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 2025 EDUCATION PROGRAMS:

Registration opens Monday, December 2 for City of Boise residents and Wednesday, December 4 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

PRESCHOOL ZOO 

Ages:
Child (ages 3-5) + Adults
Must register individually.

cost:
Series 1 & 2 – $24
Series 3 – $12
Series 4 – $18

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

Crocodile, Red Panda, Hornbill, Nyala

Pick one:

January 7-28, Tuesdays, 9-10AM
January 11-February 1, Saturdays, 9-10AM

This program meets four times.

SERIES 2: FEBRUARY

Maned Wolf, Frog, Crane, Gibbon

Pick one:

February 4-25, Tuesdays, 9-10AM
February 8-March 1, Saturdays, 9-10AM

This program meets four times.

SERIES 3: MARCH

Anteater, Bugs

Pick one:

March 4-11, Tuesdays, 9-10AM
March 6-13, Thursdays, 9-10AM

This program meets twice. There is no Saturday option this month, it’s replaced by Thursdays.

SERIES 3: APRIL

Lion, Wild Dog, Earth Day

Pick one:

April 8-22, Tuesdays, 9-10AM
April 5-26, Saturdays, 9-10AM

This program meets three times. No class on Saturday, April 19.

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 9-13 – 9AM – 12PM
*Times vary in March

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

January 8 – Living Where You Need
February 5 – What’s the Weather
March 5 – Zookeeping 101
April 2 – Animal Engineers

2nd – 3rd grade

January 15 – Animal Groups
February 12 – Safe from the Storm
March 5 – Zookeeping 101 (1 – 3PM)
April 9 – Just the Right Shape

4th – 5th grade

January 22 – Animals in Rocks!?
February 19 – How to be Speedy
March 12 – Zookeeping 101 (9 – 11AM) 
April 16 – Night Animals

6th – 8th grade

January 29 – Family Tree
February 26 – Webs & Pyramids
March 12 – Zookeeping 101 (1 – 3PM)
April 23 – Mutants

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! Please bring a small snack for a 15-minute break during class.

January 12

ANIMAL ABCs – From ANTEATER to ZEBRA, start your week off with an alphabet adventure! Through crafts, zoo exploration, stories, and animal meet & greets, we strive to foster early literacy skills on our alphabet quest.

february 2

COLORFUL CRITTERS – Vibrant adventures await as we bring a splash of color inspired by our amazing animal friends. Create colorful masterpieces, all while discovering the beauty of the animal kingdom.

march 9

MARCH MAMMAL MADNESS – Roar with excitement like our African lions, work as a team like our African wild dogs, and monkey around like our many primates! Enjoy animal encounters and crafty fun as we explore the coolest mammals in the zoo!

april 13

ANIMALS IN SPRING – Explore the vibrant world of springtime as we discover how animals awaken, reproduce, and adapt to the changing season. Let’s celebrate the wonders of spring together!

Register By Phone

Call (208) 608-7680

Register Online

Click to register online today

Questions?

Please email our education staff

SCHOOL BREAK and SPRING BREAK DAY CAMPS 

TIMES:
9AM – 4PM

COST:
$60 per day camp
$300 per spring break camp

dr. zoolittle
(AGES 7 – 10)

Monday, January 20

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.

mammal mania
(ages 7 – 10)

Monday, February 17

Roar with excitement like our African lions, work as a team like our African wild dogs, and monkey around like our many primates! Enjoy animal encounters and crafty fun as we explore the coolest mammals in the zoo!

Animal Architects
(ages 7 – 10)

Friday, April 18

Calling all young builders! Discover the incredible homes and structures from feathered architects, industrious insects, and engineering feats of mammals. Get ready to design, build, and explore the architectural wonders of the animal kingdom.

spring break – Zookeeping 101
(ages 7 – 9)

March 17 - 21

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.

spring break – Zoo Careers
(ages 10 – 12)

March 17 - 21

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, FAMILY, and ADAPTIVE PROGRAMS

woo at the zoo (21+)

Thursday, February 13
6 - 8PM

Cost: $45 Per Person

A Wild Valentine’s Celebration for Adults

Birds do it. Bees do it. Red pandas sometimes do it. Find out how animals at Zoo Boise woo each other. Our Valentine’s program will reveal the very intimate secrets of exotic animal mating and dating – from the humorous and tawdry to passionate. Open to both singles and sweethearts. Join us for fun activities and a guided after-hours tour.

Beer, cider, and wine will be available for purchase. Must be 21+ to attend.

Wild at Twilight (21+)

Thursday, April 10
6 - 8PM

Cost: $45 Per Person

You will see the zoo in a new light after dark! Enjoy a guided after-hours tour where you may see different animals and different behaviors after hours… who gets wild at twilight?

Beer, cider, and wine will be available for purchase. Must be 21+ to attend.

Earth Day: Family Night
(ALL AGES)

Tuesday, April 22
6 - 8PM

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 (ALL AGES)

Thursday, May 1
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 (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.

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:

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.