All guests, including members, will need to either reserve a time or purchase a timed entry ticket prior to visiting the North Carolina Zoo. Please take the time to review our reimagined guest experience and protocols before buying tickets to the North Carolina Zoo. (Spanish)
North Carolina Zoo is proud to join Governor Cooper’s Hometown Strong Initiative by providing school programs at a reduced rate for Tier 1 Counties.
The safety of our staff and guests is of upmost importance to the North Carolina Zoo and because of this, Zoo to You and EDventures at the Zoo are currently unavailable due to the coronavirus. We definitely know right now is a very trying time for teachers and parents so we have created a variety of resources specifically for you to use during COVID and hopefully beyond.
Please contact schoolprograms@nczoo.org if you have any questions.
- Zoo Science or on YouTube
- Wildlife About Nature or on YouTube
Please continue to visit our website as additional offerings are currently in the works.
These programs can be adapted for either a classroom or assembly style program. They are designed to stimulate curiosity about animals and their habitats and encourage respect for the natural world. The North Carolina Zoo offers a variety of program topics, which are found below.
For further information or to schedule a program for your school, contact the Zoo's Education School Programs Office 336.879.7718 or toll free 1.800.488.0444, or email.
This education program is designed for groups of less than 30 students. Zoo To You EDventures cost $115 per program. We serve a 100 mile radius of the Zoo.
There is a minimum of four weeks for any Zoo to You programs and full payment is due at least two weeks prior to the scheduled program date.
| Target Grades | Program Description |
|---|---|
| K-3 |
ANIMAL WRAPPERS Each species of animal has a unique covering, whether it is fur, feathers, skin or shell. By examining these coverings, students see how adaptations such as color, pattern, size and skeletal features help animals survive in the wild. |
| K-5 |
FROM EGGS TO LEGS This program answers the question: How does a caterpillar go from eggs to legs to wings? Students explore the amazing lifecycles of different animals including insects and amphibians and investigate the vast physical changes these animals go through in their journey of life. |
| K-8 |
INVESTIGATING INVERTEBRATES Life without a backbone may sound weird to us but most of the animals in the world do it every day. Find out how these animals move, eat, and adapt to their environment. |
| K-12 |
AMAZING ADAPTATIONS Whether flying in the sky or hiding from the heat, plants and animals adapt to their environment in many ways. Learn about the creature features of some of the North Carolina Zoo's most famous residents. |
| 2-12 |
BONE DETECTIVES Can you solve the mystery? Bones tell us many things about animals. Explore the bones and skulls of various animals to discover how they move, what they eat and how big they are. Learn why bones are valuable to scientific research. |
| 2-12 |
CAROLINA'S COOLEST Learn about some of the native animals found right here in North Carolina. We'll explore where to find their habitats and why they are important to the overall health of our environment. |
The above programs can also be taught assembly style. We serve a 100 mile radius of the Zoo.
| Number of Participants | Cost per Program |
|---|---|
| 40 - 99 | $150 |
| 100 - 200 max | $200 |
For further information or to schedule a program for your school, contact the Zoo's Education School Programs Office 336.879.7718 or toll free 1.800.488.0444, or email.
The North Carolina Zoo offers a variety of educator workshops from our own Playing Out series to the National Association of Interpretation's Certified Interpretive Guide workshop.
We provide unique and fun learning opportunities for non-school groups and organizations through our Ed-Zoo-Cation programs.
Annual fall contest for K-12 graders where art and conservation collide.