Open Today: 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.
Location map
a person wearing a dark blue NC Zoo uniform and blue latex gloves crouches down on a sidewalk and holds a Salamander towards a young girl in a blue shirt. They appear to be explaining something to the child. A well-kept garden is visible in the background.

School Programs

Programs at the Zoo

Bring the wonders of wildlife, STEM, and conservation to life for your students! The North Carolina Zoo offers a range of educational programs designed to meet your classroom's needs, grade standards, schedule, and budget! From immersive hands-on labs, quick learning encounters during your visit, to engaging assemblies for an entire grade level. Explore the options below to find the right fit for your students! Questions? Contact us at  Schoolprograms@nczoo.org.

School Programs
Camper holding a cup with an animal inside, while identifying the animal using a paper chart.
North Carolina Zoo
Discovery Labs

Hands-on Experiences

Educator Steve talking on livestream in front of the Red Wolf habitat. An American Red Wolf is in the background feeding on a carcass.
Discovery Stops

Mini Programs

Educator Elizabeth speaks to a large group of kids at an outdoor auditorium.
North Carolina Zoo
Discovery Spotlight

Large-group Program

Zoo to You
Pre-school Programs

Let us provide a fun and engaging program for you and your preschoolers. Zoo to You Preschool programs are offered subject to availability. The Zoo requires at least four weeks' notice for any Zoo to You Preschool program. 

A woman in a navy NC Zoo uniform stands with a long table, covered with a teal NC Zoo tablecloth and various animal artifacts. In front of her is a group of children seated on colorful floor tiles, and a woman with a long blonde ponytail and red collared shirt sitting in a green chair to the right. The setting appears to be an elementary school classroom.
Zoo to You Preschool Programs
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Programs Anywhere
Virtual Learning Programs

Go live with us for Zoo Edventures every 3rd Wednesday of the month. Or bring us virtually to your classroom through one of many virtual program options.

 

 

A woman with short blonde hair, wearing a blue NC Zoo uniform, stands in a wooden area next to a natural wooden fence holding a medium sized brown turtle in her gloved hands. She is looking into an Ipad that seems to be recording a video of her teaching about the turtle.
Zoo Classroom - Virtual Programs
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A woman with a blonde braid and blue shirt stands holding and a cellphone facing and seemingly recording an older man in a blue shirt that is holding a small, brown and tan baby Alligator. They are on a wooden deck in front of a green sign with an image of an Alligator and text that reads "Alligator Overlook".
Zoo EDventures Online Series
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Resources for Teachers
A female zookeeper stands next to a man who appears to be filming her interacting with an animal habitat. There is a large rock wall in front of them, overlooking a grassy field that is sprinkled with trees and boulders throughout the background.
Untamed Science

Bite size video series with activities!  Join Rob Nelson from Untamed Science as he learns more about the North Carolina Zoo.

A young girl holding hands with a toddler as they climb barefoot up a steep, rocky hill. They are surrounded by trees and large rocks.
Wild About Nature

Looking for fun new activities for your family? Our Wild About Nature gives you the tools to make nature play.

A young female nature or zoo educator, wearing a dark blue polo shirt and blue nitrile gloves, is holding a small, dark amphibian or reptile in her hands. She has her hair pulled back and is smiling while presenting the animal to an unseen audience. She is standing in front of a concrete wall with lush green foliage in the background.
Zoo Science

Come explore the scientific world with us. We will present a new science experiment you can try at home. We will have lots of fun and you may even learn something.

A woman with a blonde braid and blue shirt stands holding and a cellphone facing and seemingly recording an older man in a blue shirt that is holding a small, brown and tan baby Alligator. They are on a wooden deck in front of a green sign with an image of an Alligator and text that reads "Alligator Overlook".
Learning Resources

Our developmentally appropriate educator resources provide lesson plans and activities for all ages and ability levels while meeting curriculum standards.

A group of children gathered in front of a glass barrier wall, looking out into a vast field that is sprinkled with trees and large rocks. Two elephants stand near the wall looking out towards the children.
School Field Trips

The North Carolina Zoo offers unique learning experiences for children grades K-12 all the way to college. Visit the Zoo for a fun-filled trip while learning about our animals and conservation.