Welcome
New Cancellation/Refund Policy effective January 3, 2022
Programs cancelled by the registrant at least two weeks in advance of the program date may receive a refund. Refunds or credits are no longer available for programs cancelled by the registrant within two weeks of the program date.

If you are a Zoo Member or have a promotion code, please enter this information at the time of ticket purchase checkout. Scroll down for a complete listing of all Education Programs.
 
ZOO TROOP

Learning and growing is fun at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden! These 4 week series encourages the development of important skills and values that will allow your child to interact with peers while fostering knowledge and respect for wildlife and wild places. Through age appropriate, skill and wonder-building hands-on activities, close encounters with animals, Zoo hikes, and child-led projects, children learn biological concepts and become curious to explore the world around them and find their own answers. Come to Zoo Troop, where children can let their imagination run wild!

New skills and experiences are learned in each 4-week Zoo Troop series.
Toddlers: Oh Baby!
Regular Price: $100.00
Member Price: $85.00
For 18-36 month olds
Do you look like your mommy and daddy? Animal babies look like their mommy and daddy too! Join us for a 4-week adventure where we will match up mom and baby, using our voices and bodies to act like animals in the classroom and around the Zoo. Grownups will learn with us, as we watch animals in action, and learn about baby animals with our friends.

Dates: Choose to come every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday for 4 weeks.

Note: Plan for one adult to stay with your child during these classes.
Pre-K: Born Wild
Regular Price: $100.00
Member Price: $85.00
For 3, 4 and 5 years old not in kindergarten
What is it like to be an animal baby? Some need more tender love and care than others, but they all need food, water and protection to survive! Join us as we learn about the most precious time of an animal’s life, where a baby will learn the most essential lessons from mom and dad! We will meet some beautiful babies face to face, out in the Zoo, and in the classroom.

Dates: Choose to come every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday for 4 weeks.

Note: Plan for one adult to stay with your child during these classes. 
Kindergarten: Ready Set Play!
Regular Price: $105.00
Member Price: $90.00
For kindergarteners
What is your favorite game to play on the playground? Have you ever played hide-and-seek or hopscotch? You may be surprised to discover that some animals are born knowing what to do while others play games in order to learn important lessons for survival! During this four-week series, we’ll take a closer look at the role of play in how baby animals learn the skills they need to survive as adults.

Dates: Choose to come every Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday for 4 weeks.

Note: Children attend this series independently.
1st-2nd Grade: Are You My Mother?
Regular Price: $105.00
Member Price: $90.00
How are the lives of baby reptiles, mammals, birds and insects different? When you’re an animal baby, everything from what you eat to where you live all depends on who raises you! This spring is a great time to check out the diversity of the Zoo’s growing family. Join us as we meet animal friends, hike around the zoo, and play games to see who raises our favorite animal babies.

Dates: Choose to come every Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday for 4 weeks.
3rd-4th Grade: My Wild Family Tree
Regular Price: $110.00
Member Price: $95.00
What do tigers and ocelots have in common? How about painted dogs and wolves? Their wild family trees of course! With hikes, games, and classroom animal visitors, this four-week series will help us explore the parenting and family lifestyles of these wild animals and see if they have more in common than shared ancestry.

Dates: Choose to come every Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday for 4 weeks.
5th-6th Grade: Raising Wild Ones
Regular Price: $110.00
Member Price: $95.00
From baby parking to baby wearing, animals employ MANY different parenting styles. During this four-week series, participants will go on Zoo hikes, meet animals in the classroom, and engage in other fun activities that will help them explore the way that wild animal babies are raised and compare them to their own families.

Dates: Choose to come every Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday for 4 weeks.
7th-8th Grade: Growing Up Wild
Regular Price: $110.00
Member Price: $95.00
Imagine going from newborn to adult in a year, a few months, or less than a month! Imagine being independent from birth or staying a baby until conditions are right to become an adult! Imagine having 200 brothers and sisters! In this 4-week series, we will learn all about the crazy variety that can be found among baby animals and why growing up in the animal kingdom is a wild and wonderful thing!

Dates: Choose to come every Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday for 4 weeks.
 
FAMILY PROGRAMS
These family-oriented programs explore wildlife through activities and hikes as well as crafts or games in a manner that is sure to be fun for all ages. Please note that at least one adult must be registered with each family group. Children under 2 years old are free.
Hurray for Mom!
Regular Price: $25.00
Member Price: $20.00
Many animals (including humans) have close relationships with their mothers.  From the gentle jaws of an alligator to the comfy pouch of a wallaby, come learn about our Zoo moms as we prepare to celebrate all moms on this holiday just for them.

Note: One adult must register per group. For all ages. All participants should be registered, except children under 2 years old who are free.
 
