Age 2 years and older
Up to 50 participants

A literature-based, 30-minute program for children age two years and up, each program includes a story, animal artifacts, and an exciting animal visitor! These programs are also available for groups with special needs.

Our Animal Ambassadors include invertebrates, lizards, snakes, turtles, birds, and small mammals. All of Sedgwick County Zoo’s Animal Ambassadors have choice and control when it comes to program participation.  Please note that we are unable to let you know in advance which Animal Ambassadors will attend your program.

Available Wild Earth Tales:

• Bear Snores On
• Big Red Barn
• Edward the Emu
• I Wanna Iguana
• Is Your Mama a Llama?
• The Mitten
• Mixed Up Chameleon
• Night Animals
• Roar: A Counting Book
• The Umbrella
• Wide-Mouthed Frog

ZooReach Programs

Age 6 years and older including Senior Living

Available for classrooms, senior living locations, libraries, and other public venues

Our ZooReach program brings a Zoo Education Specialist to you! These outreach adventures are great for groups of all ages. 

These 45-minute programs explore a theme related to animals and conservation. Each program includes interactive learning, animal artifacts, and an Animal Ambassador. In the summer, we participate in the Collaborative Summer Reading Program. All programs are in line with the Next Generation Science Standards. 

Our Animal Ambassadors include invertebrates, lizards, snakes, turtles, birds, and small mammals. All of Sedgwick County Zoo’s Animal Ambassadors have choice and control when it comes to program participation.  Please note that we are unable to let you know in advance which Animal Ambassadors will attend your program.

• Africa
  • Africa contains a variety of ecosystems including deserts, rainforests, and grasslands. Our program will focus on the grasslands. The African plains support a wide variety of life. Some of the species we will learn about are endangered due to poaching or habitat loss.
  • K-ESS2-2, KESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, 1-LS1-2, 1-LS3-1, 3-LS2-1, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 5-ESS3-1
• Amazing Animal Assembly

  • We are going to take a trip around the world and explore the different animals with whom we share our planet. We will learn more about the amazing animals that call North America home, head over to Africa for a look at some of their charismatic mega-fauna, and travel across the tropics for a peak at some more remarkable species!

  • K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, 2-LS4-1, MS-LS2-5, MS-ESS3-3, HS-LS2-7

• Animal Families

  • Animals have unique ways of raising their young. There are species that live in groups, some who live in pairs, and some that raise their young alone. Other species have no parental involvement and the young are born able to survive without their parents. In this program, we will look at some species that live in groups, in pairs, and alone as well as those species that don not raise their own young. We will learn what life is like in these different animal families and how long the young stay with their parents.

  • K-LS1-1, 1-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS2-1, MS-ESS3-3

• Animal Super Heroes

  • Super heroes take many forms. Animals can be super heroes. Both children and adults can be super heroes. In this program, we learn about animals that help other animals and some that help humans. We will learn about people who are making a difference for conservation and the environment. We will also learn how YOU can be a conservation hero.

  • K-ESS3-3, K-ESS2-2, 2-LS2-2, 4-ESS3-2, 5-ESS3-1, HS-LS2-7

• Animal Wrappers

  • What do you think of when you hear the word wrapper? Do you think of wrapping paper for presents or the paper wrapper around a piece of candy? A wrapper is a covering. This program is called animal wrappers because we are going to talk about animal coverings. Animals are covered in scales, hair, feathers, fur and skin.

  • K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, 2-LS4-1, 3-ESS2-2

• Be a Force for Nature

  • Nongame species are species that are not hunted for food, sport, or fur. Often, these species are listed on the Endangered Species Act of 1973. These animals are often over looked and undermanaged due to the lack of economic value when compared to game animals and furbearers. With the lack of incentive to the surrounding communities for these species, the funding many times goes toward managing the animals that are seen as useful to the communities. With this program, we will focus on a few nongame Kansas species and how they are invaluable to the ecosystem we call home.

  • K-LS1-1, K-ESS3-1, KESS3-3, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS4-3, MA-LS2-1, MS-LS2-4, MS-LS2-5, MS-ESS3-3

• Bigger, Stronger, Faster

  • Have any of you watched the Olympics? People challenge themselves to see if they can break records and compete to be the best. Animals can be record breakers too! Today, we are going to learn about how there are people that hold the records for being the biggest, strongest and fastest and the animals we are going to talk about are even bigger, stronger and faster.

