The Louisville Zoo, in partnership LG&E and KU Foundation, invites families and individuals to join Kids in Action, an initiative created for students in grades preschool to 12th grades. The program is part of the Zoo’s Earth Month Celebration. Throughout April, the Zoo will host a series of weekend activities and discounted admission opportunities to celebrate the wonder of our planet and promote the need to protect it.

Kids in Action encourages children to design conservation projects for the benefit of their own community. The program also offers students a platform to share these projects with conservation-minded individuals across the region.

New this year we are encouraging projects to fit within the following categories:

  • AIR: Help keep the air clean so we can all breathe easy! Example: Plant trees or flowers that help clean the air.
  • EARTH: Take care of the ground we walk on by reducing trash and helping plants grow! Example: Organize a park cleanup or start a compost bin at home.
  • WATER: Protect rivers, lakes and streams so animals and people have clean water to enjoy! Example: Collect rainwater for your garden or clean up a stream.
  • ANIMAL: Help animals stay safe and happy in their homes! Example: Build birdhouses or create a pollinator garden for bees and butterflies.
  • SERVICE: Work together to make your neighborhood and planet a better place! Example: Host a recycling drive or teach friends about saving energy.

The Zoo has created some sample projects to help spark your creativity. They can be found on the Louisville Zoo Kids in Action website.

Projects could also include creating a backyard pollinator garden, cleaning up a neighborhood park or collecting rainwater for a home garden. Ultimately with the collective work of students, everyone wins – humans, nature and animals!

Projects need to be registered on the Kids in Action webpage by April 16. Students will be asked to provide a project plan and timeline, share what inspired them and include a picture or graphic image of their project. One winner from each category will be drawn at random to win Louisville Zoo prize packs.

Winners will be announced at the Louisville Zoo’s Earth Day Celebration on Sunday, April 26, 2026, and will be invited to showcase their projects at the Zoo.

Key Deadlines:

  • April 16: Final deadline for Kids in Action submissions. Submit project outline and photos to the Louisville Zoo Kids in Action website.
  • April 26: Winners will be announced at the Louisville Zoo’s Earth Day Celebration and will be invited to showcase their projects at the zoo.