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.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

AGES 6 - 8

Septemper 2026

Hawks, eagles, owls! Birds of prey have fascinated people for centuries. They have specific adaptations that aid them in being some of the world’s most magnificent apex predators. Discover these adaptations through biofacts, activities, and meeting a live raptor!

October 2026

Come explore the world of invertebrates! Understand what makes them different from animals classified as vertebrates. Maybe even grow a better appreciation for these often overlooked and misunderstood creatures and learn how they play an important role in our ecosystems.

November 2026

Everyday at the zoo, animals are kept active and healthy through daily training sessions. Our animal training is based on positive reinforcement and is used with all different kinds of animals. Come learn about training and experience an animal training session in person!

December 2026

The world is full of so many varying habitats! Animals and plants have developed to live in every kind of environment. Come discover the different habitats around the globe as well as which habitat types we have here in Pennsylvania. Students will even meet an animal or two from some of these different habitats!

January 2027

Why is a mammal different from a bird? Why is a bird different from a reptile? Animals are divided into classes based on their different traits and adaptations. Students will discover the similarities and differences between the 5 classes of vertebrates: ‘mammal’, ‘reptile’, ‘fish’, ‘bird’, and ‘amphibian’. 

February 2027

We use our senses every day to explore the world around us. From smelling delicious food to listening to music, our senses can help us learn, move, explore, and even have fun! This workshop will focus on how our own human senses compare to those of the rest of the animal kingdom!

March 2027

Have you ever wondered what goes into creating an exhibit for an animal that resides at the zoo? Come put your creative design skills to work! Students will plan and create a mini model of a zoo exhibit and will learn about the zoo exhibits we have here at EPZ!

April 2027

While it is amazing to visit zoos and see animals from around the world, it is also important to understand and respect native species that can be found in our backyards! Come learn about native species, their roles in the ecosystem, and why they are important. Even meet some native species ambassadors!

AGES 9 - 12

September 2026

Hawks, eagles, owls! Birds of prey have fascinated people for centuries. They have specific adaptations that aid them in being some of the world’s most magnificent apex predators. Discover these adaptations through biofacts, activities, and meeting a live raptor!

October 2026

Come explore the world of invertebrates! Understand what makes them different from animals classified as vertebrates. Maybe even grow a better appreciation for these often overlooked and misunderstood creatures and learn how they play an important role in our ecosystems.

November 2026

Everyday at the zoo, animals are kept active and healthy through daily training sessions. Our animal training is based on positive reinforcement and is used with all different kinds of animals. Come learn about training and experience an animal training session in person!

December 2026

The world is full of so many varying habitats! Animals and plants have developed to live in every kind of environment. Come discover the different habitats around the globe as well as which habitat types we have here in Pennsylvania. Students will even meet an animal or two from some of these different habitats!

January 2027

Why is a mammal different from a bird? Why is a bird different from a reptile? Animals are divided into classes based on their different traits and adaptations. Students will discover the similarities and differences between the 5 classes of vertebrates: ‘mammal’, ‘reptile’, ‘fish’, ‘bird’, and ‘amphibian’. 

February 2027

We use our senses every day to explore the world around us. From smelling delicious food to listening to music, our senses can help us learn, move, explore, and even have fun! This workshop will focus on how our own human senses compare to those of the rest of the animal kingdom!

March 2027

Have you ever wondered what goes into creating an exhibit for an animal that resides at the zoo? Come put your creative design skills to work! Students will plan and create a mini model of a zoo exhibit and will learn about the zoo exhibits we have here at EPZ!

April 2027

While it is amazing to visit zoos and see animals from around the world, it is also important to understand and respect native species that can be found in our backyards! Come learn about native species, their roles in the ecosystem, and why they are important. Even meet some native species ambassadors!
  • 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.

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.