  • K-PS2-1, K-LS1-1, 1-LS1-1, 2-LS4-1

• Build a Better World

  • All living things need food, water, space, shelter, and air. Many animals help “build” these essential ingredients for themselves and others. Ultimately, WE help build a better world by being good stewards of the land.

  • K-ESS3-1, KESS3-3, 4-ESS2-1, 4-ESS3-1, 5-ESS3-1, MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-4, MS-LS2-5, MS-ESS3-3

• Cats
  • Despite their popularity and their important role in the ecosystem, many people are still not aware of the incredible diversity of wild cat species that can be found around the world. Cats can range in size from 2.5 pounds to over 600 pounds. Many wild cat species are either endangered or threatened. We will be learning about the features that make cats cats and take a closer look at a few species

  • K-LS1-1, K-ESS3-3, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, MS-LS2-2, MS-LS1-4, MS-LS4-4

• Critter Concerto

  • Music is sound. Sound is created by vibrations that are translated by our ears, or even our body (many low sounds are felt in your chest more than heard by your ears), into meaning. What do animals and music have in common? All of the instruments that we have today originally came from animals or plants. People used bones, horns, hides, and other parts of animals to make music. Those parts each have their own timbre (pronounced tam-ber), which means they have their own kind of sound, and that is how we developed different instruments. All musical families are grouped together based on how the instrument is played and what creates the vibrations that makes the sound.

  • 1-PS4-1, 1-PS4-4, 2-PS1-2, MS-PS1-3, MS-LS1-8

• Dig It

  • Many animals dig. They use paws, claws, snouts and even their whole bodies! We will take a look at some of the animals who dig and how they do it!

  • K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, 2-LS4-1, 3-ESS2-2

• Great Plains Mall

  • Today we will be learning about the use of the bison by a Native American tribe called Sioux. To ensure they got the supplies necessary to live a full and happy life, they had to use what was around them on the prairie. One of the things that were around them in great number was bison! The bison provided a huge array of products to the Sioux and nearly every part of the animal was used. We will become familiar with some of the products that the Sioux used in their daily lives.

  • K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, 1-LS1-1, 3-LS2-1, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, MS-PS1-3, MS-LS4-6

• Kansas Prairie

  • The Kansas prairie is a harsh habitat, with seasons varying from scorching summer to freezing winter and many predators. How do the animals survive in this range of conditions?

  • K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, 1-LS1-2, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS4-2, 5-PS3-1

• Mammals

  • In this program, we will learn about mammals. Mammals actually make up a very small percentage of animals. Only 2-5 percent of all animals are vertebrates, and of this 2-5 percent, only 10 percent are mammals. We will take a look at what makes a mammal a mammal!

  • K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, 1-LS1-1, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS2-1, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS3-2

• Menu Mania

  • All animals eat food for energy and to stay alive. They are classified into three groups, carnivores, omnivores and herbivores. We will explore adaptations that different animals have to not only eat the food but digest it as well. If you have ever wondered how your Zoo replicates the diet their wild counterparts eat, we will learn about that too.

  • K-LS1-1, K-ESS3-1, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS4-2, 4-LS1-1, 5-PS3-1, 5-LS2-1, MS-LS1-6, MS-LS2-1

• Nocturnal Animals

  • Not all animals are awake at the same time of day. Some are “night owls,” others are “early birds,” and even others simply take “cat naps.” Animals have adapted to live during different times of the day for many reasons. We will take a look at the advantages that being awake at night has for some animals.

  • K-LS1-1, 4-PS4-2, K-ESS3-1, 4-LS1-2, 3-LS2-1, K-ESS3-3, 4-ESS3-2, MS-ESS3-3, HS-LS2-7

• Powerful Forces

  • The world around us has many powerful forces that change the behavior of everything living on earth. In this program, we will share with you a universe of stories that relate to the sun, earth, and moon and how they affect animal behavior.

  • K-LS1-1, K-ESS3-3, K-PS3-1, 2-ESS1-1, 3-LS4-4, 4-ESS2-2, 5-PS2-1

• Primates

  • We share the world with a variety of different primates. Today we will learn about primate characteristics: find out what makes an ape an ape, what makes a monkey a monkey, and learn how we can help primates around the world with good conservation choices!

