Classes & Programs

Children's Programs

The Education Department supports the conservation mission of the Zoo by offering experiences that inspire an appreciation of wildlife and an understanding of our relationship to the natural world. We have many programs for infants through adults, featuring a rich array of activities such as wildlife crafts and games, keeper talks, Zoo tours, close-up animal encounters, and a Junior Keeper Club for youths interested in animal careers. For teens, we offer numerous volunteer opportunities.

See our Calendar of Events for schedule, prices and online registration for the below programs.

Early Childhood Programs

Updated Early Childhood Programs brochure coming soon.

click here to register for Little Learners or Animal Adventures!
1 1/2 - 3 1/2  years old

Fun for Little Learners

Designed for young learners and their caregiver, each weekly class focuses on a different animal and includes a craft, small snack, music and a room full of exciting discoveries. Weekly topics, the same for both age groups, cover six different fascinating animals.  This year round program offers different animal lessons every session.  You may sign up for one or more classes within each 6 week session. Please check our Calendar of Events for more details and to register.

For more information: (415) 753-8140 or e-mail toddlers@sfzoo.org

3-4 years old

Animal Adventures

Filled with music, crafts, games, animal visitors and Zoo walks, this 6-week series is designed for 3 and 4-years-olds and their caregivers. Learn about animals through the alphabet, numbers, colors, patterns and sizes. Lessons follow the alphabet with corresponding animals.  You may sign up for the entire series or individual classes.Please check our Calendar of Events for more details and to register.

For more information: (415) 753-8140 or e-mail toddlers@sfzoo.org

 

Older Children's Programs

5 to 8 Years Old

Young Zoologists

Our 5-8 year-old young zoologists love learning about amazing animal classifications and what makes each group unique. Please check our Calendar of Events for details and to register for this monthly class. Activities include crafts, games, Zoo walks and snack. And get up close and personal with some of our special Zoo animals!

For more information: (415) 753-8140 or e-mail toddlers@sfzoo.org

Fee: SFZS Members $30; all others $35 for individual classes. Pre-registration required.

9 to 12 Years Old

Junior Keeper Club

If you are 9 to 12 years old and interested in animals or a career in animal care, this club is for you!

2013 JKC Meeting Dates:

January 19, 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
April 20, 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
July 20, 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
October 19, 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.

Members receive:

- The Club's quarterly newsletter 
- A Membership card
- Quarterly private keeper talks with San Francisco Zoo keepers
- And a free Zoo gift!

Membership fee: $40 for annual membership for 4 quarterly meetings. View our Calendar of Events to register.

For more information: (415) 753-8135 or e-mail jkc@sfzoo.org

Teens

The San Francisco Zoo offers a variety of amazing volunteer opportunities specially designed for teens.

For more information: (415) 753-7073 or education@sfzoo.org

 

Family/Adult Programs

BikeAbout

Bring your bicycle to the Zoo for this 1-1/2 hour riding tour. Our informative docents will guide you as you see the animals start their day. You may find a tiger yawning and stretching, a bear bathing or monkeys swinging through the branches for their morning exercise. It’s great to be in the Zoo ahead of the crowds!

We have BikeAbouts scheduled on a monthly basis February through October and on special occasions like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, where we finish our bike ride with a continental breakfast. You can also schedule your own private BikeAbout for groups of 10 or more. Please check our Calendar of Events for details and online registration.

Fee: Per peddler - $18 for SFZS Members; $23 Non-Members. Children piggy-backing on their parents' bikes free. (Prices vary for Father's and Mother's Day BikeAbouts).

Twilight Tour

Experience the Zoo in a whole new light – twilight! Twilight Tours are a fun-filled and educational tour experience. Groups go on a nocturnal safari and meet a Zookeeper for an up-close animal encounter. Games, and evening snack and activities are all part of the wild adventure! Twilight Tour are from 6:30pm-9:00pm, for children ages 3 and up. Themed Tours are scheduled throughout the year, but if you have a group of 15 or more you may schedule your own tour.

For more information: (415) 753-8135 or wildnights@sfzoo.org

Wildlife Illustration

If you think you can't draw a straight line, much less a moving wild animal, these workshops are for you! Join us for an informal and relaxing introduction to drawing your favorite animals. Learn fundamental drawing skills, proportion, pencil techniques and much more. Class begins with a sketching tour of the Zoo, then instruction moves to more refined portraits using the Zoo's wildlife supplemented by photos. Open to beginners and experienced artists. Your only prerequisite is a love of wildlife! Click here for upcoming class descriptions and dates.

For more information: (415) 753-8135 or education@sfzoo.org

Wild Places, Wild Things! Conservation Speaker Series

Don't miss a chance to meet renowned conservation experts from around the world. They will be here to share stories, pictures and refreshments as they talk about important conservation projects and discoveries. We thank the McBean Family Foundation for its continuing support of this lecture series. Please check our Calendar of Events for class and speaking details.

For more information: (415) 753-7073

Senior Stroll

Enjoy a guided walking tour with almost the whole Zoo to yourself! Watch the animals that are active early in the day, with a guide right there to answer your questions and offer fascinating insights into animal behavior.

Senior Stroll is held quarterly from 9 to 10:15 a.m.
Fee: SFZS Members Free; all others $5.

Upcoming Strolls:

March 14, 2013
June 13, 2013
September 12, 2013
December 12, 2013

For More Information: (415) 753-7073 or e-mail seniorstroll@sfzoo.org

 

The ZooMobile

Are you looking for a unique and memorable experience for your child's classroom? The ZooMobile offers up-close, hand-on animal lessons that align with California Science Content Standards. Lesson topics include Animal Classification, Habitats, Food Webs, conservation topics such as habitat destruction and more. All lessons can also be done on Zoo grounds to supplement a field trip to the Zoo. Cost is dependent on the travel distance to the school.
Click here for more Information.