The Utica Zoo Education Department regularly offers On-Grounds Programs for kids, adults, and families. Check back here regularly for updated programming lists!
Zoo Adventures (Ages 2-5)
Watch your young ones explore with new animals and activities each month!
Join us as we explore the wonderful world of animals! Each session includes a craft, activity, storybook reading, and new animals to meet! Zoo Adventure classes are geared towards learners ages 2 to 5 years. The fun starts at 9:15 am at the Visitor Center.
Monday, September 9 – The Water Cycle: From Seas to Skies (AZA Hot Topic: Connecting to Nature)
Monday, September 23 – Tales of Tails (Standard P-LS1-2)
Monday, October 7 – Plants! Roots, Petals, Stems (Standard K-LS1-1)
Friday, October 25 – Cozy Critters: Animal Homes (Standard K-ESS2-2)
Rate: Child (Ages 2-5 Years) - $8
Duration: 30-40 Minutes
*Please note: Non-member adults must purchase general admission tickets upon arrival; child admission included in price of program ($8.00). Admission grants full day access to the Utica Zoo.
UZ Home School Program (Grades K - 12)
STEM based education programs for Home School students | K - 12th grade
Let the Utica Zoo and Beaversprite, the zoo’s Conservation Education Center be your science connection this year!
The Utica Zoo /Beaversprite Home School Program is a STEM-based program that utilizes age-appropriate activities, crafts, activities, as well as live animals to teach attending children about a range of animal-related topics. Our home school class may be used to fulfill a science credit, depending on specific grade level or requirements. Home school is open to all students (K – 12th grade).
The Utica Zoo is fully chartered as an education facility by NYSED and all lessons and activities will adhere to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and include take home worksheets as well as a list of resources for further learning. The lessons will be geared towards students in 2nd to 6th grades but all ages can participate. For more information please email zak.hughes@uticazoo.org.
Monday, September 9 – Keeping Pets: Beyond Cats and Dogs (AZA Hot Topic: Responsible Pet Ownership)
Monday, September 23 – Splooting & Thermoregulation (Standard 4-LS1-1)
Monday, October 7 – Animal Adaptations (Standard HS-LS4-4)
Friday, October 25 – Animal Homes: Burrows, Nests, Dens (Standard MS-LS1-4)
Rate: Child (Grades K - 12) - $15
Duration: Utica Zoo Classes - 90 Minutes | Beaversprite Classes - 3 Hours
*Please note: Non-member adults must purchase general admission tickets upon arrival; child admission included in price of program ($15.00). Admission grants full day access to the Utica Zoo.
Zoo Day Camps
Looking for something fun for your kids to do during school break? Bring them to the Utica Zoo for our school break zoo camp!
Zoo camp is a great place for students to have fun and learn too! We introduce campers to an inquiry-based learning environment, with STEAM activities that encourage group collaboration and learning. Camps are interactive and also include an animal meet and greets, enrichment projects, touring the zoo, and crafts.
Please note: PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR ALL CAMP SESSIONS! This is a drop-off style program. Sign-in and out will be required for drop off and pick up. Parents wishing to remain on zoo grounds while their child enjoys zoo camp will be required to pay admission.
Check back for upcoming dates!