Engaging Minds, Inspiring Futures:
Discover the Power of Learning at THE Topeka Zoo
The Topeka Zoo’s educational programs bring learning to life with engaging animal encounters and hands-on activities for all ages. Discover the joy of exploration and the importance of conservation in every experience.
Quick links to our most popular education programs:
PROGRAMS AT THE ZOO
Topeka Zoo offers a variety of educational programs to complement your classroom curriculum. Programs are offered in one- or two-hour blocks.
PRICING
- One-Hour Programs hosted at the Zoo - $95
- Two-Hour Programs (only hosted at the Zoo) - $180 flat fee for groups of 29 or less; $6.50/person for groups of 30 or more.
- Any additional consecutive programs after the first hour are $50 for a half hour and $100 for an hour. You may not book a program for less than an hour.
- There is an additional $50 fee for weekend and evening (after 5:00pm) programs.
- There is a limit of no more than 60 people in the Zoo classroom at one time. This may require you to split your group into multiple sessions. Please contact the Education Department at the phone number and/or email below with questions.
BRING THE ZOO TO YOU
Let us transform your classroom, library, retirement center, or organization meeting into an exotic encounter with our Zoo2U program.
PRICING:
- Zoo2U is $135 for an hour-long program.
- Any additional consecutive programs after the first hour are $50 for a half hour and $100 for an hour. You may not book a program for less than an hour.
- There is an additional $50 fee for weekend and evening (after 5:00pm) programs.
Travel outside of the Topeka City limits will incur an additional charge for gas, travel, and staff time.
To schedule a zoo program, contact our Education Department at 785-368-9137 or Education@Topekazoo.org.
*NEW THIS YEAR - Due to high demand, we will be offering TWO Discovery Homeschool classes per (most) month(s). The two classes will be the same, so if you cannot attend the first date, you don't miss out for that month! You will only need to sign up for one class per month. If you have any questions, please email education@topekazoo.org. *
This program is designed to provide an in-depth and personal encounter with science concepts, vocabulary, and interactions with the zoo. Class will include a presentation, at least one live animal, and a craft/activity. These classes are adapted to all grade levels and open to the general public.
2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR DATES AND THEMES:
Yearly Theme: Human Impact on a Local Level
Description: Bringing the big picture into focus by discussing world-wide conservation topics and how we can raise awareness at a local level.
Dates and Themes:
- September 10th & 11th - Why Zoos Matter
- October 15th & 16th - Kansas Threatened and Endangered Species
- November 12th & 13th - The Power of Food Choices
- December 10th & 11th - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
- January 7th & 8th - Microplastics
- February 11th & 12th - Palm Oil
- March 12th - Illegal Wildlife Trade
- April 8th & 9th - Supporting Backyard Wildlife
- May 13th & 14th - Water Explorations
TIME: 10:00-11:30am
LOCATION: Gary K. Clarke Education Classroom; Activity may be outside so please dress appropriately.
REGISTRATION: REGISTRATION WILL OPEN SEPT 2, 2025. Pre-registration required. Maximum capacity of 30 people.
https://store.topekazoo.org/#/Education
Registration and payment are required for all children ages 3-17. At least one parent, guardian, or caretaker is required to attend per family and gets into the class for free. Limit to one free adult per family unit. Children 2 and under are free and do not require pre-registration.
COST: FOTZ Members: $7.00/student/class; Non-members: $9.00/student/class (*Admission to the zoo not included in class price and is required for all people in your party; tax will be added on top of class fees.)
Preschool Zoo Time
Registration for classes will begin Sept 2, 2025. Please contact education@topekazoo.org or 785-368-9137 with questions.
A special program designed for preschool-age children ages 2-5. The program includes a story, live animal encounter, and craft.
DATES:
- September 26
- October 31
- November 28
- December 26
- January 30
- February 13
- March 4
- April 17
TIME: 9:30-10:30am
LOCATION: Gary K. Clarke Education Center
COST: $2/child. Requires paid Zoo admission
Parents are admitted free to Preschool Zoo Time with paid Zoo admission.
Pre-registration is required. Register here starting September 1, 2025: https://store.topekazoo.org/#/Education
Interested in our Scout Workshops? Click here to learn more!
Interested in our Monarch Tagging Classes? Click here to learn more!
Available programs
1 Hour
2 Hour (only available at the zoo)
Don't see what you are looking for? No problem! Our Education Department can adapt your desired curriculum into a program.
Public & Private Classes Available!
Monarch Butterfly Education & Tagging Class
Monarch butterfly populations have declined by close to 90% in the last few decades. These beautiful insects migrate through Kansas during the last two weeks of September, and we are waiting for them! Join to Topeka Zoo as we offer in-person education classes about monarchs.
Earn a badge at the Topeka Zoo!
Scout Workshops
Earn a badge at the Topeka Zoo! Join in one of our workshops to complete requirements for your scout badge, available for both girl and boy scouts, you can learn a variety of skills while having fun at the Zoo!
