columbus zoo field trip

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's Tours and Experiences Make For Unforgettable Memories

One of Columbus’ top attractions offers you the chance to create memories together that will last a lifetime.

Founded in 1927, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a community cornerstone that welcomes over two million people per year to the Columbus area. With 10,000 animals representing over 600 species, there are so many incredible creatures to get to know, but the best and most immersive way to experience Central Ohio’s animal kingdom is the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's Tours and Experiences presented by Nationwide.

We recently spent an amazing day taking in the Reindeer Experience and Jack Hanna’s Animal Encounters Village Experience, and we’ve put together your full guide to taking part in the incredible tours and experiences at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Tours and Experiences create the opportunity for immersive interactions.

14 different tours and experiences across all seasons

From elephant bathing, to giraffe feeding and everything in between, tours and experiences truly allow you to unlock the full magic of a zoo visit.

Jack Hanna’s Animal Encounters Village Experience is an absolute hidden gem that provides the opportunity to meet a variety of the zoo’s ambassador animals in a fun, safe setting inside the Jack Hanna’s Animal Encounters Village. In this interactive environment, we spent time with two different species of porcupines, a bat-eared fox, toucan, macaw, tortoise and sloth. Bruce the bat-eared fox posed for photos, Barbie the African-crested porcupine accepted lettuce and pets, and we were even able to feed sweet potato snacks to Wilson the sloth.

This experience is kid-friendly and is one the zoo’s best immersive experiences for the entire family. You’ll enjoy 45 minutes of animal interaction in this beautiful indoor space that opened to the public in 2020, and tickets are available to purchase throughout the year. You can also access the building itself for no cost with admission to the zoo where you’ll see a variety of species welcoming you upon entry.

The Reindeer Experience is available year-round and makes for the perfect holiday gift.

Give the gift of a Reindeer Experience for the holidays

Do you know the most famous reindeer of all? Well if you ask us, they live at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and they’re ready to meet you and your family.

We visited the home of Abby, who is one of the more popular animals at the zoo during the holiday season. The Zoo’s incredible Animal Care Team accompanied us on this experience where we were able to pet and interact with the reindeer while they enjoyed tasty treats and snacks. Interacting with the animals in their own habitat while also speaking to the staff who care for them on a daily basis creates memories to be treasured, and the reindeer are ready to welcome you throughout the year.

Jack Hanna's Animal Encounters Village opened in 2020 and provides the perfect backdrop to unforgettable memories.

Memories await you at the Columbus Zoo

Each tour and experience truly provides something new to cherish. Tickets to a Columbus Zoo and Aquarium tour make the perfect last minute holiday gift for you and your loved ones, and there’s availability for several tours through the rest of 2023 and in 2024.

Book a tour & experience and learn more about everything they have to offer by visiting the zoo’s website, and be sure to share all of your animal adventures when you visit by using #LiveForwardCbus on social media.

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Columbus Zoo Field Trip

THE COLUMBUS ZOO FIELD TRIP IS COMING UP THURSDAY, MAY 16!  

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Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

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Pricing Guide for Columbus Ohio Zoo and Aquarium

Hello and thanks for checking out the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium! It’s a fantastic place for family outings, school field trips, and anyone who loves animals.

Here’s a simple breakdown of our ticket prices, including the cost of general entry, yearly passes, and those special behind-the-scenes animal encounters. We work hard to keep our prices fair so everyone can enjoy their visit. We also offer lower prices for groups and schools because we believe learning about wildlife is super important.

Keep an eye out for seasonal deals and special promotions that can save you money throughout the year. If you’re thinking about coming just once or maybe getting a membership, this guide will help you see what works best for you.

Come see why we’re one of the top places to visit in Columbus, Ohio.

General Admission Fees

Here’s a clear guide to the entrance fees at the Columbus Ohio Zoo and Aquarium to help you plan your trip.

They have a smart pricing system that offers different prices for adults, kids, seniors, and groups. This way, more people can visit, and everyone feels welcome.

