At-the-Zoo Guided Programs

At-the-Zoo programs are designed to help teachers and other youth group leaders supplement their classroom learning. They are a great introduction or conclusion program for classroom curriculum.

At-the-Zoo programs are offered Mondays through Saturdays, January through April and June through December.  Programs are not available in May.

Program Details:
  • Available Times: 9:30 am - 2:00 pm.
  • Cost, including zoo admission: $2.25 per student, $1.55 per teacher or chaperone.
  • Group size: Up to 100 students
  • Program length: Groups of 25 - 50 students will complete the program in 1 hour (except where otherwise noted).  Each group will have approximately one-half hour in the zoo classroom and one-half hour on a Zoo Boise tour.
To schedule a program:
Call 384-4260 ext 100 and have the following information ready: name of the school, your name and contact information, number of students, grade of students, the dates, time and the topic in which you are interested.

Program content and organization:
  • Programs are conducted by Zoo Boise Education staff aided by zoo volunteers.
  • Each group will have approximately one-half hour in the zoo classroom and one-half hour on a Zoo Boise tour. Classroom activities include learning vocabulary and concepts specific to the topic, conducting experiments, exploring animal artifacts (animal skins, skulls, feathers, feet, beaks, etc.), and meeting an animal ambassador (live animal guest). A Zoo Boise one-half hour tour will visit exhibits that are specific to the topic. For example, the Tropical Rainforest program tour will visit only tropical rainforest animal exhibits.
  • Each program can be adapted to fit nearly any classroom needs in regard to grade level or your classroom’s studies. Themes that can be incorporated and/or emphasized include but are not limited to plant or animal habitat, life cycles, food chains, adaptations, endangered species and conservation.
  • Programs are designed for participation of all visitors including teachers & chaperones!
  • Animal availability for classroom use will depend on animal health, feeding schedules, and use for other programs.

At-the-Zoo Program Topics:
Other Programs & Opportunities for Students

Kinderzoo
Grade: Kindergarten (Ages 4 & 5)
Program Theme: Animal groups have distinctive characteristics that help them to survive.
Program Activities: Students will meet and touch one representative of each of the following animal groups: Arthropods/Insects, Mammal, Bird, Reptile. Learn one distinguishing physical characteristic of each animal group and be able to provide the animal groups’ “secret signal”. Explore artifacts of each animal group. Participate in one physical activity (For example: learn and demonstrate the different styles of bird flight, demonstrate snake movement). Take a guided tour to visit at least one representative of each animal group and reinforce the “secret signals”. During the tour, students will also participate in several activities such as the Crane Dance.

Your Own Topic
Do not see a program that suits your curriculum needs? Call our Education Department at 384-4125 x100. With ample notice, we may be able to design a program specifically for you and your classroom.