School Field Trips & Programs

Water Warriors

​​​“The engagement and meeting my students at their learning level was amazing. All my students regardless of learning ability could participate and feel welcomed. I loved that they were so engaged and so focused on how what we do impacts our fresh water supply.  It made them conscious of how human actions impact animal and plant life.” – Teacher 

​Water is essential—for people, animals, and the habitats we all share. In this multi-component program, students wade into the world of wildlife conservation by exploring how clean water supports healthy ecosystems. As part of the program, students will take grade-appropriate actions to make a difference for wildlife in their neighborhood. By the end, they’ll be true Water Warriors! 

This program is designed for a minimum of 50 students (two classes) in a traditional school setting.

Part 1 sets the stage for helping students understand water pollution and ways we can help wildlife and local riparian habitats near our homes. Part 1 can also happen at the Zoo! Click here to learn more and register.

​Part 2 A DZCA Educator joins you and your students to facilitate a community clean up at or near your school campus to help save wildlife and prevent water pollution. 

Your registration also includes an Educator Guide to support the implementation of the program and a virtual meeting with a DZCA Educator to discuss experience planning and review the Guide.

GRADES
3-5

DATES + TIMES
Water Warriors is offered on select dates in February-April

Part 1 – Each session is 45 minutes for a minimum of 50 students. Available start times are 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.   

Part 2 – Each session is 50-55 minutes for the same students who participated in Part 1. Available start times are 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.   

COST
​​​​FREE! All Water Warriors programs in the 2026-2027 school year are free to schools within the SCFD seven-county Denver metro area, made possible through generous donations to DZCA’s Access to Awe Scholarship Fund. 

Schools outside these areas may participate on a limited basis. Please contact DZEducation@denverzoo.org to confirm availability and additional travel fee of $180 per school visit.

REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS
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.

RESCHEDULE + CANCELLATION
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 a month in advance of any change or cancellation. 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. 

​

Good Neighbors to Wildlife: Make it Bloom

“The students enjoyed all of it. They loved meeting the animal and playing the native plant game. They especially loved the conservation activity and getting their hands dirty.” —Teacher

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.

In Good Neighbors to Wildlife: Make it Bloom, students dig into the important connection between native plants and native animals, then take action with a fun, hands-on project that will help restore a Denver area prairie grassland. Helping wildlife has never been so exciting—or so close to home!

DATES + TIMES
Available select dates December-February. Click blue button below to view available dates and register!

COST
​​FREE! All Good Neighbors to Wildlife programs in the 2026-2027 school year are free to schools in the SCFD seven-county Denver metro area, made possible through generous donations to Denver Zoo’s Access to Awe Scholarship Fund.

Schools outside this area may participate on a limited basis. Please contact DZEducation@denverzoo.org to confirm availability and additional travel fee of $180 per visit.​ 

REGISTRATION
Click the button below to view available dates and register! 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.

Registration closes 30 days prior to the date of the program.

Continue the learning beyond your classroom!

Good Neighbors to Wildlife is also available at the Zoo! Book our Make It Safe program on select days in October, November, and March through May for students in grades 6-12. See program information on our Learn At The Zoo page.

Nature in the Neighborhood

Bring the Neighborhood Nature Explorer to your community!

Nature in the Neighborhood programs engage young children and families in exploration, discovery, and play, inspiring curiosity and appreciation for nature in their own backyard. Dig into the world around you as you meet animal ambassadors up close, wiggle and wonder through nature play, and build early science skills through fun, kid-sized adventures!

Together, we’re inspiring the next generation of nature lovers—one neighborhood at a time!

DATES + TIMES
The Neighborhood Nature Explorer is active year-round, with limited availability in winter months.  In the program’s pilot year, we are managing bookings on a case-by-case basis.  Please complete our Interest Form below to submit a request.  

COST
Most non-profits, schools and learning centers, parks and community organizations will qualify for no-cost visitation throughout the 2026 pilot year, funded by generous contributions from the Zofnass and Barclay families.

For-profit and fee-based events and locations do not qualify for free 2026 appearances and will be contacted by DZCA regarding fees. 

REGISTRATION
Please fill out the Interest Form to submit a registration request.