Session Hurray for Mom!: Saturday, May 6, 2023 10:00AM - 11:30AM WAIT LIST
 
AFTER HOURS PROGRAMS
Family Night Hike
Regular Price: $25.00
Member Price: $20.00
Join us each season for a special night hike around the Zoo.

Spring is for Zoo Babies! Join us on select nights to explore the different families we have at the Zoo. Participate in fun, educational activities, take a special behind-the-scenes tour, and meet some of our animal ambassadors up close and personal! All while learning about the current Zoo babies and fun families we have at the Zoo. 

Note: One adult required per group. All ages. Children under 2 years are free. All participants must be registered.
 
HOLIDAY DAY CAMP
4yr-Kindergarten: Zoo Play Date
Regular Price: $75.00
Member Price: $60.00

Is play an important part of your day? It is to animals here at the Zoo! In this one-day camp, we will explore how both human and non-human animals use play to stay healthy and learn how to get along with others. With interactive activities and observations of animals both in the Zoo and in the classroom, we will learn about how play is useful in keeping our animals happy and healthy. We will even create some special enrichment toys for some special Zoo residents to enjoy.

Join us on either Martin Luther King Day OR Presidents Day for this single-day camp! 

Note: Please bring a mask.  Masks may be required for some animal encounters and experiences.  

1st-2nd Grade: Zoo Play Date
Regular Price: $75.00
Member Price: $60.00

Is play an important part of your day? It is to animals here at the Zoo! In this one-day camp, we will explore how both human and non-human animals use play to stay healthy and learn how to get along with others. With interactive activities and observations of animals both in the Zoo and in the classroom, we will learn about how play is useful in keeping our animals happy and healthy. We will even create some special enrichment toys for some special Zoo residents to enjoy.

Join us on either Martin Luther King Day OR Presidents Day for this single-day camp! 

Note: Please bring a mask. masks may be required during some animal encounters and experiences.

3rd-4th Grade: Zoo Play Date
Regular Price: $75.00
Member Price: $60.00

Is play an important part of your day? It is to animals here at the Zoo! In this one-day camp, we will explore how both human and non-human animals use play to stay healthy and learn how to get along with others. With interactive activities and observations of animals both in the Zoo and in the classroom, we will learn about how play is useful in keeping our animals happy and healthy. We will even create some special enrichment toys for some special Zoo residents to enjoy.

Join us on either Martin Luther King Day OR Presidents Day for this single-day camp! 

Note: Please bring a mask. Mask may be required during some animal encounters and experiences.

Session 3rd-4th Grade Group A: Monday, February 20, 2023 9:00AM - 4:00PM UNAVAILABLE
5th-8th Grade: Zoo Play Date
Regular Price: $75.00
Member Price: $60.00

Is play an important part of your day? It is to animals here at the Zoo! In this one-day camp, we will explore how both human and non-human animals use play to stay healthy and learn how to get along with others. With interactive activities and observations of animals both in the Zoo and in the classroom, we will learn about how play is useful in keeping our animals happy and healthy. We will even create some special enrichment toys for some special Zoo residents to enjoy.

Join us on either Martin Luther King Day OR Presidents Day for this single-day camp! 

Note: Please bring a mask. Mask may be required during some animal encounters and experiences.

Session 5th-8th Grade Group A: Monday, February 20, 2023 9:00AM - 4:00PM UNAVAILABLE
 
SPRING BREAK CAMP
These full-day camps include a camp t-shirt, snacks (campers pack lunch), live animal encounters, games, hikes, and so much more! Sign your child up for the wildest spring break ever!

Zoo Camp is generously supported by: Grippo's
4yr-Kindergarten: All in the Family
Regular Price: $260.00
Member Price: $245.00
If you thought keeping track of the members of your family was hard, imagine doing it for the entire animal kingdom! Organizing the diversity of life is complex. In this camp, we will learn to recognize the signs that tell us how to group reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, and insects into their families. But watch out, there are some rule breakers in the bunch! 
1st-2nd Grade: Troops Groups and Herds
Regular Price: $260.00
Member Price: $245.00
Who is in your "pack?" Is it just your family or are friends allowed too? Do you eat together, play together, and take care of each other? Did you know some animals live, eat, and hang out in groups together, too? Bring your gaggle, flock, or pride to the Zoo and discover which animals stick together, how they form and maintain their bonds, and how group life helps them to survive.
3rd-4th Grade: I Wonder
Regular Price: $260.00
Member Price: $245.00
Does looking at animals fill you with wonder? Does walking around the Zoo spark a million questions? During this camp we will be the scientists investigating what the Zoo animals are up to. With our inquiring minds and untamed eyes, we will explore animal behaviors through investigations of our own creation.
5th-6th Grade: Dr. Zoolittle's Training Camp
Regular Price: $260.00
Member Price: $245.00
Discover how to “talk” to animals! Campers will be training new behaviors with some of our Zoo animal ambassadors. Learn about animal behavior and motivation while applying training techniques taught by Zoo professionals. By the end of camp, animals will be eating out of your hands, literally!

