Kids, Families, and Schools

Whether you are visiting the Zoo in person, joining a virtual program or looking for activities to do at home with your young animal lover, the Zoo has a variety of ways to support your child's learning and growth.

Upcoming Programs

Join us live online or in-person. Check out our next three upcoming programs below or see the whole calendar here!
Two children play in a water table

Little Critters: Nature Play

Tu /Th/Sun; 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Come play with us at the Zoo! 
Little zoogoers can drop in to explore animals and nature through creative, free-choice activity stations, water play, and story times. 
Ages: Young children (ages 0-8) and caregivers (Caregivers/guardians must remain with children) 
Location: Bird House Classroom

Picture of a box turtle looking at the camera

Suited for Survival

December 13, 2023 at 2 p.m. ET

Meet some National Zoo animals that are suited to survive through their unique adaptations!
Virtual Program
Grades: K-5 
Cost: Free
Languages: English, Spanish (simulcast), ASL interpretation, live captions

Register Now!
Learn More
Pinky puppet at ECC with elephant

Me, You, and Elephants Too!

January 18, 2024 at 2p.m. ET

Join the herd as we learn about identity and community with our Asian elephants! 
Virtual Program
Standards: Supports Head Start ELOF Goals P-SCI-1; P-SCI-2; P-SCI-3 
Cost: Free 
Languages: English, Spanish (simulcast)

Register Now!
Learn More

Virtual Program Series

Tune in from near or far to learn about animals, conservation and careers along with our educators.
Person holding a snake sitting behind a computer

Conservation Classroom

These live, 45-minute programs include pre- and post-activities that connect students to animals, conservation, and careers. Best for K-5 students.

Learn More
Zookeeper and Pinky muppet in front of elephants

Get a Head Start with the Smithsonian

These live, 30-minute programs support initiative and curiosity, language and communication, and exploration and discovery! Best for kids under 5.

Learn More
Visit the webinar archive to view recordings of past programs.

Video Series

I Wonder Video Series

I wonder... 
What is an adaptation? Do Zoo animals go to the doctor? Bring your curiosity along on an adventure with Kaden, education specialist, as they wonder about animals all around the Zoo.

Explore Series

Career Connections Video Series

Meet staff with "unZOOsual" careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

Explore Series

Get a Head Start with the Smithsonian Highlights

Meet staff with "unZOOsual" careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

Explore Series

Explore Beyond Your Door Video Series

Go on a nature walk with Kaden, education specialist and your guide to the outside! These 5-minute videos are for explorers of all ages but optimized for students in grades K-3. After you watch, go outside to explore and create your journal.

Explore Series

Classroom Activities

Picture of worksheet examples on a blue background

Learning Lab

Support deep, meaningful learning with an online universe of authentic resources — and tools for making them your own.

View the Lessons
A ruby-throated hummingbird sips nectar from a flower.

Self-Guided E-Learning

Dive deeper into a topic with self-guided learning collections.

Amphibians
Birds
Echo with her cubs. Poster image for webcam

Animal Cam Bingo

Check in with lions, elephants and naked mole-rats on the Zoo's live animal webcams. Downloadable bingo cards help kids learn about animal behavior and habitats.

Webcams
Bingo Cards
child attending a camp performing a hands-on activity

Look, Talk, Play

Objects from across the Smithsonian provide a jumping-off point for learning through play.

Let's Play!