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School Programs

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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

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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.

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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.

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School ZooMobile

Bring the Zoo to you! Our ZooMobile comes to your location and 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.

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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!

ZooSchool

Location

Oakland Zoo

Schedule
Reservation required
Tuesday–Thursday (Aug–May):
9:30 am–12:00 pm
Duration

0.5 hours (K only)

2.5 hours (Grades 1-5 only)

Animal Viewing

Brief tour of a section of the Zoo (Grades 1-5 only)

No. of Participants
Grades TK-K: 1/6 Required Ration of Adult/Student. We can accommodate less than 15 students for classes with special needs.
Students (minimum)*:
15
Students (maximum):
35
Adults (maximum):
8
Grades TK-K:
1/6
Grades 1-8:
1/6
Grades 9-12:
1/6
Fees for Kindergarten
August–February
Adult (15–64):
$26
Child (2–14):
$22
Senior (65+):
$22
March–May
Adult (15–64):
$30
Child (2–14):
$25
Senior (65+):
$25
Fees for Grades 1-5
Zoo admission included
August-February
Adult (15-64)
$30
Child (2-14)
$26
Senior (65+)
$26
March-May
Adult (15-64)
$35
Child (2-14)
$30
Senior (65+)
$30
Vehicle Fees
Maximum of 20 Cars per Reservation
Per Car
$13
Per Bus
$21

Wildlife Assembly

Location
Oakland Zoo

Oakland Zoo

Schedule
Reservation Required
Tuesday–Thursday (Aug–May):
10:00am
Duration

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

Animal Viewing

Two animals

No. of Participants
Grades TK-K: 1/6 Required Ration of Adult/Student. We can accommodate less than 15 students for classes with special needs.
Students (minimum)*:
15
Students (maximum):
80
Adults (maximum):
20
Grades TK-K:
1/6
Grades 1-8:
1/6
Grades 9-12:
1/6
Fees
August–February
Adult (15–64):
$26
Child (2–14):
$22
Senior (65+):
$22
March-May
Adult (15-64):
$30
Child (2-14):
$25
Senior (65+):
$25
Vehicle Fees
Maximum of 20 Cars per Reservation
Per Car
$13
Per Bus
$21

School ZooMobile

Location

Your location

Schedule
Reservation Required
Monday–Thursday
Start times: between 10:00am and 2:00pm
Duration

30 or 50 minutes (based on age group)

Animal Viewing

One to two animals

No. of Participants
We can accommodate less than 15 students for classes with special needs.
Grades TK-8
Adults and students
35
Grades 9-12
Adults and students
50
Fees for Grades TK-8
30-Minute Program
August–February
First program
$175
Each additional program
$150
March-July
First program
$225
Each additional program
$200
50-Minute Program
August-February
First progrm
$200
Each additional program
$175
March-July
First progrm
$250
Each additional program
$225
Fees for Grades 9-12
First program
$300
Each additional program
$245

Self-Guided Field Trip

Location

Oakland Zoo

Schedule
Reservation Required
Monday-Friday
Arrive between 10:00am and 11:00am
Duration

Standard Zoo hours

Animal Viewing

All sections of the Zoo

No. of Participants
Students (minimum)*:
12
Required Adult/Student Ratio
Grades TK-K
1/6
Grades 1-8
1/6
Grades 9-12
1/6
Fees
Zoo Admission Included
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
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