 
7th-8th Grade: Mini Maynard Training Camp
Regular Price: $270.00
Member Price: $255.00
Join us for a week-long adventure and discover what it takes to become a future Zoo director!  Our Zoo director Thane Maynard is known as a wildlife expert, a naturalist, author and is a regular on T.V. shows promoting wildlife conservation.  Campers will experience the many different jobs Thane has done on the way to becoming our zoo director.  Campers will learn about animal handling, meet ambassador animals up-close and create a “90-second naturalist” podcast of their own on their way to becoming the next Zoo director. So watch out, Thane!

 
Session Group A Full Day: Mon, Mar 27, 2023 - Fri, Mar 31, 2023 9:00AM - 4:00PM UNAVAILABLE
 
SUMMER CAMP
Explore the Zoo, experience nature, and discover the excitement and wonder of animals! Hikes in the Zoo, visits from Animal Friends, crafts, train rides, animal shows, and so much more make Summer Camp a jam-packed week to remember! Please register children according to the grade they will enter in the fall.

Zoo Camp is generously supported by: Grippo's
4yr-Kindergarten Where In The World?
Regular Price: $290.00
Member Price: $275.00
Full Day Camp
for 4-5 year olds and those entering Kindergarten in the fall.

All aboard! Summer campers will take a journey from the North to South Pole and every Habitat in between! Along the way they’ll experience live animal encounters in the classroom, Zoo hikes to animals from every continent, and even get to feed some long-necked neighbors! It’s sure to be an adventure.
4yr-Kindergarten Fur Feathers and Scales
Regular Price: $175.00
Member Price: $160.00
Half Day Camp
for 4-5 year olds and those entering Kindergarten in the fall.

Are all animals covered in skin like ours? No way! Animals have different coverings that help them slither, hide, hover, and so much more! Campers will fly, flutter, slither, and scurry through the week as they experience up-close animal encounters, Zoo hikes, songs, games, and crafts!

Note: Before and After Care are not available for half-day camps.
4yr-Kindergarten Shake Rattle and Roll
Regular Price: $175.00
Member Price: $160.00
Half Day Camp
for 4-5 year olds and those entering Kindergarten in the fall.

Does your child like to jump, hop, swing, or climb? Bring your little mover and shaker to meet some of the Zoo’s movers and shakers! We’ll take a look at feet, fins, flippers, and wings and see how animals move around their world. Each day we’ll explore animal locomotion with hikes in the Zoo, crafts, games, and close encounters with some live animal “movers”. Whether it’s by land, sea, or air, your little one will enjoy this action-filled summer Zoo adventure!

Note: Before and After Care are not available for half-day camps.
1st-2nd Grade Extreme Animals
Regular Price: $290.00
Member Price: $275.00
Full Day Camp
for children entering 1st or 2nd grade in the fall.

Are you extreme enough? Animals are out of this world, equipped with outrageous abilities such as being able to dive a MILE deep into the ocean! Join us as we meet these extreme animals and discover why they must act the way they do. Your camper will explore the animal and plant kingdoms by meeting our ambassadors face to face! You will identify their features and decide who is the fastest, strongest, or largest of them all?
 
1st-2nd Grade Feast For The Beasts
Regular Price: $175.00
Member Price: $160.00
Half Day Camp
for children entering 1st and 2nd grade in the fall.

Termites, durian fruit, and dung are just a few of the unusual, tasty “treats” that animals like to eat. In the Zoo’s unique learning environment, your child will enjoy discovering the world of herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, and scavengers as well as where they all fit into the food chain.

Note: Before and After Care are not available for half-day camps.
1st-2nd Grade Jungle Journey
Regular Price: $175.00
Member Price: $160.00
Half Day Camp
for children entering 1st and 2nd grade in the fall.

Come on a tropical safari with us! This camp will explore the tropical rainforest where we will meet every animal under the canopy! From singing gibbons to hooting gorillas, campers will take a trip around this awesome biome and discover some hidden jewels of the tropical rainforest and why these habitats are so very special.

Note: Before and After Care are not available for half-day camps.
3rd-4th Grade Animal Rescue
Regular Price: $290.00
Member Price: $275.00
Full Day Camp
for children entering 3rd or 4th grade in the fall.

