Zoo Moves: Wellness Walks & Workouts

Move your body and refresh your mind at the Minnesota Zoo!

Zoo Moves: Wellness Walks & Workouts invite you to enjoy peaceful evening walks on the Treetop Trail paired with energizing outdoor fitness classes in a one-of-a-kind natural setting.

Nature moves us—and now you can move with it. Zoo Moves: Wellness Walks & Workouts is your invitation to enjoy an energizing evening at the Minnesota Zoo. Stroll the scenic Treetop Trail during exclusive after-hours access and if you’re up for extra action, choose one workout class from a variety of offerings designed for all levels. Whether you’re looking to stretch, dance, strengthen, or simply unwind, this unique experience combines the physical and mental benefits of outdoor exercise in a peaceful, inspiring environment.

Evening highlights include:
• Self-paced walks with optional fitness prompts along the Treetop Trail
• Inspiring 45-minute wellness classes (yoga, Pilates, dance, and more)
• Tranquil Zoo atmosphere with scenic plazas and open-air settings
     - animals will be off habitat enjoying their own wellness
• Open to both Zoo members and non-members

Come solo or with friends—no matter your pace, there’s a path (and a plaza) for you!

Dates/Times:

• Sunday, August 10, 2025

- Walking on the Treetop Trail from 6:30-8:30pm
- Workout classes from 7:00-7:45pm

- Mat Pilates, Zumba, Bachata, Yoga, and Qigong

• Sunday, September 7, 2025

- Walking on the Treetop Trail from 5:30-7:30pm
- Workout classes from 6:00-6:45pm

- Mat Pilates, Zumba, Bachata, Yoga, and Guided Mindful Walking

Ages: 16+ years of age

Fees:
• Walking Only: $5 per person / per night
• Workout Classes: $15 per member; $20 per non-member / per night
     - Includes Open Walking on the Treetop Trail before and after the class.
• Pre-registration is required for both Walking and Workout Classes.

Registration Notes:
• Workout class registration is for one class on one date.
• For workout classes offered on more than one date, please register separately for each date.
• Registration closes the Friday before each program date at noon. Please register early as space is limited.

WELLNESS WORKOUT CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

Open Walking (and Fitness Prompts) – August 10 and September 7
Enjoy an evening of walking the Treetop Trail whether you need to get your steps in or want to experience nature in a more peaceful way. Throughout the trail, fitness prompts will also be posted for you to get in a little extra stretching while on your walk.

Bachata – August 10 and September 7
It’s an awesome dance workout—music, high energy, low impact, and fun! It’s a cardio exercise that gets your heart pumping and blood flowing with small steps and quick muscle activation. Bachata dance originated in the Dominican Republic, and now is a great workout no matter your level of fitness.
Note: No partner needed

Instructor: Eda Kachiri | Yirií Dance Studio
Location:
• Reindeer Plaza
• About a 5-minute walk from the Zoo’s entrance
Group Size: 50 participants

Guided Mindful Walking at the Zoo – September 7th Only
As we move through our day, our minds are often busy—replaying past conversations, planning ahead, or lost in thought. In this workshop, you'll experience the wellbeing benefits of mindful walking while exploring the natural beauty of the Minnesota Zoo. After an introduction to the practice, you'll be guided along a path by a Bakken Center mindfulness facilitator or invited to explore on your own. The workshop will conclude with a group reflection.
Note: Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring your curiosity!

Instructor: Mariann Johnson | Mindfulness and Wellbeing Instructor at the University of Minnesota's Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing
Location:
• Bison Plaza
• About a 10-minute walk from the Zoo’s entrance
Group Size: 20 participants

Mat Pilates– August 10 and September 7
Pilates is a type of exercise and body conditioning highlighting precise and repetitive movements, controlled breathing, and muscle engagement. Tailored for all skill levels, the instructor will guide you through a blend of basic movements and advanced progressions, designed to improve core strength, flexibility, and body alignment.
Note: Don’t forget to bring a mat

Instructor: Hailey Hass | Instructor for Hailey’s Pilates and Club Pilates
Location:
• Central Plaza
• About a 1-minute walk from the Zoo’s entrance
Group Size: 50 participants

Simple Qigong for Wellbeing – August 10th Only
In this session, you will learn simple qigong sequences to support wellbeing and stress management. Qigong combines movement, intentional breathing, and focused attention to cultivate energy and promote circulation within the body. Participants will be guided through gentle qigong movement sequences, with seated modifications available.
Note: No previous experience with qigong required, all levels welcome.

Instructor: Kim Christensen, DAOM, DiplOM, LAc | Teaching Faculty at the University of Minnesota's Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing and Licensed Acupuncturist and Chinese medicine Herbalist
Location:
• Bison Plaza
• About a 10-minute walk from the Zoo’s entrance
Group Size: 20 participants

Yoga – August 10 and September 7 - SOLD OUT
Yoga aims to create a union of the body, mind, and soul through controlled breathing, postures, relaxation, and meditation. It’s an ancient system passed down through generations to experience deep states of freedom, peace and self-realization. Yoga emphasizes mind-body connection and offers physical benefits like strength, flexibility, and balance.

Instructor: Kevin Oatis | Corporate Exercise Specialist at Plus One, an Optum Company, Licensed Massage Therapist at Life Time, NASM Certified Personal Trainer and AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor

Zumba® – August 10 and September 7
Zumba® is a dance-based fitness technique that combines elements of salsa, samba, merengue, reggaeton and hip-hop. This cardio exercise is a fast-paced, heart-pumping workout that keeps your body guessing by mixing up the music's rhythm. Zumba® is for everybody and every body.

Instructor: Elba Castillo | Personal trainer for fitness: Latin dance (Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Cumbia) and Aztec-Mexican traditional dance
Location:
• Crossroads Plaza
• About a 15-minute walk from the Zoo’s entrance
Group Size: 50 participants

Accommodations
The Minnesota Zoo will make all reasonable modifications to policies and programs to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy all its programs, services, and activities. To request an accommodation, please contact us a minimum of two weeks prior to your visit. Submit requests to Web: MNZoo.org/Accessibility, Phone: 651.539.6596 (voice) or 1.800.627.3529 (TTY), Email: [email protected].

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