Can't bring your group to the Zoo? We'll come to you.
Our teachers will bring live animals, biofacts and animal expertise to your classroom for a wild lesson.
The EdVenture Van is available weekdays between 9:00 a.m.and 4 p.m. Weekend and evening hours are available on a limited basis with adequate notice. These programs are available for ages 3 and older.
To schedule a Zoo EdVenture Van program call 419.385.5721, ext. 2042.
Outreach Program Guidelines:
Register early; these programs fill quickly. When scheduling your program, please have the following information ready:
• Contact person’s name
• Address and telephone number of school, organization or contact person
• Program or service requested
• Date and time desired
Programs must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance, but we recommend scheduling your EdVenture Van Program as far in advance as possible.
Programs for schools within Lucas County that are listed in the Ohio Educational Directory are free during school hours (9:00 a.m. - 4 p.m.).
Program Costs:
Program Location |
| Presentation Style | Festival Program Style |
Lucas County |
| $25 for the first program | $25 for each hour up to 4 hours |
* Lucas County schools, libraries, and hospitals will have the presentation style fees waived for programs that are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays.
| |||
Ohio and Michigan Counties: Ottawa, Sandusky, Wood, Henry, Fulton, Monroe and Lenawee
|
| $50 for the first program | $50 for each hour up to 4 hours |
All other locations |
| $50 for the first program | $50 for each hour up to 4 hours plus $50 mileage charge |
* Non-profit organizations in all counties will receive a $15 discount on the presentation style programs with the submission of proof of 501c3 status. | |||
The Zoo Van does not bring live animals when the temperatures are too cold or too hot. We reserve the right to cancel and reschedule a program due to staff illness or inclement weather.
A maximum of three hours can be scheduled per day. Participants must be three years old or older. Please schedule for groups of approximately 35 students.
Programs available:
To schedule a program call 419.385.5721, ext. 2042.
Festival Programs (All Ages)
The Toledo Zoo staff will set up a table display of unique biofacts including items like furs, bones, shells, and feathers for participants to explore and discover as well as small exotic and native animals that staff will handle and present. This program is a great addition to any community or school event.
Habitats (K-5th)
Every habitat needs to provide food, water, shelter and space for animals, but each habitat has its own challenges. Explore the animals of the rainforest, desert, arctic and ocean to learn how they are the same and what makes them different.
Adaptations (K-8th)
Why do animals look the way they do? Do these body parts help them at all? Take a closer look at how animals use their many adaptations to survive in their environments.
Food Webs (2nd-5th)
Every living thing needs energy to survive – and a large source of that energy comes from food! Check out the “who eats who” lineup in the circle of life and understand just how important each animal and plant is for ecosystems to survive.
Zoo Careers (4th-12th)
Ever wonder what it would be like to work at a zoo? Explore the many careers available at the Zoo and find out if one of them is right for you.
Animal Coverings (PreK-2nd)
Fur, scales, feathers or skin; learn what keeps an animal’s insides in.
Animal Groups (3rd-5th)
Where do you belong? Do you know which characteristics make an animal an amphibian or a bird? We’ll help you classify animals into each of the vertebrate and invertebrate groups.
Endangered Species (5th-12th)
What’s a dodo bird? Did it ever really exist? Which animal or plant could disappear next? Explore the reasons why animals and plants become endangered and what each of us can do to help them.
Create Your Own Topic
Yes, we can create custom topics for your group—call us to discuss your needs. Note: custom content must be approved at least four weeks prior to your program; a fee of $25 may apply for custom topics.
If you have a topic in mind but don’t see it listed, please call and ask about it. We are happy to develop customized programs if they are scheduled six weeks in advance.
How else can we bring the Zoo to you?
Assembly Programs
Thinking about having a BIG production to engage the minds of a BIG audience at your school or organization? Try one of our wildly entertaining and informative Assembly Programs. Learn more
Distance Learning Programs
Our distance learning programs work great for audiences down the street or across the country! If you have the equipment, we have several fun, interactive programs that will keep your audiences engaged and smiling. Learn more