Zoo to You: Program Information
Navigate the sidebar to the left to browse our Zoo to You programs*, which provide WILD in-school learning experiences facilitated by Zoo Educators.
*Zoo to You programs may be available for schools outside the SCFD seven-county Denver metro area on a limited basis.
Please contact us at dzeducation@denverzoo.org to confirm availability and additional travel fees.
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Good Neighbors to Wildlife: Make a Space OR Make it Bloom
“Each program had its own learning, but I think that they each helped the kids see that there are opportunities to help wildlife, even in their own neighborhood. I also think it helped them see what an enormous impact humans have on animals.” —Teacher, Embark Education
Good Neighbors to Wildlife programs help students discover what local species need to survive, learn techniques to help, and make a plan to positively impact wildlife in their community.
Make a Space (Homes + Habitats)
Whether passing through or hanging out, urban wildlife needs a space to thrive! Students will compare spaces that animals occupy in our communities, reimagine their neighborhood with wildlife in mind, and create a home for an important local species.
Make it Bloom (Native Plants + Animals)
Okay, bloomers—it’s time to get to the root of conservation learning! Explore the important relationship between native plants and native animals and the actions humans can take to support wildlife. Students contribute to grassland restoration right from the classroom!
Both Make it Bloom and Make a Space are available on select weekdays throughout November-February. Please click “register now” below to see available dates!
Continue the learning beyond your classroom!
Good Neighbors to Wildlife is also available at the Zoo! Book our Make It Safe on select days in September, October, April and May for students in grades 5-12. See program information on our Learn At The Zoo webpage.
COST
FREE! All 2024 Good Neighbors to Wildlife programs are free to schools, made possible through generous donations to our Access to Awe Scholarship Fund.REGISTRATION
Click the button below to register for this program and review current availability. When prompted to login, please create a DZCA account using your school email address. This should be separate from other affiliations you may have with DZCA.Please see the “Programming” tab below for location requirements.
- Programming
Each class is 45–60 minutes depending on your bell schedule and can accommodate a maximum of 30 students. Activities vary based on program choice, but most include an animal demonstration, outdoor exploration and conservation learning that will lead to action at your school or in your neighborhood.
ROOM REQUIREMENTS:
- Ground level or elevator access
- An unloading and parking area close to the program location with access for a rolling cart
- At least one large table (6–8 feet preferred)
- An adult representative in the room during the program
- No other activities during both setup and presentation (Educator will arrive 15–30 minutes prior to set up)
- No food or drink
- No other animals
Please contact us at dzeducation@denverzoo.org for further questions, including the ability to accommodate for upper elementary grades.
- Reschedule + Cancelation
Space in our free programs is limited. In order to leave space for others in the school community, please attend the programs for which you register and let us know at least three weeks in advance of any change or cancelation. Moving to another date is contingent upon availability and may incur a nominal administrative fee.
To cancel or transfer a program, please contact guestcare@denverzoo.org.
- Programming
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Animal Academy
During this at-school experience, your students can become our newest class of recruits! In Animal Academy programs, science concepts come alive as recruits utilize the Zoo’s animal ambassadors to investigate adaptations right in your classroom. Your scientists-in-training will receive a special mission and explore alongside their Academy instructor, applying critical thinking and science skills while earning their very own “spots and stripes” badge!
This program is open to schools and youth-serving organizations in a community space such as afterschool programs.
GRADES
K–4DATES + TIMES
Available most Tuesdays and Thursdays in November-February. Your booking includes two sequential programs at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., with the option to add-on 11:00 a.m. as a third program.Please see the “Programming” tab below for location requirements.
Please contact DZEducation@denverzoo.org if these times do not fit your schedule.
Animal Academy is not available as a summer program.
COST
$280 for two sequential programs. A third program at 11:00 a.m. is available for an additional $100. Each session accommodates up to 30 students.REGISTRATION
Click the button below to register for this program and review current availability. When prompted to login, please create a DZCA account using your school email address. This should be separate from other affiliations you may have with DZCA.FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Scholarships are available through our Access to Awe Scholarship Fund for schools and nonprofit organizations who can demonstrate need. Click here to apply for a scholarship.- Programming
Animal Academy programs are currently available for schools and organizations in the Denver metro area. Each session accommodates up to 30 students.
Bookings confirm two to three sequential programs (9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 11:00 am for an additional fee) in the same room or classroom setting. Room requirements are as follows:
- Ground level or elevator access
- An unloading and parking area close to the program location with access for a rolling cart
- At least one large table (6–8 feet preferred)
- An adult representative in the room during the entirety of the program
- No other activities during both setup and presentation (Educator will arrive 15–30 minutes prior to setup)
- No food or drink
- No other animals
Need a custom program time or date? More than two at-school sessions? We’ll see what we can do! Contact dzeducation@denverzoo.org for more information.
- Reschedule + Cancelation
To cancel or transfer a program, please contact guestcare@denverzoo.org at least three weeks prior to your scheduled visit.
Moving to another date is contingent upon availability and may incur a nominal administrative fee.
- Fees
Rescheduling Fees: $25.00 transfer fee. Transfers are not guaranteed.
Cancelation Fees: If canceling less than three weeks from your scheduled date, 50% of the total program cost will be charged. If canceling more than three weeks from your scheduled program date, there is no fee.
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Classroom Safari: Nature Play
DIG into nature with DZCA!
Classroom Safari: Nature Play programs build science skills and identity through outdoor exploration. Zoo educators provide seasonal, nature-based activities at your center—just add wonder! Playing alongside our team, your students and staff will practice the scientific skillsets of observation and experimentation as we strive to strengthen interest and comfort in nature, all through the lens of play.
GRADES
Children of ages 3–5DATES + TIMES
Available most Tuesdays, June through August 2024. Bookings confirm two sequential programs at 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. An additional program may be added at 11:00 a.m. Please see the “Programming” tab below for location requirements.COST
$280 for two sequential programs. A third program at 11:30 a.m. is available for $100. Each session accommodates up to 30 students.REGISTRATION
Registration for this program is closed! Check back in 2025 for summer program dates.- Programming
Classroom Safari: Nature Play programs are currently available for children of ages 3–5 in a preschool or learning center environment in the Denver metro area. Each session accommodates up to 30 students. Bookings confirm 2–3 sequential programs (9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 am for an additional fee) in the same location.
Weather permitting, Classroom Safari: Nature Play programs include one small animal demo per session.
Program requirements are as follows:
- An outdoor space for the program to occur at or near the preschool/learning center.
- An unloading and parking area close to the program location with access to a rolling wagon or cart
- An adult representative supervising for the entirety of the program and staff participation alongside students in learning, observation and experimentation
- No other activities during both setup and presentation (Educator will arrive 15–30 minutes prior to setup)
- No other animals
- Reschedule + Cancelation
To cancel or transfer a program, please contact guestcare@denverzoo.org at least three weeks prior to your scheduled visit.
- Programming
