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 upcoming programs below or see the whole calendar here!

Little Critters: Nature Play

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

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

Winter Weather Notes: We follow all Zoo guidance on delayed openings or closures. Please always check the website for Zoo opening status. For your Little Critter's safety, staff may close or limit access to the outdoor classroom during the program.

Do Sea Lions Wear Sunglasses?

March 21, 2024 at 2 p.m. ET

How do Gray seals, California sea lions, and other animals stay comfortable in different weather and habitats?

Virtual Program
Grades: Pre-K 
Cost: Free
Languages: English, Spanish (simulcast)

Saving Endangered Species

April 24, 2024 at 2 p.m. ET

What does it mean when an animal is endangered? Meet one of the Zoo’s endangered species and learn what you can do to help.

Virtual Program
Grades: K-5 
Cost: Free
Languages: English, Spanish (simulcast), ASL interpretation, live captions

Virtual Program Series

Tune in from near or far to learn about animals, conservation and careers along with our educators.

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.

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.


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.

Career Connections Video Series

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

Get a Head Start with the Smithsonian Highlights

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

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.

Classroom Activities

Pre-Math with Cheetahs

A collection of fun and easy activities supporting early math concepts like colors, shapes, and patterns!

Self-Guided E-Learning

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

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.

Learning Lab

Find standards-based, easy-to-implement lessons for grades Pre-K-5!