Nine PBS Playdate at the Zoo on September 26 welcomed nearly 2,250 children, parents, grandparents, and caregivers for a day filled with hands-on learning and unforgettable memories. Families lined up early for the chance to meet Sesame Street’s beloved furry red friend, and thousands of high-fives, hugs, and smiles were shared throughout the day. See our photo album below.
While meeting Elmo was certainly a highlight, the excitement extended far beyond the photo line. Visitors explored hands-on activities, games, crafts, and educational resources from the Nine PBS Learning League team. Learning League is Nine PBS’s hub for helping children and families learn, play, and grow together through trusted educational media and experiences.
Community partners helped bring even more opportunities for discovery and creativity to families throughout the event. We extend our thanks to the Saint Louis Zoo, the Saint Louis Art Museum, Great Rivers Greenway, and the Municipal Library Consortium of St. Louis County for creating engaging activities that made learning fun for attendees of all ages.
Inspired by a Wild New Adventure
Nine PBS Playdate at the Zoo was inspired by Sesame Street’s newest journey into the wild, Nature: Sesame Street and the Great Elephant Adventure.
In this special adventure, Elmo, Abby, and their Sesame Street friends travel to Kenya’s Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to meet a young elephant they adopted online and learn about the dedicated keepers who care for her. Through the power of storytelling, the special introduces young viewers to wildlife conservation, empathy, and the importance of caring for the natural world.
See the trailer below and watch the primetime premiere on Nine PBS and PBS KIDS on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 7 pm. The special will also be available for streaming on the PBS app and PBS KIDS app.
Keep Exploring Wildlife Together
Families attending the event had the opportunity to continue their learning journey while exploring the world-class Saint Louis Zoo and discovering more about wildlife conservation.
To help extend the adventure at home, librarians shared favorite books about elephants, Kenya, wildlife, and conservation. Whether you're borrowing from your local library or looking for your next family read, these titles are a great way to spark curiosity and conversation.
Thank You for Making It Special
At Nine PBS, we believe learning happens everywhere, from classrooms and living rooms to zoos, museums, and community events. We are grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make this Playdate such a success.
The enthusiasm families showed for Elmo was matched only by their excitement for discovering, exploring, and learning together. Moments like these remind us of the power of bringing trusted educational experiences into the community and creating opportunities for children and families to connect through curiosity and play.
Join the Nine PBS Family Club
Want even more learning adventures, family activities, and exclusive perks? Join the new Nine PBS Family Club and become part of a community that celebrates learning, exploration, and fun all year long. Learn more and join today.
Contributed by Lynanne Feilen, communications manager
