CAA
Educate. Engage. Enjoy.
The new Children’s Activity Area at Lehigh Valley Zoo is designed to transform a zoo visit into hours of discovery for families across the region. As the zoo continues enhancing its footprint, it remains focused not only on advancing animal habitats and the care of the species that call the zoo home, but also on creating meaningful guest experiences that inspire a deeper connection to wildlife and conservation.
Centered around hands-on learning, meaningful animal encounters, and active play, the project will feature a new conservation education center, immersive classroom technology, barnyard experiences, nature-based play spaces, and family-friendly amenities that encourage guests to stay longer, explore deeper, and engage more fully with the natural world.
More than a new attraction, the Children’s Activity Area represents the next chapter in the Zoo’s 118-year commitment to conservation and education—creating a place where curiosity becomes understanding, memories become lasting connections, and experiences inspire action for wildlife.
NOW OPEN!!!
Phase 1
One of the best ways for children to learn is through play. Situated between Preston’s Place (the existing nature play area) and the barnyard, the St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital Playground, with exciting new equipment, has a focus on accessibility for children of all abilities to be active while their caretakers take a rest.
The Fred & Anne Jaindl Barnyard is open year-round! Guests can walk through the barn and see the animal “bedrooms” as well as participate in brushing or feeding those animals that wish to participate.
What's next
Phase 2
Phase 2 of the Children’s Activity Area focuses on building a dynamic new Education Center designed to deepen connections between people, wildlife, and conservation.
More than just a classroom space, the Education Center will give families, students, and community groups opportunities to engage in hands-on discovery, immersive storytelling, and curriculum-aligned learning experiences. Flexible gathering spaces and thoughtfully integrated technology will bring wildlife closer through live animal programming, digital exploration, and interactive conservation education.
The future...
Phase 3
Phase 3 of the Children’s Activity Area brings the Zoo experience to life through active play, exploration, and family connection.
Centered around a vibrant splash pad, shaded seating areas, and nature-inspired play spaces, this phase is designed to encourage children to move, explore, and engage with the natural world in new ways. The Play & Exploration Zone will transform the Zoo into a destination where families can spend hours discovering, playing, and creating multigenerational memories together.
Be Part of What Comes Next.
Donor support brings meaningful recognition and the opportunity to become part of the Zoo’s lasting legacy.
- Gifts of $500+ will be recognized on the Children’s Activity Area campaign website during the campaign.
- Gifts of $1,000+ will receive permanent recognition on the Children’s Activity Area donor wall and an invitation to the official ribbon-cutting celebration.
- Leadership donors may enjoy additional benefits including Zoo memberships, VIP preview access, milestone event invitations, private animal education experiences, and customized partnership opportunities.
- Select naming opportunities are available throughout the project, including educational spaces, animal experiences, gathering areas, and family amenities.
Together, donors are helping create hours of discovery through conservation education, hands-on engagement, and joyful family experiences for generations to come.
Live Updates




THE ZOO IS HONORED TO EXPRESS OUR THANKS FOR LEAD GIFTS FROM THE FOLLOWING SUPPORTERS:
Jared and Monica Isaacman
The David & Jackie Jaindl Family and the Fred J. Jaindl Foundation
Milosev Family Foundation
The Davis & Smith Family Foundation
Peoples Security Charitable Foundation
The Tuskes Family
Michael and Christine Perrucci
PPL Foundation
Keystone Savings Foundation
Ciocca Subaru of Allentown – Hometown Charity for the 2024/2025/2026 Subaru Share the Love® Event
North Star Construction Management, Inc
Bohler Engineering
The John and Margaret Post Foundation
Wingstop Charities
Casella
St. Luke’s University Health Network
THANK YOU TO THE CAA CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE:
Jeffrey Drobins, LVZ Board of Directors | CLO, Peoples Security Bank & Trust
Borko Milosev, LVZ Board of Directors | President & CEO, Post Road Management
Michael Perrucci, Committee Chair | President & CEO, Peron Development
Michael Tuskes | President & CEO, Tuskes Homes
Cindy Feinberg | President, Feinberg Real Estate Advisors
Thomas Williams | President & CEO, City Line Construction
John Callahan | Director, Peron Development
Tom & Kara Skeans | Managing Directors, SVN Imperial Realty
Katie Holland Schlegel | President & CEO, BenefitSynergy
Joseph Correia | EVP, J.G. Petrucci Company
Casey Keller | Associate Advisor, Feinberg Real Estate Advisors
Brian Cook | LV Market President, Peoples Security Bank & Trust
Tony DaRe | President & CEO, BSI Corporate Benefits
Michael DaRe | President, Smarts USA
Mike Axiotis | President & CEO, Lehigh Valley Restaurant Brands
Jamie Connell | President, Connell Funeral Home Inc
Andrew & Megan Miller | EVP, Northstar Construction
$500+ DONORS
Brody Banko
Bohler Engineering
Casella
Ciocca Subaru of Allentown
The Davis & Smith Family Foundation
Susan Degler
The Drobins Family
Feinberg Real Estate Advisors, LLC
Karen & Doug Figura
Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba, PC
Fred J. Jaindl Family Foundation
Gary & Maureen Gilbert
Michael & Jean Grabarits
Susan & Jerry Harpel
Nat Hyman
Jared and Monica Isaacman
David & Jackie Jaindl Family
The James Family
The John and Margaret Post Foundation
Kay Builders Inc.
Keystone Savings Foundation
The Knelly Family
Lehigh County
The McGowan Family
Milosev Family Foundation
Rhonda Murra
North Star Construction Management, Inc
Peoples Security Charitable Foundation
Michael and Christine Perrucci
Power & Grace Gymnastics & Dance Inc.
PPL Foundation
Shafer Family Charitable Foundation
Shikiar Family Foundation
Sean, Heather, Killian & Cora Sicher
The Skeans Family
St. Luke’s University Health Network
The Stellato Family
The Tuskes Family
Walmart
The Wender-Timmerman Charitable Fund
Wingstop Charities
Lily Rose Winters
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Become a member
Become a Lehigh Valley Zoo member and make every visit more rewarding! Members enjoy unlimited free admission, discounts on exclusive events, and discounts on dining and retail — no advance reservations required. With perks like these, your membership pays for itself after just two visits.