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 Registration Opens Monday, Aug 3 for City of Boise Residents and Wednesday, Aug 5 for Everyone!
📣 Most programs will be held in the new Bews Foundation Conservation and Education Center! 📣
🌱 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?
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
SCHOOL BREAK DAY CAMPS
TIMES:
9AM – 4PM
COST:
SINGLE DAY: $60
TWO DAY: $119
FUR-FEATHERS-SCALES
(AGES 5-7)
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, nature crafts, and animal encounters. Ready to unlock the mysteries of the animal kingdom and become an expert adventurer? Let’s get wild!
ZOOLOGICA (AGES 8-10)
A Wild Adventure!
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, nature crafts, and animal encounters. Ready to unlock the mysteries of the animal kingdom and become an expert adventurer? Let’s get wild!
JUNIOR ZOOKEEPING (AGES 5-7)
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.
ZOOKEEPING 101 (AGES 8-10)
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.
ANIMAL AVENGERS
(AGES 6-8)
Uncover the superpowers of the animal kingdom. From keen eyesight to acute hearing and extraordinary smells; we will learn about the diverse ways animals survive and thrive in the wild.
Register By Phone
Call (208) 608-7680
Register Online
Click to register online
Questions?
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
FALL STROLLER SAFARI DATES:
September 10 – Grasslands
October 8 – River’s Edge
November 12 – Rainforest
Register By Phone
Call (208) 608-7680
Register Online
Click to register online today
Questions?
PRESCHOOL ZOO (Adult & Child)
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
Pick one:
Tuesdays, September 8, 15, 22 (9-10AM)
Saturdays, September 5, 19, 26 (9-10AM)
This program meets three times.
SERIES 2: OCTOBER
Pick one:
Tuesdays, October 6, 13, 20 (9-10AM)
Saturdays, October 3, 10, 17 (9-10AM)
This program meets three times.
SERIES 3: NOVEMBER
Pick one:
Tuesdays, November 3, 10, 17 (9-10AM)
Saturdays, November 7, 14, 21 (9-10AM)
This program meets three times.
Register By Phone
Call (208) 608-7680
Register Online
Click to register online today
Questions?
CRITTER COLLEGE (K-1st)
TIMES:
SUNDAYS, 1 – 4PM
COST:
$27 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.
Each month, children will explore a new theme – new monthly sections added to meet demand (see age breakdown).
BACKYARD BIOLOGISTS
Let’s explore the zoo and the amazing wildlife of Idaho too. Investigate plants, insects, and birds – even small habitats are full of big wonders.
September 6 (ages 5-7)
September 20 (ages 6-8)
Zoo Detectives
Put on your detective caps as we sort through clues, track traces of animals and their movements through footprints, scat and other animal signs.
October 4 (ages 5-7)
October 18 (ages 6-8)
Animal Inventors
Geckos, birds, sharks, and bats – plants and animals inspire new inventions. We are nature’s copycats – how do we mimic the wild?
November 1 (ages 5-7)
November 15 (ages 6-8)
Register By Phone
Call (208) 608-7680
Register Online
Click to register online today
Questions?
HOMESCHOOL ZOO
Times:
Wednesdays
GRades K-3: 9 – 11AM
Grades 4-11: 9AM – 12PM
Costs:
Grades K-3: $18
Grades 4-11: $27
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
September 2 – What’s Alive?
October 7 – Animal Senses
November 4 – Helping the Wild
2nd – 3rd grade
September 9 – Pollinators
October 14 – I Can Help
November 11 – Old & Zoo
4th – 5th grade
September 16 – Nature Recycles
October 21 – Community to the Rescue!
November 18 – Mapping Habitats
6th – 11th grade
September 23 – Animal Arts
October 28 – Animal Behavior
December 2 – Vet Science
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?
FAMILY AND ADAPTIVE PROGRAMS
ADAPTIVE EVENING AT THE ZOO
Cost: $10 Per Person
ALL AGES 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. Everyone is welcome to enroll! *Support professionals attend free, bring work ID.
ADULT ONLY PROGRAMS
TRIVIA: ZOO KNOW IT ALL? (21+)
Cost: $20 Per Person
Gather your pride and flock to Zoo Boise for a wild 21+ Trivia Night! Sip, snack, and show off your smarts as you compete in animal-themed rounds and guided tours to explore the zoo after hours. Snacks available for purchase; beer, cider, and wine available for purchase (with ID).
SPOOKY SAFARI (21+)
Cost: $25 Per Person
All Hallows’ Eve for adults! Bring your friends, don your creature costumes, and join us for an after-hours 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? Snacks available for purchase; beer, cider, and wine available for purchase (with ID).
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.