Join us at the Zoo!

ZOOlabs are programs featuring hands-on activities and discussions. Zoo educators will lead students through a fun and exciting class that supports curriculum standards for a variety of audiences – schools, homeschool groups, colleges, scouts, and camps. All ZOOlabs will meet some of our Animals Ambassadors.

PROGRAM TIMES

  • Tuesday – Friday at 10:15 am, 11:30 am, and 12:45 am (throughout the school year)

If you would like a ZOOlab outside of these days and times, please email fieldtrips@marylandzoo.org to see if there is availability.

PROGRAM LENGTH

  • Pre-K and K programs (ages 3-5): 30 minutes
  • Elementary – Adult programs: 55 minutes

PROGRAM PRICE

  • Pre-K and K: $175 per program
  • Elementary – Adult: $250 per program

REQUEST A ZOOLAB

ANIMAL AMBASSADORS

  • 1 animal per program

MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE

  • 25 people

Pre-K and Kindergarten Programs

Waddle Wiggle

A lively ZOOLab program where children explore animals by naming them, counting their legs, and moving just like them! This fun, interactive activity promotes learning through movement, creativity, and play. During the program, children will have the opportunity to meet some of our animal ambassadors!

Adaptations: Sensory Safari

An interactive ZOOLab program where children discover how people and animals use their senses to explore the world. Through full body movement activities, they’ll learn about unique adaptations that help creatures survive and thrive. During the program, children will have the opportunity to meet some of our animal ambassadors!


Early Elementary School (1st, 2nd, & 3rd grade) Programs

Adaptations: Habitat Happenings

An engaging ZOOLab program where young students explore the adaptations animals need to survive in different habitats. Through interactive activities and a special introduction to live animal ambassadors, children will discover how creatures thrive in their unique environments.

Critter Costumes

Is a fun and educational ZOOLab program where young students learn about different classes of animals and what makes them unique. Through interactive activities and meeting live animal ambassadors, children will explore the amazing features that help animals survive in the wild.


Upper Elementary School Programs

Misunderstood

A ZOOLab program designed to help upper elementary students develop an understanding of animals that are often feared. Through engaging discussions, activities, and introductions to live animal ambassadors, students will discover the important roles these creatures play in nature and gain a new appreciation for them.

Adaptations: Amazing Animals

A ZOOLab program where upper elementary students explore how animals survive and thrive through unique adaptations. Using a variety of animal examples and live animal ambassadors, students will discover the incredible ways creatures have evolved to fit their environments.


Middle School & Up Programs

Adaptations: Cracking the Cranial Code

Make connections between animal adaptations, the structure of their skulls, and an animal’s diet and behaviors.

Inside the Maryland Zoo: Zoo Careers

Explore some different careers and get an inside look at what goes on at the Maryland Zoo.

Animal Training

Get a close look at how zoos use basic training techniques and principles in psychology to care for animals.

 


Important Guidelines & Information

Presentation Requirements:

  • Audience sizes are limited to 25 children in all programs. The facility must provide chaperones in accordance with their organization’s policy. The minimum chaperone to child ratio allowed by The Zoo is one adult per 20 children.
  • Food may not be served or eaten during the program(s).
  • Video recording or live streaming of The Zoo’s education programs is strictly prohibited.

Cancellation:

  • The Zoo and its staff reserve the right, at any time, and for any legitimate safety reason, to cancel a program. If The Zoo cancels a scheduled program due to customer violation of Zoo policies, no refund will be issued.
  • In the event of extreme weather conditions such as snowfall or temperatures above 100°F or below 0°F, The Zoo reserves the right to cancel a scheduled program. If the Zoo cancels a program due to weather conditions and a mutually agreeable alternative date cannot be found, a full refund will be issued.
  • A cancellation notification must be received two weeks before the scheduled program date to receive a refund. No refunds will be issued within two weeks of the scheduled program date unless a cancellation is made by The Zoo. Changes of presentation date or time within two weeks of a scheduled program are subject to a $50 fee.
  • To cancel or reschedule, please call 443.992.4585 between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm or email fieldtrips@marylandzoo.org. The Zoo reserves the right to amend any cancellation policies.

QUESTIONS?

Call 443-992-4585 between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm or email fieldtrips@marylandzoo.org.