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.

Fall Education Program Registration Now Open

🍂 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

Fall Education Program Registration Now Open

🍂 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

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: september

Lizards, Red Pandas, Hawks

Pick one:

September 9-23, Tuesdays, 9-10AM
September 13-27, Saturdays, 9-10AM

This program meets three times.

SERIES 2: october

Assassin Bugs, Frogs, Giraffes

Pick one:

October 7-21, Tuesdays, 9-10AM
October 4-18, Saturdays, 9-10AM

This program meets three times.

SERIES 3: November

Meerkats, Pied Crows, Snakes

Pick one:

November 4-18, Tuesdays, 9-10AM
November 8-22, Saturdays, 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
Ages 5-8 – 9AM – 11AM
Ages 9-17 – 9AM – 12PM

Costs:
Ages 5-8 – $18
Ages 9-17 – $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 for a 15-minute break during class.

K – 1st grade

September 10 – Animal Necessities
October 8 – Fuzzy Fixes
November 5 – Hot in the Rainforest

2nd – 3rd grade

September 17 – Helping in Families
October 15 – Parents to Children
November 12 – Enviro Effects

4th – 5th grade

September 24 – Structures & Functions
October 22 – Actions & Reactions
November 19 – Super Senses

6th – 11th grade

October 1 – The Gorongosa Story
October 29 – Pass the Genes
December 3 – What Happens to Panda Snacks?

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 week will uncover new wonders and provide great tips for nature exploration! Zoo admission not included outside of program

FALL STROLLER SAFARI DATES:
September 18 – What’s for Breakfast?
October 9 – Nocturnal Animals
November 6 – Home Sweet Home

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 for a 15-minute break during class.

september 14

RED PANDA CELEBRATION – Get ready to pounce into panda-monium for our young explorers to discover what makes red pandas so special and how we can help protect them in the wild.

October 12

SLOTH BEAR CELEBRATION – Amble into an adventure during this sloth bear bash to uncover the secrets of these shaggy bears and learn how to help protect their wild homes.

November 16

WINTER WONDERS – Bundle up for a frosty visit as we plow into Winter Wonders to uncover how animals survive and thrive in cold-weather habitats around the world.

Register By Phone

Call (208) 608-7680

Register Online

Click to register online today

Questions?

Please email our education staff

SCHOOL BREAK DAY CAMPS

TIMES:
9AM – 4PM

COST:
$60 per day camp
$119 per two day camp

Zoology camps

Friday, October 10

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 nature crafts and animal encounters. Ready to unlock the mysteries of the animal kingdom and become an expert adventurer? Let’s get wild!

Ages 5-7 – FUR-FEATHERS-SCALES

Ages 8-10 – ZOOLOGICA: A WILD ADVENTURE

zookeeping camps

Thursday-Friday, October 16-17

What is it like to work at a zoo? Learn exhibit design, plan diets, identify scat, “train animals”, make enrichment, and find out how zoos (and you) protect animals in the wild.

Ages 5-7 – JUNIOR ZOOKEEPING

Ages 8-10 – ZOOKEEPING 101

dr. zoolittle

Tuesday, November 4

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.

Ages 5-7 – DR. ZOOLITTLE

Register By Phone

Call (208) 608-7680

Register Online

Click to register online

Questions?

Email our education staff

ADULT, FAMILY, and ADAPTIVE PROGRAMS

ADAPTIVE EVENING AT THE ZOO

Thursday, September 11
6 - 8PM

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!

Trivia: Zoo Know it All? (21+)

Thursday, September 25
6 - 8PM

Cost: $20 Per Person

Gather your pride and flock to Zoo Boise for a wild 21+ Trivia Night! Arrive at 6pm for sips, snacks, and time to explore the zoo with your team. Then at 6:45, it is time to show off your smarts. Beer, cider, and wine will be available for purchase. Must be 21+ to attend.

spooky safari (21+)

Thursday, October 30
6 - 8PM

Cost: $25 Per Person

All Hallows’ Eve for adults! Bring your friends, don your creature costumes, and join us for an afterhours expedition. Celebrate Halloween at Zoo Boise and see the zoo in a new light after dark! Embark with us on a guided tour to see our animals and their nighttime behaviors once the zoo is closed. Whoo whoo gets wild at twilight? Beer, cider, and wine will be available for purchase. Must be 21+ to attend.

Education programs are sponsored by:

Albertsons main sponsor horizontal logo 2024

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.