Buying a ticket means you get to see amazing animals on land and in the water, and you also help protect wildlife.

If you think you’ll come a lot, you might want to get a membership. Members can visit as much as they want and get extra perks, making it a great deal. Plus, being a member makes your visits even better and helps you save money in the long run.

Membership Options

The Columbus Ohio Zoo and Aquarium has different membership options that suit everyone – whether you’re alone, with a partner, or have a family. These memberships give you unlimited visits to the zoo and come with great perks like free parking, discounts on zoo merchandise, savings on learning programs, and special invites to events just for members.

Each type of membership gives you more value, making it a smart choice if you love the zoo and plan to visit often. The zoo has thought about what visitors like and designed these memberships to keep you coming back and feeling happy with your choice.

When you get a membership, you’re investing in fun and learning all year long, which means lots of unforgettable times at the zoo.

Special Experience Costs

At the Columbus Ohio Zoo and Aquarium, if you want to try out one-of-a-kind experiences, there’s an extra charge. These fees are there for a good reason: they help keep these special activities going strong and ensure they’re top-notch. When you pay for these extras, you’re doing more than just making your trip better; you’re helping the animals and supporting the zoo’s efforts to protect wildlife.

Think about the benefits of these unique encounters. You get to meet animals up close, with experts teaching you all about them. It’s more than just fun; it’s a chance to learn a lot and feel closer to nature. Every time someone chooses one of these experiences, they’re giving the zoo a hand in educating people and taking care of the animals.

Let me give you an example. Imagine being able to feed a giraffe. Not only do you get a memorable moment, but your ticket cost also goes back into making sure those giraffes have a safe and healthy home at the zoo. It’s a win-win: you have an unforgettable experience, and the zoo gets to continue its important work.

Group and School Rates

If you’re bringing a group or school class to the Columbus Ohio Zoo and Aquarium, you’re in luck because they offer special lower prices for parties of more than fifteen people. This deal is great because it lets you save money and gives everyone a chance to learn a lot without spending too much. The zoo really wants to help teachers and students get the most out of their visit, so they make it more affordable for big groups to come and explore.

When schools plan their trips here, they can look forward to saving money and giving students a hands-on education they can’t get in the classroom. It’s a smart move for schools because they get a great deal for getting into a top-notch place, and the students get a fun, interactive learning experience. This kind of group pricing is a smart choice because it saves money and makes for an educational trip that everyone will remember.

Seasonal Discounts and Offers

The Columbus Ohio Zoo and Aquarium offers special discounts during certain times of the year, like autumn and winter. These discounts are meant to encourage more people to visit when the zoo isn’t as busy. This is important because it helps keep the zoo lively and full of learning opportunities all year long.

For example, a family might decide to visit in November when they can save money on tickets, which is great for both the family and the zoo. The zoo uses these deals to make sure that people can afford to come and learn about animals and conservation, even when it’s cold outside.

This clever approach keeps the zoo busy and helps spread the word about protecting wildlife, no matter the season.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium offers different ticket prices to meet the needs of all visitors and to make learning fun.

You can just pay to get in, or you can buy a membership that covers more activities. They also have special prices for groups and schools, which is great for field trips.

The zoo makes sure it’s affordable for everyone while still having enough money to take care of the animals and the place itself. They even have sales and deals throughout the year, which means that going to the zoo is not only a good time for families but also a chance for everyone to learn about protecting animals.

This makes the zoo a welcoming place for learning and fun in the area.

Post Author: Luke Huxham

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Ohio has a big zoo that's really important for looking after animals and teaching people about them. People of all ages can come to see...

Fun and Educational Field Trip Ideas for Students in Central Ohio

By: Author Julie Miller

Posted on Published: August 31, 2020

Round out your child’s homeschool or virtual school education with these fun and educational  field trip ideas around Central Ohio!

