Get ready for a wild experience!

The Instrument Petting Zoo brings kids (and grown-ups) an up-close and personal encounter with a menagerie of musical instruments at community events throughout San Luis Obispo County.

Symphony Zookeepers will introduce you to all of the well-loved and well-used instruments in our collection, and help you figure out how to make some noise! Learn more about the different types of instruments, how each one creates a unique sound, and how they are played.

For many of the children who visit the Instrument Petting Zoo, this is the first chance they get to see, touch and play a real orchestral instrument. When you support the Instrument Petting Zoo, you are helping area children to start a lifelong adventure with music!

Bring the Instrument Petting Zoo to your special event!

The Instrument Petting Zoo comes to community events around the county such as Children’s Day in the Plaza, Paso Pops!, Avocado & Margarita Festival, Stone Soup Festival, BravoSLO at the PAC, library events, and more.

If you’re interested in having the Instrument Petting Zoo at your event, please fill out the form below and we will get in touch with you.

music education instrument petting zoo

The Instrument Petting Zoo brings a free music education experience to children throughout the year. You can help support our music education programs and more by making a donation to the San Luis Obispo Symphony today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Instrument Petting Zoo cost?

Not a thing! As part of our efforts to make learning about music fun and accessible to everyone, the San Luis Obispo Symphony will bring the Instrument Petting Zoo to your event at no charge.

Is there an age limit?

Anyone who can safely hold an instrument can give it a try! Our Symphony Zookeepers will be on hand to explain what the different instruments in our zoo are and how they work. Children and adults are welcome to ask questions and learn to make some music.

What do I need to provide?

We will need to have ample space to hold the Instrument Petting Zoo, with vehicle access for set up and clean up. We also need access to clean water – if this isn’t possible at your venue, please let us know in advance so we can make arrangements.

Additional Questions?

Please call the Symphony office at 805-543-3533 and ask for the Music Education department.