GRADES TK–12

School Programs

Bring your class to the Zoo, or the Zoo to your class.

Oakland Zoo is proud to partner with local school districts to offer inquiry-based science and environmental education programs. Our K-12 programs actively support CA State, Common Core, and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and practices.

Explore our programs.

A group of children standing around a tortoise.

ZooSchool

ZooSchool includes instruction, a brief tour of a section of the zoo, interactive activities, conservation messaging, and Q&A time. Content caters to age group. The balance between instruction and Q&A time can be adjusted to meet your interest and need.

Oakland Zoo

Tuesday–Friday (Sept–May)

9:30 am–12:00 pm

2.5 hours

Brief tour of a section of the Zoo

Maximum Number per Session

Adults and students (minimum)

Students (minimum)

15

Students (maximum)

35

Adults (maximum)

8

Required Adult/Student Ratio

Grades TK-K

1/6

Grades 1-8

1/8

Grades 9-12

1/10

Adults and students

Zoo Admission Included

Adult (15–64)

$

35

Child (2–14)

$

30

Senior (65–75)

$

30

Senior (76+)

$

0

30-Minute Program

First program

$

Each additional program

$

50-Minute Program

First program

$

Each additional program

$

Maximum of 20 Cars per Reservation

Per Car

$

13

Per Bus

$

21

Handler showing snake in an assembly

Wildlife Assembly

Meet some of our Education Animal Ambassadors up close! This live, interactive animal presentation takes place in our outdoor Wildlife Theater (weather permitting). After the program, groups are welcome to explore the Zoo on their own until their departure. This program is great for large groups with multiple classes and multiple age ranges.

Oakland Zoo

Monday–Thursday (Sept–May)

10:00 am

30–45 minutes (based on age group and participation)

Two animals

Maximum Number per Session

Adults and students (minimum)

Students (minimum)

15

Students (maximum)

125

Adults (maximum)

25

Required Adult/Student Ratio

Grades TK-K

1/6

Grades 1-8

1/8

Grades 9-12

1/10

Adults and students

Zoo Admission Included

Adult (15–64)

$

30

Child (2–14)

$

25

Senior (65–75)

$

25

Senior (76+)

$

0

30-Minute Program

First program

$

Each additional program

$

50-Minute Program

First program

$

Each additional program

$

Maximum of 20 Cars per Reservation

Per Car

$

13

Per Bus

$

21

the Oakland zoo-mobile.

School ZooMobile

ZooMobile includes instruction, live animal ambassadors, interactive activities, conservation messaging, and Q&A time. Content caters to age group. The balance between instruction and Q&A time can be adjusted based on interest and need.

Your Location

Monday–Thursday

Start times are between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm

30 or 50 minutes (based on age group)

One to two animals

Maximum Number per Session

Adults and students (minimum)

Students (minimum)

Students (maximum)

Adults (maximum)

Required Adult/Student Ratio

Grades TK-K

1/6

Grades 1-8

1/8

Grades 9-12

1/10

Adults and students

35

Zoo Admission Included

Adult (15–64)

$

Child (2–14)

$

Senior (65–75)

$

Senior (76+)

$

30-Minute Program

First program

$

225

Each additional program

$

200

50-Minute Program

First program

$

250

Each additional program

$

225

Maximum of 20 Cars per Reservation

Per Car

$

Per Bus

$

Oakland zoo entrance.

Self-Guided Field Trip

Bring your class to Oakland Zoo and learn about wildlife and conservation. Make a reservation for your group to take advantage of discounted admission rates. When you arrive, we'll greet and check you in and give your group an overview of visitor guidelines. Once inside, explore the Zoo at your own pace!

Oakland Zoo

Monday–Friday

Arrive between 10:00 am and 11:00 am

Standard Zoo hours

All sections of the Zoo

Maximum Number per Session

Adults and students (minimum)

Students (minimum)

12

Students (maximum)

Adults (maximum)

Required Adult/Student Ratio

Grades TK-K

1/6

Grades 1-8

1/8

Grades 9-12

1/10

Adults and students

Zoo Admission Included

Adult (15–64)

$

20

Child (2–14)

$

17

Senior (65–75)

$

17

Senior (76+)

$

0

30-Minute Program

First program

$

Each additional program

$

50-Minute Program

First program

$

Each additional program

$

Maximum of 20 Cars per Reservation

Per Car

$

13

Per Bus

$

21