best builders? In this program, children will discover animals with some very important jobs – from digging wombats and nest-building birds to rainforest-gardening cassowaries, we’ll explore how animals help create and care for the habitats around them. And who knows…Sanctuary Sprouts might even get to do some building of our own!

Term time

Tuesday 8 December · 10:00am – 10:45am

Animal Olympics

Ready, Set, Go! Which animal can jump the farthest, climb the highest or swim the fastest? Animal Olympics is a playful adventure into the amazing abilities of Lone Pine’s wildlife. Get moving, take on some animal-inspired challenges, and see how your skills compare with some of nature’s most impressive athletes!

Term time

Please note: Due to space limitations and to ensure proper supervision, we ask that Sprouts are accompanied by one parent or adult per child, and siblings under 3 years are not recommended. Annual Pass Membership cannot be redeemed against Kids Programs.

School holidays

School Holiday Programs

Junior Keeper and Teen Keeper run in the Queensland school holidays only, and Sanctuary Sprouts has holiday sessions for little ones too.

Now booking September – October 2026 school holidays
Next up: Summer holidays, dates coming soon
Not running this term Next: Summer holidays, dates coming soon
Get Notified →
Young child and parent at a Sanctuary Sprouts session at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Ages 3–5 Runs in term time too

Sanctuary Sprouts

Our preschool program runs in the school holidays too. 45-minute themed sessions for little ones and their grown-up.

See Sprouts Sessions ↑
5–12 AGES
A full morning behind the scenes

Junior Keeper

School holidays only $139 per child 8:00am – 1:00pm 5 hours

Kids step into the world of a wildlife keeper, working alongside our dedicated team caring for Australia's unique animals. With experiences available for both Junior Joeys (5–8 years) and Senior Serpents (9–12 years), activities are tailored to suit the ages of participating children.

What's included
Care for 100+ kangaroos in the reserve Hands-on barnyard animal encounters Meet fascinating reptiles up close Design enrichment treats for animals Shadow a zookeeper behind the scenes Private raptor training session Explore the Platypus House Special koala encounter
Child with a keeper during the Junior Keeper program at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Teens learning from a keeper during the Teen Keeper program at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
13–17 AGES
A real day in the life of a keeper

Teen Keeper

School holidays only $150 per child 8:00am – 2:00pm 6 hours

Designed for teens passionate about animals, this hands-on day lets them work alongside our expert keepers and learn about wildlife conservation.

What's included
Clean and maintain animal exhibits Observe and join in animal training Prepare food and enrichment items Exclusive up-close animal encounters Feed kangaroos and meet dingoes Explore the Platypus House and Wildlife Hospital Special koala encounter LPKS water bottle and certificate

Please note: Schedule and encounters may vary based on availability. Annual Pass Membership cannot be redeemed against Kids Programs.

Available every day

More For Little Animal Lovers

Short, kid-friendly encounters you can add to any visit, during term or the school holidays.

See all encounters →
Child meeting barnyard animals during the Barn Encounter at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Ages 3–13

Barn Encounter

Hold a guinea pig, cuddle a chick and feed the goats or sheep in this hands-on farmyard encounter.

$10 · 15 min
Kids meeting a reptile up close during the Reptile Encounter at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Ages 3+

Reptile Encounter

Dive into the fascinating world of reptiles and meet some of our scaly residents up close.

$35 · 30 min
Family meeting a sheepdog during the Sheepdog Encounter at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Ages 3+

Sheepdog Encounter

A heartwarming encounter with our hardworking sheepdogs, perfect for families with spots for up to 6.

$15 · 15 min
Looking for more? Koalas, raptors, dingoes and more up-close experiences. See all wildlife encounters →
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Need more information or assistance?

The team at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary are more than happy to help. Please reach out below.