Secret Science Days

Did you know that everything we do at Denver Zoo to care for our animals involves science? Uncover the secret science our dedicated animal care professionals use every day as they care for our 3,000 wild residents!
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Dates & Times

Secret Science Days are offered on a limited number of dates each school year.

Students explore the Zoo at their own pace, from 9:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

  • Wednesday, February 16, 2023
  • Thursday, March 9, 2023
  • Wednesday, March 16, 2023
  • Tuesday, October 3, 2023
  • Thursday, October 18, 2023
  • Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Cost Per Student

$8 per student

ACCESS TO AWE SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships are available through Denver Zoo’s Access to Awe Scholarship Fund. If applying for scholarship funds, please complete the application before registering. Registration will be completed upon award of scholarship.

For scholarship support, submit an application. More information on Access to Awe Scholarships can be found here.

Explore. Engage. Explain.

Grades K–5

Uncover the secret science behind the care we provide to Denver Zoo’s 3,000 animal residents! Spark your students’ interest in science as you explore real-world animal care challenges in this special discovery day at Denver Zoo. Following a special Secret Science Day map, students will get an insider’s view of the Zoo—learning some of the unique ways our keepers, veterinarians, nutritionists, trainers and exhibit designers meet the challenges of caring for our wild family.

Zoo staff and volunteers will help your students uncover the inside workings of Denver Zoo, encourage them to make observations at exhibits, discuss ideas with their peers and share what they’ve learned. The more they engage, the more they discover—including tips on where to see exciting demonstrations, interact with keepers and vets and meet live animals up close!

CHAPERONE POLICY AND COST

Compliance with the chaperone policy is required to remain eligible for the discounted school group rates.

  • Every school group visiting Denver Zoo must have at least one adult per 10 students, regardless of the students' ages. Schools who do not bring at least one adult per 10 students will be charged the full price of admission.
  • Please be advised that there is a maximum ratio of one teacher/chaperone for every five students that may attend any scheduled programs.
  • Special-needs providers are admitted free. Teachers and school staff are admitted at no charge. Other chaperones are charged at the discounted rate of $8.00 each.
  • We only accept ONE payment for the entire group.
  • All chaperones must enter the Zoo at the same time as the group. Late arrivals will be required to pay the full price of admission or use their Zoo memberships.

Cancellation and Reschedule Policy

Any education program(s) that need to be changed after being scheduled are subject to the following fees:

Reschedule Fee:

  • Less than 14 business days from your scheduled program date: $25.00 transfer fee AND 50% of total program cost.
  • More than 14 business days from your schedule program date: $25.00 transfer fee.

Cancellation Fee:

  • Less than 14 business days from your scheduled program date: 50% of total program cost.
  • More than 14 business days from your scheduled program date: No fee.

Please contact guestcare@denverzoo.org to cancel or reschedule a program at least two weeks prior to your scheduled visit. We cannot guarantee rescheduling will be possible.

* Please note: Access to Awe Scholarship Funds cannot be applied to cancellation fees or transfer fees.