Engaging Curriculum for All
We welcome children and adults of all ages to join us as we learn about wildlife, science, and conservation through fun-filled, engaging Zoo Classes and Camps! Whether touring the Milwaukee County Zoo from a stroller or joining a family class with multiple generations of your family, we’ve got something for everyone, big and small!
Zoo Classes & Camps
The Zoological Society of Milwaukee offers a number of engaging, age-appropriate classes and camps for wildlife enthusiasts from infancy through adulthood throughout the year. During these experiences, children learn about the natural world through age-appropriate topics and activities, and by meeting Zoo animals.
Ages 2 and Under
We offer Stroller Safari for infants through age 2 and their grown-ups. You and your little one will learn about animals in a specific area of the Zoo along with basic concepts such as colors, numbers, or body parts. Puppet play, sign language and songs enhance the fun for everyone!
Ages 2–5
For 2- and 3-year-olds, our developmentally appropriate classes explore the wonders of the Zoo with an accompanying grown-up. Children ages 4 and 5, come to appreciate wildlife and explore their curiosities about the natural world through classes with a grown-up or solo.
Ages 6–14
As students grow in our programs, our classes go deeper into animal behavior, zoo careers, ecosystems and conservation concepts. Activate your child’s learning and give them the opportunity to explore wildlife and the natural world in a Zoo setting.
All Ages
Join a family class with multiple generations of your family and friends! Our family classes step into the community’s backyard – the Zoo – and allows participants to explore local and global conservation topics and end class with a project or action that supports conservation efforts.
The financial aid application period is now open for 2024 Zoo Classes & Camps.
Summer Zoo Camps sponsored by 
We don’t think learning should have to stop just because the school year ends!
Our Conservation Education Department offers a variety of fun and engaging camps for ages 4-14, ranging from single-day to weeklong camp experiences. We also continue to offer Zoo Classes during the summer months for infants, ages 2-5 and adults.
View Summer Camp Brochure Book a Camp
Spring & Fall Zoo Classes
Keep the fun going all year round!
Our Conservation Education Department continues to offer our popular early childhood classes throughout the year. For school-aged children, teens, and families, we offer half-day classes on the weekends to ensure there is room for Zoo Class in everyone’s busy schedule!
Fall Zoo Class registration begins at 9a.m. Wednesday, July17, for ZooPass members. Non-member registration begins Wednesday, July24.
View Fall Class Brochure Book Fall Classes Starting July 17
Should you experience difficulty registering for classes, please offer feedback on your experience and/or report the issue here. We monitor these reports very closely and will contact you as soon as possible, and in the order received, to resolve the issue.
See Some Previous Zoo Class & Camp Examples Below
Stroller Safari: Stay and Play
Trunks, Tongues & Toes
Ages 0-2 | Spring | 1-hour Class
Stroll through the Zoo on a guided tour designed specifically for you and your child to explore the Zoo together! Sing and rhyme as we learn about the long trunk of the elephant, the purple tongue of the giraffe and the huge toes of the hippo.
Hangin’ Out with Bats
Age 3 | Fall | 1.5-hour Class
Swoop into our nighttime classroom to learn about bats. Use a flashlight to explore the bat cave, practice sleeping “upside down” and make a bat costume, complete with wings. Then fly to the Small Mammals Building to watch these nocturnal mammals in action.
Junior Zookeeper
Ages 4-5 | Summer | Half-Day Camp
Do you want to be a zookeeper when you grow up? If so, this class is just for you! We’ll work hard as we practice the three main jobs of a zookeeper: feeding, cleaning and helping. Join us as we learn about these fun (and messy!) zookeeper jobs.
Young Conservationists: Backyard and Beyond!
Ages 6-7 | Summer | Weeklong Camp
Ready to go on an expedition and save the planet? Pack your bags: You’re in for a wild ride! In this weeklong camp, we’ll explore habitats that can be found right here in Wisconsin, across the United States and around the globe.
Animals of the Amazon
Ages 6-9 | Spring | One-Day Class
WANTED: Daring adventurers ready to explore the Amazon River and rainforest. Discover animals that lurk in the water or make their home in the treetops. Journey to see the Zoo’s jaguars, piranhas and anacondas!
Careers: Exhibit Design
Ages 12-14 | Summer | One-Day Camp
Learn how zoo exhibits are designed to meet a variety of animal needs. Get inspired as we tour the Zoo to visit some of our latest and greatest designs, then design your very own miniature exhibit for the animal of your choice!
View Our Upcoming Classes
Buy a gift card for your loved one so they can purchase the camp or class that’s just right for them!
Purchase Gift Card
Please visit our FAQ page for more information about our classes and camps!
View FAQ Page
“Every class is an adventure that our son loves! I am always impressed that the class holds his attention, and he leaves sharing what he has learned with anyone who will listen.”
– Jessica B., Milwaukee
“We have been going to Zoo Classes for about 10 years now and my kids get so excited every time we register for the next ones!”
– Jennifer R., Oak Creek
“The kids were fully engaged in the activities the entire time because of the great teachers.”
– Kristen O., Muskego
“We absolutely love every single Zoo Class we have attended. My 3-year-old asks every weekend if there is a class we can go to.”
– Spring 2019 survey participant
“My kids love their experiences at Zoo Class. My kids are very different but these classes appeal to them both because they are designed for many different learning styles and personalities.”
– Spring 2019 survey participant