  • K-LS1-1, K-ESS3-3, 1-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS2-1, 3-LS3-2, MS-LS2-5, MS-ESS3-3, HS-LS2-7

• Reptiles & Amphibians

  • Amphibians and reptiles are both important members of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Both groups serve as both predators and prey, and species that inhabit both ecosystems serve to transfer energy between the two systems.

  • K-LS1-1, K-ESS3-3, 1-LS1-2, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 3-LS1-1

• Science Safari

  • Have you ever wondered how a bird migrates thousands of miles, how a frog survives the winter, why reptiles often are found on roads, or how an animal’s fur helps it survive even when it is striped? There is science behind everything nature does. We will explore some of science behind animal survival.

  • K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, 2-LS4-1, 3-ESS2-2

• South America

  • South America is home to many types of animals from several different habitats. Mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians can be found in the mountains, deserts, grasslands, swamps and rainforests of this continent.

  • K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, 2-LS4-1, 3-ESS2-2

• Tails and Tales

  • You can learn so much from both tails and tales! Through this program, we delve into how animal’s tails have adapted to help them in the wild to be faster, climb better, have great balance, and so much more. Some of these tail adaptations are even lifesaving in some circumstances! After that, we will learn a tale that explains just how some animals got their tails! At the end of this program, you may just wish you had a tail of your own.

  • K-ESS3-3, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS4-4, 5-ESS3-1, MS-ESS3-4

• Tell Me a Story

  • Since the beginning of human history, we have used stories to explain the world around us. Often, stories include animals that may or may not be real. In part one, we learn about cases of mistaken identity and, in part two, we learn about animals that we thought were imaginary but turned out to be real after all. When we practice good conservation of the planet and its animals, we ensure the animals and their stories will exist for years to come.

  • K-ESS3-3, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS4-4, 5-ESS3-1, MS-ESS3-4

• Tropics (Jungle and Rainforest)

  • The tropics are regions of Earth that lie roughly in the middle of the globe. The tropics are warm all year because the tropics get more exposure to the sun. They account for 36 percent of Earth’s landmass and are home to about a third of the world’s people. We will be learning about the plants and animals that call the tropics home.

  • K-E223-1, K-ESS3-3, 1-LS1-1, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 5-ESS3-1, MS-LS2-4, MS-LS2-5

• Water

  • Earth is known as the water planet. If Earth was the size of a basketball, all its water would fit in a ping pong ball. About 70 percent of the Earth is covered in water and 97 percent of that water is found in the oceans. The remaining three percent is fresh water, the water most living things on Earth depend on for survival. “If the Earth was an apple, the water layer would be thinner than the fruit’s skin.” -Gallo

  • K-PS2-1, K-LS1-1, 1-LS1-1, 2-LS4-1

Prices for Wild Earth Tales and ZooReach Programs 

Within Sedgwick County

• Up to 50 people: $75 per program
• 50 or more people: $110 per program

Outside Sedgwick County

• Up to 50 people: $100 per program plus mileage
• 50 or more people: $135 per program plus mileage

Mileage cost outside of Sedgwick County are per mile round trip between the Zoo and the program. We charge the standard mileage rate as set by the IRS.

Multiple programs can be presented on the same day at the same location if scheduled consecutively. A separate fee will be required for each program.

*Prices are valid through December 31, 2025. 

View our Cancellation Policy

Chickadee Checkoff 

A program for larger groups, multiple classrooms or your entire school!

The Prairie Puzzle:  Connecting Conservation in Our Communities, a Chickadee Checkoff Program (K-8 grades)

From wildlife to wild places, Kansas is filled with wonders!   We will go beyond ducks, deer, and pheasant to explore the formations, plants, and animals that make Kansas unique.  Students will be introduced to the term non-game wildlife as they learn about critical habitat areas and the keystone species, large and small, that keep the Kansas prairie healthy.  The creation of this program was made possible by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Chickadee Checkoff program.  Be a force for nature!

Please email zooeducation@scz.org for more information. 

Wild Earth Tales: Chickadee Checkoff

The Nature of Our Prairie, a Chickadee Checkoff Program (preschool – 1^st grade)

The Kansas Prairie is filled with excitement above and below the ground.  We will take an adventure across the Kansas prairie as we discover the plants, animals, and formations that make Kansas an amazing prairie state.  The creation of this program was made possible by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Chickadee Checkoff program.  Be a force for nature!