We have an action-packed week planned for your camper. Campers will choose adventures that require teamwork to understand animal populations and what information should be collected to help rescue these animals. Every day, campers will "rescue" a different animal, make measurements, take weight, and estimate population sizes using field techniques.
5th-6th Grade Animal Behavior 101
Regular Price: $290.00
Member Price: $275.00
Full Day Camp
for children entering 5th or 6th grade in the fall.

Studying an animal’s behavior in the wild or a zoo can help us get to know them better as individuals AND give scientists valuable insight into the nature and habits of their species. This knowledge can lead to improvements to their care and conservation in the wild and captivity. During this week-long camp, we’ll utilize Zoo hikes and special animal visits to focus on learning the basics of animal observation and investigate the questions that come up.
5th-8th Grade Eco-Explorers at Bowyer Farm
Regular Price: $300.00
Member Price: $285.00
Full Day Camp
for children entering 5th,6th,7th,or 8th grade in the fall. Groups will be subdivided based on grade.

Become a backyard biologist while exploring our fields, forests, and wetlands out at our 600 acre Bowyer Farm! Campers will spend time learning what it takes to protect our wild spaces through hands-on activities such as bird watching, plant identification, and animal tracking. Our adventure filled camp will encourage campers to get back in touch with their wild side, while building confidence as they hone their naturalist skills. On Friday, your camper will lead you on a nature hike to show off their new skills.

This camp takes place at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden's Bowyer Farm, 2210 Mason Montgomery Road, Mason, OH 45040. 

Note: Before Care and After Care is not available for this camp.
7th-8th Grade Zoo Careers
Regular Price: $300.00
Member Price: $285.00
Full Day Camp
for children entering 7th or 8th grade in the fall.

Running a zoo involves a lot more than meets the eye. Join us for a week of exploring the many jobs involved in taking care of the Zoo’s animals and creating a great experience for Zoo visitors. You’ll get a chance to get down and dirty and creative with hands-on activities, animal encounters, & special experiences with Animal Care Staff. We’ll also give you a better understanding of the variety of zoo careers that are here at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.
 
T-SHIRTS
Vintage Camp TShirts
Price: $10.00
Product Image
Get your vintage camp tshirt! Summer Camp 2019 (pollinators), Spring Break 2020 (wildebeest), Summer Camp 2021 (kangaroo) all available now. Youth and Adult sizes for the whole family!

All t-shirts are for pickup only, at the Harold C Schott Education Building at 56 Erkenbrecher Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45249 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, or Saturday 9am-12pm. Call 513-559-7730 when you arrive. All orders will be held for 4 business days, and then returned to inventory if not picked up. 

Gildan Brand 100% Cotton. See size chart.
 
GIVE THE ZOO TO KIDS IN NEED
Support Low Income Students Visiting The Zoo
 
Donate today and support low income students visiting the zoo.

The Living Classroom Education Access Fund began in 2012. Since that time the fund has brought 150,000 low-income children and their teachers to the Zoo for a free, fun, standards-aligned daytime, or overnight field trip. You can give EVERY child the opportunity to be inspired by wildlife every day and enjoy the quintessential Cincinnatian experience of visiting this top zoo.

An entire grade of young people can visit the zoo for $1000.00
Provide a zoo experience to a bus full of students for $500.00
Send an entire classroom to the Zoo for $250.00
Any donation amount could help! Please donate today.

Learn more about the Living Classroom Education Fund here- http://cincinnatizoo.org/lceaf/
 
EDUCATION GIFT CERTIFICATES
Zoo Education Programs make a perfect gift. You can even redeem your Education Gift Certificate online! When making a purchase online with an Education Gift Certificate select the Gift Certificate option in the payment screen and enter the barcode number.

NOTE: Purchasing a gift certificate does not guarantee a space in programs. Sign up for our quarterly Education Program Announcement email to receive notices of new programs and when they go on sale.
$270.00 Education Gift Certificate
Price: $270.00
$250.00 Education Gift Certificate
Price: $250.00
Great for a full day Zoo Camp!
.

​Gift Certificates only redeemable for Zoo Education Programs.
$100.00 Education Gift Certificate
Price: $100.00
Perfect amount for a Zoo Troop series.

Gift Certificates only redeemable for Zoo Education Programs.
$50.00 Education Gift Certificate
Price: $50.00
Great for a Family Day Programs or Family Sunset Safari ticket.

Gift Certificates only redeemable for Zoo Education Programs.
$25.00 Education Gift Certificate
Price: $25.00
For the best elves in your life. 

Gift Certificates only redeemable for Zoo Education Programs. 
$15.00 Education Gift Certificate
Price: $15.00
Put a little Zoo in their stocking!

Gift Certificates only redeemable for Zoo Education Programs. 
 
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