No doubt school looks different for many of us this year! Many Central Ohio school districts are starting out the year virtually or in a hybrid model. Many families have chosen to homeschool for the first time or to enroll in a fully digital academy! Our family has enrolled in a digital academy for the first semester and while it’s not what I anticipated for this year, I’m hoping to make the most of it by supplementing our screen time with some fun activities and local field trips!

I’ve put together this list of field trip ideas for the upcoming school year! Please make sure to check with each location before visiting as their guidelines and activities will most likely vary throughout the year.

Field Trip Ideas for Homeschoolers and Virtual Schoolers in Columbus

These Central Ohio locations would make perfect field trips for kids who are homeschooling, doing virtual school or a hybrid model during the 2020/21 school year!

Slate Run Metro Park and Living Historical Farm

Slate Run Metro Park in Canal Winchester, Ohio offers visitors the opportunity to step back into the 1880's on a working farm! This Columbus and Franklin County Metro Park also features a unique playground, fishing and a wetlands wildlife refuge!

Olentangy Indian Caverns

Olentangy Indian Caverns provides a fun day out for families! With cave tours, mini golf, a petting zoo, gem mining, a large maze and more, kids will have fun and learn something, too!

The caverns are naturally made tunnels and caves that were, at one time, used by Native Americans for hiding, meetings, shelter, etc. In 2020, you can do a self-guided tour of the caverns!

Ohio Bird Sanctuary

See bald eagles, feed the birds and take a hike at this awesome bird sanctuary in Mansfield, Ohio! This place is a hidden gem that provides education and a unique experience for kids!

The Ohio Bird Sanctuary includes live bird displays, a song bird aviary, a Naturescape playground, and hiking trails!

Everything about the visit is self paced. There are picnic tables outside if you want to pack a lunch. You can extend your visit by taking longer hikes or spending more time on the playground.

Franklin Park Conservatory's Children's Garden

Franklin Park Conservatory would make a great field trip this year! When you visit, make sure to visit the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden!

The Children’s Garden is practically a full-fledged attraction in itself, but it comes at no additional cost to visitors of the Franklin Park Conservatory!

Access to the Children’s Garden is included with admission or membership and can only be entered through the Conservatory. On Community Days, the first Sunday of each month, residents of Franklin County and the City of Columbus can enter the Conservatory for free with your valid ID from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM! (Get your timed ticket in advance this year!)

Take an Open-Air Safari tour through the almost 10,000 acre park where animals are free to come up close to your safari (but no touching)! The tours are 2 – 2.5 hours long and take place in an open air bus.

There are two stops on the tour where you can get out of the vehicle. At the first stop, you can take a short hike down to the lake to feed catfish and to feed birds in an enclosed aviary.

The second stop on the tour is the Carnivore Center where you can see wild African dogs, cheetahs and more!

The tour guides are very knowledgeable and share a wealth of information about how The Wilds came to be, how animals have been saved through their conservation efforts and even little tid bits of information about the individual animals you may come across on your journey!

Continue reading for more of what to expect at The Wilds and more fun things to do with kids in Guernsey County!

Ohio Caverns

Ohio Caverns is about 40 minutes north of Springfield and 1 hour from Columbus. Ohio.

Ohio Caverns is the largest of all the caves in Ohio. There are several tour options available to see the caverns. My family took the Natural Wonder Tour which took about an hour. Afterwards we did gem mining! The caverns are so fascinating!

Continue reading for more about Ohio Caverns and more kid-friendly things to do in nearby Springfield, Ohio!

Apple Picking

Apple picking is the quintessential fall field trip!

Check out this list of 5 Farms Where You Can Pick Your Own Apples Near Columbus, Ohio!

Visit a Pumpkin Farm

September and October is Fall Festival Season! 2020 will most likely include changes at the pumpkin farms and fall festivals on this list, but many plan to be open in some form or fashion!

Pick your own pumpkin, take a hayride or visit a local farm stand for this fun learning opportunity!

Stratford Ecological Center

This year, Stratford Ecological Center is offering Self-Guided Learning Pod Experiences for groups of 10 or less. You can explore the land, hike the trails, visit the livestock, tour the gardens and more with your group!

