Classroom Programs
These programs take place at the Zoo.
Class Size
Small Classroom programs: no more than 25 students and two adult chaperones (one chaperone must be the teacher) in the classroom space; other chaperones are welcome to wait just outside the classroom until the program ends.
Large group program*: no more than 175 people (students, teachers, chaperones, siblings, etc.) total
*select titles only
Education classes take place in our classrooms, including The Living World and Exploration Outpost and on Zoo grounds. Classes may include biofacts, activities, demonstrations, and/or discussions. Most classes are offered in 45-minute formats, Monday through Friday, Labor Day through Memorial Day.
Classroom Programs
For learners K-12th grade
Get excited about engineering and all the creative ways to build animal habitats! Students will consider the four needs all animals have (food, water, shelter and space) and the specific needs of individual animals. This program includes biofacts and a chance for students to build unique miniature habitats (students will not take habitats home, but teachers are welcome to take pictures to share with students and their families). This title is not available for large group bookings.
Length: 45 minutes
MO Standards: K.LS1.C1, KESS3.A.1
NGSS: K-LS1-C, 1-LS1.A, 2-LS4.D
A vet’s job is very important in caring for animals at our Zoo, but they can’t do it alone! It takes a whole team, from vets to keepers, vet technicians to nutrition keepers. Learn about the ways that our animal care team makes sure our animals are happy and healthy. This title is not available for large group bookings.
Length: 45 minutes
MO Standards: K.LS1.C.1, 1.LS3.A.1, K-2, ETS1.A.1
NGSS: 1-LS1-1.A, 1-LS1-1.B, K-2-ETS1-1.A
At the Saint Louis Zoo you can see animals in different stages of life! Join us as we examine the life cycles of different species as they grow and transform into adults. This title is not available for large group bookings.
MO Standards: K.ESS3.A.1, K.ESS2.E.1, 1.LS3.A.1, 1.LS1.A.1, K.ETS1.B.1, 1.ETS1.B.1, 2.ETS1.B.1, K.1B.a., 1.1B.f., K.1A-1C.c., 1.1A-1C.c., 2.1A-1C.c.
NGSS: K-LS1-1., SL.K.5, 1-ESS1-1, 1-ESS1-1, 1-ESS1-2, W.1.7., 2-LS4-1, W.2.8
(program adjusted to appropriate grade level)
What makes a penguin different from a sea lion, or a snake different from a bee? As scientists, students will work in groups to create their own classification methods and learn how and why scientists sort animals based on their characteristics.
Length:45 minutes
NGSS: 2-LS4-1
(program adjusted to appropriate grade level)
When people think of pollinators, they often think of our insect friends, like bees and butterflies, but what about the furry ones? Specifically, a furry friend originating in Madagascar that is also supported in conservation by the Saint Louis Zoo. Participants will discover the importance of lemurs as pollinators through hands-on activities about these praiseworthy primates!
Length: 45 minutes
MO Standards: 2.LS2.A.2, 6-8.LS1.B.1
NGSS: 2-LS2.A-2: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
(program adjusted to appropriate grade level)
Through student-led observations in the classroom, participants will learn how animals are connected, to people and each other, as they use their physical and behavioral adaptations to survive in their habitat.
Length: 45 minutes
MO Standards: 3.LS1.A.1, 4.LS1.A.1, 3.LS3.C.1, 3.LS3.D.1
NGSS: 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 4-LS1-1, MS-LS1, MS-LS2-1
Surf the web of life from sunlight to decomposition. Discover who eats what (or whom) as you investigate how energy moves through a food web and explore how animal dentition impacts what they eat. Learn about the Zoo’s Orthwein Animal Nutrition Center and how the Zoo nutrition team meets animal dietary needs. This title is not available for large group bookings.
Length: 45 minutes
MO Standards: 2.LS2.A.2, 2.ETS1.A.1,
NGSS: K-LS1-1, K-ESS3-1, 2-LS4-1
This hands-on dissection class will introduce students to appropriate scientific tool use to explore what owls eat by dissecting an owl pellet. A Zoo educator will lead the class on techniques to successfully find potential bones, fur and feathers in the pellet, as well as answer owl-specific questions. Students will work in small groups during this class. This title is not available for large group bookings.
Length: 45 minutes
MO Standards: 5.PS1.B.1, 5.PS3.D.1, 5.LS2.B.1, 3.LS3.C.1, 3-5.ETS1.B.1
NGSS: 4-LS1-1, 5-PS3-1, 5-LS2-1
Why did the chicken cross the road? We still don't know, but at the Zoo we might ask, why did the bear climb the tree? In this program students will learn why animal behavior is an important area of study for zoos. Students will spend time outdoors observing the Zoo animals and will learn how behavior observations are used to make decisions about animal care.
