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!
Two children play in a water table

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

Little Critters Dates
A Panamanian golden frog hatchling climbs up the glass of its enclosure.

Discovering Amphibians

May 8, 2024 at 2 p.m. ET

Join us as we celebrate Amphibian Week! Learn about amphibians, get an up-close look of some of them and chat with an amphibian expert.

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

Learn More
Register Now!
A pink jackalope puppet stands in the center surrounded by a black and white cow and a reddish-brown pig on their left. On their right is a white alpaca and a brown and black goat.

Happy Birthday, Head Start!

May 18, 2024 at 2 p.m. ET

Happy Birthday, Head Start! How do animals and people keep their bodies healthy year-round?

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

Learn More
Register Now!

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

Pinky Head Start puppet with cheetah

Pre-Math with Cheetahs

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

View the Activities
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
Examples of activity sheets on a blue background

Learning Lab

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

See the Activities!