You must register in advance and the sessions are $100 and last for 3 hours.

Ohio Wildlife Center

Ohio Wildlife Center is home to animals who have become injured and are not able to be released into the wild. While regular visitation hours are not available to the general public at this time, small private tours for up to 15 guests can be scheduled.

Keep an eye on their website for virtual education programming that is in the works!

Click on the link to read about our visit a couple of years ago to get an idea of what there is to see and learn!

Ohio History Center

In 2020, Ohio History Center is offering Family Field Trip Days! Advanced, timed tickets are required. There will be 2 field trip dates each month and each month will have a different theme. Admission is $5 for children and $7 for adults. Kids 3 and under and members are free!

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Of course the Zoo is a great field trip idea! There are lots of learning opportunities at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Adventure Cove is now open featuring 10 California sea lions and 4 harbor seals!  

The Zoo is currently open from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM during the weekdays and open until 7:00 PM on weekends. You must have a timed ticket to visit. Members can visit any day after 2:00 PM without a reservation. 

Continue reading for more about the Zoo and the Top 10 Things to do with Kids in Columbus, Ohio!

Logan County History Center

Housed in an impressive mansion, the Logan County History Center is filled with a surprising amount of displays and things to see!

The museum is filled with rooms that rotate displays. Some of the displays we enjoyed were communication devices through the years, the civil war and old toys!

The Logan County Transportation Museum was added in 2014 and includes examples of transportation throughout history from Conestoga to railroads to planes. My kids enjoyed seeing the many vehicles on display! This is a definite stop for kids who love vehicles!

Go Bird Watching at Blendon Woods Metro Park

Blendon Woods Metro Park in Westerville, Ohio has a fun Nature Center, trails for hiking, a Natural Play Area and great birdwatching opportunities!

Take a hike to two bird blinds. Inside each of the two shelters, there are viewing windows, a telescope and some open-air slots for viewing wildlife and birds.

Click the link to read all about birdwatching plus the other fun things to do at Blendon Woods. (The Nature Center is still closed at this time.)

Look for Wildlife at Scioto Audubon

Take a walk on the boardwalk or view the river from a scenic over look! We've seen frogs, herons, turtles and geese!

The Grange Insurance Audubon Center is currently open with limited capacity. Beginning September 15 activities will begin to be offered.

Click the link for more things to do at Scioto Audubon! While activities are currently limited, outdoor activities are definitely available like rock climbing, hiking and bird watching!

Visit the Bison at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park

Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park is home to a herd of bison!

There are a couple of different pasture areas - a winter pasture and a summer pasture. There is a bison observation area about a 1/2 mile walk from the Nature Center. You can park at the Nature Center and walk south to find them!

Click the link to read more about the bison and 4 other cool things to do outdoors at the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks!

Visit the Whetstone Prairie

The prairie area at Whetstone Park in Clintonville is a peaceful place to walk, look for butterflies and other wildlife! I did not expect to come upon a deer in the middle of Whetstone Park!

There are large clear paths for walking and enjoying solace in the middle of the city! You can learn about the prairie and and there is an educational sign where you can learn about the pollinators who live in the prairie!

Click the link for more info about the Whetstone Prairie plus 4 other ideas for outdoor activities for kids!

Make sure to check out Amazing Online Learning Opportunities for Kids When School is Closed  and How to Access Books, Magazines, Movies and More for Free Online with Your Central Ohio Library Card  for more educational activities for school at home!

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10 Family Friendly Things to do at Olentangy Caverns

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The 9 Coolest Educational Experiences In Columbus

Columbus is a smart city. Thanks to that nerdy undercurrent, there are tons of amazing educational experiences around town.

From tried and true standbys like COSI to hidden gems full of fossils, there are so many good ways to have fun while learning in Columbus. Yes, there are activities for the kids, but there are also engaging things to do for teens and adults. Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?

