Buttonwood Park Zoo first introduced the “Buttonwood Break Box” to the SouthCoast during the holiday break in December of 2020. It was a fun and safe way to bring the BPZOO’s education programs home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each box included fun activities with step-by-step instructions, a complete set of supplies, making it a great way to entertain children between the ages of five and 10 over the holiday break.

Since the pandemic is still ongoing, the zoo has brought these activity boxes back for the children of the SouthCoast. This time, they will be accompanied by links to videos of zoo educators and animals to extend the learning. This latest session will have an Earth Day theme, teaching kids the importance of protecting their environment.

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The April 2021 Earth Day box includes:

  • At-home Science Activity (grow your own arctic crystals)
  • Craft (ocean in a bottle activity)
  • Palm Oil Scavenger Hunt & Video Lesson
  • Yummy Treat Activity
  • Earth Day Inspired Paint Kit and Video (includes canvas, brush & paint)
  • Live Desert Themed Virtual Keeper Chat via Zoom

One mom was really appreciative of the effort made by our local zoo to keep kids entertained and connected during the strangest year.

“Thank you for providing activities like this. As a mom, I had just as much fun doing the activities with my daughter. In these challenging times, it is wonderful to see the creative and innovative ideas organizations are developing for the community. Thank you for all that you continue to do for the community and the amazing animals at BPZoo.”

All Buttonwood Break Box orders must be in by Monday, April 12 and they will be available for pickup at the zoo from Saturday, April 17, and Monday, April 19 from 9 am to 4 pm. If interested in learning more about shipping options, please contact Carrie Hawthorne at Carrie.Hawthorne@newbedford-ma.gov or (508) 991-6178 ext. 67413.

Click HERE to learn more and purchase your own Buttonwood Break Box.

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