Discovery Stops Mini Programs
For a quick, engaging encounter with an educator in the North Carolina Zoo, book a Discovery Stop! These mini programs are short, drop-in style learning moments designed to complement your students' Zoo experience and help you reach your learning goals. Led by North Carolina Zoo educators that meet you at the programming spot, these quick encounters weave learning, conservation, and animal care stories into your visit without interrupting the flow of your day, perfect for schools looking to add an educational punch to an already exciting field trip!
How can I purchase a Discovery Stop Mini Program?
To purchase a Discovery Stop Mini Program, visit our eTix ticketing site to view availability and purchase your program and provide additional details. (Insert Link here) Unfortunately, we are not able to reserve dates for school groups and the educational programs are first come first served. You can however reach out to schoolprograms@nczoo.org to see if a date has additional availability if it says sold out or unavailable, as we do have some additional availability not listed on the eTix site. Program bookings are not confirmed until you receive an email confirmation letter from a member of the North Carolina Zoo Education Team containing your program details.
What Discovery Stops do you currently offer?
We offer a variety of topics at different locations around the North Carolina Zoo! Topics include Pollinators, Adaptations, Ecosystems, Conservation, Weather and Climate, Animal Care, or Other (Write-in). When booking, you will choose a topic from the list below. Staff from the North Carolina Zoo will then reach out to confirm an exact habitat location that is available and relates to the topic of choice!
- Topics to Choose From:
- Pollinators
- Animal Wrappers
- Adaptations
- Ecosystems
- Conservation
- Animal Care
Who are these programs for?
These short programs in the Zoo are designed K-12th grade students. These programs are not private, but only the school group that books the program will be aware of when and where it will occur and schedule it into their day. While there is no strict limit on the number of participants for these programs, keep in mind the time and space limitations for these short encounters.
How long do these programs last?
Each program will last between 20-30 minutes.
Will there be live animals?
At this time, Discover Stop programs will not feature live ambassador animals, but will take place at animal habitats around the Zoo.
What price will the program be?
Discovery Stop Mini Programs are $35 per program.
- We are piloting a new payment format that allows you to either pay for your program at the time of booking or pay anytime within 30 days after your initial reservation. When purchasing your program, you will see a section titled “Ticket Payment Options.”
- If you are ready to pay immediately, select “Pay in 1 payment.
- If you want to reserve your date now and pay anytime within 30 days, select “Split into 1 payment”.
- If you choose the “Split into 1 payment” option to pay later:
- You will be prompted to enter card information to hold your reservation.
- You may change the payment method later if needed.
- We are not able to offer refunds or exchanges
- You will receive additional instructions on how to access the Pay Later feature in your account.
Questions? Contact us at schoolprograms@nczoo.org.
Are there discounts available?
Yes! Please contact schoolprograms@nczoo.org to see if you qualify for our Tier 1 County or Title 1 School discounts.
How early can I begin booking?
Program booking for the 2026-2027 school year begins July 1st. We require at least 1 month advance booking for our Discovery Stop Mini Programs.
Can you sign a contract with my county/school/group?
Unfortunately, we are not able to sign any contracts or agreements. Please reach out to schoolprograms@nczoo.org to determine if there are other options for you.