MO Standards: 5.LS1.A.1, 6-8.LS1.B.1
NGSS: RI.5.9, (5-LS2-1), (MS-LS2-2), RST.6-8.1, RST.6-8.8, WHST.6-8.9, MS-LS1-4.
(program adjusted to appropriate grade level)
How important are apex predators or tiny pollinators? In this program, students will reflect, discuss and learn about how the variety of life on Earth is important to animals, habitats and humans, while engaging in biofact exploration. Discover how the Zoo is helping out in biodiversity hotspots around the world and ways everyone can make a difference. This title is not available for large group bookings.
Length: 45 minutes
MO Standards: 6-8.LS1.B.1, 6-8.LS2.A.1, 6-8.LS2.A.2, 6-8.LS2.C.1, 6-8.ESS3.C.1,
NGSS: MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-4, MS-ESS3-4, MS-LS1-4
The Zoo is like a small city, with a variety of careers. In addition to well-known careers, like keeper and veterinarians, the Zoo has its own security team, a finance team, a facilities management department and even a horticulture team. The Zoo has a home for everyone! Learn more about working at the Zoo and what steps you can take now to potentially work at the Zoo in the future.
(program adjusted to appropriate grade level)
This program empowers students to become eco-conscious decision-makers by providing them with practical tools and resources to make sustainable choices in their own lives. From learning about the Seafood Watch program to understanding the global impact of palm oil production, participants will learn how industries can influence ecosystems and wildlife around the world. Through real life examples from the Zoo, students will also discover the critical role they play as consumers and learn practical steps to support sustainability in their own lives.
Length: 45 minutes
Early Childhood Class Programs
Programs are led by Zoo preschool teachers and designed for students in preschool and kindergarten to explore the animal world through songs, art, role-plays and hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences.
Program Fee: $120 ($100 ZMD)
Reservations: Contact Laura Seger at stlzoopreschool@stlzoo.org
Program Lengths: 45 minutes (per program)
Gorillas and orangutans and chimps, oh my! Join us as we learn all about these awesome animals and how they're a lot like us!
Slither into the world of these scaly serpents. We'll learn how and what they eat and why they are so important to have around!
Discover the wild world of whiskers, tails and teeth as we learn all about the big cats.
Dive into the world of prehistoric predators as we learn about some of the Zoo's aquatic residents and the many mysteries of the deep!
Come discover the amazing world of our brilliant birds, from beaks and bills to fancy feathers and flight.
Explore Zoo concepts and how to help native wildlife in a discovery session in our Zoo Preschool classroom.
Learn all about the critters in your own backyard, like insects, toads and slimy slugs! Discover how we can make our outdoor spaces good habitats for local animals.
Investigate what wildlife in our area are doing to prepare for the weather and what's happening throughout their habitat.
(Will be adapted to the season it's booked for)
Booking Policies and Procedures
Groups within the Zoo-Museum District of St. Louis City and County receive discounted pricing on some programs. Please note: All programs require full payment before the program date.
- 45-minute program fee: $140 ($110 ZMD) for small groups (maximum 25 students, 2 chaperones).
- 45-minute program fee: $600 ($475 ZMD) for large groups (maximum 175 people; students, teachers, chaperones, siblings, etc.) - only available for select titles.
- 45-minute tour fee: $40 ($30 ZMD) for docent-led tours (maximum 9 students, 2 chaperone per group).
You will need to book as many programs as needed in order to adhere to our group-size safety guidelines.
An additional 10% will be added to the program fee for any custom design program.
Advance reservations and pre-payment of any fees are required for all programs. To schedule a classroom program or educational tour, please call (314) 646-4544, #6 (see scheduling information lower on this page).
A minimum of two months' notice is required for all programs if you want to pay by check. Programs scheduled between one to two months in advance, require full credit card payment at the time of scheduling. We are unable to schedule programs less than one month's notice.
Have the following information available when scheduling programs:
- School name, address, phone number
- Teacher or other adult in charge of the group
- Grade level and number of students
- Age appropriate program choice(s) and alternative choices
- Preferred date and time, as well as alternative date and times
- Know your travel plans, including what time you can arrive and what time you will need to leave the Zoo
- Credit card information if paying by credit card
- If booking multiple programs, we will need each teacher’s name and e-mail address
Please note: Groups may register for only one classroom program and/or one guided tour per day.