Please email zooeducation@scz.org for more information. 

STEAM Stations

Elementary age students learn about STEAM careers in a Zoo setting.

This innovative program can be presented in any number of ways to any number of participants. It is designed for those in elementary school.

The cost for the STEAM Stations is $300* for one hour of set up and two hours of active learning. If you are outside of Sedgwick County, you will be charged mileage fees in addition to the program fee. Mileage costs outside of Sedgwick County are per mile round trip between the Zoo and the program. We charge the standard mileage rate as set by the IRS.

We are also able to provide a 45-minute Zoo Career presentation either before or after your STEAM Stations for an additional fee. This is an effective way to gather families together in one place, allowing for swift clean up and efficient dismissal.

As a school Family Engagement or Career Night program, the STEAM kits can be placed in classrooms under teacher supervision. If space allows, all four bags from a kit can be placed in a classroom, allowing for the maximum number of families to participate at one time.

If there is limited space provided for the activity, each bag within a STEAM kit functions as an independent station, allowing for a more compact set-up. Simply pull only one or two bags per station.

*Prices are valid through December 31, 2025. 

Career Programs

Zoo Careers programs are available on a very limited basis for high school and college students. Career programs are presented to groups in Sedgwick County at no charge. Career programs do not include animal visitors and are not available for middle school, elementary school, or younger students. All participants must be in high school or older.

We invite elementary schools to utilize the Zoo Career videos below.

Zoo Career Videos

In these videos, we’ll help you explore all of the options of a career at the zoo. Zookeeping, maintenance, veterinary care, and education are all highlighted as STEM-based careers.

Choose from a 20-minute or a 40-minute version.

ZooReach Booth

Invite us to your next event! Program fees are $150 for a ZooReach Booth for two hours inside Sedgwick County. Each additional hour is $75. We may present for up to four hours. .

If you are outside of Sedgwick County, program fees are $200 for a ZooReach Booth for two hours plus mileage. Each additional hour is $100. We may present for up to four hours. Mileage costs outside of Sedgwick County are per mile round trip between the Zoo and the program. We charge the standard mileage rate as set by the IRS

Your ZooReach Booth will include a variety of artifacts and fun activities to inspire respect for and conservation of wildlife and wild places.

*Prices are valid through December 31, 2025. 

Virtual Visits

Perfect for childcare groups, virtual classroom field trips, social-distancing-friendly birthday parties, or families who want to explore a specific area of the Zoo, these LIVE video adventures will be tailored to suit your unique interests and requests. 

Each Zoom with the Zoo program lasts approximately 30 minutes. You may choose your preferred area of the Zoo or preferred topic when registering.

More information about Zoom with the Zoo can be found here.

*Mileage

If you are outside of Sedgwick County, you will be charged mileage fees in addition to the program fee. Mileage costs outside of Sedgwick County are per mile round trip between the Zoo and the program. We charge the standard mileage rate as set by the IRS

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a ZooReach cost?

Within Sedgwick County

• Up to 50 people: $75 per program
• More than 50 people $110

Outside Sedgwick County

• Up to 50 people: $100 per program plus mileage
• More than 50 people: $135 per program plus mileage

Mileage costs outside of Sedgwick County are per mile round trip between the Zoo and the program. We charge the standard mileage rate as set by the IRS

Multiple programs can be presented on the same day at the same location if scheduled consecutively. A separate fee will be required for each program.

See above for pricing for our STEAM Career Fair and ZooReach booth. 

Can we partner with another organization and share mileage fees?

• Two or more organizations booking on the same day can split the mileage fee even if they are not in the same community. Please let us know your plan when booking so that we can invoice the groups correctly.

We need to reschedule our program. What do we do?

• Your program may be rescheduled with a minimum notice of two weeks and with a new date subject to availability. Please reply to your emailed confirmation to reschedule or contact us at zooeducation@scz.org.

We need to cancel our program. What do we do? 

• If you need to cancel, please notify the Education Department at least 24 hours before the start of your program at 316-266-8213. Groups who cancel within 24 hours of the program start time will be charged a $25 service fee that will be invoiced to your group by the Sedgwick County Zoo Finance Department.

I have a question. Whom can I contact?

• If you have any questions or concerns, please email zooeducation@scz.org  (preferred) or call the Education Department at 316-266-8213.