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Oakland Zoo Logo

Community & Group Programs

For All Ages
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Explore Our Programs for All Ages


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Group Reservations for Organizations

Bring your nonprofit or community organization to Oakland Zoo. Make a group reservation in advance to take advantage of discounted admission rates. When you arrive, we'll greet you, check you in, and give your group an overview of visitor guidelines. Once inside, explore the Zoo at your own pace!

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Community ZooMobile

Bring the Zoo to YOU! Our Community ZooMobile is an adaptable program that suits a wide variety of audiences. Get to know some of our amazing ambassador animals and learn what makes them unique when our team of experienced educators comes right to your local community.

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ZooKids

Ideal for children ages 5–6 who love animals, ZooKids is a drop-off program on select Saturdays from Sept. through May. This educational adventure includes a zoo tour, craft project, and the opportunity to meet a small animal up close!

Sept. - May
Age 5-6
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UC Climate Stewards Certification Course

This course integrates locally relevant themes of the conservation of native flora and fauna, environmental justice, and community stewardship. Through guest speakers, field trips, and activities we will learn about and discuss principles and practice towards increasing community and ecosystem resilience to disappearing species, creating equitable and equal access to natural landscapes, and taking action for wildlife.

Age 16–Adult

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California Naturalist

The California Naturalist Program (CalNat) seeks to foster a committed corps of volunteer naturalists and community scientists trained and ready to take an active role in natural resource conservation, education, and restoration. Learn about the wonders of our local ecology and engage in the stewardship of California’s natural communities. The course combines a science curriculum with guest lecturers, field trips and project-based learning to immerse you in the natural world.

Age 16–Adult

Group Reservations for Organizations

Location

Oakland Zoo

Schedule

Monday–Friday, year round, except for holidays and certain blackout dates. We are currently booking reservations through September 30th, 2026. In mid-August, we will start accepting reservation requests for October 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027.

Duration

Standard Zoo hours

Animal Viewing

All sections of the Zoo

No. of Participants
Minimum
12
Required Adult/Child Ratio
Children (2-14)
1/6
Fees
Zoo Admission
Adult (15-64)
$21
Child (2-14)
$17
Senior (65+)
$17
Vehicle Fees
Maximum of 20 Cars per Reservation
Per Car
$13
Per Bus*
$21
*If your group arrives with more buses than you scheduled without notifying the Zoo in advance, you may incur additional fees.
Special Note

We require a minimum of two weeks advance notice to book a large group reservation. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate requests for bookings less than two weeks prior to your desired date.

Payment is due in full on the day of the visit.

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Community ZooMobile

Location

Your Location

Middle schools and high schools (Grades 6–12), community organizations, hospitals, senior centers, and more

Schedule

Monday–Thursday

Between 10:00am and 2:00pm

Duration

45 minutes (30-minute presentation, 15-minute Q&A)

Animal Viewing

Two (reptiles, amphibians, or invertebrates)

No. of Participants
Ages 4-Adult
Participants (max. in room)
50
Fees
First program
$300
Each additional program
$245
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ZooKids

Location

Oakland Zoo

Schedule

Select Saturdays September through May.

9:30 am–12:00 pm

Duration

2.5 hours

Animal Viewing

Zoo tour; special viewing of one animal up close

No. of Participants
Minimum:
6
Maximum:
15
Fees
Per child (Zoo Member):
$40
Per child (nonmember):
$45
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UC Climate Stewards Certification Course

Location

Oakland Zoo

Schedule

Lectures: January 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12, 19, 26, March 5, 2026

Fieldtrips: February 7, 14, 21, 28, 2026

Duration

Minimum of 40 educational hours (online, classroom, and field time); includes a minimum of 12 hours in the field • Lectures, guest speakers, and discussions are conducted one evening every other week over Zoom (8 sessions); field trips are conducted on Saturdays (3 field trips); online portion consists of asynchronous Canvas modules that must be completed (approximately 2-3 hours a week)

No. of Participants
Minimum:
20
Fees
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Course:
$345
Course Credit

Upon completing certification requirements, participants are eligible for academic credits through UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education for an additional nominal fee. Graduates who expressed interest in this opportunity with their instructor will receive a communication from the UC California Naturalist Program post-course with information on obtaining the optional credits.

