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!
Registration opens Monday, December 1 for City of Boise residents and Wednesday, December 3 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?
Email our education staff
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
Register By Phone
Call (208) 608-7680
Register Online
Click to register online
Questions?
Email our education staff
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?
Please email our education staff
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?
Please email our education staff
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?
Please email our education staff
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?
Please email our education staff
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?
Email our education staff
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.