Kids, Families, and Schools
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/Sa; 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Come play at the Zoo! Drop in to explore animals and nature with free-choice activity stations and story times. Themes change weekly.
Ages: Young children (ages 0-8) and caregivers
Locations: Bird House classroom (Tu/Th/Sat);
Think Tank classroom (Sat only)
Let's Celebrate!
Thursday, May 15, 2025
2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. ET
Help us celebrate Head Start's 60th birthday with Giant pandas and meerkats!
Ages / Grades: Ages 0-5; PreK
Cost: FREE! - Registration Required
Location: Virtual on Zoom
Languages & Access: Spoken English, spoken Spanish (simulcast), American Sign Language Interpretation.
Exploring Neighborhood Birds
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
12 p.m. – 12:50 p.m. ET
Grades: K-5
Cost: FREE! - Registration Required
Location: Virtual on Zoom Webinar
Languages & Access: Programs include spoken English, spoken Spanish (simulcast), American Sign Language Interpretation, and live English captions.
On-Site Programs
Nature Play
Nature Play is fun for the whole family! Little Critters: Nature Play is a drop-in program where young children can explore rotating themes of nature based activities. Wild Nature Play Club is our monthly family program at the Anacostia Community Museum. See the whole calendar here!
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.
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!
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.