Ohio Canid Center

About: The Ohio Canid Center is, hands down, one of the coolest things in central Ohio. In fairytales, wolves and other wild canids get a pretty bad rep. But educational groups like the center are working to change that. With their ambassador animals which include wolves and foxes, they travel around teaching people about the importance of these animals in the wild and their impacts on our natural ecosystems. Location: You can catch Ohio Canid Center at a variety of events around the state throughout the year. Click here for more details. Cost: Most programs are free, but if you’d like to schedule a meet and greet with the animals for yourself, you can learn more here.

About: COSI is a classic Columbus experience. From hands-on experiments to special events, COSI has been entertaining and educating kids for decades with a planetarium, a theatre, and a variety of exhibits. In addition to exploring the science center on your own, you can also attend special nights where science-based activities abound. In fact, some of the events are 21+, so don’t go thinking all the fun is for the kids. Location: 333 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215 Cost: Prices vary. Click here for more details.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

About: Since 1927, the Columbus Zoo has been educating visitors from around the world about animals. With a message focused on conservation, a trip to the zoo and aquarium is a great way to learn about what we as humans can do to protect the world around us. Location: 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065 Cost: Admission prices vary. Click here for more info.

Orton Geological Museum at The Ohio State University

About: It doesn’t matter how old I get, I’ll never stop believing that dinosaurs are the coolest creatures that have ever roamed the planet. With the arrival of Cryolophosauraus to OSU , dinos are all the rage at Orton. But they have so much more to offer, like other unique fossils, meteorites, and more. Orton is a great way to spend an afternoon. Location: 125 Oval Dr S, Columbus, OH 43210 Cost: Free

Columbus Metropolitain Library

About: It wouldn’t be a list about education without including our amazing library system. The Columbus Metropolitan Library isn’t just a great place to curl up with a good book, they also provide all sorts of auxiliary activities, including classes, meet-up groups, children’s activities, and more. Location: There are scores of locations around the city, but you can find the Main Library at 96 S Grant Ave, Columbus, OH 43215. Cost: Free

Franklin Park Conservatory

About: I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t know anything about plants. Not how to keep them alive or what they need to thrive, but I do enjoy looking at them, which makes Franklin Park Conservatory a little slice of heaven. The Conservatory offers camps, classes, and outreach programs on topics ranging from horticulture to cooking and culinary arts. Plus, while you’re fostering your new green thumb, your kids can take a run around the new Children’s Garden. It’s epic. Location: 1777 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43203 Cost: Admission ranges from $15-22 for non-members, with additional free days and discounts available.

Slate Run Living Historical Farm

About: Take a step back in time to the 1800s at Slate Run Historical Farm. Guests can experience first-hand what life was like on an Ohio farm, learning about the daily chores and difficulties of life in the 19th century. Location: 1375 OH-674, Canal Winchester, OH 43110 Cost: Free

Ohio History Center

About: The Ohio History Center is the home of the Ohio History Connection, a society that works to preserve and educate visitors on everything from life in the 1950s to extinct and endangered Ohio species to personal ancestry to Civil War history. Location: 800 E. 17th Ave, Columbus, OH 43211 Cost: Admission ranges from $6-$12

John Glenn Astronomy Park

About: So this one is a little bit of a drive, but trust me, it’s totally worth it. The John Glenn Astronomy Park (JGAP) is dedicated to sparking an interest in science, learning, and exploration by sharing with visitors the wonders of the sky. Named for Ohio’s beloved senator and astronaut, the park is inspiring a whole new generation of Ohioans to look to the skies. JGAP offers weekend stargazing programs and other astronomy-related activities. Location: 20531 OH-664 Scenic, Logan, OH 43138 Cost: The programs are free, but a reservation is recommended. You can get more info here.

Chelsea Wiley

Chelsea Wiley, first of her name, Queen of the Seven Andals... wait. That's not right. Joking aside, Chelsea is a writer and photographer born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. She is an avid reader and a lover of animals.

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Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

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COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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My amazing visit to the columbus zoo.

December 18, 2020 by Travel Maestro Leave a Comment

Covington vacation advisor Mary recently visited the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and shares the animal interactions and safety protocols she experienced.

For several years I have had Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on my radar. I have been an animal lover my whole life, and since watching Secrets of the Zoo on Nat Geo Wild, this zoo just seemed like a must-see. The charismatic keepers and their relationship with the animals, as well as the zoo’s connection with Jack Hanna, drew me in!

Traveling Safely During a Pandemic

I’m not someone who can sit still for very long, so as 2020 progressed and my planned trips kept getting canceled, I decided now was the perfect time to hop over to Ohio to visit the Columbus Zoo. A short flight, a hotel room to myself, and an outdoor attraction were within my comfort zone!

I was very pleased with my experience with Delta Airlines and the Richmond, Detroit, and Columbus airports. Social distancing was very easy in the airports with the decreased number of travelers, and the airports have implemented plenty of safety measures such as floor markings, blocked seats in the gate areas, required masks, six-foot spacing in TSA lines, etc.  Delta hands out wipes and hand sanitizer at boarding. They require masks to be worn during the entire flight process and provide snacks and water in individual pre-packaged bags instead of traditional snack service. I took a carry-on and utilized the Delta app to ensure a contactless check-in process. Mary’s tip: I did peek at the check-in lines in the airport. All were marked for social distancing and employees wore masks.

I also felt very comfortable and safe at the AC Marriott Dublin-Columbus during my stay. As a Marriott Bonvoy member, I was able to use online check-in and their mobile room key to make check-in contactless. Masks were required in all public areas and the hotel room door was sealed to assure me no one had been in my room since housekeeping sanitized it. Housekeeping services were on request only to avoid contamination. Elevator capacity was limited to a single party, so I always had it to myself.

On my first day, I rented a car to drive about an hour out of Columbus to visit Columbus Zoo’s conservation park called The Wilds. I used Enterprise and again was able to check-in and pick up my car contactless. The car seemed very clean with a long checklist in the car of every spot that had been sanitized before my use. Mary’s tip: I did bring my own wipes and wiped some things down just for my own peace of mind.

Visiting The Wilds

The Wilds currently requires pre-booked tours so they can control crowd size. I chose the small group Wildside Tour over the standard tour, although I observed that the standard tour limited passengers on the vehicles to ensure proper distancing. It was a cold, rainy day so I ended up getting a tour all to myself. While I sat in the back of a pickup truck, an animal management team member drove me around the park to see all the different species that live there.

I was very excited to see the Takin herd that is often featured on the show! Other highlights from the Wildside Tour included a visit to the carnivore building where cheetahs, dholes, and painted dogs are housed and a stop at the giraffe barn to meet and interact with the giraffes. I even got to see the new rhino babies! The zoo also offers a special version of the Wildside tour led by one of the animal management team members who regularly appears on the TV show. Unfortunately, that one was sold out for my date. Drats! Mary’s tip: I wholeheartedly recommend the Wildside tour for animal enthusiasts who want to get a little more up close and personal with the animals. With the smaller vehicle, we could drive into pastures and get closer to the animals than we could when staying on the paths.

Amazing Columbus Zoo Experiences

I spent my next two days exploring the Columbus Zoo itself. Advance ticketing (no walk-ups) was also required there. Entry was timed throughout the day to manage crowd flow. At the time, masks were not required but recommended, and I saw very few people not wearing them unless eating or resting far away from others. The tours I participated in did require masks though, as they took place indoors where maintaining physical distance is sometimes difficult. The zoo also had lots of signage and ground markers reminding people to social distance. Mary’s tip: Mask requirements and other safety guidelines change periodically, so verify current policies with your travel advisor before you go.

The Columbus Zoo was fantastic! It is very large and if you want to see every single animal, give yourself two days to explore. It is easy to navigate and plan your day, as they have the zoo divided into seven different areas: Adventure Cove, Asia Quest, Australia & The Islands, Congo Expedition, Heart of Africa, North America, and The Shores & Aquarium. Mary’s tip: I used my second day to revisit and see the animals that were hiding or indoors during my first day.

Columbus Zoo Behind the Scenes Tours

The big highlights of my visit were the two “Behind the Scenes” tours that I purchased. Columbus Zoo did a wonderful job re-working many of their experiences and adding new tours designed for smaller groups. My first Behind the Scenes tour was Chatting with Cheetahs. Cheetahs have always been my favorite animal. The cheetahs and their keepers are my favorite part of the show, so I couldn’t pass up this tour. It did not disappoint! One of the keepers often featured on the show lead the tour, which was an added bonus! We toured the building where the cheetahs are housed and learned all about what goes into their daily care and training. The keeper shared some fun information about each cheetah. We also saw hyenas and aardvarks in the same facility, and I got to feed an aardvark! Mary’s tip: Two of the young cheetahs at Columbus Zoo are actually the first cheetahs in the world born through in vitro fertilization, a great success for the survival of the species.

My second Behind the Scenes tour was the Elephant Bath Experience. This tour is a must-do for any animal lover who wants to get up close and hands-on. The elephant used for the tour rotates, but I was lucky enough to get Hank, the big star elephant of the TV show! We got to help the pachyderm team scrub and hose off Hank while learning more about their care and species. They even had Hank lift a foot and we got to inspect and touch and take a picture with him! Mary’s tip: Behind the Scenes tours are engaging and interactive educational experiences and the perfect addition to your trip to the zoo!

My visit to Columbus Zoo was such fun! If you’d like help planning your own trip, just reach out to me .

When Mary Atkinson isn’t arranging memory-making trips for vacation travelers, she is an animal lover, a horsewoman, an adventure traveler, and a world explorer.

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23 Virtual Zoo Field Trips, Tours, and Zoo Cams That Get You Up Close to the Animals

Bring the zoo to you.

We love field trips, but sometimes organizing an excursion just can’t happen. Fortunately, we live in a time when technology can bring the excitement to us. The pandemic encouraged many zoos and aquariums to put in the effort to bridge the gap for visitors at home. As such, we’re able to share this list of fantastic virtual zoo field trips, virtual zoo tours, and zoo cams you can enjoy from anywhere.

Best Virtual Zoo Field Trips, Virtual Zoo Tours, and Zoo Cams

San diego zoo.

The San Diego Zoo has a “Watch and Learn” section on its website. Here, students can check out the fantastic zoo cams including the burrowing-owl cam, giraffe cam, elephant cam, and many more.

Atlanta Zoo

While the Atlanta Zoo’s zoo cam is dedicated to pandas, they offer many videos and activities that feature bird watching, sloths, lemurs, monkeys, and more.

Reid Park Zoo

Located in Tucson, Arizona, this zoo features a variety of delightful zoo cams designed to give kids a virtual zoo tour of the elephants, giraffes, grizzly bears, lions, and more.

Tembe Elephant Park

Tembe Elephant Park is located in a remote area of South Africa. Renowned for having the largest elephants in the world, these zoo cams offer sights such as sand forests and wetlands, leopards, rhinos, and, of course, elephants.

GRACE Gorilla Forest Corridor

This extensive cam takes us inside the gorilla forest corridor in the Democratic Republic of Congo while connecting the habitat with the night quarters at the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center (GRACE).

Houston Zoo

Take a virtual zoo tour down to Texas and enjoy the live zoo cams set up by the Houston Zoo, allowing you to peer into the lives of giraffes, gorillas, elephants, and flamingos.

Explore the Arctic

Head to Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, to witness the annual polar bear migration. Discovery Education has teamed up with Polar Bears International to host a series that explores some of the biggest questions about the Arctic.

Bring your virtual classroom to life with animals from the Oregon Zoo. The Wildlife Live videos are aligned to different subject content areas, which are listed on the page. New videos are also posted regularly on the zoo’s social media channels. A few times every week, they go behind the scenes for a live interview with animal-care staff. Each live video is accompanied by a kid-approved activity related to the featured animal .

PBS Zoo Field Trip

Let’s all go to the zoo with PBS LearningMedia! At Zoo Miami, Penny and the KidVision VPK kids wash rhinos, feed giraffes, study a zebra’s stripes, and ride a camel. Lions and tigers and apes, oh my!

International Wolf Center

The cool wolf-pack cam live-broadcasts the adventures of four ambassador wolves: Denali, Boltz, Axel, and Grayson. The exhibit stretches across 1.25 acres and includes two dens, a filtered pond, and a forested area.

San Antonio Zoo

While San Antonio Zoo virtual field trips aren’t free, they’re very engaging. Enjoy virtual encounters with okapis, hippos, rhinos, and more.

From a virtual zoo tour and chats with staff to showing what the animals are up to and posting activity ideas from their education and conservation teams, the Dallas Zoo’s Bring the Zoo to You web series is perfect for a virtual field trip.

Australia Zoo

Australia Zoo was the home of the late Steve Irwin, best known as the Crocodile Hunter. His wife, Terri, and children, Bindi and Bob, have continued his legacy. This fantastic YouTube channel offers captivating videos of some of the world’s most fascinating animals.

Smithsonian’s National Zoo

This virtual zoo field trip takes us to the nation’s capital. Check out animal zoo cams that share a glimpse into the daily lives of black-footed ferrets, naked mole rats, giant pandas, and more.

Chester Zoo

This British zoo has been going live on Facebook and YouTube to offer a fun and engaging virtual zoo tour packed full of fantastic facts and adorable animal antics.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium has created virtual zoo tour resources to support children’s learning for grades pre-K through 12. The site offers online courses, family-friendly science activities, crafts and printables, and fantastic video lessons (in English and en español) to help young learners who are excited about ocean animals.

Georgia Aquarium at Home

These wonderful guided virtual tours through Georgia Aquarium’s galleries allow you to explore the chilly unknown in Cold Water Quest , be immersed in a world of colors as a tropical diver , and more.

New England Aquarium Virtual Tour

Enjoy a virtual zoo tour of the New England Aquarium and check out the projects and activities available to both educators and families. New zoo cam videos premiere on Facebook , YouTube , and Instagram .

Folly Farm Sloth Cam

Witness the serene existence of Tuppee and Lightcap, two charming two-toed sloths residing in Sloth Forest, a habitat created as a comfortable “sloth retirement home.”

Aquarium of the Pacific Webcams

Peek into the lives of playful penguins, sleek sharks in the Shark Lagoon, the graceful sea nettles, the bustling Tropical Reef, the serene Honda Blue Cavern, and the intriguing coral predators. These webcams, complemented by resource kits, offer a vibrant, educational experience for all ages.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Giraffe Cams

Tune into the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s giraffe cams for a live peek into the lives of giraffes in the African Rift Valley exhibit. These cameras capture the giraffes as they roam, mingle, and interact with visitors hand-feeding them lettuce. It’s a “Way Beyond Watching” experience that brings you up close with these majestic animals from anywhere in the world.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Webcams

Dive virtually into the world of marine rescue at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Their live webcams offer glimpses into the new Ruth & J.O. Stone Dolphin Complex, home to rescued bottlenose dolphins in a sprawling 1.5 million gallons of Clearwater Bay’s filtered water. Additionally, explore more live cams like the Otter Cam, Pelican Cam, and Mavis’s Rescue Hideaway Cam for a closer look at other rescued marine animals.

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Webcams

Catch a glimpse into the daily lives of Beardsley Zoo’s beloved animals with their live webcams. Be sure to switch between the Indoor and Outdoor Red Panda Cams, the Spider Monkey Cams, and the River Otter Cam to see these creatures exploring their habitats.

Did we miss one of your favorite virtual zoo field trips, virtual zoo tours, or zoo cams? Share it with us in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook!

Also, check out the best field trip ideas for every age and interest (virtual options too).

You Might Also Like

40 Amazing Educational Virtual Field Trips

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