Looking for Virtual Programs? See our options here: Virtual Programs

The NEW Zoo makes teaching easier for you!  Our educational programs meet national as well as Wisconsin state standards.  We can supplement teacher curricula in innovative ways.

Payments for group programs are due one week in advance of your scheduled visit, unless you are a school group. School groups can can pay on arrival. The Zoo can provide an invoice (via request) for your school to  cut a check payment

• You must process payment for the maximum number of guests you anticipate having attend your program; we CAN refund you for over payments after your program, but we are unable to add last-minute arrivals on the day of your visit.
• We also recommend that you purchase Zoo Admission tickets for your guests in advance. If any of your group members are Zoo Pass holders, the admission fee can be waived for them.  However, they must have their Zoo Passes and photo identification, such as a driver’s license, with them upon arrival to the Zoo.
  • Purchase zoo admission tickets for your group here: www.newzoo.org/visit/buy-zoo-tickets

Please note:

• Current maximum capacity is 60 people, which includes both children and adults/chaperones. If your group has more than 60 people, then you must reserve more than one time slot and plan to split your group into multiple program sessions
  
• Classes and other programs are not available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays of Zoo Boo event weeks in October

For information or to register

• Call 920-662-2405
• Email education@newzoo.org
• Bookings for spring field trips begin annually in February
• Bookings for fall field trips can begin as early as July

Program Details

2024 Program Fees

• $3.00 per person is addition to Zoo Admission (unless otherwise noted below)
  • Minimum of $30 charge per program
• $4.00 per person in addition to Zoo Admission for custom zoo classes
  • Minimum of $40 charge per custom program
• Program fee applies to both adults and children aged 2 and above

Length

• Standard 30 minutes for audiences 5k and under
• Standard 45 minutes for most other age groups

Start times

• 9:30 a.m.
• 10:30 a.m.
• 11:30 a.m.
• 1:00 p.m.
• 2:00 p.m.
• Other times may be available upon request

Zoo Classes

Our classes provide students with unique educational opportunities in understanding a variety of science concepts including: interdependence, environmental changes, animal habitats and adaptations, and conservation.  We can adapt our programs (listed below) for nearly any age group.  We can also create a program specifically for your class.  Zoo Classes take place in our Education & Conservation Center Classroom.

Animal Storytime (Not available as a Virtual Program)

• This 30-minute program is specially designed for our youngest audiences.  We’ll share one or two animal-themed story books with the children, then introduce the audience to several different live animals – some of which they may be able to touch (depending upon audience age and other factors determined day of the program). 
• Recommended for ages 5 and under.
  
• This program is best for audiences of 35 participants max. If you have a larger group, we prefer that you split into smaller groups to better accommodate.

Fur, Feathers, Shells & Scales

• This basic introduction to animal classification focuses on animal ‘coverings’ to teach the differences among mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and invertebrates.
• Recommended for grades Pre-K and K.

Creatures Have Class

• This slightly-more advanced classification program discusses four of the five major groups of vertebrates. Students will learn which groups do and don’t lay eggs, drink milk, have scales, and more. 
• Recommended for grades 1 and 2.

Home Sweet Habitat

• Students will travel the world as they discover different habitat types and the variety of animals that are found within them.
• Recommended for grades 1 through 4. 

Animal Adaptations

• This class defines and then focuses on physical and behavioral adaptations that animals have to survive in their environments. 
• Recommended for grades 4 through 6.

Conservation Connection

• Students will examine five major causes of species endangerment and extinctions worldwide.  Included is discussion on daily actions students can take to help protect animals and their environments. 
• Recommended for grades 6 through 12.

Wild Careers

• In this class, students will learn about career options working with animals in the “zoo world.” From Zookeepers to Veterinarians, many jobs are important to provide animals a healthy and enriching life. Included is discussion on what students can do to prepare themselves now for an animal career.
• Recommended for grades 9 through 12. 

Custom Zoo Class Programs

• If your class is studying a specific theme or topic, let us know – we can create a custom class program to fit your needs!
• Cost starts at $4 per person (in addition to Zoo Admission)
• These programs can be created for any age group
• Please allow a minimum of 3 weeks for our staff to prepare the custom lesson plan when reaching out to reserve your program

See an Animal, Be an Animal

These classes combine the Zoo with the Adventure Park in a comfortable indoor environment! Students will see animals up-close while learning about the topic, then do an interactive, adventure-themed activity. Program attendees do not need to pay admission to the NEW Zoo to participate; if you choose not to add admission to your visit, our staff will walk your group members to and from the indoor program location. Zoo admission is optional.

• Programs last 90 minutes 
• Minimum of 15 and maximum of 30 participants per program (not including chaperones)
• Cost is $10 per person (zoo admission is not required but can be added to your visit if you’d like)
• Recommended for grades 3 and up

Topics Offered:

• On the Move
  • Students will see animals up-close, watching and learning about how they move, then make comparisons to how humans get around. Students will practice their own movement skills, focusing on balance.
• Think About It
  • Through live animal demonstrations, students will learn about ways animals adapt to challenges in their environments, then compare those skills to the ways humans solve problems. Students will practice their own problem-solving skills through hands-on, team-building activities.