Current Zoo Programs
Zoo Boise programs strive to inspire the conservation of wildlife worldwide by providing unique, fun, and engaging nature-focused experiences! Activities include up-close animal encounters, zoo tours, nature walks, ecology games and simulations, science-based investigations, zookeeper presentations, and more.
Winter/Spring Education Program Registration Now Open!
Save the Date: Summer camp and program registration opens Monday, March 30 for City of Boise residents and Wednesday, April 1 for everyone.
🌱 Annual passholders to Zoo Boise get a reduced rate on programs. Send an EMAIL to get the promo code. 🌱
Register By Phone
Call (208) 608-7680
Register Online
Click to register online
Questions?
Zoo Boise Programs Can Include:
- Animal meet and greet
- Zoo guided tours
- Classroom lessons, demonstrations, and experiments
- Exploration of animal biofacts
- Arts & crafts projects
- Educational videos
- Zookeeper talks
- Ecology-focused games
SUMMER CAMPS (ages 4-6)
TIMES:
9AM – 12PM
COST:
$180
Registration opens on Monday, March 30 for Boise city residents and Wednesday, April 1 for non-residents.
*No camps the week of July 6 – 10.*
animal abcs
With crafts galore, zoo exploration, stories, imaginative play, and animal meet & greets, we’ll foster early literacy skills by turning each day into an alphabet quest. Venture into the animal kingdom to start the school year off with a roar!
colorful critters
Vibrant adventures await as each day brings a splash of color inspired by our amazing animal friends. Campers will explore the zoo, engage in lively games, and create colorful masterpieces, all while discovering the beauty of the animal kingdom. This half-day camp is designed just for our pint-sized Picasso adventurers!
dr. zoolittle
Your future veterinarians start the week by creating their own vet kits, complete with “stethoscopes”, ID badges, and daily medical checks for their “patient”. Set up a mini animal hospital together where campers can diagnose “injured” stuffed animals, prescribe treatments, and learn about the importance of animal care.
FUR-FEATHERS-SCALES
Discover what makes furry, feathered, and scaly creatures unique. Campers will waddle like penguins, roar like lions, and slither like snakes while learning about how animals live, eat, and play. With games, colorful crafts, stories, and animal ambassadors, this camp is perfect for curious kiddos who love the whole animal kingdom!
Furry Tails
Embark on a whimsical adventure with us as we dive into the enchanting world of fairy tale critters. Watch as stories leap off the page with campers encountering princely frogs and playful dragons on their zoo escapades.
Junior zookeeping
What is it like to work at a zoo? Learn about animal training, enrichment, and how animal food is prepared. You’ll even design your own mini exhibit as you learn how zoos (and you) protect animals in the wild.
backyard biologists
Join us as we explore the zoo and the amazing wildlife hiding right outside your door! Become junior scientists: investigating plants, insects, birds, and other neighborhood creatures. Everyday discoveries show that even small habitats are full of big wonders.
CREEPY CRAWLIES
We have snakes that slither, sneaky stick insects, and not so sloooow tortoises. Come learn about herpetology, entomology, and how we care for our cold-blooded friends. Meet our animal ambassadors to further appreciate these necessary critters.
Wildlife Rangers
Step into the colorful worlds of rainforests, deserts, and grasslands! Discover amazing plants and animals, play interactive games, and explore how wildlife survives, communicates, and thrives. We’ll become nature heroes, learning how to care for these incredible habitats and the animals that call them home.
ZOO DETECTIVES
Discover the hidden wonders of the animal kingdom. Campers will don their detective caps to sort through clues, track traces of animals and their movements through footprints, scat, and other animal signs.
Register By Phone
Call (208) 608-7680
Register Online
Click to register online
Questions?
SUMMER CAMPS (ages 7-9)
TIMES:
9AM – 4PM
COST:
$300
Registration opens on Monday, March 30 for Boise city residents and Wednesday, April 1 for non-residents.
*No camps the week of July 6 – 10.*
zookeeping 101
What is it like to work at a zoo? Learn about animal training, enrichment, and how animal food is prepared. You’ll even design your own mini exhibit as you learn how zoos (and you) protect animals in the wild.
dr. zoolittle
Learn the language of veterinarians using imaginative play: build a treatment plan for your sick “stuffie patient”, read x-rays, plan diets, and learn about the care we provide for hundreds of animals.
ZOOLOGICA
A wild adventure at Zoo Boise.
Explore the amazing diversity of the zoo’s residents, from the smallest insects to the mightiest big cats. Learn what it takes to live in the wild. From “tracking animals” on a scavenger hunt to becoming wildlife detectives, campers will embark on exciting challenges, crafts, and animal encounters. Ready to unlock the mysteries of the animal kingdom and become an expert adventurer? Let’s get wild!
