Open Daily
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Open Daily
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
In May 2017, we opened a new kind of natural play area designed to meet the unique needs of children with varying exceptionalities and their families. The Exceptional Nature Space (ENS) is a modified natural habitat that is both safe and stimulating. It is designed to be flexible so that it can be easily reset and reprogrammed to best serve children with different challenges. Within this carefully defined space, kids are free to explore an authentic Florida habitat, engage in open-ended nature play, experiment, socialize with other children and learn by doing. Because this is one of the first settings of its kind, we consider it a “living laboratory” where we can also learn how to best serve this audience through ongoing observations and feedback from the parents and the children themselves. Contact exceptional needs coordinator Lindsay Mathisen at lmathisen@brevardzoo.org for more information about program offerings for individuals, groups or school groups.
Exceptional Nature Space
Play time in our space!
Exceptional Nature Space
Open Free Play
Kid playing with telescope in Exceptional Nature Space
Exceptional Nature Space
Exploring with friends!
Friends playing in Exceptional Nature Space
Exceptional Nature Space
Education Program and Animal Experience!
Children meeting an animal in Exceptional Nature Space
Exceptiontal Nature Space
Walkway into Exceptional Nature Space
Exceptional Nature Space
Sensory board play area. Come Grow With Us!
Exceptional Nature Program
Child meeting box turtle in Exceptional Nature Space
Exceptiontal Nature Space
Gate outside of Exceptional Nature Space
Exceptional Nature Space
Bamboo wind chime play area
Exceptinal Nature Space
Play time in our space!
Exceptinal Nature Program
Girl meeting animal in Exceptional Nature Space
Exceptional Nature Space
Young boy sticks his tongue out from behind bamboo in play area
Boy Playing
Young boy smiles while playing in a sandbox
Come discover, build and play with us! Playtime is an opportunity for children and families of all abilities to explore the ENS. Enter through Paws On after Zoo admission. Capacity may be limited.
January 11
February 8
March 14
April 11
May 9
All Playtime program participants must pre-register by emailing lmathisen@brevardzoo.org. Quiet entrance is available on the hour upon request. There is no cost to participate in this program; Zoo admission is not included and not required. Dates subject to change.
Do you belong to a play group or organization? Contact us to plan a fun outing that meets your needs. Dates are booking fast! Contact Lindsay at lmathisen@brevardzoo.org to schedule your next playtime in our Exceptional Nature Space!
Families of individuals with unique sensory processing needs are welcome to attend sensory-friendly events during the year! Pre-registration is required.
2020 Event Dates Coming Soon!
2019 Events
Sculpture Safari
Artic Tuesday
Sensory Boo at the Zoo
Santa visits Exceptional Nature Space
Offerings support cognitive, social and physical needs. Click HERE for information.
Our social story is designed to enhance the Zoo experience for guests with autism spectrum disorders, but may be used by anyone. Please note that some areas of the Zoo are louder on crowded days. A list of helpful hints at the end of the story can help caregivers better prepare for their Zoo visit. If you have any questions about your visit on a particular day, feel free to contact lmathisen@brevardzoo.org. Click HERE to download.
We reserve the right to combine or cancel education programs due to certain circumstances. If this occurs, participants will be notified.