At San Antonio Zoo, learning is always an adventure.

Our education programs are designed to spark curiosity, inspire a love for wildlife, and show participants they have the power to make a difference in the world around them.

Let’s take a closer look at how education comes to life at the zoo.

Why Zoo Education Matters More Than Ever

From the tiniest insects to towering giraffes, there’s something about wildlife that captures our imagination. That’s why zoos are such powerful places for learning: they turn that spark of curiosity into something lasting.

At San Antonio Zoo, we believe that learning should be active, joyful, and full of discovery. The zoo is a living classroom where everyone can ask questions, make connections, and explore the world around them. You can observe animal behaviors, talk to animal care specialists, or just soak in the sights and sounds of nature.

And along the way, you’ll learn something else, too — that the natural world is full of wonder, but it also needs our help. From habitat loss to pollution, animals face real challenges. That’s why we focus on conservation: helping participants understand not just what makes animals amazing, but also what we can all do to protect them.

When you see a flamingo up close or feed a giraffe for the first time, it’s a memory you carry with you for the rest of your life. And often, for our youngest participants, it becomes the starting point for a lifelong interest in wildlife, science, and conservation.

Inside San Antonio Zoo’s Education Programs

Everyone learns differently. That’s why San Antonio Zoo offers a variety of education programs designed to meet people where they are and turn every visit into a memorable learning experience.

From early learners to the young at heart, our programs are tailored for different age groups and packed with hands-on activities. Here’s a look at some of the ways learning comes to life at San Antonio Zoo:

Teachers & Students

• Field Trips – Choose from Self-guided Tours or TEKS-aligned educational adventures like Wild Walks and Zoo Connection Classes, or even overnight programs!
• Home School Programs – Designed with homeschool families in mind, these classes offer structured learning experiences through science-themed lessons.
• Overnights – Schools can spend the night at the zoo, too!

Kids & Families

• Scout Workshops – These workshops are designed with scouts in mind and are a great way to explore the zoo and work towards a badge (or two)! Check out the selection for Girl Scouts and Scouts BSA to sign up your troop.
• Twilight Tours – Gather your herd and head to the zoo for a guided tour after the zoo closes!
• Overnights – Ever wondered what the zoo is like after dark? Roars & Snores and Zoo Snooze programs invite kids (and their grownups) to explore the zoo under the stars, complete with activities, animal chats, and late-night adventures.
• Beyond the Gate – For older students and lifelong learners, this zoo career-themed series goes behind-the-scenes for a peek into what it’s like to care for our animals and manage a modern zoo.

Just for Kids!

• Kids Wild Night Out  – Why leave the kids with a sitter when they could spend their Saturday evening at the zoo?! Pizza parties, games, zoo tours, animal friends and more make this the perfect evening adventure for 3-12yr olds.
• Zoo Camps – Our camps are packed with exciting activities, unique learning opportunities, and amazing animal encounters designed to create an unforgettable experience for your camper or the whole family.
  • Summer Camp – perfect for Kinder–8th graders, week long camp sessions June through August are jam-packed with animals, activities and fun!
  • School Break Camps – No school, no problem! Lining up with school district calendars, school break camps vary from 1-day to 5-day camps and are the perfect ‘day-off’ for kinder-5th graders.
  • Adult Camp and Family Camps – why should kids have all the fun? Grown-ups are welcome at Zoo Camp, too!

Just for Grown-ups!

• Grown-Ups Gone Wild – Zoo Camp for Adults – why should kids have all the fun? Now grown-ups can enjoy all the fun of Zoo Camp; tours, exclusive camp experiences, animal meet & greets, games and more? Lunch and “Happy Hour” included!
• Wild Meetings – A fun way to bring the zoo to you — ideal for groups or corporate events, these virtual or in-person animal experiences add some wild energy to your gathering.

Zoo Camps

San Antonio Zoo’s School Break and Summer Camps offer Kinder through 8th grade students a chance to trade desks for discovery. During winter break, spring break, or a full week of summer fun, campers explore the zoo, meet incredible animals, and dive into themed adventures that blend fun with hands-on learning.

Each camp is designed to match the interests and imagination of every age group — with programs that are wild, engaging, and filled with chances to explore nature up close.

School Break Camps

No school? No problem! Come spend your day off from school exploring the zoo, meeting incredible animals, and learning more about the world around you. These camps are designed for participants in Kindergarten through 5th Grade and happen throughout the year giving your campers unique for hands-on learning outside the classroom.

Summer Camp 2025: Kindergarten – 5th Grade

Beetles, Butterflies, & Beyond

What do spiders, crabs, and butterflies have in common? Come see what all the “buzz” is about as we explore the fascinating world of bugs and other chitin-clad critters!

Conservation Superheroes

Break out your boots, dust off your capes, and get ready for your next mission: saving

the world! It might seem like an impossible task, but don’t worry – you’ll learn from the best to hone your secret skills and powers needed to protect the planet

Seven Seas Sea-fari

Ahoy! Grab your compass and spyglass and set off on a wild sea-faring adventure. From underwater worlds to land-loving mammals, there’s an ocean of possibilities to explore the world – all without having to leave the zoo.

6th – 8th Grade

Research Rangers – New for 2025!

Grab your lab coat and get ready to work alongside San Antonio Zoo staff and real-world scientists. Create experiments and collect data all while discovering how scientific research helps shape the future of conservation efforts.

Wild Careers

Get hands on and go behind the scenes to see what it’s really like to work at San Antonio Zoo. You’ll meet the animals, and learn from the people, in a truly WILD camp experience.

Turning Curiosity into Conservation

From hands-on camps and animal encounters to science-based classes and conservation challenges, San Antonio Zoo’s education programs offer more than just a fun day out — they’re shaping the next generation of wildlife champions.

Register now for an upcoming Zoo Camps or become a Zoo Member to unlock year-round access to wild learning and unforgettable memories.