Education & Tours
With every trip to Reid Park Zoo, visitors can learn how to help protect wild animals and wild places. We offer a variety of educational programs to explore the Zoo, the world and its animals in new and exciting ways. Attend a class, join a camp, take a field trip to the Zoo, or schedule a behind-the-scenes tour. Programs are available on a first come, first serve basis.
Learning has never been this fun!
For Students
School Field Trips
Looking for a unique way for your students to explore concepts introduced in the classroom? Bring your class (K-12) to the Zoo for an adventure they won’t forget!
at the zoo
Public Programs
Have a blast connecting with animals and nature. Learn what it takes to be a zoo keeper or zoo veterinarian, travel to behind-the-scenes areas, meet the animals with our skilled education team.
Other tours
Non-School Groups
Educational programs for scouts, private youth groups and other non-school groups of all sizes and ages.
Special Experiences
Behind the Scenes Experiences
Discover the inner workings of the Zoo from the commissary to the health clinic to up-close encounters. Advance registration is required.
Bring the Zoo to you
Outreach Programs
Can’t come to us? We’ll come to you! Our outreach programs offer up-close encounters with live Zoo ambassador animals and your choice of topics.
Remote Learning
Virtual Programs
There are so many great ways to connect with Reid Park Zoo from the comfort of your own home!
Teachers, looking for a way to engage your students when you cannot come to the Zoo?
Education Department
Frequently Asked Questions
If you can’t find the answers to your questions here, email the Education Department or Call us 7 days a week at 520-837-8200.
Do you offer programs for groups?
Yes! We offer all of our programs for groups—there’s no minimum number of people who can participate, but there is a minimum program price that must be met. If you have a larger group we may suggest splitting into smaller groups depending on the program you select.
Read about the programs we offer for groups here. We book all our program first come, first serve based on staff availability, so reserve your program as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment.
What programs do you offer for kids?
The Education Department offers a variety of fun and educational programs for all ages. We have tours, classes, encounters, and workshops that individuals or families can sign up for.
Do you offer virtual programs?
Yes, we offer several options for a virtual field trip experience. See our Virtual Programs for more details.
Do you offer Behind-the-Scenes tours?
Yes! Behind-the-Scenes Tours are available for individuals and families, or small groups. Click here for more information.
Do you offer Summer camps?
Our summer camp sessions run M-F during the months of June and July. We offer sessions for kids entering grades 1-8. Online registration begins in March, and camps typically sell out in April or May.
My child is 13 years old—what is available for them?
Teens are always welcome on Behind-the-Scenes tours, or any program listed as appropriate for all ages, or for ages 5 and up. Teens 14-17 can also apply for our Teen Volunteer Program.
