Come explore with us the wonderful world of animals
here at the Birmingham Zoo.
Education programs at the Birmingham Zoo are a fun and exciting way to learn about animals. There are opportunities for all age groups to get involved in learning about nature. The goal of the Education Department is to connect people with nature by enhancing their understanding and appreciation for the wonderful diversity of nature that surrounds us daily. Pre-registration is required for all programs to ensure a place.
Class space is limited so call 205.879.0409, email zooteacher@birminghamzoo.com today!
Camps
Camps are a great way to learn about animals and nature. Campers will enjoy the tours, animal demonstrations, crafts, activities, and a snack.
School Break Camps: All day camps are available for 4k through 5th grade students during school breaks.
Summer Zoofari Camps: All day camps are available for 4k through 8th grade students.
Classes
Check out the Zoo’s new class themes!
Babes in the Zoo – 6 months to 2 years: This class is designed for children to learn about nature and activities such as live animal encounters.
Zoo Tots – 2 to 3 years: Children can enjoy fun activities like Zoo tours and live animal encounters.
Critter Tales – 3 to 5 years: This class features activities, crafts and a live animal encounter.
Home School Science Classes: The Birmingham Zoo is excited to offer home schools a unique school year program where students can explore the wonderful world of animals at the Zoo. Classes are for students from the 1st through the 12th grade.
For Teachers
The Teacher Resource pages are full of lesson plans and activities to help you integrate a Zoo visit into class curriculum and discover what classes can learn about animals.
Field Trips: There are educational programs at the Zoo that will enhance any field trip with live animal demonstrations.
Biofacts: The Education Department offers animal artifacts and teacher materials that are available on a 2 week loan. Enhance the classroom experience by using skulls, eggs, feathers and other items to supplement class curriculum.
Activities to do at the Zoo
The Nature Trading Post encourages children and families to explore the natural world and create their own collections of natural objects. As items are found, they can be added to your collection or brought to The Nature Trading Post and traded for other items for your collection.
Twilight Tours are the perfect solution for a group that can’t spend the night. A Twilight Tour includes all of the fun evening activities of a ZooSnooze but ends before bedtime. Twilight Tours begin at 7pm and end around 10pm.
Zoo Patch Program allows scouts and groups visiting the Zoo to learn about some of the Zoo’s animals in detail through information, animal encounters and activities. The program is generally one and a half to two hours long and includes time in a classroom and in the Zoo. The programs are modified for different age groups to be age appropriate. Each participant will complete a program booklet during the patch program that they will be able to take home.
ZooSnoozes are overnight programs held at the Birmingham Zoo from 7pm to 7am. Participants will have a fun-filled evening of activities and then sleep in the Zoo. Each ZooSnooze includes an up-close animal encounter, a craft, a night tour of the Zoo, games, carousel ride, and a snack. In the morning, after packing up, a continental breakfast will be served at 6:30am.
ZooKeeper for a Day Ever wondered what it takes to care for the animals here at the Zoo? Check out this great program for individuals ages 8 to 14 years.