BEASTLY BUILDERS
Discover the incredible homes and structures of feathered architects, industrious insects, and engineering feats of mammals. Get ready to design, build, and explore the architectural wonders of the animal kingdom.
Animal avengers
Join the Animal Avengers at Zoo Boise to uncover the superpowers of the animal kingdom. From keen eyesight to acute hearing and extraordinary smells, campers will learn about the diverse ways animals survive and thrive in the wild. With exciting games, hands-on crafts, up-close animal encounters, and a mission to protect wildlife, this camp is packed with adventure and fun!
WILD CREATIONS
Explore the colors and textures of the animal kingdom, then use your imagination and creativity for crafting animal-inspired masterpieces, exploring various art techniques, and adding some drama to your life. Every day will be a canvas for your “Wild Creations” to come to life!
HERPETOLOGY EXPLORERS
We will spend the week immersed in herpetology: the study of reptiles and amphibians. Dive into the realm of snakes, turtles, frogs, and more as we unravel the secrets of these incredible creatures. Between crafts, games, zoo experiences, in-depth learning, and meeting our reptilian ambassadors, you’ll become a herp ambassador yourself.
WILDLIFE FORENSICS 101
Campers will delve into the complex world of animal mysteries, learning how to solve “cases” and examine clues, as a field biologist and in the “lab”. From animal tracks to feathers, this interactive camp combines science and adventure, offering a hands-on exploration of wildlife forensics.
LIGHTS-CAMERA-ANIMALS
Get ready to bring the animal kingdom to center stage through creativity, imagination, and play! Campers will get in character, craft props, and act out stories inspired by their favorite zoo animals. It’s a fun-filled week where art and animals combine to let every child’s wild side shine.
Register By Phone
Call (208) 608-7680
Register Online
Click to register online
Questions?
SUMMER CAMPS (ages 10-12)
TIMES:
9AM – 4PM
COST:
$300
Registration opens on Monday, March 30 for Boise city residents and Wednesday, April 1 for non-residents.
*No camps the week of July 6 – 10.*
ZOO CAREERS
Interested in a career working with animals? Learn all there is to know about zookeeping and explore other careers involving animals and wildlife conservation. Learn about life as a wildlife biologist, zoo veterinarian, wildlife educator, exhibit designer & creator, and more!
Art Safari
Explore the colors and textures of the animal kingdom, then use your imagination and creativity for crafting animal-inspired masterpieces, exploring various art techniques, and adding some drama to your life. Every day will be a canvas for your “Wild Creations” to come to life!
HERPETOLOGY EXPERTS
We kick off the week celebrating World Croc Day; this week-long expedition is custom-tailored for aspiring herpetologists who crave a deeper dive into the secrets of snakes, turtles, frogs, and more. Prepare for lots of experiences, in-depth learning and the chance to become a Herp Expert.
zoology
Unravel the web of life and explore the science of animals at Zoo Boise! Our future zoologists will study how animals are related to each other, animal behavior with enrichment projects, and creature features (adaptations) through zoo encounters and hands-on activities. This camp offers an exciting blend of biology, ecology, and conservation science for curious minds ready to dig deeper into the animal kingdom!
FORENSIC EXPERTS
How would you track poachers taking animals from the wild? Enter the world of wildlife forensics through hands-on techniques to examine evidence in support of conservation. Help solve multiple wildlife crimes in one camp week!
MYTHICAL BEASTS
Tell your own story with inspiration from the amazing wildlife around the zoo. We’ll journey through the world learning how people have been inspired by animals to create fantastical creatures and mystical myths, then use the magic of theater to bring our story to life!
wildlife protectors
Discover what it takes to be a Wildlife Protector as you explore real conservation challenges facing animals today. Learn how habitats are saved, species are protected, and people make a difference. Try your hand as a conservation scientist, field researcher, habitat protector, and wildlife advocate – then take your conservation skills beyond the zoo!
Register By Phone
Call (208) 608-7680
Register Online
Click to register online
Questions?
SUMMER CAMPS WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS
TIMES:
9AM – 4PM
COST:
Varies
wildlife words
Learn a new language through the eyes of an animal.
What does an anteater smell? How do giraffes sleep? What do turtles fear most? Start this day camp at The Cabin, where you’ll work with a teaching-writer to hone your creative writing skills and create a collection of reptilian and amphibian-inspired poems and short stories. In the afternoon, head to Zoo Boise for zoo-educator-led activities that provide a better understanding of animals and the dangers they face, as well as how you can work for conservation.
