Our selection of Guided Zoo tours are designed to help teachers reinforce classroom lessons and to assist in fulfilling academic content standards. They are a great way to see the Zoo and to provide a fun, memorable field trip for your students.
Discovery Tours
Pre-K Guided tours
• The Three Bears
After reading a story about a bear that wakes up from hibernation and is very hungry, we will discuss the foods that bears eat and some of their adaptations and then go on a walk to see the three types of bears in the North America exhibit.
• Busy Bees
We will start with the story “The Beeman” about a grandfather who is a beekeeper. Then take a walk to the Children’s Barn to see the bees in action. Learn about the bee dance and why bees are important.
• Habitats
“Does a Mouse Have a House?” We will read the story and reveal where many kinds of animals live. Then talk about what an animal needs in its home to survive: Food, Water, Shelter, and Space. Our zoo walk will include an area of the Zoo along with a discussion on where those animals live.
• Around the Pond
This story gives clues about animals that have been around the pond. After reading the book and answering the clues we will check out what plants and animals live in and around our pond at the My House exhibit.
Adventure Tours
First Grade through Adult
• Extreme Animals
Asia Quest
How thick is a rhino’s skin? Which animal is the largest land mammal in the world? Find out the answers to these questions and more during the “Extreme Animals” Asia Quest tour.
Animals: Rhinos, Elephants, Reticulated Python, Flying foxes, Tiger, Pallas Cat, Markhor
• Furry, Feathery, Scaly
Shores/Australia
Birds, reptiles and mammals, come along as we search the Zoo for the many different body coverings found in the animal world and answer the burning question: Why are flamingos pink?
Animals: Flamingo, Alligator, Penguins, Aldabra Tortoise, Kangaroo, Koala
• Animals in Every Layer
Voyage to Australia & the Islands
This tour will visit each of the amazing animals in our islands of Southeast Asia exhibit with emphasis on the importance and biodiversity of the Islands area.
Animals: Gibbons, Siamangs, Komodo Dragon, Small-clawed Otter, Orangutans
*Additional information for Discovery Tours and Adventure Tours
45-60 minutes
Limit of 20 students per tour
Two week advance notice is preferred
Some tour topics are weather/season dependant.
Call or e-mail for tour availability
Cost: $15 per tour for groups within Franklin County, plus Zoo admission
$25 per tour for groups outside Franklin county, plus Zoo admission
Docent Led Tours
Grade two through Adult
Zoo volunteers guide your group on a tour of the Zoo.
• A minimum of 15 people is required
• Mid-June through Mid-November and February through April
• Tours last approximately two hours and the areas toured will depend upon the curriculum the school is studying.
• Free of charge
• Call (614) 645-3410 to register. Three week advance reservation is required.