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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.
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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.
Hey, families! Looking for something fun for kids to do at home? Our virtual Family ZooVenture programs bring the Phoenix Zoo’s animals to you in a whole new way. Connect with a live Zoo Educator as we have fun while learning about the animals that call the Phoenix Zoo home. These 30 to 45-minute programs feature kid-friendly antics and activities including animals making music and getting squeaky clean, kids helping search for clues as Zoo detectives and time to get the wiggles out while doing animal aerobics. Appropriate for ages 3-8.
Visit the Phoenix Zoo from the comfort of your home or classroom! Virtual Field Trips include pre-recorded guided tours with three different animals, a review activity, accompanying worksheet and challenge activity, PLUS a 15-minute live, virtual Q&A session with a Zoo Educator.
Experience a unique, project-based virtual program that brings the Phoenix Zoo to you! Join Zoo educators for an hour once a week for 9 weeks as we learn in-depth about orangutans and create a new invention for them. Project Orangutan is fun, fascinating and promotes hands-on, authentic problem-solving.
Bring the magic of summer camp to your home any time with Camp Zoo to You! Campers will experience animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, guided visits to Zoo exhibits, craft and learning activities, and scientific investigations all without needing to step out of the house.
Looking for a special experience for your group? With our Phoenix Zoo Live Online program, your group can connect virtually with a live Zoo Educator for an animal-filled event. All you need is a computer, an Internet connection and the ability to connect to Zoom or Google Meets. Our presentations include a mix of live discussions and demonstrations, pre-recorded videos, interactive quizzes and questions, and live animal presentations. This program is geared towards organizations, clubs, associations and community groups.
Lunch with a Keeper is like a coveted backstage pass to meet the band. Enjoy a pizza lunch while you make friends with (and learn from) animal experts – our zookeepers! Ask questions that only a keeper can answer and listen to stories that only a keeper can tell.
Experience what it’s like to be a zookeeper! During this non-stop, fun-filled afternoon, young Critter Keepers participate in all aspects of animal care including cleaning, distributing diets and preparing enrichment items for our animal collection.
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!
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.
Positive interactions with animals and nature help lay a foundation for children to develop empathy and respect for the natural world. The Zoo Tots program introduces young children and their caregivers to some of the Zoo’s friendliest animals and provides activity opportunities to help children learn and practice the basics of animal care.
Join other families for one WILD night at the Zoo! See animals up-close, take a tour by flashlight, and wake up as the animals do. We guarantee your Night Camp experience will be unforgettable!
Nature play is child-directed play in nature and with nature. Nature play can happen in the smallest natural and wild areas, all ages of children can participate, it can happen in any weather and during all seasons.
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.