The Utica Zoo Education Department regularly offers On-Grounds Programs for kids, adults, and families. Check back here regularly for updated programming lists!
Home School Program
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).
Each topic is a two-class lesson series, with one class at Beaversprite with fieldwork and fun, and the following week’s class at the Utica Zoo for hands-on animal interactions and STEM-related activities.
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 kallen.muste@uticazoo.org.
Beaversprite Conservation Education Center is located approximately 45 minutes east of Utica in the town of Oppenheim. The address is 399 Belden Corner’s Rd, Dolgeville, NY 13329
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
Upcoming Classes
– Beaversprite Class: Leaf Litter & Macroinvertebrates
Thursday, September 30th from 10:30am to 1:30pm at Beaversprite
*Beaversprite Conservation Education Center is located approximately 45 minutes east of Utica in the town of Oppenheim. The address is 399 Belden Corner’s Rd, Dolgeville, NY 13329*
– Utica Zoo Class: Wetlands
Monday, October 18th from 11am to 12:30pm at the Utica Zoo
– Beaversprite Class: Winter Preparation
Thursday, October 28th from 10:30am to 1:30pm at Beaversprite.
*Beaversprite Conservation Education Center is located approximately 45 minutes east of Utica in the town of Oppenheim. The address is 399 Belden Corner’s Rd, Dolgeville, NY 13329*
– Utica Zoo Class: Winter Survival
Monday November 15th from 11am to 12:30pm at the Utica Zoo
Hatchlings
Foster your child's natural curiosity at Utica Zoo's Hatchlings classes | 2-5 years
Join us as we explore the wonderful world of animals! Each session includes movement activities, storybook readings, and a new animal to meet! Hatchlings classes are geared towards learners ages 2 to 5 years. The fun starts at 10:30 am in the Auditorium.
Rate: Child (Ages 2-7) - $7
*Please note: Non-member adults are expected to purchase general admission tickets upon arrival; child admission included in price of program ($7.00). Admission grants full day access to the Utica Zoo. Interested in becoming a member? Visit our website to learn more.
Duration
30-40 minutes
Fall Session Dates & Topics
– Wednesday, October 13th – Sensational Snakes!
– Wednesday, October 27th – Spooky Spiders
– Wednesday, November 10th – Prickly Porcupines
Night Prowl
Enjoy a night time experience at the Utica Zoo!
Night Prowl is a great way to enjoy an evening at the Utica Zoo and Beaversprite; fun for the whole family! Small groups will be lead on an excursion, experiencing fun activities to learn more about nocturnal animals and their adaptations! And you will have the chance to meet some nocturnal animals!
At the Utica Zoo, younger groups will be lead around the Children’s zoo area ( a 30 minute stroll), Older groups will be lead around the North Trek Trail ( a 45 minute trek).
At Beaversprite, a single tour will be lead around one of the trails (a 60 minute trek)! Please note, the trails are not stroller accessible so we highly encourage a back pack carrier for any little ones!
Night Prowl activities include marshmallows over the fire, hot cocoa, and fun activities. Grab the family to enjoy a wonderful evening together with all of us here.
Rates
Utica Zoo Members: $10.00 for adults and $8.00 for children
Not-yet-members: $14.00 for adults and $10.00 for children (Price of program plus admission)
*Please Note: PRE-PURCHASE OF TICKETS IS REQUIRED! Visitors will not be permitted to tour the zoo or beaversprite without a tour guide.*
Duration
30 to 60 minutes per tour; times may vary
2021 Night Prowl Dates
Beaversprite: Friday, October 8th 6:00pm – 8:00pm
*Beaversprite Conservation Education Center is located approximately 45 minutes east of Utica in the town of Oppenheim. The address is 399 Belden Corner’s Rd, Dolgeville, NY 13329*
Utica Zoo: Friday, October 29th 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm