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 ›
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays
9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. ET
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)
Three Cheers for Trees ›
Thursday, October 9, 2025
2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. ET
Join Pinky and Nick to meet some amazing Zoo friends who live in the trees!
Ages: 0-5 years, Pre-K classrooms
Cost: FREE! Registration required
Location: Virtual on Zoom webinar
Languages: Programs include spoken English, spoken Spanish interpretation (simulcast), and American Sign Language interpretation
Conservation Classroom: Suited for Survival - Halloween Edition! ›
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
2 p.m. - 2:50 p.m. ET
Grades: K-5
Cost: FREE! - Registration Required
Location: Virtual on Zoom Webinar
Languages & Access: Programs include spoken English, spoken Spanish interpretation (simulcast), American Sign Language interpretation, and live English captions.
Virtual Programs & Resources
Tune in from near or far to learn about animals, conservation and careers along with our educators.
Conservation Classroom ›
Explore FREE monthly lessons that connect students to animals, conservation, and careers using videos, live virtual programs, activities, and vocabulary sheets. Best for K-5 students.
Get a Head Start with the Smithsonian ›
These FREE live, 30-minute programs support initiative and curiosity, language and communication, and exploration and discovery! Best for kids under 5.
On-Site 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.
Videos available in English and Spanish
Career Connections Video Series ›
Meet staff with "unZOOsual" careers in science, technology, engineering and math.
Videos available in English, with some available in Spanish
Get a Head Start with the Smithsonian: Pinky's Smithsonian Adventure ›
Follow along with Pinky's Smithsonian Adventures! Pinky the Jackalope introduces your youngest learners to amazing animals, objects, and people from across the Smithsonian.
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.
