The Phoenix Zoo has a variety of educational programs designed to connect children of all ages with the natural world. Our programs are offered for children starting at 18 months old and are designed to support their growing needs and abilities. We truly hope that your child will grow up with the Zoo! Many programs offer opportunities for parents or caregivers and children to learn and explore together, making it an experience for the entire family. See our many program offerings below and join our programs family today.
Bond with your baby through nature and make connections with other parents/caregivers in this relationship-building focused program. Through music, movement, touch and talk, you’ll create opportunities for your Littlest Critter to experience the unique natural setting and elements of the Zoo. You’ll also have the opportunity to share and learn with other parents/caregivers through social time and guided discussions about appreciating animals and nature with your baby.
For children 0 – 6 months (babies in arms) and a caregiver. Programs take place indoors and outdoors.
Program time: 10 – 10:45 a.m.
Program fees:
Member Adult/Child Pair $ 15 Extra Adult $5 Extra Child (includes 1 adult) $11
General Adult/Child Pairs $ 20 Extra Adult $7 Extra child (includes adult) $15
Social interactions are an important part of learning and engaging – for children and adults! The Zoo Play Date program provides an environment for your child to interact with others through play and exploration of the natural world with you by their side. Natural “loose parts” elements that encourage gross and fine motor skill development and an introduction to guided activities designed to support the physical, cognitive and emotional growth of your child are the focus of this program along with inspiration for adult engagement and fun!
For children 6 – 18 months (sitting independently and early walking) and a caregiver. Programs take place indoors and outdoors.
Program time: 10 – 10:45 a.m.
Program fees:
Member Adult/Child Pair $ 15 Extra Adult $5 Extra Child (includes 1 adult) $11
General Adult/Child Pairs $ 20 Extra Adult $7 Extra child (includes adult) $15
For children 18 months – 3 years (toddlers) and a caregiver. Each month features a different theme coupled with repetition and routine that can help your early learner thrive. Programs take place indoors and outdoors.
Program time: 10 – 10:45 a.m.
Program fees:
Member Adult/Child Pair $ 20 Extra Adult $7 Extra Child (includes 1 adult) $15
General Adult/Child Pairs $ 27 Extra Adult $10 Extra child (includes adult) $20
Program topics:
January – Jungle
February –Desert
March – Forest
April – Savanna
May – Aquatic
Join us for a continental breakfast of “people food” and activity stations that include a variety of movement, art, songs and learning exploration, followed by an amazing animal encounter. The activities in this program focus on promoting curiosity, fostering empathy, encouraging discovery and introducing/reinforcing age appropriate learning about numbers, letters, words, shapes, colors, textures and more! Children and parents are encouraged to explore the activities together and instructors help facilitate an engaging and fun experience for all.
For children 3 – 5 years and a caregiver. Each month features a different animal-focused theme. Programs take place indoors and outdoors.
Program time: 8 – 9 a.m.
General Program fees:
Member Adult/Child Pair $30 Extra Adult $11 Extra Child (includes 1 adult) $23
General Adult/Child Pair $40 Extra Adult $14 Extra Child (includes 1 adult) $30
Bug Program fees:
Member Adult/Child Pair $36 Extra Adult $12 Extra Child (includes 1 adult) $27
General Adult/Child Pair $47 Extra Adult $17 Extra Child (includes 1 adult) $35
Program topics:
January – Orangutan
Swing by for some rainforest fun in this month’s breakfast adventure! Learn about the adaptations these precocious primates have to survive in a rainforest habitat, how intelligent they are and much, much more! After breakfast and classroom activities, we will visit the Orangutan Bilik to meet a primate keeper, ask them all your orangutan questions and have front-row seats to watch as the orangutans receive some breakfast and enrichment items!
February – Giraffe
Stretch as high as you can as you prepare to learn all about the tallest animals at the Zoo; the giraffe! In this month’s breakfast adventure, you’ll learn about what giraffes eat, how they use their tongues and much, much more. After breakfast and activities, you’ll enjoy a unique experience going behind-the-scenes to meet the tallest animals at the Zoo!
March – Flamingo
“Flamingle” with the flock in this month’s breakfast adventure! Join in on the fun to discover what a flamingo nest looks like, learn about unique flamingo adaptations and most importantly—how flamingos get their pink color! Following breakfast and activities, we will get up-close with the flamingos as we join bird keepers to hand deliver their breakfast.
April – Elephant
They say elephants never forget, and we are certain YOU will never forget this amazing experience! In this month’s breakfast adventure, discover how elephants use their trunks, what they like to eat and much, much more! After breakfast and activities, you’ll learn more about the elephants that call the Phoenix Zoo home as we get an up-close look at their exhibit. We will assist elephant keepers with their daily behavioral enrichment by hiding “elephant cookies” in the elephant yard and watching as the elephants search for the hidden treats!
May – Alligator
Get ready for a thrill as we learn about some of the most prehistoric animals to still walk the earth! In this month’s breakfast adventure, you’ll learn all about the Zoo’s amazing alligators. Discover what they like to eat, the unique adaptations they have to survive in their freshwater ecosystems and much more. After breakfast and activities, enjoy a front-row view as we observe these amazing animals receive their breakfast from their keepers!
For children 6 – 9 years.
Program time: 12 – 2 p.m.
Program fees:
Members $50
General $67
Program topics:
January – Ambassador Animals
February – Children’s Trail
March – Tropics II
April – Farm
May – Africa Trail
Have you ever wondered what a career at the Zoo might be like? In this exciting program, you can find out! Critter Keeper Careers provides children with the opportunity to explore a variety of animal care careers through this non-stop, fun-filled afternoon! Critter Keepers participate in all aspects of animal care including cleaning, distributing diets and preparing enrichment items for our animal collection. Small class sizes allow us to offer an exclusive and personalized adventure in which young people experience the excitement, hard work and patience required to be a Zoo professional and care for Zoo animals. All Critter Keepers are outfitted with a t-shirt and water bottle. For children 10-13 years.
Program time: 12 – 2 p.m.
Program fees:
Members $50
General $67
Program topics:
January – Zookeepers I
February – Behavioral Enrichment II
March – Zoo Vets
April – Zoo Chefs
May – Zookeepers II
Program time: 12 – 1:45 p.m.
Program fees:
Member Adult/Child Pair $54 Extra Adult $20 Extra Child $40
General Adult/Child Pair $72 Extra Adult $25 Extra Child $54
Program Topics:
January – Elephant
March – African Carnivore
May – Orangutan