Elmwood Park Zoo offers a wide selection of educational programs that are individually tailored for students and children as young as preschool age, but can be appreciated and enjoyed by all age groups.
We can not always guarantee specific animals for programs due to last second changes that may occur. Thank you for understanding. FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR ANIMALS AND GUESTS, WE DO NOT ALLOW GUESTS TO TOUCH OUR ANIMALS DURING PROGRAMS.
on-site programs
Preschool, Kindergarten, First Grade; Ages 3+
These interactive programs engage young learners with interesting animal artifacts and live animals that they can see up close.
PA STATE STANDARDS: 3.1, 3.1a, 3.1b, 3.1c, 3.2, 3.3, 3.5, 4.2, 4.3, 4.6, 4.8, 4.9
NGSS / NJSLS-S: 1-LS1-1, 1-LS3-1, 2-LS2-1, 2-LS4-1
Common Core: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.1, 1.1,.1.2, 1.3
Sorting Species
Students explore the characteristics of different vertebrates such as birds, mammals, and reptiles and learn that animals can be classified into different groups based on their features.
Sensational Animals
Students take an in-depth look at our five senses and explore the differences and similarities with how they’re used in the animal kingdom.
Animal Adaptations
Webbed feet, wings, camouflage and quills are all unique features. We learn how animals utilize them to live and thrive
Second Grade through Ninth Grade
Programs for grades 2 through 9 are designed to help teachers meet Pennsylvania Academic Standards in their curriculums for environmental and natural sciences.
PA STATE STANDARDS: 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9
NGSS / NJSLS-S: 2-LS4-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 5-LS2-1, MS-LS1-4, MS-LS2-3
Common Core: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.1, 2.2,.2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 6-10.1
Whose Habitat is That?
Students learn about different animal homes and all the components of a habitat
On the Brink
We explore the different threats facing many animals and why many are endangered, as well as what we can do to help
Animal Adaptations
Webbed feet, wings, camouflage and quills are all unique features. We learn how animals utilize them to live and thrive
Ninth Grade through Twelfth Grade
For more information and pricing on 9-12th grade programs, please email the education department at education@elmwoodparkzoo.org.
Special Needs Groups
Habitat Explorations
These programs are created to meet the needs of your particular group. Let us engage your special needs students with a program specifically designed to encourage sensory and tactile learning for all ages and ability levels. This fun-filled, multi-sensory program engages guests with live animal interactions and artifact exploration. This tactile program allows for learners to engage in exploring the natural world to better connect with animals.
Elmwood Park Zoo is proud to be a recognized by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) as a Certified Autism Center.
PROGRAM PRICING INFORMATION
Any number of attendees over the total of 55 would need to purchase their own separate 20 minute program due to the limited capacity of the Zoo Bowl Theater.
20 Minute Programs – $100 (for up to 40 guests)
$50 for additional attendees (up to 15 guests)
- 1:1 aides for Special Needs groups are free
- Program pricing does not include your group’s zoo admission fees. Please visit our Group Visits page for admission fee info.
Scheduling Information
- All zoo field trips and programs must be scheduled at least 72 hours in advance. Please purchase early to ensure the availability of your preferred date.
- A minimum of 15 guests is required to schedule an education program, some exceptions may apply to high school and college groups. You may combine with another group in order to meet the minimum requirement.
- Zoo field trips and programs are held rain or shine, with the exception of instances of extreme weather. There are no refunds. Rescheduling is welcome; please contact the Education Department by 9:00 am on the day of your trip.
- Programs are available just for your group, for the times selectable during purchase.
- The zoo is centrally located in Norristown, Montgomery County, only minutes from the Pennsylvania Turnpike. We are easily accessible to most schools in Chester County, Delaware County and Bucks County. Bus parking is available along Harding Blvd., and field trips are provided access to the zoo through our South Gate.
