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 PROGRAMS:
Registration opens Monday, August 5 for City of Boise residents and Wednesday, August 7 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 Camps 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
PRESCHOOL ZOO
Ages:
Child (ages 3-5) + Adults
Must register individually.
cost:
$16 per series
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
Pick one:
September 10-24 – Tuesdays, 9 – 10AM
September 14-28 – Saturdays, 9 – 10AM
SERIES 2: October
Pick one:
October 8-22 – Tuesdays, 9 – 10AM
October 5-19 – Saturdays, 9 – 10AM
SERIES 3: November
Pick one:
November 5-19 – Tuesdays, 9 – 10AM
November 2-16 – Saturdays, 9 – 10AM
HOMESCHOOL ZOO
Times:
Wednesdays
Ages 5-8 – 9AM – 11AM
Ages 9-13 – 9AM – 12PM
Costs:
Ages 5-8 – $18
Ages 9-13 – $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 4 – What’s Alive?
October 2 – Animal Senses
October 30 – Helping the Wild
2nd – 3rd grade
September 11 – Pollinators
October 9 – Life’s Patterns
November 6 – Old & Zoo
4th – 5th grade
September 18 – Nature Recycles
October 16 – Community to the Rescue!
November 13 – Where’s a Habitat?
6th – 8th grade
September 25 – The Root of Energy
October 23 – You are a Conservationist!
November 20 – Life is Teamwork
Register By Phone
Call (208) 608-7680
Register Online
Click to register online today
Questions?
Please email our education staff
CRITTER COLLEGE
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 mini-camp is perfect for starting the week with wild educational activities!
Sunday, september 22
Junior Zookeeping – 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.
Sunday, October 13
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 provided for hundreds of animals.
Sunday, November 10
Wild Creations – Unleash creativity through nature-inspired crafts and interactive projects. We’ll explore many forms of art and make some of our own with a messy Zoo Boise twist!
Register By Phone
Call (208) 608-7680
Register Online
Click to register online today
Questions?
Please email our education staff
SCHOOL BREAK DAY CAMPS (Ages 7-10)
TIMES:
9AM – 4PM
COST:
$55 per day
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 provided for hundreds of animals.
WILD CREATIONS
Animals have always been celebrated in different forms of art. From paintings to sculpture, to dance and music, we’ll explore all forms of art and make some of our own with a messy Zoo Boise twist.
Jr. Zookeeping
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.
Register By Phone
Call (208) 608-7680
Register Online
Click to register online
Questions?
Email our education staff
ADULT & ADAPTIVE PROGRAMS
ADAPTIVE EVENING AT THE ZOO (ALL AGES)
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 (note: some animals have an early bedtime), up close animal encounters, and art activities. Everyone is welcome to enroll!
Registration/payment required for each family member.
SPOOKY SAFARI (21+)
Cost: $40 Per Person
All Hallows’ Eve for adults! Don your creature costumes, invite your brood, and celebrate Halloween by seeing Zoo Boise in a new light after dark. Embark 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).
Snooze at the Zoo Overnights
Join us for an overnight adventure at Zoo Boise! Zoo Boise offers a variety of Snooze at the Zoo overnight programs for your Family, Scout Troop, or School Group.
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.