KEARNS ZOO FIELD GUIDE
Hands-On Herpetology: Scales and Tails Utah’s Junior Zookeeper Program in Kearns
Two-hour Junior & Teen Zookeeper sessions in Kearns give kids behind-the-scenes experience in reptile care—this guide explains what to expect, how sessions flow, and how to prepare.
Hands-On Herpetology: Scales and Tails Utah’s Junior Zookeeper Program in Kearns.
At Scales and Tails Utah in Kearns, the Junior Zookeeper Program pulls back the curtain on daily reptile care: short, focused sessions where kids and teens assist with feeding, simple habitat maintenance, handling animals and learning fundamentals of reptile husbandry and basic vet care.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Hands‑On Zookeeper Tasks
Each two-hour session places participants in genuine keeper roles: spot-cleaning enclosures, preparing meals and observing how keepers monitor animal health—tasks designed to teach responsibility and routine animal care.
Close-Up Time with Reptiles
Campers get animal handling opportunities every session and will meet a rotating cast of reptiles—from snakes to tortoises—learning safe handling techniques and keeper protocols.
Skills, Enrichment and Crafts
Beyond feeding and cleaning, sessions include enrichment projects, craft activities and themed lessons—everything from building reptile homes to learning about venom and camouflage.
What the day feels like
What it feels like to be a junior zookeeper
Sessions move quickly: two hours of hands-on tasks, animal encounters, games and crafts that rotate with each meeting. Kids step into keeper routines—preparing food, assisting with habitat upkeep, observing behaviors and trying enrichment exercises—so every visit feels like a new reptile-focused adventure.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits—and who should check first.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Sessions run two hours each; the summer camp program offers 11 weeks of themed sessions from June 1 through August 10 with two daily time slots on listed dates.
Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty and close‑toed shoes are recommended; bring a water bottle if needed—the building is kept between 75–81°F year‑round.
Cost is $25 per child per session, or $242 for all 11 summer camp sessions; members receive a 10% discount on zookeeper classes and other services.
Sessions meet at 4944 W 6200 S, Kearns, UT 84118—confirm exact check‑in procedures via your booking confirmation.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do we need to sign a waiver?
Yes. A waiver link is sent with confirmation; if forgotten, a waiver can be signed in house at check‑in.
Can a parent stay with their child during a session?
Yes. A parent is welcome to stay and watch if the session is not at full capacity.
Can I drop off my child and leave?
Yes. Parents may drop off and pick up their child provided an emergency contact number is on file.
Will my child get to pet animals?
Yes. Every camp includes animal handling opportunities; children often get to pet additional animals not listed in the session topic, though those are not guaranteed.
Can a 5‑year‑old participate with an older sibling?
Please call and discuss special circumstances with management to confirm suitability for very young participants.
Will younger and older children be grouped together?
Groups are typically split by age, but the operator reserves the right to keep all children together if the group size is under 10.