Scheduling a Program
Advance reservations and payment of any fees are required for all programs. (See below: section B "To Schedule," numbers 3, 4 and 5.) Please plan your schedule carefully, since it may be difficult to reschedule if your plans change. Zoo education programs are quite popular and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
A. Before Scheduling
- Review the programs appropriate for your grade level.
- Please note: Groups may register for only one classroom program and/or one guided tour per day.
- Check your school calendar. When is your spring break? Do you have special testing days?
- Consider your travel plans. What time can you arrive at the Zoo? What time will you need to return to school? Groups arriving late will forfeit part or all of their program without a refund.
- A minimum of one adult chaperone per nine students is recommended for your Zoo visit. This is required for all educational tours.
- A maximum of two adult chaperones (one of whom must be the student's primary teacher) will be permitted in the classroom (s) with any given group, unless you reported that a student will be bringing an aide or paraprofessional with them. All other adults will need to wait elsewhere. If you have questions, please contact the registrars at (314) 646-4544, option #6.
- Adult group supervisors must remain with the students for your entire visit, except for the classroom program as outline above. Please do not make student discipline our job.
- The minimum age for preschool programs is 3 years of age.
B. Scheduling
- Education Department phone numbers: Call (314) 646-4544, #6, to schedule classes and educational tours, Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Outreach and virtual programs may be requested using an online inquiry form available on the pages listed below.
- Click here for information on scheduling outreach programs or virtual programs. Please call (314) 646-4677 for questions regarding these programs.
- Scheduling Dates
- Programs for fall/winter (Labor Day - December): Scheduling on or after the first Monday in May.
- Programs for winter/spring (January - Memorial Day): Schedule after Labor Day.
- Amount of Notice Required
- A minimum of two months' notice is required for all programs if you want to pay by check.
- Programs scheduled between one to two months in advance, require full credit card payment at the time of scheduling. We are unable to schedule programs less than one month's notice.
C. Payment
- For groups scheduling at least two months in advance, an invoice will be sent promptly. Full payment is due one month from the invoice date. If your payment is not received within one month, your program may be canceled.
- For groups scheduling with less than two months' notice, (with a minimum of one months' notice), full credit card payment is required at the time of scheduling.
- Your reservation is not confirmed until complete payment is received. We are unable to schedule programs with less than one months' notice.
D. After Payment
- After your payment is processed, we will email confirmation materials to you. It will include the date, time and program reserved for your group. Please double-check all information when you receive your confirmation.
- Bring the confirmation paperwork with you on the date of your program. Forward, if necessary, to other teachers and chaperones. Please ensure that you are abiding by all Zoo and Education guidelines.
- Bus transportation guidelines will be emailed with your program confirmation. Please note that there is no bus parking on Zoo parking lots.
For groups scheduling at least two months in advance, an invoice will be sent promptly. Full payment is due one month from invoice date. If your payment is not received within one month, your program will be canceled. For groups scheduling with less than two months’ notice, with a minimum of one months’ notice, full credit card payment is required at the time of scheduling. Your reservation is not confirmed until complete payment is received. We are unable to schedule programs with less than one month’s notice.
Please note, the Zoo is a rain or shine location, and we will not issue program refunds for rain. If rain is in the forecast, we suggest bringing ponchos and/or umbrellas. In the case of severe weather, the Zoo does have Severe Weather Shelter Areas.
Please notify the Education Department at (314) 646-4544 immediately if you need to cancel. Another group may be able to take your place.
Refunds
One Month Prior to Program:
A full refund will be issued minus a 10% cancellation fee if you notify the Education Department at least one month prior to your program(s).
Between 10 Business Days and One Month Prior to Program:
You are entitled to a 50% program fee refund if you notify the Education Department between 10 business days and one month prior to your program date.
Less than 10 Business Days Prior to Program:
There is no refund for groups that cancel with less than 10 days' notice.
Please note: In the event that your school and/or the Zoo is closed the day of your program due to severe weather, we will try to reschedule your program or issue a full refund.
If you have ordered Group Tickets, please contact the Group Ticket desk separately from the Education Department, at (314) 646-4718 with any cancellations or questions regarding your group. Please note that Group Tickets does not provide refunds on any pre-paid tickets.
Program transfers must be requested a minimum of one month in advance and may be approved based on our ability to reschedule you. Transfers are determined by resource (space, instructor, etc.) availability. A transfer fee of 10% of the total transferred program costs will be charged. Transfer fees must be paid with credit card at the time requested. We cannot accommodate same day or next day transfers. If the transfer cannot be accommodated and you wish to cancel, cancellation fees will apply.