Special Note

Scholarship opportunities are available; please email asamura@oaklandzoo.org for information.

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California Naturalist

Location

Oakland Zoo

Schedule

May 3-June 21, 2026 (Three in-person sessions onsite, five in-person sessions in the field)

9:30am – 2:30pm

Duration

Minimum of 40 educational hours (classroom hours and field time); includes a minimum of 8 hours in the field

No. of Participants
Minimum:
15
Fees
Required text is not included.
Course:
$350
Course Credit

Upon completing certification requirements, participants are eligible for academic credits through UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education for an additional nominal fee. Graduates who expressed interest in this opportunity with their instructor will receive a communication from the UC California Naturalist Program post-course with information on obtaining the optional credits.

Special Note

Scholarship opportunities are available; please email asamura@oaklandzoo.org for information.

Book Now

ZooMobile FAQ

What if the ZooMobile is late?

Our staff are expected to arrive at your location 5-10 minutes prior your first scheduled start time.

If there are unexpected delays, please contact our Operations Coordinator at (510) 632-9525 ext. x219 to check on our ZooMobile staff's location and estimated time of arrival. If you are unable to reach our Operations Coordinator at the provided extension, dial *0 to reach the operator and request them to radio Learning & Engagement.

What animals will be coming?

Most of our ZooMobile programs feature 1-2 ambassador animals, which may include any of the following: reptiles, amphibians and/or invertebrates.

Will we be able to touch the animals?

While we do allow two-finger touches on a selection of our ambassador animals, it is never a guarantee. Our staff are trained to recognize signs of stress in our animals and assess their overall comfort, which is the main determining factor in whether or not a group has physical contact. While not touching an ambassador animal may seem disappointing, it is always a wonderful opportunity for us to promote empathy for wildlife and their individual needs. Our staff will always bring bio-facts, just in case, so that participants are able to touch something novel.

Note: For the safety of the students and the animals, we do not allow PreK, Kinders, and 1st graders to touch the animals.

May we request a particular animal?

While we do not accept requests for particular animals to visit on your ZooMobile, we do ask that you share any known fears or concerns your participants may have surrounding potential animals.

Can we have our program outside?

Yes! However, some of our animals are sensitive to temperature changes, and we request that an optional indoor environment be available, in case outdoor temperatures are not suitable. If your only spaces available are outdoors, or areas where you cannot control the temperature, please let us know as soon as possible.

Can we make changes to our reservation?

One change to your reservation date can be made (depending on availability) as long as it is requested at least 30 days prior to your originally scheduled program.

Should you need to make a change, we will gladly work with you to reschedule a date for later in the same school year, pending availability, and any previous payments will be applied to the new reservation.

What kind of payment is accepted?

We can accept purchase orders, check, and credit card payments 30-days prior to the reservation date.

Are ZooMobile programs available for birthday parties?

ZooMobile programs are educational programs that support the Next Generation Science (NGSS) & Common Core Standards. Our programs are designed to complement and supplement the classes’ science curriculum. ZooMobile programs are not designed to be Animal Meet and Greet experiences.

May we take photographs or video?

Please feel free to photograph or videotape our presentation.

How many participants can join in the program?

For the best experience, we allow a maximum of 50 participants (children and adults) per class/program.

What are ZooMobile zone fees?

Zone fees cover expenses, such as gas and extended driving time. Fees are as follows:

Zone Fee: $0

  • Alameda, Albany, Ashland, Berkeley, Castro Valley, Cherryland, Emeryville, Hayward, Mount Eden, Oakland, Piedmont, San Leandro, San Lorenzo

Zone Fee: $35

  • Canyon, Dublin, East Richmond Heights, Fairview, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Kensington, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Pleasanton, Richmond, Rollingwood, San Pablo, Tara Hills, Walnut Creek

Zone Fee: $50

  • Alamo, Diablo, Danville, Pleasant Hill, San Ramon, Walden
  • At least two (2) programs must be reserved.

Zone Fee: $75

  • Bayview-Montalvin, Concord, Fremont, Livermore, Newark, Union City, Sunol
  • At least two (2) programs must be reserved.
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