Register online at The Cabin or call 208-331-8000. Morning drop-off & check-in at The Cabin with afternoon pick up at Zoo Boise.
Register By Phone
Call (208) 608-7680
Register Online
Click to register online
Questions?
PRESCHOOL ZOO
Ages:
Child (ages 3-5) + Adults
register individually
Cost per person, per series:
$16
Get to know some of our Zoo Boise animals better in this series of programs designed for adults and preschoolers. Each week features a different animal. Activities are designed to be multi-sensory and may include mini zoo tours, movement activities, listening to stories, crafts, touching artifacts, and meeting live animals. Join us for this informal introduction to the wonderful world of animals! All children must be accompanied by an enrolled, paying adult and who is ready to take part in the activities! Maximum of two (2) children per enrolled adult. For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, unregistered children (including siblings) may not attend. All children must be at least 3 years old.
Regular Zoo Boise admission is not included in program registration.
SERIES 1: JANUARY
Pick one:
Tuesdays, January 13, 20, 27 (9-10AM)
Saturdays, January 10, 17, 24 (9-10AM)
This program meets three times.
SERIES 2: FEBRUARY
Pick one:
Tuesdays, February 3, 10, 17 (9-10AM)
Saturdays, February 7, 14, 21 (9-10AM)
This program meets three times.
SERIES 3: MARCH
Pick one:
Tuesdays, Feb 24, March 3, March 10 (9-10AM)
Saturdays, Feb 28, March 7, March 14 (9-10AM)
This program meets three times.
SERIES 4: APRIL
Pick one:
Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21 (9-10AM)
Saturdays, April 11, 18, 25 (9-10AM)
This program meets three times.
Register By Phone
Call (208) 608-7680
Register Online
Click to register online today
Questions?
HOMESCHOOL ZOO
Times:
Wednesdays
GRades K-3: 9 – 11AM
Grades 4-11: 9AM – 12PM
Costs:
Grades K-3: $18
Grades 4-11: $26.50
Per person and day
The Homeschool Zoo program series provides a unique learning experience for students schooled at home.
The course consists of classroom discussion, laboratory activities, animal encounters, and specialized zoo tours. Classes align with Idaho State Science Standards and focus on topics and principles based on grade level. Themes will emphasize looking at animal groups and taxonomy, adaptations, habitats, and ecology. Each individual household must register their child for the class. Kids only! Please bring a small snack and water bottle for a 15-minute break during class.
K – 1st grade
January 7 – Shaping Shelters
February 4 – Family Care
April 8 – Life Cycles
2nd – 3rd grade
January 14 – Land & Water
February 11 – Biomes of the World
April 15 – Animals Everywhere!
4th – 5th grade
January 21 – Survival!
February 18 – Energy to Food
April 22 – Earth’s Spheres
6th – 11th grade
January 28 – Through Animal Eyes
February 25 – Designing with a Purpose
April 29 – Signs & Signals
Classes broken up by 6-8 grade and 9-11 grade.
Register By Phone
Call (208) 608-7680
Register Online
Click to register online today
Questions?
STROLLER SAFARI – ADULT + CHILD (0-3)
TIMES:
Thursdays
9:15 – 10AM
COST:
$8 per program
Adults register individually and may bring up to two program-age children.
Bring your walking shoes and camera on this exclusive guided experience through Zoo Boise. Bond with your little one as you both learn about the wonders of wildlife. Activities are designed to be multi-sensory and may include mini zoo tours, movement activities, listening to stories, crafts, touching artifacts, and activities that build skills with both parents and kids that can be used for a lifetime. Each date will uncover new wonders and provide great tips for nature exploration! Zoo admission not included outside of program
WINTER/SPRING STROLLER SAFARI DATES:
January 15 – Polar Pals (Cold Climates)
February 19 – Little Movers (Locomotion)
March 12 – How Does it Feel? (Physical Adaptations)
Register By Phone
Call (208) 608-7680
Register Online
Click to register online today
Questions?
CRITTER COLLEGE (K-1st)
TIMES:
SUNDAYS, 12:30 – 3:30PM
COST:
$26.50 per program
Discover a world of adventure and learning in a new education program for our kinders and first graders. This 3-hour drop-off [kids only!] mini-camp is perfect for starting the week with wild educational activities! Designed for young animal lovers and future conservationists. Please bring a small snack and water bottle for a 15-minute break during class.
JANUARY 11
ZOOLOGICA 101: WHO’S WHO AT THE ZOO?: Step into the world of zoology as we learn how scientists group animals by their amazing traits. Become a junior zoologist as we explore the differences between mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and more! From feathers to fur and scales to shells, we’ll discover how to tell who’s who at the zoo.
