Downloadable Zoo Activities
Is your class or group planning a field trip to the Smithsonian's National Zoo? Check out these activities to enhance the experience.
Activity Sheets
The Zoo is a popular destination for schools, scouts and other groups. Print ahead and enjoy these scavenger hunts during your visit.
- Home Sweet Habitat: Can you find a Zoo animal that lives in one of these habitats?
- Creature Features: Can you find a Zoo animal with one of these unique features?
Zoo Crew Training Manual
This family education guide can help your group structure a visit and navigate through the Zoo, learning about animals, Smithsonian science and conservation success stories along the way. Your class or group is encouraged to use this guide as an educational resource and activity booklet as they visit some of the Zoo’s exhibits.
Please note that this guide is intended for adults and children to share. Not all animals or sections of the Zoo are included in this booklet.
Zoo Crew Training Manual (English Language)
Zoo Crew Training Manual (Spanish Language)
Social Narratives
These useful, pre-visit guides for individuals with cognitive disabilities highlight what visitors may encounter while touring the Zoo. In addition to showcasing animals in the collection, social narratives also provide information on quiet areas, educational demonstrations, hands-on activities and artistic works.
School Programs at the Zoo (Pre-K to 8)
Enhance your school’s field trip to the Zoo with a “Jr. Zoologist” classroom session or a guided “World Safari” trek through the park. These engaging, inquiry-based and discussion-oriented lessons are designed to correspond with Next Generation Science Standards and Virginia Standards of Learning.