Elementary
We offer different types of field trips at the Queens Zoo for Elementary Schools (pre-K through 5th grade), including in-person CLASSROOM PROGRAMS, GUIDED TOURS and self-led SCAVENGER HUNTS. Find the perfect field trip for your class!
Classroom Programs
Bring your students to the Queens Zoo! One of our talented WCS Educators will lead your class through a wild experience. Programs are designed to meet appropriate learning standards in a way everyone is sure to enjoy! Your class will explore wildlife, meet an animal, and engage in an active learning environment.
Animal Adaptations
Classroom Programs | Grades PreK-2nd
Bison are big and pudu are puny. Some animals are long and thin while others are round like a ball. Students will take part in a variety of activities and animal encounters regarding size, shape and color adaptations. Students will leave with a better understanding of animal adaptations and how they help animals survive in the wild.
Price: $200/class
Meet an Animal
Classroom Programs | Grades K-5th
Looking for a special experience with multiple classes? Get up-close with ambassador animals during a private meet-and-greet experience! Instructors will work with classroom teachers to support themes based on grade level. All programs align with NYC Scope and Sequence.
Price: $125/class
Junior Scientist
Classroom Programs | Grades K-5th
WCS scientists and keepers use observations to help answer questions and so can you! We'll start with an animal meet and greet to put student observation and inquiry skills to the test. Afterwards, your young scientists will venture into the zoo to practice making observations, asking questions, and proposing a hypothesis. This program is a great way to introduce the scientific process and encourage students to create investigations.
Price: $200/class
Ecosystems and Biomes
Classroom Programs | Grades 3rd-5th
In this program students will learn about the differences between habitats, ecosystems, and biomes. Students will gain an understanding for how ecosystems interact in biomes around the world by participating in group activities and animal demonstrations.
Price: $200/class
Guided Tours
Explore the Queens Zoo with a Tour Guide Volunteer as your expert! Each one hour-long tour focuses on a specific theme. Both are available to schools or other groups. If you are interested in learning more about our animals and exhibits, schedule your tour today!
Guided Tours: Protecting the Environment
Guided Tours | Grades K-12th
How can we help save the forests of the endangered thick-billed parrot? Can we protect the oceans of the California sea lions from right here in New York City? On this tour, students will learn fun facts about our amazing animals, what an endangered species is, and how we can all do our part to help protect wildlife. Includes food for the farm.
Price: $175/class
Guided Tours: Birds
Guided Tours | Grades K-12th
What makes a bird a bird? What are the differences between a parrot and a bird of prey? On this tour students will learn the characteristics of birds, and explore the different groups of birds we have around the zoo. They will also learn how they can help protect some of our endangered bird species. Includes food for the farm.
Price: $175/class
Guided Tours: Mammals
Guided Tours | Grades K-8th
In this amazing tour, students will learn about the characteristics of mammals while interacting with some amazing mammals around the zoo! Explore the different niches mammals fill and how they differ between North, South and Central America. Students will get up close with bison, pumas, coyotes and more! Afterwards, students can touch and feed some of our farm mammals!
Price: $175/class
Guided Tours: Habitats and Diets
Guided Tours | Grades K-12th
On our habitats and diets tour, students will explore the zoo while learning about what different animals eat and where they live. Do mountainous Andean bears eat tropical fruit? Do coyotes live in New York City? Find out these answers and more, as we explore the habitats and diets of the animals at the Queens Zoo. End the day giving our animals their own diet on the farm!
Price: $175/class
Guided Tours: Adaptations
Guided Tours | Grades K-12th
What makes an alligator such a stealthy predator? How far can a puma leap? On our adaptations tour students will learn about the physical and behavioral characteristics that help our animals survive in the wilds of the Americas. Includes food for the farm.
Price: $175/class
Scavenger Hunts
Keep your students excited and learning while visiting the zoo! Developed with the help of our Teacher Advisory Committee, scavenger hunt worksheets are specifically designed for your student's developmental level, provide engaging experiences throughout the zoo, and meet NYC Scope and Sequence and Common Core requirements. All scavenger hunt activity sheets come with a container of food for the farm animals. Limit one container of food per class.
Mystery Animal Scavenger Hunt
Grades K-8
Solve mysteries like a scientists! Your group will explore exhibits, following a set of clues to solve the identity of the mystery animal together. This is a self-guided scavenger hunt designed for multi-generational learning fun.
Price: $150/class
Wild Science Scavenger Hunt
Grades K-8
Ever wanted to be a keeper or a field scientist? In this self-guided scavenger hunt your group will explore the park, and along the way, try out some of the skills scientists and zoo keepers use. Wild Science is designed for groups of all ages to work together to complete this fun scavenger hunt.
Price: $150/class
Build Your Own Field Trip
One of our experienced WCS Educators will customize the activities for your group. Whether you're interested in adaptations or animal survival, beautiful birds or magnificent mammals, just let us know the theme and we'll tailor the experience for your group.
Build Your Own Classroom Program
Build Your Own | Grades PreK-12
Build your own classroom program! Whether you're interested in adaptations or animal survival, beautiful birds or magnificent mammals, just let us know the theme and we'll tailor the experience for your group. All programs will include an up-close animal encounter, exploration of one or more zoo exhibits and other activities that correspond to your curriculum.
Price: $300
