Extreme Heat Notice: Due to high heat & humidity, the Children’s Zoo may close early, and some animals may be indoors or off exhibit for their safety. Please stay hydrated and take breaks in shaded or indoor areas.
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.
*Due to high demand, we will be offering TWO Discovery Homeschool classes per month. 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.
2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR DATES AND THEMES:
Yearly Theme: Colors of the Planet
Description: TBD
Dates and Themes: (Session themes TBD)
- September 10 (PreK-4th)
- September 17 (5th-8th)
- October 8 (PreK-4th)
- October 15 (5th-8th)
- November 12 (PreK-4th)
- November 19 (5th-8th)
- December 10 (PreK-4th)
- December 17 (5th-8th)
- January 14 (PreK-4th)
- January 21 (5th-8th)
- February 11 (PreK-4th)
- February 18 (5th-8th)
- March 4 (PreK-4th)
- March 11 (5th-8th)
- April 8 (PreK-4th)
- April 15 (5th-8th)
- May 6 (PreK-4th)
- May 13 (5th-8th)
TIME: 10:00-11:30am
LOCATION: Gary K. Clarke Education Classroom; Activity may be outside so please dress appropriately.
REGISTRATION: REGISTRATION WILL OPEN SEPT 1, 2026. 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 1, 2026. 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.
Alphabet Adventures is overarching theme for the classes this year. Individual session themes coming soon
DATES:
- September 25
- October 30
- November 13
- December 11
- January 29
- February 26
- March 26
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, 2026: 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!
