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: I Spy...
Regular Price: $100.00
Member Price: $85.00
Toddlers (18-36 months)
Our world is full of places to discover and explore and our toddlers are doing just that! Join us for a four week series as we explore our world by getting out into the Zoo and looking up, down, and all around! You and your child will explore the outdoors, meeting animals who live in the water, underground, in the soil, and way up into the sky. Each week we'll discover these animals through live encounters, Zoo hikes, and dramatic and exploratory play, in our own Education back yard.

Dates: Come on Saturdays for 4 weeks this June.

Note: Plan for one adult to stay with your child during these classes.
Toddlers: Animal Tales
Regular Price: $100.00
Member Price: $85.00
Toddlers (18-36 months)
Do you know what The Very Busy Spider was doing all day long? Can you imagine all the creatures that live in The Tall, Tall Grass? Have you ever asked, "Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?" During this series your Zoo Trooper will move and explore our world like the animals in our books through dramatic play, meeting animals in the classroom, and exploratory hikes through the Zoo!

Dates: Come on Saturdays for 4 weeks this July.

Note: Plan for one adult to stay with your child during these classes.
Pre-K: Art Of Nature
Regular Price: $100.00
Member Price: $85.00

Pre-K (3-5 years old)
It's time to use our own creativity to explore the great outdoors! Come outside with us to create our own art projects and discover the fascinating art palette nature has to offer! Each week of our series we will meet animals face-to-face inside and around the Zoo, as we get hands-on with nature in our own backyard.

Dates: Come on Saturdays for 4 weeks this June.

Note: Plan for one adult to stay with your child during these classes.

Session Pre-K: Art Of Nature Group A: Sat, Jun 3, 2023 - Sat, Jun 24, 2023 10:00AM - 11:00AM WAIT LIST
Pre-K: Reading And Romping
Regular Price: $100.00
Member Price: $85.00
Pre-K (3-5 years old)
Can you hoot for mom like the Owl Babies? Are you as colorful as The Mixed Up Chameleon? Can you move your body like an animal From Head To Toe? Through animal encounters, hands-on activities, and exploring the Zoo, your Zoo Trooper will begin to understand how the animals in these books are connected to the animals in the world around us!

Dates: Come on Saturdays for 4 weeks this June.

Note: Plan for one adult to stay with your child during these classes.
 
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 Dad!
Regular Price: $25.00
Member Price: $20.00
From babysitters to breadwinners, the dads of many animal species take an active role in their families' lives. We'll take a hike around the Zoo, see an animal encounter, and play a game to learn more about these important and often overlooked family members as we celebrate them on their special weekend.
Session Hurray for Dad: Saturday, June 17, 2023 10:00AM - 11:30AM AVAILABLE
 
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.

March-May: Hey Baby! Join us as we 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. 

July-August: Some Like It Hot! Join us as we explore the animals that thrive in the heat!  We will hike to see our warm-weathered-loving Zoo animals, and meet some of our hottest animal ambassadors up-close and personal!

Note: One adult must register per group. For all ages. All participants should be registered, except children under 2 years old who are free.
History and Hijinks Tours
Regular Price: $25.00
Member Price: $20.00
How well do YOU know your Cincinnati Zoo? The honor of "second oldest Zoo in the nation" comes with a lot of history and some pretty epic tales. Step back in time with Zoo animal care and trainer veteran of 50 years, Gary Denzler, as he leads you on a fun and factual story-based historical tour of the Cincinnati Zoo, sharing tales of the people and animals that have made this zoo what it is today.

This program is geared towards participants 16 years and older.
Family Overnight
Price: $55.00

During this family-friendly overnight, we will discover the adaptations animals have to survive in their unique habitats. Why do wolves hunt in packs? Why are penguins black and white? Why do snakes stick out their tongue? We will answer these and so much more! Throughout the night we’ll explore a few places in the Zoo, participate in fun, educational activities, get a behind-the-scenes sneak peek, and meet some of our animal ambassadors up-close and personal! Then, after the fun, curl up in our private education classrooms overlooking our rainforest.

IMPORTANT: All program participants must be 5 years and older. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. 

Each order will have one room. Each room can sleep up to 10 people. You will add additional participants on the second page.

African Sundowner: A 21yr+ Overnight Adventure
Regular Price: $200.00
Member Price: $190.00

A truly one-of-a-kind experience, the African Sundowner makes a great date night, friend group outing or (adult) family adventure! An interactive social hour will start the night with two drink tickets, light bites, strange zoo games and a visit from a unique animal. Then, we will break out into small tour groups led by Zoo Educators to traverse through Africa, listening to tales of innovation for living harmoniously with wildlife. Such as how a flashlight can shield you against lions, or why a puppy raised with goats can save cheetahs. On our Zoo safari, we will go behind the scenes of Hippo Cove and uncover secrets of our world-famous bloat. We’ll finish up our night at our Twiga Tents, gathered round a roaring campfire roasting smores. Then, this unique adventure ends with a relaxing night in our safari tents on cozy cots and waking up to a hot catered breakfast overlooking Giraffe Ridge. And it doesn't end there! One last special animal guest will join us in the morning to say goodbye. 

IMPORTANT: All program participants must be 21 years and older. Price is per person.
 
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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