Bring your group to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and take advantage of exclusive programming and services from our Education Department.
After Dark Adventures
After Dark Adventures hosted by the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Education Department are designed to allow families and groups to interact with animals and zookeepers behind the scenes and experience the zoo like never before. Choose from Safari Sleepover and Adventure Night Hike programs, both of which include interactions with zookeepers and wildlife.
Field Trips
Field trips to the Jacksonville Zoo offer an opportunity for students to get outside of the classroom and enjoy hands-on learning experiences designed to encourage an interest in animal welfare and conservation and an appreciation for nature. We can even tailor your experience to your current curriculum to ensure you make the most of your field trip to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.
Due to COVID-19, some of our field trips policies have been adjusted. The health and safety of our students, guests, and staff is our highest priority, and we are relying on recommendations provided by local, state, and federal agencies to guide our decisions.
Onsite School Programs
Onsite school programs are available for students in prekindergarten through 12th grade and are designed to align with the Next Generation Sunshine State and Common Core Standards to ensure teachers and students can experience an interactive program to fit their needs.
Zoo to You Outreach Programs
With our Zoo to You outreach programs, our Educators bring the Zoo to you! The Jacksonville Zoo’s Zoo to You outreach programs are ideal for educators at schools, libraries, and other organizations seeking opportunities to enjoy a fun and interactive learning experience.
Scavenger Hunts
Looking for fun ways to engage your students? Scavenger hunts at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens are ideal for educators of elementary, middle, and high school students seeking to incorporate learning into a fun and interactive environment.
Zoo Career Awareness Days
We host Zoo Career Awareness Days which invite teachers and elementary, middle, and high school students to learn more about Zoo careers. Guests will have the opportunity to meet zookeepers and other Zoo staff and learn more about internships, volunteer opportunities, and post-secondary education paths that can lead to a career in a Zoo.
Protecting Our Planet Student Conservation Programs
Protecting Our Planet student conservation programs are designed to provide students with an interactive learning experience which engages multiple subject areas. Students will have the opportunity to interact with a Zoo Educator on three separate on-site school visits in addition to a field trip to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Protecting Our Planet programs are available for students in K-12th grade and are tailored to the age group and current curriculum of each group..
Scout Programs
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens offers several opportunities for Scouts to earn badges and meet adventure requirements. Our Scout-friendly programs include animal encounters, sleepovers and adventure hikes, craft projects, and behind-the-scenes tours. Working on a specific project? We can tailor a program to your needs.
Guided Tours at the Jacksonville Zoo
Book a guided tour with one of our knowledgeable Education guides and have your group led on a private experience filled with fun facts and animal stories. Tours last 60 minutes and will cover a portion of the Zoo. Minimum group size is 10 - maximum group size is 30 participants.
Jacksonville Zoo W.I.L.D. Program
The W.I.L.D. Program at the Jacksonville Zoo is designed to encourage diversity through a program designed to allow minority teens and children the opportunity to engage in cultural activities which encourage learning and community support.