School Groups
Make learning come alive for your students with John Ball
Zoo and our education programs. Our educational programs are designed to
address Michigan’s grade level content expectations using fun, hands-on
and flexible teaching methods that meet the needs of any age group. We offer
programs at the zoo or we can bring the zoo to you. Education programs at
the zoo include Wild Encounter animal presentations and Zoo Explorer Tours. If you would rather learn at
your own pace, you can pre-register for discounted school group admission
and use online teaching resources. Please read through the following options
to decide which might be best for your group.
If you would like to download and view or print a copy of the school programs brochure, please click here.
You can learn more about our programs in the following video
Target Grants to help fund your field trip
Programs at the Zoo
Wild Encounters
Come visit the zoo and learn about wildlife in a hands-on learning experience with our zoo education staff or our trained docents in a presentation. Our 30-45 minute Wild Encounter presentations are designed to teach students about one of our core education topics through a hands-on animal encounter in a classroom setting. These classes are for students of all ages in groups of up to 30 students and up to 6 adults (classes for pre-K through Kindergarten students are limited to 20 students). Click here for the Wild Encounters registration form. Questions should be directed to Kathy Kemp 616-336-4310 or kkemp@jbzoo.org
Zoo Explorer Tours
Join us for a guided exploration of the zoo. Students explore four areas of the zoo with assistance from our experienced docents. The lessons in these areas include a hands-on animal encounter, guided indoor exploration, and outdoor tours. Each program is designed to teach students about one of the topics listed in the registration form below. This program is 2 hours in length and can accommodate up to 2 classes of students.
Click here for a Zoo Explorer tour request form. Questions should be directed to Kathy Kemp 616-336-4310 or kkemp@jbzoo.org
Overnight Adventures
Spend the night at the zoo with your class and have a fun filled learning adventure! Pick the date that your class would be able to experience the zoo in a whole new light. Reserve your date now, dates are filling fast! For more information click here.
Twilight Tours
Experience the zoo in a new 'light'. Bring your class, flashlights and a sense of adventure for this guided tour of the zoo as the sun goes down. Learn how to use your senses at night and how animals are adapted to life in the dark. For more information click here.
Visit the Zoo on Your Own
School Group Pre-Registration Discount for March 1 – June 7 , 2013
If you are interested in learning at your own pace, we offer the following discounted admission rates to school groups* that pre-register at least three weeks in advance and pre-pay at least two weeks in advance:
• $3.00 per student
• Teachers and bus drivers are free
• One chaperone per 5 paid students is free. Additional chaperones above the 5:1 ratio are subject to the adult general admission fee.
*These rates do not apply to daycare or day camps
Pre-registration and pre-payment is required. A separate reservation must be made for each visit.
School Group Pre-Registration form will be available in Febuary.
Click here for the School Group Pre-Registration form
All students, teachers, and adult chaperones will be issued wristbands for admission into the zoo once payment is received. Wristbands serve as your tickets for zoo admission. Everyone is required to wear their wristband, upon entering the zoo. Once payment is received, wristbands will be mailed to your school. Click here for more information.
New for Spring 2013: Online payment and ticketing available.
Questions should be directed to Kathy Kemp 616-336-4310 or kkemp@jbzoo.org
Group Lunches
We also offer pre-ordered lunch options for groups of 10 or more. Click here to visit the Food Services page for details.
Self-Guided Tours and Scavenger Hunts
Click here to create a fun, interactive experience for your students by utilizing our self-guided tours and scavenger hunts.
Programs at Your School
Traveling Zoo
Let the Zoo come to you and learn about wildlife in a hands-on learning experience with our zoo education staff or our trained docents in the comfort of your own classroom or facility.
Click here for more information on our standard Traveling Zoo program.
Career Presentations
Click here for information about our career presentations, where you can discover how the different career pathways all intersect at the Zoo.