Homeschool Workshops

Each of our 60 minute programs focus on a variety of STEM-based topics while including up-close animal greets, lessons, and hands-on activities. Participants do not have to be a home school student to participate in this program; all learners ages 6 – 12 are welcome.

Program Pricing

$17.95 Per Student

Program registration does not include Zoo admission.

Member Registration
Non-Member Registration

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

AGES 6 - 8

September 2025

Explore our backyard creek! Students will explore the microorganisms/macroinvertebrates that inhabit Stoney Creek. Why is it essential to collect data on these tiny organisms, and what can they tell us about the health of the stream? Make sure your student is prepared to get a little wet on this adventure!

October 2025

Snakes are sometimes described as spooky or scary, but here at the zoo, we like to call them spectacular! During this lesson, students will learn all about snakes, what makes them so special and important to our ecosystems, and even meet a snake friend or two!

November 2025

While we do not have any living dinosaurs here at the zoo, this lesson will dive deep into all things dinosaur-related! We will also discuss other prehistoric friends and explore ways to help species avoid extinction today.
A living dinosaur relative will even make a special appearance!

DEcember 2025

When the weather starts to shift, the animals take notice! Some animals prepare to hunker down, while others prepare to make a long journey to warmer places! Students will learn how animals adapt to changing temperatures and how climate change has affected these natural behaviors!

January 2026

Are you going to eat that? In this workshop, students will learn about animal nutrition and how energy flows through an ecosystem through engaging games and activities. They will even meet an animal friend and learn about their role in the food web!

February 2026

During February, the world comes together for one weekend to collect data on birds: The Great Backyard Bird Count! This workshop will teach students the ins and outs of bird counting and why it is so important! Students will participate in some bird watching here at the zoo, and meet one of the zoo’s resident birds!

March 2026

So you want to be a zookeeper? In this workshop, we will go over all the responsibilities of a zookeeper and the best ways to get your foot in the field! Students will participate in games designed around zoo-keeping jobs and meet an animal friend, cared for by our education keepers.

April 2026

Celebrate Earth Month! April 22nd is Earth Day, but that does not mean we should only care one day a year! This workshop will teach students about ways they can help the earth, no matter how small the task!

AGES 9 - 12

September 2025

Explore our backyard creek! Students will explore the microorganisms/macroinvertebrates that inhabit Stoney Creek. Why is it essential to collect data on these tiny organisms, and what can they tell us about the health of the stream? Make sure your student is prepared to get a little wet on this adventure!

October 2025

Snakes are sometimes described as spooky or scary, but here at the zoo, we like to call them spectacular! During this lesson, students will learn all about snakes, what makes them so special and important to our ecosystems, and even meet a snake friend or two!

November 2025

While we do not have any living dinosaurs here at the zoo, this lesson will dive deep into all things dinosaur-related! We will also discuss other prehistoric friends and explore ways to help species avoid extinction today.
A living dinosaur relative will even make a special appearance!

DEcember 2025

When the weather starts to shift, the animals take notice! Some animals prepare to hunker down, while others prepare to make a long journey to warmer places! Students will learn how animals adapt to changing temperatures and how climate change has affected these natural behaviors!

January 2026

Are you going to eat that? In this workshop, students will learn about animal nutrition and how energy flows through an ecosystem through engaging games and activities. They will even meet an animal friend and learn about their role in the food web!

February 2026

During February, the world comes together for one weekend to collect data on birds: The Great Backyard Bird Count! This workshop will teach students the ins and outs of bird counting and why it is so important! Students will participate in some bird watching here at the zoo, and meet one of the zoo’s resident birds!

March 2026

So you want to be a zookeeper? In this workshop, we will go over all the responsibilities of a zookeeper and the best ways to get your foot in the field! Students will participate in games designed around zoo-keeping jobs and meet an animal friend, cared for by our education keepers.

April 2026

Celebrate Earth Month! April 22nd is Earth Day, but that does not mean we should only care one day a year! This workshop will teach students about ways they can help the earth, no matter how small the task!
Member Registration
Non-Member Registration
  • Space is limited. Only students registered in advance can participate in the workshops.
  • Workshops are designed to meet the needs of the offered age groups. To make your student’s program a positive experience, we must adhere strictly to these groupings. 
  • Workshops will take place rain or shine; please dress accordingly.
  • All non-members attending a program will need to purchase addi

CAN'T MAKE IT TO A WORKSHOP? TRY DISTANCE LEARNING!

Elmwood Park Zoo offers live video lessons for classes! Each lesson will include meeting one animal ambassador, information on the animals’ natural history, and time for questions. Our lessons are designed to fit into your current curriculum and are designed with PA State Standards, NGSS / NJSLS-S, and Common Core.

LEARN MORE HERE

CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

  • Cancellations received in writing via email to education@elmwoodparkzoo.org two weeks or more prior to the workshop will receive a full refund.
  • Cancellations received in writing via email to education@elmwoodparkzoo.org less than two weeks prior to the workshop are not refundable except in the case the Zoo is unable to deliver the program (ie severe weather) or the student is sent home for Covid-19 symptoms. 
  • Participants may be eligible for credit if cancellation is received in writing via email to education@elmwoodparkzoo.org  prior to the workshop. 
  • No refunds or credit will be issued for a “no show”, which is defined as no contact prior to the workshop.