FEBRUARY 8
CRITTERS IN LOVE: ANIMAL VALENTINES: A lighthearted look at “love” in the animal kingdom. We will explore how critters show care, friendship, and teamwork! From penguins giving pebbles to gibbons singing duets, to bonds with their keepers. We will make creative crafts to share a little wild Valentine’s cheer.
MARCH 8
ANIMAL DEFENSES 101: PROTECT YOURSELF!: Discover the clever ways animals stay safe in the wild, from spikes and shells to stinky sprays and speedy escapes! We’ll explore our zoo animals and play games to test out our own “animal defense” skills.
APRIL 12
CRITTER CUISINE 101: WHAT’S ON THE MENU?: Learn what different animals eat and how their bodies are built for their favorite foods! From crunchy leaves to juicy meat, we’ll explore zoo animals’ menus and incorporate imaginative play to become junior chefs of the wild.
Register By Phone
Call (208) 608-7680
Register Online
Click to register online today
Questions?
SPRING BREAK CAMPS
TIMES:
AGES 4-6: 9AM – 12PM
AGES 7-10: 9AM – 4PM
COST:
AGES 4-6: $180
AGES 7-10: $300
ANIMAL ABCS (AGES 4-6)
With crafts galore, zoo exploration, stories, imaginative play and animal meet & greets, we’ll foster early literacy skills by turning each day into an alphabet quest. Venture into the animal kingdom to continue your little’s learning over break!
DR. ZOOLITTLE (AGES 7-10)
Learn the language of veterinarians using imaginative play, build a treatment plan for your sick “stuffie patient”, read x-rays, plan diets and learn about the care provided for hundreds of animals.
Register By Phone
Call (208) 608-7680
Register Online
Click to register online
Questions?
FAMILY AND ADAPTIVE PROGRAMS
FAMILY CAMP: Winter Animal Exploration
Cost: $16 Per Person
Discover how animals survive and thrive in the cold! During this family program, we’ll explore amazing winter adaptations like thick fur, clever camouflage, and unique behaviors. Join us for a zoo tour, hands-on activities, animal ambassadors, and a fun look at the secrets of winter survival. Registration/payment required for each family member.
EARTH DAY: FAMILY NIGHT OUT
Cost: $8 Per Person
Every day is Earth Day at Zoo Boise but join us to celebrate Mother Earth in a fun-filled Earth Day/Evening designed for the whole family! We are excited to open the zoo for families & friends, homeschool co-ops, and scout groups to explore after hours. Explore interactive activity stations, create eco-friendly crafts, and delve into exciting educational experiences. Don’t miss out on this ultimate Earth Day adventure! Registration/payment required for each family member.
ADAPTIVE EVENING AT THE ZOO
Cost: $8 Per Person
Join us for an afterhours zoo experience designed for individuals with disabilities and their families and friends! Stations are focused on varying degrees of sensory input and will include self-guided animal artifact exploration, guided zoo exploration time (please note, some animals have an early bedtime), up close animal encounters, and art activities. Everyone is welcome to enroll!
ADULT ONLY PROGRAMS (21+)
WOO AT THE ZOO – A Wild Valentine’s Celebration for Adults
Cost: $25 Per Person
Love is in the air… and at the zoo! Discover which animals are the ultimate romantics as we explore the funny, flirty, and occasionally scandalous ways critters woo (or strike out). Our Valentine’s program will spill the intimate secrets of exotic animal mating and dating – from the humorous and tawdry to the downright passionate. Open to all mated pairs, lone wolves, or your whole pack. Enjoy hands-on activities, a guided afterhours tour, and more. Beer, wine, and cider will be available for purchase.
WILD AT TWILIGHT
Cost: $20 Per Person
When the sun goes down, the zoo comes alive! Join us for an after-hours adventure exploring the mysterious, quirky, and sometimes sleepy behaviors of animals at Zoo Boise. Meet our ambassador animals, hands-on activities, and guided tours of nocturnal and twilight-active critters. Beer, wine, cider available for purchase.
Education programs are sponsored by:
When you register for a class or program with the Zoo Boise/City of Boise, this Personal Release Statement is implied: I understand that the registered activities and services may have an element of hazard or inherent danger and I take full responsibility for my actions and physical condition. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the City of Boise and its employees from any liability loss, cost, or expense (including attorney’s fees, medical, and ambulance costs) that I may incur while participating in the Recreation activities. I give my consent to use any photographs or videotape taken of me in future promotional or marketing materials.