Instrument petting Zoo

The Instrument Petting Zoo allows for kids and families of any musical experience to touch, play, and listen to various instruments.

Events are all ages and free!

Started in 2023, the Instrument Petting Zoo has engaged 1,000s of kids and families at public events around Columbus. Various instruments, including guitars, violins, cellos, keyboards, and drums, are set up for kids and families to touch, play, and listen to, with volunteers present to showcase the qualities of each instrument.

In many cases, this is the first chance a child has to hold an instrument and make their first musical sounds. This can be the spark that inspires continued music learning, the benefits of which span brain development, improved science, math, and reading skills, as well as enhanced soft skills like discipline and commitment.

Instrument Petting Zoos are free for anyone, regardless of experience!

Upcoming Events

Sunday, July 22nd from 11am-4pm
as part of the Go Fourth! Block Party for All

Budd Dairy Food Hall – 1086 N. Fourth Street, Columbus, OH 43201

Music Columbus is happy to be part of Go Fourth! A Block Party for All, where our Instrument Petting Zoo will feature keyboards, violins, cellos, percussion instruments, and much more! Bring the whole family along and experience the gift of music on Sunday, September 22nd.

If you’re passionate about music, teaching, or the local community, come volunteer with us at one of these petting zoos! Sign-up via the form below!

Sign-Up
Graphic for upcoming Instrument Petting Zoos on July 30th. Following text reads: "Dorrian Green Metro Park", "11am-2pm", "All ages & free", "Featuring keyboards, violins, guitars, and more!", "Join Us! July 30th"

Getting Involved

These Zoos have become incredibly popular with families around the city. As a result, they have increased hands-on community engagement within our music community, and the community at-large.

If you’re interested in having an Instrument Petting Zoo at your event, please reach out using the form below!

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Past Petting Zoo Photos

Image of two teen boys playing with a Yamaha Keyboard at an Instrument Petting Zoo
Image of a family and some other children looking at various instruments at an Instrument Petting Zoo. The instruments they are looking at include acoustic guitars, a keyboard, and small hand percussion.
Image of a younger boy strumming an electric guitar running through a small amplifier at an Instrument Petting Zoo.
Image of three children looking at a table of instruments at an Instrument Petting Zoo. One is playing with a silver Yamaha keyboard, one is near a stringed instrument case, and the one closest to frame is looking at a viola.
Image of a young man and woman playing acoustic guitars, facing each other, at an Instrument Petting Zoo.
Image of an adult man and young girl testing out a silver keyboard at an Instrument Petting Zoo.
Image of three children looking at a cello, while one child places a bow against it at an Instrument Petting Zoo

 

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