Teachers: Bring Your Kids to the Zoo
There are a range of educational program options available to you and your students at John Ball Zoo. Our educational programs are designed to address Michigan’s grade level content expectations using fun, hands-on and flexible teaching methods that meet the needs of any age group. You can choose an educational program at the zoo for your students that includes admission or you can visit the zoo and learn at your own pace using online teaching resources. Please read through the following options to decide which might be best for your group.
Educational Programs at the Zoo
Wild Encounters Classes and Tours
Come visit the zoo and learn about wildlife in a hands-on learning experience with our zoo education staff or our trained docents in a class and/or a guided tour. Our 30-45 minute Wild Encounter Classes are designed to teach students about one of our core education topics through a hands-on animal encounter in a classroom setting. These classes are for students of all ages in groups of up to 25 students and up to 5 adults (classes for pre-K through Kindergarten students are limited to 20 students). In addition, Wild Encounters Guided Tours give students the opportunity to learn about the animals in the zoo from our trained docents. These 60-75 minute tours are designed to teach students about one of the science topics and can be added to a class or taken on their own. You can choose one of these two programs or both when you visit the zoo with your students.
Click here for the Wild Encounters registration form.
School Field Trips
School Group Pre-Registration Discount
We offer discounted admission to school groups that pre-register one week in advance. Pre-registration is required. Click here for the School Group Pre-Registration form
Group Lunches
We also offer pre-ordered lunch options for groups of 10 or more. Click here to visit the Food Services page for details.
Self-Guided Tours and Scavenger Hunts
Click here to create a fun, interactive experience for your students by utilizing our self-guided tours and scavenger hunts.
Overnight Adventures
Spend the night at the zoo with your class and have a fun filled learning adventure! Pick the date that your class would be able to experience the zoo in a whole new light. Reserve your date now, dates are filling fast!
For more information click here.
Career Presentations
Click here for information about our career presentations, where you can discover how the different Career pathways all intersect at the Zoo.
