Zoo to You
Zoo to You
Bring the Zoo to your school, library, senior center, or event. We offer unique educational experiences that are fun, interactive, memorable, and engaging for children and adults. Our animal experts deliver programs that will educate, inspire, and engage your group.
Our programs bring zoo artifacts and sometimes even live animals from our Zoo to you!
Contact the Education Department at (402) 738-6905 or [email protected] for program pricing.
Large Group Assemblies
Our dynamic assemblies offer interactive, hands-on learning experiences for large groups of all ages. Featuring Ambassador Animals, artifacts, and engaging activities, each assembly is designed to inspire and educate participants, empowering them to become lifelong stewards of animals, their habitats, and conservation.
Assembly programs last approximately 60 minutes and require scheduling at least three weeks in advance to include Ambassador Animals. A travel fee applies for programs located more than 20 miles from Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium.
Contact the Education Department at (402) 738-6905 or [email protected] for program pricing.
Zoolympics!
Match your leaping skills against a tiger or your balance against a flamingo! Zoo educators challenge participants to run, jump, race, and more while exploring the incredible athletic abilities of animals from habitats around the world. This program redefines “active learning” by letting kids test themselves against nature’s real champions!
I 💓 Animals
At the Zoo, we understand that some animals are easier to love than others—but every animal is important and deserving of respect. Discover amazing facts about animals, explore how we’re all connected, and learn how you can help protect your favorite animals both near and far.
Grossology
Poop, vomit, slime, and other delightfully disgusting topics take center stage as we explore some of the grossest—and coolest—animal traits. Learn about mammal digestion, why poop is key to tracking animal migrations, which insects clean up bat droppings, and even Tarantula’s favorite milkshake flavor! Get ready to discover just how gross—and amazing—animals really are.
Build Your Own Assembly
Is your school part of the “One Book, One School” program? Or do you have a specific animal or conservation theme in mind? Let us help you create a custom assembly. We can incorporate conservation education, animal facts, ambassador animals, and more—tailored just for your school or group.
Classroom Experiences
Our Classroom Experiences bring science to life through hands-on projects, sensory exploration, and live ambassador animals. Program length varies based on student grade levels, number of classes, and your school’s specific needs. All programs are aligned with Nebraska and Iowa state standards, as well as the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
Assembly programs last approximately 60 minutes and require scheduling at least three weeks in advance to include ambassador animals. A travel fee applies for programs located more than 20 miles from Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium.
Contact the Education Department at (402) 738-6905 or [email protected] for program pricing.
Preschool Experiences
Designed in a circle-time format, these engaging programs are perfect for our youngest learners! Each experience includes a story, hands-on animal artifacts, and a live ambassador animal. Programs can be customized to match seasonal themes or classroom topics, offering a fun and interactive way to introduce early learners to the animal world.
Elementary Experiences
Elementary Classroom Experiences offer interactive, grade-level programming designed to support science and conservation education. Each session includes a live ambassador animal, engaging activities, and hands-on animal artifacts.These experiences spark curiosity, reinforce classroom learning, and create meaningful connections to the natural world.
- Plant & Animal Needs (K-2)
- Animal Habitats (K-2)
- Amazing Insects (K-3)
- Animal Adaptations (3-5)
- Zoo Careers (K-5)
- Ocean Life & Conservation (K-5)
- Custom Theme (K-5)
Middle and High-School Experiences
Middle and High-School Classroom Experiences dive deeper into science concepts, conservation issues, and real-world applications. These programs are designed to engage older students through critical thinking, interactive discussions, and ambassador animals. Topics explore ecosystems, ocean conservation, endangered species, and career paths in the zoo and wildlife fields. Each experience is customizable to support classroom goals and inspire future conservation leaders.
- Zoo Careers (6-12)
- Ecosystems (6-12)
- Ocean Life & Conservation (6-12)
- Endangered Species: The Extinction Crisis (6-12)
- Custom Theme (6-12)
Afterschool Zoo Clubs
Whether you invite the Zoo in for just a few visits or as a long-term partner, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium brings the perfect blend of education and fun to your afterschool program. Regular visits help students build a lasting connection with the Zoo while deepening their understanding of STEM concepts. Through games, interactive activities, STEM-based projects, and close encounters with zoo artifacts and ambassador animals, students are inspired to explore the natural world and develop a sense of environmental stewardship.
Each visit lasts 60 minutes and costs $150, with a minimum of four visits per group. Regular visits from our ambassador animals are included. Class size is limited to 25 students for grades 3–6 and 20 students for grades K–2.
Contact the Education Department at (402) 738-6905 or [email protected] for program availability.
Lifelong Learners and Guest Speakers
Learning is for all ages! Invite one of our engaging Zoo speakers to educate and entertain your group with exciting updates and inspiring stories. Whether you’re curious about what’s new at the Zoo, want to revisit fond memories of Riverview Park, or learn more about our global conservation efforts, our presentations offer something for everyone. Topics may include What’s New at the Zoo, a History and Tour of the Zoo, or a look at endangered species.
Presentations run approximately one hour. Speaker fees vary based on the topic, location, and requested presenter.
Contact the Education Department at (402) 738-6905 or [email protected] for more information.