Current Zoo Programs

Zoo Boise’s mission is to connect our guests with animals to inspire and involve our community in the conservation of wildlife worldwide. Our programs strive to fulfill the zoo’s mission by providing unique, fun, and engaging nature-focused experiences that foster appreciation for animals and their environments as well as raise awareness of conservation issues and possible solutions. Zoo program activities include up-close animal encounters, zoo tours, nature walks, ecology games and simulations, science-based investigations & explorations, zookeeper presentations, and more.

Register By Phone

Call (208) 608-7680

Register Online

Click to register online

Questions?

Email our education staff

FALL PROGRAMS:

Registration now open!
Annual passholders to Zoo Boise get a reduced rate on programs. Send an EMAIL to get the promo code.

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

school break day camps (grades 2 – 6):

Costs:
$55 per person

Times:
9am – 4pm

DR. ZOOLITTLE

Date: October 13

Learn the language of veterinarians using imaginative play for some tasks (sorry, we won’t be doing a dental cleaning on a tiger), reading x-rays, planning diets/Rx, and visiting with zoo staff to learn about the care provided for hundreds of animals.

ART SAFARI

Date: October 20

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.

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
Must register individually.

cost:
$26.50 per series

 

SERIES 1: OCTOBER

Warthog, Gila Monster, & Parakeet

October 3-17 – Tuesdays, 10-11AM
October 7-21 – Saturdays – 9:30-10:30AM
October 7-21 – Saturdays – 11AM-12PM

Get to know some of our Zoo Boise animals better in this series of programs designed for adults & 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 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.

SERIES 2: NOVEMBER

African Wild Dog, Snake, & Assassin Bug

October 31-November-14 – Tuesdays, 10-11AM
November 4-18 – Saturdays – 9:30-10:30AM
November 4-18 – Saturdays – 11AM-12PM

Get to know some of our Zoo Boise animals better in this series of programs designed for adults & 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 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.

Register By Phone

Call (208) 608-7680

Register Online

Click to register online

Questions?

Email our education staff

HOMESCHOOL ZOO

Costs:
Ages 5-8 – $14
Ages 9-13 – $20.50
Per person and day

Times:
Ages 5-8 – 9AM – 11AM
Ages 9-13 – 9AM – 12PM

K – 1st grade

Tuesday, 9/26 – Biotic/Abiotic Factors
Wednesday, 10/4 – Animal Necessities
Wednesday, 11/1 – Enviro Problem Solvers

The Homeschool Zoo program series provides a unique learning experience for students schooled at home.

2nd – 3rd grade

Wednesday, 9/27 – Beneficial Behaviors
Wednesday, 10/11 – Parents to Children
Wednesday, 11/8 – Enviro Influences

The Homeschool Zoo program series provides a unique learning experience for students schooled at home.

4th – 5th grade

Thursday, 9/28 – Structures & Functions
Wednesday, 10/18 – Actions/Reactions
Wednesday, 11/15 – Super Senses

The Homeschool Zoo program series provides a unique learning experience for students schooled at home.

6th – 8th grade

Friday, 9/29 – Science of Life
Wednesday, 10/25 – Pass the Genes
Wednesday, 11/29 – Population Changes

The Homeschool Zoo program series provides a unique learning experience for students schooled at home.

Register By Phone

Call (208) 608-7680

Register Online

Click to register online today

Questions?

Please email our education staff

ADAPTIVE AND ADULT PROGRAMS

ADAPTIVE EVENING AT THE ZOO – ALL AGES

Date: Thursday, October 12
Time: 6PM - 8PM

Cost: $7 Per Person

Join us for an after-hours 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.

fantastic creatures: the sEcret of the zoo – 21+

Date: Thursday, October 26
Time: 6 - 8PM

Cost: $40 Per Person

Our head wizard needs your help! Join other magizoologists to learn about the crazy creatures in Zoo Boise’s collection. Who is your patronus? Be it a lion, badger, or eagle, all houses (even you snakes) are welcome! Come join us for an evening of learning and fun. Class will include up-close animal encounters but please note, no boa constrictors will be released during this program. Pop into our Warthog’s Head Inn as we will have beer, cider, and wine available for purchase.

SUNSET AT THE ZOO – 21+

Date: Thursday, November 16
Time: 6PM - 8PM

Cost: $40 Per Person

See Zoo Boise in a whole new light! Experience the zoo after hours, learn about the daily rhythm of animals, and how we accommodate them. Enjoy a guided tour where you may see different animals and different behaviors after hours. Together we will have an evening of fun activities, up close animal encounters, and seasonal appetizers. Beer, cider, and wine available for purchase.

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:

Albertson main blue stacked sponsor logo

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.