Onsite Education Programs at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
We are not accepting bookings for on-site education programs through August 2023.
The Jacksonville Zoo offers education programs for children Monday- Friday. Programs are available for PreK through 12th grade and align with Next Generation Sunshine State and Common Core Standards. Presentations focus on grade-appropriate subjects and include an up close encounter with our Animal Ambassadors and zoo animals.
2022-2023 Educators Guide→ PROGRAM STANDARD ALIGNMENTS →
Tailor Your Jacksonville Zoo Education Program to Your Curriculum
Don't see what you're looking for? We can customize a program to fit the needs of your students. Please contact our School Programs Specialist at blume@jacksonvillezoo.org.
| Program Type |
Price |
| June 1 - January 31 Program |
$5 per person |
| February 1 - May 31 Program |
$6 per person |
| June 1 - January 31 Custom Program |
$10 per person |
| February 1 - May 31 Custom Program |
$12 per person |
NOTE: Admission to the Zoo is NOT included with your program fee.
What’s Included in a Jacksonville Zoo Education Program?
Program fee includes a 30-45 minute program and guide for teachers which includes the standards addressed in your program, vocabulary words, background information, classroom and zoo visit activities, and reading lists.
A minimum of 15 students is required to book an education program at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Groups are required to have a minimum of 1 adult per every 10 students.
Have questions? Contact Education at education@jacksonvillezoo.org.
How to Schedule an Onsite Program at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
To schedule an onsite program, email blume@jacksonvillezoo.org. When scheduling a program at the Zoo please keep the following in mind:
- Programs must be booked at least four weeks in advance.
- Program payment is due the day of your Zoo visit, upon arrival.
- Admission to the Zoo is NOT included with your program fee.
Jacksonville Zoo Education Program Refund and Registration Policies
No refunds will be issued for no shows or late arrivals. We do our best to accommodate late arrivals, but reserve the right to cancel or adjust program length depending on staff and classroom availability. If you are more than 15 minutes late for your scheduled time, your program will automatically be cancelled with no refund.
- Date Change: A program date change must be made in writing by email. Date changes will incur a $25 rescheduling fee.
- Cancellation: Cancellations must be received in writing by email at least two weeks prior to the program date to qualify for a 50% refund. No refunds will be issued for cancellations within two weeks of the program date.
Early Childhood Standards- Based Curriculum Programs at the Jacksonville Zoo
Nature 123
Count the wild way! Have your students practice their counting skills with the help of one of our animal ambassadors and various natural artifacts in this fun, hands on program!
Animal Tales
Allow the Zoo to bring your story time to life! In a charming picture book, we will follow an incredible journey of one of our animal friends. Then your students will meet our animal hero or heroine in person!
Elementary School Standards- Based Curriculum Programs at the Jacksonville Zoo
Move It
I like to move it, you like to move it, we like to MOVE IT! Meet exciting animals and practice crawling, slithering, and flying as we discover how we can move like our wild friends.
Zoo Babies
What does a toad look like as a baby? Was that giraffe always so tall? Do tiger cubs have stripes when they are born? Join us as we discuss many different animal babies and how they are similar or different from their parents.
Life Cycles
Metamorphosis? Oh my! Come with us as we learn about the unique life cycles of plants, butterflies, frogs, and other animals. We will discover the special ways these animals grow and change throughout their lives.
Body Form & Function
Can turtles leave their shells? Do snakes have a backbone? Do all animals have teeth? Learn about various animals and how their body systems compare not only to one another but also to YOU!
Amazing Adaptations
How do animals survive in their environment? Accompany us as we learn about wild animals and their unique skills, adaptations, and senses!
Busy Bees, Busy Blooms
Come learn all about plant parts, how plants grow, and pollinators! By the end of the program, students will understand the relationship between plants and animals. Students will also have an opportunity to meet some Animal Ambassadors who utilize plants and trees!
Animal Discovery
Gather and learn all about animal classification! Students will explore the characteristics of the vertebrate classes in the animal kingdom: fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Wild Florida
Investigate the extraordinary diversity we have in our own backyards! In this class we will delve into the unique features of our Sunshine State and discuss some of the native and invasive species that call Florida home.
Middle & High School Standards- Based Curriculum Programs at the Jacksonville Zoo
Allele Bit of This…
Allele bit of that. Explore how an animal’s genes affects their health and appearance. In this program we will examine the relationship between dominance, genotypes and phenotypes, and the factors that can affect the genetic make-up of a population!
Saving Endangered Species & Biodiversity
Why is biodiversity important? What can be done to protect our wildlife and wild places? In this program, learn all about the International Union for Conservation of Nature, how species are ranked on their Red List, and what can be done to preserve biodiversity, globally and in your own backyard.
Zoo Insider
Explore the world of animal management from diets to animal enrichment and wellness, to species survival plans and community engagement. In this class we will explore all aspects of operation of the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens- all the way from the front gate to the conservation beyond its borders.
Wildlife Statistics
Giving students real world opportunities to engage with data allows for students to create a deeper connection to the math concepts they are learning within the walls of the classroom. In this program, your students will learn about a few species here at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and get a chance to interpret numerical data on those select animals!
Additional Education Programs at the Jacksonville Zoo
A Touching Experience
This program was designed for individuals with disabilities or specific sensory needs. Anyone can benefit from a multi-sensory encounter with a variety of education animal ambassadors and animal artifacts. In this inclusive program, emphasis is placed on respect for animals by creating a positive, hands-on experience.
Wild Walks- Educational Guided Tours
Book a guided tour and explore one of several unique ecosystems we have represented in our Zoo with one of our knowledgeable guides. Your group will be led on a private educational experience full of fun facts, animal stories, and information on animal adaptations! Tours last 60 minutes and will cover a portion of the zoo. Tours occur rain or shine.
Education Animal Ambassador Encounter Add-On
Let us brighten up your day with a visit from one, two, or three of our Education Animal Ambassadors! Our animals might be small, but they have big personalities! Hear fun Facts and personal stories while getting close views of fur, feathers, scales, and more.
Custom Programs
Don’t see what you’re looking for? We can customize a program to fit the needs of your students. Please contact our School Programs Specialist at blume@jacksonvillezoo.org.