Education

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, email, or mail us 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.

Summer Zoofari Camps: For 4K through 8th Grade, all day and half day camps

School Break Camps: For 4k through 5th 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.

Baby Sign Language: This 30-minute class helps you and your child learn simple signs for communication and animals. 6 months to 2 years of age.

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.

Saturday Art Class: An introduction to basic art skills for children 6-12 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.

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 Reading Classes: Learn and improve phonics – including phonemic awareness; vocabulary’ word-attack skills; reading and listening comprehension; and fluency. 1st to 5th grades.

Home School Art Classes: Students will learn to develop basic drawing and painting skills with animals as their centerpiece.

Home School Math Classes: In these fun classes, students will learn and improve their skills in the following areas while learning about animals. 1st to 5th 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.