MN Zoo Hanifl Family Wild Woods

Hanifl Wild Woods Nature Based Play Area at the Minnesota Zoo takes advantage of existing grade changes, mature trees, and fabulous wetland vistas. The play area provides an active recreational experience for children of all ages focusing on nature exploration and education. The design integrates climbing, sliding, running, hiking, fort building and water play in a variety of unique features including a tree top walk experience, a wetland boardwalk, wholetree climbing features, a woodland labyrinth, outdoor musical instruments, tube slides and a lazy stream. As part of our scope, our team worked with the Minnesota Zoo membership and staff to define their Nature Based Play Area Mission: To immerse the child in a nature based to foster active play in the outdoors and to reveal the curiosity and wonder of flora and fauna in our natural environment.