CRITTER CONNECTIONS PROGRAMS
Are you a class, scout group, daycare group, summer camp group, 4-H group, science club, homeschool group, or church group looking for something fun and unique to do at the zoo?
Group Visits
Groups visiting the zoo can arrange for a special Critter Connections Program starting at 10:00, 10:35, or 11:10 a.m. on select weekdays, as availability allows.
30-minute presentations feature live animals and educational content shaped by Next Generation Science Standards. Choose from a variety of themes to fit your age group and area of interest. Read descriptions of our themes here.
Our Critter Connections can accommodate up to 50 people (children and adults) in our indoor classroom, or 100 people (children and adults) in our covered, outdoor Education Pavilion at Henry Vilas Zoo. Program location is temperature dependent for the safety of our animals.
Schedule Your Presentation
Programs must be scheduled in advance and are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. Please allow a minimum of two weeks advance notice for scheduling.
Presentation staff is scheduled specifically for individual presentations. 24-hour notice of cancellation is required and greatly appreciated.
Please arrive at the zoo with enough time to ensure you and your entire group are at the Education Pavilion or classroom by your reserved time in order to take advantage of your presentation in its entirety. Keep in mind that April-August is our busiest time of year, so it may not be possible to accommodate your desired date.
For more information on bringing your group to the Zoo, click here.
Not seeing your date available for a Critter Connection program? Try our NEW Walking Tours!
Critter Connection Details and Pricing
Summer Programs
May 16th-September 15th
Programs during the warmer months (above 65) can be held in our outdoor education pavilion, with a capacity of 100 people per program.
*Note: we reserve the right to cancel any program if the temperatures drop below 65 for the safety of our animals.
Pricing:
1-30 people – $50
31-40 people – $60
41-50 people – $75
51-60 people – $90
61-70 people – $105
71-80 people – $120
81-90 people – $135
91-100 people – $150
Winter Programs
September 16th-May 15th
Programs when the temperature is below 65 degrees are held in our indoor Discovery Center classroom, with a capacity of 50 people per program (including adults and chaperones).
Pricing:
1-30 people – $50
31-40 people – $60
41-50 people – $75
Not able to visit us in person?
WE OFFER VIRTUAL PROGRAMS!
SIGN UP FOR A VIRTUAL ZOO EDUCATION PROGRAM TODAY, LIMITED AVAILABILITY.
QUESTIONS ABOUT EDUCATION PROGRAMS?
Email the Education Department at education@henryvilaszoo.gov