The Utica Zoo Education Department regularly offers On-Grounds Programs for kids, adults, and families. Check back here regularly for updated programming lists!
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.
Pre-K Sessions (Campers ages 3-5 years old)
Preschool Paleontology
Monday, July 1- Wednesday, July 3 | 9 am – 12 pm
Animal Rhyme Time
Monday, August 26- Friday, August 30 | 9 am – 3 pm
Kindergarten & 1st Sessions (Campers ages 5-7 years old)
Coloriffic
Monday, July 8 – Friday, July 12 | 9 am – 12 pm
Habitat Hopping
Monday, July 8 – Friday, July 12 | 1 pm – 4 pm
Nice to Eat You
Monday, August 5 – Friday, August 9 | 9 am – 3 pm
2nd & 3rd Grade (Campers ages 7-9 years old)
Animals on Guard
Monday, July 15 – Friday, July 19 | 9 am – 12 pm
Conquests and Consequences
Monday, August 12 – Friday, August 16 | 9 am – 3 pm
4th & 5th Grade (campers ages 9-11 years old)
Who’s Who in the Zoo
Monday, July 22 – Friday, July 26 | 9 am – 3 pm
New York Natives
Monday, August 19 – Friday, August 23 | 9 am – 12 pm
Parent to Parent Camp in partnership with The Kelberman Center (Tailored for children aged 8-13 with autism)
Animals and Art
SUNY Poly Camp
(Middle – High School Students ages 7-14 years old)
Biodiversity Bonanza
Monday, July 15 – Friday, July 18 | 1 pm – 4 pm
@ SUNY Poly
Zoo Crew
(Children & Teens ages 14-17 years)
Monday, June 24 – Friday, June 28 | 9 am – 1 pm
Jr. Zoo Crew
(Children ages 12-14 years)
Monday, July 29 – Friday, August 2 | 9 am – 3 pm
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.
Rate: Child (Ages 2-5 Years) - $8
Duration: 30-40 minutes
*Please note: Non-member adults are expected to purchase general admission tickets upon arrival; child admission included in price of program ($8.00). Admission grants full day access to the Utica Zoo. Interested in becoming a member? Visit our website to learn more.
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. The cost is $15.00/child per class and participants must preregister. For more information please email zak.hughes@uticazoo.org.
Rate: $15 per class
*Please note: PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL CLASSES! Non-member adults must purchase general admission tickets upon arrival for the Utica Zoo class ($8/person); child admission is included in the price of the program. Admission grants full day access to the Utica Zoo. Interested in becoming a member? Visit our website to learn more.
Duration
Utica Zoo Classes: 90 minutes
Beaversprite Classes: 3 Hours