Educators
empower minds, ignite curiosity
Let the Phoenix Zoo help you inspire your learners! You can bring some of our exciting educational programs (and animals) right to your classroom, home, daycare or community center and with programs designed for early childhood through adults, we have something for every learner. And of course, we always love hosting field trips here at the Zoo too!
ZOOREACH SCHOLARSHIPS
Through generous donations from local individuals, corporations and foundations, the Phoenix Zoo is able to offer some of our educational opportunities at no cost to some schools under our ZooReach Scholarship Program.
ZooReach Scholarships are available for Arizona Department of Education designated Title I schools (grades K – 12) that have 50 percent or more of their enrollment on a free or reduced lunch program. Our scholarship fund is limited and at this time we are only able to allow one free program per qualifying school.
Most scholarships are available to qualifying schools on a first-come-first-served basis while funds last. Request your ZooReach Scholarship directly on the form for the program you are interested in booking.
Interested in a Night Camp Scholarship? Learn more here.
Outreach Live on Location:
Let the Zoo come to you! Our fun, interactive outreach programs include an educator and 3-5 ambassador animals right to your classroom, organization or event. These programs are a great way to add impact to any setting and are tailored to each age group from PreK to High School or Adult.
Girl Scout BFF Event
Calling all Girl Scouts! Celebrate the start of cookie season at the Phoenix Zoo with this year’s mascot – the Black-footed Ferret. Try fun activities, talk to our Conservation staff, and meet animal ambassadors while learning all about your new “BFF’s”!
Date: January 10, 2026
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Cost: $10 + admission to the Zoo
Troops can get a discounted Youth Group rate for Zoo admission of $15 per youth (3 -17 years of age) and $20 per adult.
Curriculum for the Classroom and FREE Teacher Workshops:
Our engaging lessons, projects and captivating resources are designed to bring the Zoo experience directly into your classroom. Whether you’re teaching biology, environmental science, or simply looking for a workshop to add to your professional development, the Phoenix Zoo is your gateway to making learning a roaring success.
We regularly host teacher workshops to ensure you feel confident using the material in your classroom. Workshops are FREE, in fact most workshops include a stipend for you!
Homeschool Days:
Join the Phoenix Zoo at Homeschool Days for a morning dedicated to homeschool families and groups. The morning will be filled with STEM-based learning stations, animal interactions and exploring science-based careers. Stations will feature bat surveying, big cat identification, conservation projects the Phoenix Zoo is a part of, and more!
Participants will have full access to zoo pathways for the entire day to visit zoo exhibits as well.
Perfect for Homeschool groups and families with learners 5-17 years old, though all ages are welcome.
Dates: 10/29/25 & 2/25/26
Time: 9 a.m. – Noon
Cost: $20 general | $10 members
Field Trips:
The Phoenix Zoo is the ultimate destination for an enriching and memorable field trip!
Whether you want to explore the Phoenix Zoo on your own during a self-guided field trip or want to enhance your trip with a guide-led excursion, the Phoenix Zoo is your learning destination! You can even explore what the Zoo has to offer from the comfort of your own home, school or organization through one of our virtual field trips.
Special Needs:
From fur to feathers, and scales to exoskeletons, this program helps learners with special needs recognize differences and similarities through visual, tactile, olfactory, and auditory experiences.
Learn about five animal groups (invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals) and the amazing characteristics that make each group of animals unique.
Programs are tailored to fit the needs of the audience and are available to all school classes with a focus on students with special needs and to groups focused on working with people who have special needs. Learning experiences are facilitated through station work and some animal encounters.
2026 Dates: January 26, April 9 & April 20
Times: 10 – 10:45 a.m. or 11 – 11:45 a.m.
Capacity: 28 students plus teachers/aides/chaperones
Requests must be made at least two weeks in advance of your date(s) of choice.
Plan your visit today!
The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the U.S., caring for over 3,000 animals, with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened/endangered species.
Plan your visit today!
The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the U.S., caring for over 3,000 animals, with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened/endangered species.
