Education

Education programs at the Birmingham Zoo are a fun and exciting way to learn about the animals. There are opportunities for all age groups to get involved in learning about nature. The goal of the education department is connect people with nature in their understanding and appreciation 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, email, or mail us today!

Come explore with us the wonderful world of animals here at the Birmingham Zoo.

Camps

Camps are a great way to learn about animals and nature. Campers will enjoy the tours, animal demonstrations, crafts, activities, and a snack.

Spring Break: For Kindergartners through 3rd Grade, all day camp
Summer Camp: For Preschool through 8th Grade, half day camp
4th of July Art Camp: For 5K to 6th grade, half day camp
Winter Break Camp: For Kindergarteners (4 year olds) through 3rd grade, all day camp

Classes

Classes for ages 6 months to high school offered during the school year.

Babes in the Zoo: This class is designed for children ages 6 months to 2 years of age and a parent to learn about nature with a live animal encounter.

Zoo Tots: For children 2 to 3 years, enjoy activities and meet an animal with a parent.

Critter Club: For children 4-5 years of age which includes activities, crafts, and an animal encounter.

Preschool Art Class: An introduction to basic art skills for children 4-5 years old.

Tiger Tales: This 2-hour long class for children ages 3, 4 and 5 years old who want to stay a little longer at the zoo. Friday 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Home School Science Classes:  The Birmingham is excited to offer to home schools a unique school year program where students can explore the wonderful world of animals at the Zoo. Classes are for students from 1st through 12th grades.

Home School Art Classes: Students will learn to develop basic drawing and painting skills with animals as their centerpiece. Classes are for students from 2nd through 12th grades.

Home School Days: Students will do activities in the classroom and the Zoo and visit appropriate animal areas. Classes are for students from 2nd through 12th grades.

For Teachers

Our Teacher Resource pages are chock full of lesson plans and activities to help you integrate a Zoo visit into your curriculum and discover what your class can learn about animals.

Field Trips: We have educational programs here at the zoo that will enhance any field trip with live animal demonstrations.

Biofacts: The education department has animal artifacts and teacher materials that are available on a 2 week loan. Enhance your classroom experience by using skulls, eggs, feathers, and other items to supplement your curriculum.

Activities to do at the Zoo

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 7:00 pm and end around 10:00 pm. 

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 1 1/2—2 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 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. 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 6:30.

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.

Internships

The Intern Program is designed to give college students and recent graduates, who are 18 years of age or older, the opportunity to have an in-depth, hands-on experience working in the zoo profession with animal husbandry. This internship program offers interns the opportunity to learn more about Zoos, animal care, and the chance to obtain some entry-level experience.