Calling all homeschoolers! Want to round out your homeschool curriculum with engaging and hands-on activities? Join the Virginia Zoo for our series of Homeschool Programs. Choose one that fits with your learning objectives or book the entire series!

  • Registration includes access to the entire spring series (four total sessions). Each program lasts for 60 minutes.  
  • During each program, students will participate in hands on programming and meet an animal ambassador. 
  • Families will receive access to an online portal with photos, digital copies of the handouts, and other related resources. 
  • Only Homeschool students are permitted in the program space. 
  • As this is a “drop-off” program, we will ask for a list of approved pick-up people. Please note that each person on a student’s list MUST show ID to pick up that student every time. 
  • Participant tickets include general admission to the zoo for the day. Discounted general admission tickets will be available for non-member adults to enter the zoo on the program days. These tickets can be purchased via a link that will be sent to all program registrants. Please note that these tickets will not grant access to the classroom.

Programs are offered for ages 6-9 and ages 10-13. Please note that for learners younger than 6 years old, we recommend our free Zoo Tales and Wild Tykes programming. Check out our website (https://virginiazoo.org/school-programs/early-childhood/) for more information.

During each session we will explore an animal group and discover their unique adaptations through hands-on activities and meeting an animal ambassador! 

Registration Opens November 9 for Virginia Zoo Members and November 16 for Non-Members!

LINKS TO REGISTER COMING SOON

Spring 2027: Zoo Careers

This series includes 4 monthly one-hour programs. Explore the many different jobs that work together to care for our animals and keep the zoo running! Students will use their critical thinking and collaboration skills to work through challenges covering all aspects of animal care here at the Virginia Zoo. Each program also includes an encounter with an animal ambassador!

Zookeeping

January 2027

What does it take to care for our animals every day?

Veterinary Care

February 2027

How do we care for our animals when they are sick or injured?

Nutrition

March 2027

How do we make sure our animals get the food they need to stay healthy?

Exhibit Design

April 2027

How do different teams work together to build a zoo full of suitable habitats for different animal species?

  • 10 am (ages 6-9) 
  • 1 pm (ages 6-9) 
  • 2:30 pm (ages 10-13) 

Stay tuned for updates about Spring 2027! 

Please note that registration is for the entire series. Tickets will not be sold for individual programs. Participant tickets include admission to the zoo on the day of each program. See the FAQ for more information!