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At Oakland Zoo, environmental education is at our core. We strive to deepen connections with animals, save wildlife, and inspire champions for the natural world. Our community and group programs provide exciting, educational and unique experiences for all ages.
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!
Oakland Zoo
Community organizations, hospitals, senior centers, and more
Monday–Friday, year round, except for holidays and certain blackout dates. We are currently booking reservations through September 30, 2025. In mid August, we will start accepting reservation requests for October 1, 2024 through May 31, 2026.
Standard Zoo hours
All sections of the Zoo
Ages 4–Adult
Participants (max. in room)
Minimum
12
Participants (max. in room)
Maximum
Required text is not included.
Required text is not included.
First program
Course
Per child (Zoo Member)
$
19
Course Cost
Each additional program
Per child (nonmember)
$
15
250
Zoo Admission Effective Oct. 1, 2024
First program
Adult (15-64)
Course
$
20
Course Cost
Each additional program
Child (2–14)
$
17
Senior (65+)
$17
Maximum of 20 Cars per Reservation
There is no bus availability in May 2025
Per Car
13
Per Bus
21
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.
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.
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.
February 8, 22, 2025 | March 8, 22, 2025 | April 12, 26, 2025 | May 10, 17, 2025
How do snakes move without any limbs? How does a turtle’s shell help keep them safe, and could they leave it if they wanted to? Whey do some animals smell with their tongue while we use our nose? Animals throughout the world have amazing adaptations to help them survive in their habitats. With the help of our visiting ambassador animals, students will make observations to discover how animals use their unique adaptations to thrive in the wild.
Your Location
Community organizations, hospitals, senior centers, and more
Monday–Thursday
Between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm
50 minutes
Two (reptiles, amphibians, or invertebrates)
Ages 4–Adult
Participants (max. in room)
Minimum
50
Participants (max. in room)
Maximum
Required text is not included.
Required text is not included.
First program
Course
Per child (Zoo Member)
$
300
Course Cost
Each additional program
Per child (nonmember)
$
245
250
Zoo Admission Effective Oct. 1, 2024
First program
Adult (15-64)
Course
$
20
Course Cost
Each additional program
Child (2–14)
$
245
17
Senior (65+)
$17
Maximum of 20 Cars per Reservation
There is no bus availability in May 2025
Per Car
Per Bus
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.
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.
Payment is due in full on the day of the visit.
February 8, 22, 2025 | March 8, 22, 2025 | April 12, 26, 2025 | May 10, 17, 2025
Ideal for children ages 5–6 who love animals, ZooKids is a drop-off program that's sure to please. This educational adventure includes a zoo tour, craft project, and the opportunity to meet a small animal up close!
Oakland Zoo
Community organizations, hospitals, senior centers, and more
May 10, 17, 2025
9:30 am–12:00 pm
2.5 hours
Zoo tour; special viewing of one animal up close
Ages 4–Adult
Participants (max. in room)
Minimum
6
Participants (max. in room)
Maximum
15
Required text is not included.
Required text is not included.
First program
Course
Per child (Zoo Member)
$
40
Course Cost
Each additional program
Per child (nonmember)
$
45
250
Zoo Admission Effective Oct. 1, 2024
First program
Adult (15-64)
Course
$
20
Course Cost
Each additional program
Child (2–14)
$
17
Senior (65+)
$17
Maximum of 20 Cars per Reservation
There is no bus availability in May 2025
Per Car
Per Bus
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.
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.
Payment is due in full on the day of the visit.
February 8, 22, 2025 | March 8, 22, 2025 | April 12, 26, 2025 | May 10, 17, 2025
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.
Oakland Zoo
Community organizations, hospitals, senior centers, and more
Lectures: April 17, May 1, 15, 29, June 12, 26, 2025 | Fieldtrips: May 17, June 14, 28, 2025 | Graduation: July 10, 2025
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)
Ages 4–Adult
Participants (max. in room)
Minimum
20
Participants (max. in room)
Maximum
Required text is not included.
Required text is not included.
First program
Course
Per child (Zoo Member)
$
245
Course Cost
Each additional program
Per child (nonmember)
$
250
Zoo Admission Effective Oct. 1, 2024
First program
Adult (15-64)
Course
$
20
Course Cost
Each additional program
Child (2–14)
$
17
Senior (65+)
$17
Maximum of 20 Cars per Reservation
There is no bus availability in May 2025
Per Car
Per Bus
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.
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.
Scholarship opportunities are available; please email asamura@oaklandzoo.org for information.
Payment is due in full on the day of the visit.
February 8, 22, 2025 | March 8, 22, 2025 | April 12, 26, 2025 | May 10, 17, 2025
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.
Oakland Zoo
Community organizations, hospitals, senior centers, and more
Summer: Every Sunday, July 13 - August 31, 2025 | Fall: Every Saturday, October 4 - November 22, 2025
9:30am – 2:30pm
Minimum of 40 educational hours (classroom hours and field time); includes a minimum of 8 hours in the field
Ages 4–Adult
Participants (max. in room)
Minimum
15
Participants (max. in room)
Maximum
Required text is not included.
Required text is not included.
First program
Course
Per child (Zoo Member)
$
250
Course Cost
Each additional program
Per child (nonmember)
$
250
Zoo Admission Effective Oct. 1, 2024
First program
Adult (15-64)
Course
$
20
Course Cost
Each additional program
Child (2–14)
$
17
Senior (65+)
$17
Maximum of 20 Cars per Reservation
There is no bus availability in May 2025
Per Car
Per Bus
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.
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.
Scholarship opportunities are available; please email asamura@oaklandzoo.org for information.
Payment is due in full on the day of the visit.
February 8, 22, 2025 | March 8, 22, 2025 | April 12, 26, 2025 | May 10, 17, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
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